Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Immigration Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves ordinance limiting use of city funds for unauthorized immigrants after amendments
Summary
The Finance Committee approved ordinance 2025-138 with exemptions and clarifications after public comment warned of harms to children and potential federal-funding conflicts. The committee adopted several amendments before a 5-0 recorded vote.
The Jacksonville City Council Finance Committee approved ordinance 2025-138, restricting the use of certain city funds for services to unauthorized immigrants, after adopting multiple amendments and hearing public comment that the measure could harm children and jeopardize federal grants.
The vote, held during the committee’s June 3 meeting, passed 5-0 after changes that created exceptions for medically urgent care at Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, for victims of human trafficking, a one-year exemption for the KHA component of the bill, and insertion of the word “knowingly” in selected prohibitions.
The ordinance drew several speakers during the public-comment portion. Clara Sowers said the numbers in prior related measures “don’t add up” and criticized the bill for limiting services available to children she described as having no fault in their immigration status. Maria Garcia, speaking for the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance, said the proposal “punishes children and working families” and warned denying basic services would destabilize families and increase emergency costs. Tiffany Clark of Parents Who Lead urged caution about the ordinance’s effect on federal grants and noted potential economic harms if immigrant workers leave the local labor force.
Proponents on the committee framed the measure as a response to federal immigration policy and as a way to preserve services and benefits for U.S. citizens and lawful residents. Sponsor Councilmember Dimon defended the ordinance as an appropriate local response, saying in debate that amendments removed some unintended consequences and that the bill sends a message about local priorities.
Committee members made several substantive edits on the floor. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying that Shands Jacksonville Medical Center (per the transcript) must continue to provide medical care required by law. Members also added explicit protections so that victims of human trafficking would remain eligible for services and inserted “knowingly” into language restricting funded activities, narrowing liability for recipients. Councilmembers additionally added a one-year exemption for the KHA component so the program would not be immediately subject to all restrictions.
The committee recorded a 5-0 vote in favor of the amended ordinance. The committee record shows the bill was approved as amended and will move forward to the next council steps required under city procedures.
Why it matters: Committee members and public commenters framed the issue as a tension between local budget priorities and humanitarian and legal obligations. Supporters said limiting taxpayer-funded services to unauthorized immigrants protects resources for citizens and lawful residents; opponents warned the ordinance could worsen child health outcomes, risk federal grants, and destabilize families that contribute to the local economy.
Next steps: The ordinance passed by the Finance Committee will proceed through the council process as required by city rules. Council members and administration staff said the language was revised to address several concerns raised in committee and during public comments.
