Video & Transcript Research : 'native forests'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Elections Committee Mar 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Haddock, SMART Transportation Division 492 out of Roseville-Sacramento, in support, also Santa Cruz native
- Trevor Haddox smart transportation division 492 out of Roseville Sacramento in support also San Cruz native
Summary:
The Assembly Elections Committee met on March 25, 2026, with nine measures on the agenda and three bills taken on consent. The committee approved the consent calendar for AB 1736, AB 1853, and AB 2153. The committee also heard several election-related bills, including AB 1993 on ballot-envelope privacy, AB 1788 on nonprofit disclosure of travel payments for elected officials, AB 1560 on barring people convicted of public corruption from lobbying, AB 1539 on presidential and vice-presidential ballot eligibility certifications, AB 1919 on Santa Cruz Metro local tax initiative procedures, and AB 1562 on county selection of poll workers. The chair also noted membership changes and welcomed new and returning members and staff.
AB 1993 drew the most debate. The author argued it was a common-sense safeguard to prevent voters’ choices from being visible through ballot-envelope holes, citing a Sacramento County incident and public concern about ballot privacy. County election officials, the Secretary of State’s office, and Disability Rights California opposed the bill, saying the holes also serve accessibility and processing functions, that existing voter instructions already address privacy, and that the measure would create implementation problems and an unfunded mandate. After extended discussion, the committee voted the bill out on a 2-6 roll call and it failed.
AB 1788 was supported by the FPPC and the League of Women Voters and passed as amended to Appropriations, with members emphasizing transparency while seeking to avoid unintended coverage of organizations like NCSL and CSG. AB 1560 passed 6-0 despite the Secretary of State’s implementation concerns about how the office would learn of relevant convictions. AB 1539, which would require party representatives to certify presidential and vice-presidential nominees’ constitutional eligibility, passed 7-0 as amended. AB 1919, which would clarify procedures for a Santa Cruz Metro voter initiative to place a transit tax on the ballot, passed 6-2, and AB 1562, which would allow counties to randomly select poll workers, passed 7-1 after discussion about civic engagement, guardrails, and election administration. The committee then completed roll-call adjustments for absent members and adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Oklahoma Education Commission Feb 26th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Oklahoma Education Commission
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- part—when I took office this term, I was upset about very low proficiency rates in predominantly Native
- Success stories such as the great results in Native American schools, the Wilson Lab, and the work of
Keywords:
student discipline, classroom management, temporary removal, administrative action, education policy, foreign relations, university governance, research security, international agreements, Arizona Board of Regents, interscholastic activities, student eligibility, criminal offenses, school district, youth sports, academic participation, conduct, planned communities, homeowners association, HOA
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee heard a presentation from Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne focused on school safety, academic improvement, career and technical education, ESA oversight, and teacher pay. Horne argued that students cannot learn without safe schools and urged more funding for school police officers, citing threats and violent incidents. He also highlighted Project Momentum, tutoring, attendance, classroom phone restrictions, the Student Industry Partnership, expanded ESA participation, and his call to use Proposition 123 land trust funds for direct teacher raises. In response to a question, he said the department is using AI tools, residency checks, and investigators to reduce ESA fraud and abuse.
The committee then considered SB 1074, which would require written certification from a principal or administrator before a student removed for discipline could return to class. Horne and the sponsor said the bill would support teachers and hold administrators accountable, while opponents from the Arizona Education Association argued it was redundant, could undermine administrator judgment and FERPA-protected information, and would not address the root causes of classroom disruption. The bill passed 4-3. The committee also heard SB 1327, as amended by a strike-everything amendment requiring Arizona public universities to adopt and report on research security policies to protect against foreign adversary threats and preserve federal funding eligibility. Support came from the sponsor, State Armor, and the Arizona Board of Regents, and the amended bill passed 5-2.
Members next approved SB 1475, which bars students convicted of, or admitting to, certain serious offenses from participating in school-sponsored interscholastic activities, with some discussion about rehabilitation, school discretion, and whether a readmittance process should exist. Supporters said the measure was needed for accountability and uniformity after a particularly egregious case; opponents warned it could remove an important rehabilitative outlet. The bill passed 4-3. The committee then advanced SB 1582 and SB 1583, both related to school safety interoperability funding and technical corrections; SB 1582 passed 4-2, and SB 1583, as amended, passed 4-2. Finally, SB 1598, which appropriates $500,000 for school and community gardens, passed unanimously 5-0 after testimony that gardens serve as hands-on learning spaces and supportive environments for students.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I have been a long-time advocate for our children with disabilities and within our Native communities
- populations, and that is low-income students, students with disabilities, English language learners, and Native
Keywords:
special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP, individualized education program, students with disabilities, IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, dyslexia, dyslexia screening, structured literacy, reading intervention, multilayered system of supports, MTSS, student assistance team, free appropriate public education, FAPE, special education compliance, charter schools
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Jan 21st, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- neighborhood in this state that doesn't have a flamingo in the yard somewhere, and now we have some native
- neighborhood in this state that doesn't have a flamingo in the yard somewhere and now we have some native
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from all five water management districts for FY 2026-2027: Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and how most of its spending is tied to the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Several directors noted budget reductions from the prior year largely because major projects were completed or because grant/appropriation funding is not yet fully reflected in preliminary budgets. Committee members repeatedly asked how districts project operations and maintenance costs, how projects are selected, and what share of staff and spending is devoted to core missions versus administration or regulatory work.
Northwest Florida Water Management District said its preliminary budget is $93.4 million, down about 15%, with 97% of spending tied to core responsibilities and a request for additional regulatory services funding. Suwannee River Water Management District presented a $70.4 million budget, emphasized its rural/agricultural character and spring protection work, and highlighted the Water First North Florida reclaimed-water recharge project; members also discussed its need for an additional FTE to handle consumptive use permit reviews tied to a new lower Santa Fe rule. St. Johns River Water Management District presented a $181 million budget, highlighted major water supply, water quality, flood protection, and land management projects such as Taylor Creek Reservoir, Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Crane Creek, and Lake Jessup restoration, and said about 93% of its budget supports core missions.
Southwest Florida Water Management District presented a $227.6 million budget, with major spending on alternative water supply, water control structure repairs, watershed projects, and land management; officials said 93.4% of the budget supports core missions and discussed rising construction costs for aging infrastructure. South Florida Water Management District presented the largest budget at $1.05 billion, focused on Everglades restoration, flood control, water supply, and ecosystem recovery; the director described major reservoirs and treatment projects, the EAA Reservoir, and ongoing efforts to improve water quality and restore flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay. The committee took no formal votes on the district budgets and adjourned after the presentations and questions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm from Wichita Falls. ...I'm a native Wichitan and I remember friends who are also native Wichitans
Keywords:
voting access, polling place, disability, caretaker provisions, ballot delivery, election code, HB 2253, Texas Election Code, bond election, bond issuance, local government, election cancellation, disaster declaration, natural disaster, emergency election, county election officer, polling place notice, open meeting, election workers, voter safety
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Kim Powers and I am a native Texan and I'm deaf blind. Thank you for this opportunity.
- Of course, like I said, I'm a native Texan, so here in Texas at the age of 3, they started to try to
Keywords:
commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening, validated screening tool, evidence-informed tool, conservatorship, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, trafficking prevention, Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And as a native resident of the state of Florida, I'm very proud to say that I think the state of Florida
- And as a native resident of the state of Florida, I'm very proud to say that I think the state of Florida
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee met and first received an update from FDOT on the Sun Trail shared-use nonmotorized trail program. FDOT said the program, created in 2015 and expanded by 2023 legislation, now includes connections to the Florida Wildlife Corridor and received a one-time $200 million appropriation plus increased annual funding. The department reported programming about $180 million of that funding, completing 42 construction projects totaling nearly 95 miles in 21 counties, and installing trail counters and QR-code surveys to measure usage and economic impact. Members expressed support for the program and asked no substantive questions.
The committee then heard a presentation on FDOT’s locally administered state transportation funding programs, including SCOP, SCOPM, SCRAP, SIGP, and TRIP. FDOT explained these programs support local roadway resurfacing, bridge repair, drainage, paving unpaved roads, and safety or capacity improvements, with varying state match levels depending on the program and eligibility. FDOT said its adopted five-year work program includes more than $1.4 billion for local transportation improvement projects. A member asked whether toll revenues from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties fund these programs; FDOT said it would research the funding source and follow up.
The committee’s main discussion was a panel on advanced air mobility (AAM), including FDOT and industry representatives from Supernal, Joby, Atlantic Aviation, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, and Eve Air Mobility. FDOT described its AAM planning work, advisory committee, local government guidebook, and upcoming training, while panelists emphasized Florida’s leadership, the likely use of existing airport and heliport infrastructure first, and the expectation that private investment will fund much of the early vertiport buildout. Members raised concerns about community acceptance, privacy, zoning, airspace congestion, security, and lessons from scooters and drones. Panelists repeatedly stressed a “crawl, walk, run” rollout, local government coordination, multimodal connectivity, and public outreach. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the panel.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 28th, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- People from all over the world come to the Native American population in Albuquerque.
- So, yes, the Native population is very much involved. Thank you for those questions.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (04/21/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- cover historic bearing grounds, and we need to cover, uh, archaeological resources, particularly Native
- cover historic bearing grounds, and we need to cover, uh, archaeological resources, particularly Native
- cover historic bearing grounds, and we need to cover, uh, archaeological resources, particularly Native
- cover historic bearing grounds, and we need to cover, uh, archaeological resources, particularly Native
- cover historic bearing grounds, and we need to cover, uh, archaeological resources, particularly Native
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Native Hawaiians are disproportionately represented in Hawaii's correctional system and therefore bear
- Native Hawaiians are disproportionately represented in Hawaii's correctional system and therefore bear
- Native Hawaiian ter terminology and Native Hawaiian ter terminology and concepts<01:24:12.639>
like - Testimony with comments from Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation.
- There's issues you already know about, the complaints, and a lot of Native Hawaiians are stuck in the
Bills:
HB1531
Keywords:
emergency announcements, American Sign Language, accessibility, public safety, broadcast media, 910, house, all
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1913, which would create a mental health coordinator position within the Office of Veteran Services for the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home and appropriate funds for it. Supporters said veterans, especially on the neighbor islands, need more mental health access and coordination. Several witnesses, including Sean Sonatada and Tom Driscoll, supported the intent but urged amendments to broaden the position beyond one facility and make it a statewide resource. Committee members questioned whether the bill would duplicate existing services at the veterans home and whether the position would be reimbursable through federal VA funding; testimony indicated the state would appropriate the money, while existing home services are already covered through current staff and federal reimbursement structures. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 9, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart state. Testifiers generally supported the measure as a way to honor wounded veterans and their families, though one member asked what benefits the designation would confer. Witnesses clarified that the bill was mainly symbolic and did not appear to create new benefits, and one testifier noted Honolulu County had already adopted a similar Purple Heart designation.
The committee then took up House Bill 1628, which would establish a compassionate release protocol for certain seriously ill or debilitated incarcerated persons. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Hawaii Paroling Authority opposed the bill, arguing that an existing administrative process already works, that the bill could improperly extend eligibility to people serving life without parole or mandatory minimum sentences, and that it lacked victim and family input and sufficient resources. In contrast, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission strongly supported the bill, saying it would reduce the high cost of incarcerating people with complex medical needs, ease burdens on staff and the prison population, and better reflect human dignity. The commission described having seen severe suffering and deaths in custody and said compassionate release is warranted in some cases. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, January 9, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Campbell lived a remarkable life, a decorated veteran, a champion for Native American communities
- He was the first Native American elected to the Senate in more than 60 years, and he never forgot who
- American communities, and a for Native American communities, and a trailblazer<00:10:39.360>
in - He was the first<00:10:41.279>
Native <00:10:41.680>American <00:10:42.079>elected - c><00:10:42.399>
to <00:10:42.560>the first Native American elected to the first Native - He was the first<00:10:41.279>
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 6 Feb 10th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You, Speaker, members of the Native American caucus will be meeting today in room 112 to receive updates
Bills:
HB3281, HB3320, HB3081, HB3127, HB3128, HB3498, HB2035, HB3765, HB4324, HB3678, HB4170, HB3495, HB3040, HB3062, HB4140, HB4106, HB4109, HB4104, HB3581, HB3620, HB3942, HB3279, HB3378, HB3383, HB3413, HB3414, HB3415, HB3420, HB3130, HB3700, HB3379, HB3129, HB3132, HB3315, HB2950, HB3242, HB3041, HB4428, HB4429, HB1064, HB3265, HB3721, HB3028, HB3313, HB3588, HB3020, HB3724, HB3392, HB3466, HB4060, HJR1074, HB3501, HJR1070, HB3794, HB3796, HB3928, HB2955, HB4453, HB4460, HB4128, HB3659, HB3270, HB3145
Keywords:
administrative procedures, guidance documents, transparency, public inspection, rulemaking, sunset laws, statutory entities, regulatory compliance, emergency provisions, board re-creation, fire extinguisher, licensing, public safety, age qualification, State Fire Marshal, medical marijuana, employment rights, safety-sensitive positions, workplace policies, public assistance
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Jul 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- liquidate crypto assets and send them cash equivalent to us or to transfer it to the state in its native
Summary:
The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met and took up SB 822 by Senator Becker, which would clarify how virtual currency is treated under California’s unclaimed property law. The bill, sponsored by the State Controller, would require holders to report abandoned crypto after three years, attempt to contact owners, transfer the assets to the Controller in kind, and then have the state hold and later liquidate the assets under procedures similar to those used for stocks. The Controller’s Office testified in support, saying the measure would provide needed clarity for holders and administrators and align treatment of digital assets with existing unclaimed property rules.
There was no opposition on file, and no additional support or opposition was presented at the mic. Committee members asked no substantive questions. Senator Becker closed by emphasizing that the bill modernizes the law for digital assets and protects Californians’ property rights.
The committee voted SB 822 out on a due pass as amended motion to the Appropriations Committee. The roll call showed the measure passing, and the chair announced that the roll would remain open for absent members before adjourning the committee.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Homelessness continues to impact Native populations far more than any other population.
- In Minnesota, Native Americans are 30 times more likely to be homeless than a non-Native American person
- Homelessness continues to impact Native populations far more than any other population.
- In Minnesota, Native Americans are 30 times more likely to be homeless than a non-Native American person
Keywords:
homeless prevention aid, homelessness, housing stability, rental assistance, family homelessness, unaccompanied youth, housing navigation, legal representation, family outreach, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aid, general fund appropriation, unspent funds, aid redistribution, sunset repeal, Minnesota property tax aid, services for persons experiencing homelessness, sales tax, use tax
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPN DEFER, CPN-HOU, CPN, CPN-EDT Public Hearings 02-03-2026
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- commitments made by the State of Hawaii, unfulfilled commitments to pursue reconciliation with the Native
- is paramount to a fee sale, essentially, of ceded lands, these stolen lands, which would foreclose Native
- reconciliation commitments to pursue reconciliation with<00:03:37.680>
the <00:03:37.840>native - <00:04:01.040>
lands <00:04:01.360>claims would foreclose um native lands claims would - foreclose um native lands claims and<00:04:01.840>
foreclose <00:04:02.640>reconciliation,
Keywords:
combat sports, boxing, mixed martial arts, health regulations, safety standards, licensing, event regulation, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committees first took up SB 2071 on rent-to-own housing. Testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC and Hawaii Realtors, but Sierra Club of Hawaii and others opposed the bill unless it was amended to exclude ceded lands from the 99-year lease provision. Members discussed the scope of ceded versus non-ceded lands and whether an inventory exists. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including HHFDC’s proposal to make the fixed-price period flexible by tying it to an option period and Sierra Club’s language limiting the program to non-ceded state or county land.
They then heard SB 2191 on limited profit housing associations. HHFDC supported the measure, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Office of the Auditor urged caution about tax exclusions and asked for clearer, more targeted limits and measurable outcomes. The committees adopted amendments to add a statement of purpose, include measurable metrics, apply the tax provisions to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and delay the effective date to allow for administrative changes. SB 2191 was recommended for passage with amendments.
The committees also considered SB 2197, which would have replaced the five-year fixed-price period in rent-to-own housing with an option period set by HHFDC, but deferred it indefinitely because its issues were addressed in SB 2071. SB 2180 on deposits of public funds drew comments from the Hawaii Bankers Association questioning definitions and noting banks are already subject to Community Reinvestment Act requirements; decision-making was deferred to the next day in the CPN committee and to a later date for the housing committee. Finally, SB 2210 on housing discrimination received support from disability advocates and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, which asked for one additional investigator; the committees passed it with amendments adding a blank appropriation for one full-time position and planned to notify Ways and Means for possible re-referral.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm going to use my native country, the Slovenians, when they come over here to sing.
- going<00:43:25.480>
to <00:43:25.599>use <00:43:25.960>my <00:43:26.800>native - for $2,000 to I'm going to use my native for $2,000 to I'm going to use my native country<00:43:
- And as I'm going through in 1852, it talks about the French Canadian, the Swiss, the German, the Native
- It talks about the French Canadian, the Swiss, the German, the Native Americans, and the New Englanders
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Jeremy Eston with Taft Advisers, and I would be remiss if I didn't say I'm a native of Alexandria and
- Jeremy Eston with Taft Advisers, and I would be remiss if I didn't say I'm a native of Alexandria and
- didn't<01:21:42.320>
say <01:21:42.520>I'm <01:21:42.639>a <01:21:42.760>native - <01:21:43.040>
of remiss if I didn't say I'm a native of remiss if I didn't say I'm a native - /c><01:21:44.400>
I <01:21:44.800>are Jeremy Eston with Taft Advisers said he was a native
Summary:
The House Capital Investment Committee met on January 23 and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The main presentation was from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on its evaluation of Minnesota’s Sustainable Building guidelines, also referred to as B3. The auditors said the guidelines apply to certain new buildings and major renovations funded with general obligation bonds and are intended to improve energy efficiency, occupant health, and environmental quality. They described the program as involving the Departments of Administration and Commerce, the University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Building Research, and project teams, but found widespread confusion over who is responsible for administering and enforcing the program.
The auditors reported that oversight and accountability are limited, compliance is not clearly tracked, and there is no agency assigned to ensure projects follow the guidelines or to require compliance data. They said many projects in a review of 2020 bonding projects had not begun tracking compliance, and that up-to-date data were often missing. They also found the law’s stated program objectives are outdated because the referenced energy-code provision was repealed in 2009, and that measurable goals have not been established for most of the guideline categories. The office recommended that the legislature designate a responsible agency, clarify duties in statute, require compliance monitoring and data collection, update the program’s stated goals, and direct systematic evaluation of cost and sustainability outcomes.
Members asked about consequences for noncompliance, funding, and whether cost impacts should be studied first. The auditor said the requirements are legal obligations, but no real enforcement consequences have been used so far, and any consequences discussed have been mostly theoretical. She said the Departments of Administration and Commerce were receiving about $1 million combined to support the contract with the Center for Sustainable Building Research, while other state agencies were not receiving dedicated funding for oversight. In response to questions about costs, she said the overall effect of the guidelines on project costs and sustainability is still unknown, but that the legislature could direct an analysis of cost impacts before taking further action.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/15/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- And they manage it principally for forest products, but also for wildlife habitat and other uses.
- We also represent the state's forest products industry.
- :30.239>
but <04:16:30.560>also <04:16:30.800>for for forest products, but also - for for forest products, but also for wildlife<04:16:31.520>
habitat <04:16:32.080>and < - :16:35.120>
products represent the state's forest products represent the state's forest products
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Veterans and Military Affairs Apr 16th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Veterans and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- He's an Oklahoma City native and a decorated combat veteran who served 10 years in the United States
Bills:
HB3257