Video & Transcript Research : 'Native American'

Page 136 of 452
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Fri Mar 6, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 24

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In Hawaiʻi, 56% of youth adjudicated in Hawaiʻi juvenile proceedings are Native Hawaiian and indigenous
  • An estimated $40,000 in juvenile financial penalties are assessed against Native Hawaiian and Pacific
  • In Hawaiʻi, 56% of youth adjudicated in Hawaiʻi juvenile proceedings are Native Hawaiian and indigenous
  • An estimated $40,000 in juvenile financial penalties are assessed against Native Hawaiian and Pacific
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EDT DEFER, EDT-EDU, WLA-EDT-EDU, EDT Public Hearings 02-17-2026

Economic Development and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • And this will help with the targeted assistance for high-poverty, need communities such as Native Hawaiian
  • :36:15.920> as high poverty need communities such as high poverty need communities such as Native
  • 17.200> communities<00:36:17.920> and<00:36:19.119> um<00:36:19.440> also Native
  • Hawaiian communities and um also Native Hawaiian communities and um also for<00:36:21.119> um
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2693 relating to capital improvement projects for aerospace infrastructure. Members had no questions, and the recommendation to pass the bill with a defective date of July 1, 2050 was adopted unanimously. The committee then deferred decision making on Senate Bill 26980 relating to transportation and Senate Bill 2374 relating to the blue economy until Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Room 229, pending additional information. In the joint hearing on Senate Bill 2816 relating to state enterprise zones, agencies and organizations including DBEDT, HTDC, Taxation, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Oceanit, the Hawaii Medical Association, and the Queen’s Health System testified in support or submitted written comments. One public testifier urged expanding enterprise zones around the Kakaako/Cancer Center area and combining them with the foreign trade zone to reduce taxes and attract business. A senator questioned whether the enterprise zone program had ever been comprehensively evaluated, noting DBEDT said it had not done a full study in recent years and cited annual report figures including about $221 million in company revenues and $460,000 in foregone state revenue in 2022. The discussion focused on whether the bill would subsidize existing activity or support new economic development, and on the broader policy question of whether enterprise zones should be used to revitalize depressed areas or to target strategic sectors like health care technology. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2900 relating to sports officials. The Department of Education supported the measure, saying the Attorney General is best positioned to represent employees in temporary restraining order matters and that elevating intentional bodily injury of a sports official to a class B felony would improve safety. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it would escalate conduct already covered by existing assault statutes and go beyond other protected classes. The Department of the Attorney General recommended narrowing the bill by inserting “substantial” before bodily injury in the criminal section and deleting a section that would make the AG’s office act like plaintiff’s counsel in civil matters, suggesting instead that departments adopt policies to help employees obtain TROs without creating an open-ended civil representation role. Several sports and school-related organizations testified in support, and members discussed whether the bill should be narrowed or coordinated with other measures before further action.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, February 12, 2026

Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • I currently have a son in the 3rd Infantry Division in Fort Stewart, Georgia, a Wyoming native.
  • division in Fort Stewart, Georgia,<00:58:48.960> a<00:58:49.200> Wyoming<00:58:49.760> native
  • ,<00:58:52.079> if<00:58:52.319> he<00:58:52.480> was Georgia, a Wyoming native
  • Um, if he was Georgia, a Wyoming native.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

CPN-AEN, CPN-EDT, CPN-HOU, CPN-EIG Public Hearings 01-29-2025

Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • 20:45.799> a<00:20:46.039> combat<00:20:46.400> commission I'll be the first Native
  • I'll<00:21:03.520> be<00:21:03.679> the<00:21:03.840> first<00:21:04.360> native
  • <00:21:04.679> Hawaiian<00:21:05.120> to I'll be the first native Hawaiian to I'll
  • be the first native Hawaiian to fight<00:21:05.520> for<00:21:05.720> a<00:21:05.919>
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee first heard SB 252 on invasive species, which would broaden the Department of Agriculture’s authority to inspect items moved into or within Hawaii, prohibit the sale of pest-infested merchandise, and allow quarantine, treatment, or destruction of affected materials with clarified penalties. Testifiers from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the Farmers Union, and many others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing gaps in current inspection authority and the need to address high-risk non-agricultural commodities such as outdoor furniture and other cargo that can carry pests like red imported fire ants. Members raised concerns about staffing, inspection capacity, commerce impacts, and whether better manifest descriptions or scanners could help target higher-risk shipments. The chairs recommended passage with Department of Agriculture and technical amendments, and the committees adopted the recommendation. The joint CPN/EDT hearing then took up SB 148 on combat sports, which would create a Hawaii Combat Sports Commission and regulate combat sports while prohibiting no-rules contests. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments on effective dates and later said other jurisdictions generally use a single commission for boxing and MMA. Supporters, including a professional fighter and a longtime advocate, argued the bill would help revive the sport in Hawaii, improve local opportunities, and reduce costs associated with separate commissions; one testifier initially appeared opposed but clarified he was actually in support. Committee members asked about safety, medical coverage, staffing, vacancies, and whether separate commissions could share staff. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including an Attorney General effective-date amendment, amendments from the Hawaii Association of Professional Nurses to increase health-care coverage at fights, and DCCA’s recommendation to unify boxing and MMA under one commission; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted. A later joint CPN/Housing agenda began with SB 69 on deposits of public funds, which would require the Director of Finance to consider the benefits of using in-state depositories, including favorable lending terms for affordable housing. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Hawaii Bankers Association offered comments, and no other testimony or questions were noted before the discussion moved on. The next measure introduced was SB 24 on limited profit housing associations, which would create a regulatory framework and a limited profit housing council; the transcript cuts off as testimony on that bill was beginning.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Capital Investment - 01/28/25

Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:
  • child catches their first fish, and the fish hatchery where that fish was raised for stocking the native
  • that fish was raised for<00:34:44.359> stocking<00:34:45.359> the<00:34:45.520> native
  • <00:34:45.839> Prairie<00:34:46.200> that for stocking the native Prairie that for
  • stocking the native Prairie that supports<00:34:46.760> peasants<00:34:47.359> song<00:
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Apr 23rd, 2026

Water, Parks and Wildlife

Transcript Highlights:
  • hydroelectric facilities, reduced recreational access due to closures and quarantines, and harm to native
Keywords: 988, house, all
Summary: The committee heard and advanced three bills. AB 1663, by Assembly Member Wallace, would ease permit and fee requirements for homeowners in the western Joshua tree region who need to remove or trim up to 10 trees for health, safety, or defensible-space reasons. Supporters included the California Association of Realtors and the Community Water Systems Alliance, and members emphasized balancing conservation with homeowner needs. The bill was moved out of committee on a do pass as amended vote to Appropriations. AB 1772, by Assembly Member Papin, addressed the spread of golden mussels and other aquatic invasive species by creating a statewide decontamination framework for watercraft, reciprocity among California water bodies, and longer-term funding ideas. Testimony from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency described Tahoe’s invasive-species prevention program and warned of major ecological and economic harm if golden mussels spread further. Recreational Boaters of California expressed caution but said it was not in opposition, raising concerns about fairness, reciprocity, and post-infestation management. The committee discussed committee amendments and the bill passed do pass as amended to Appropriations. AB 2521, also by Assembly Member Papin, would help expedite groundwater recharge permitting by directing the California Council of Science and Technology to complete a watershed-wide water availability analysis that applicants could use in permit applications. Supporters said the bill would reduce expensive data-analysis burdens and improve climate resilience by helping capture excess water during wet periods. Some members raised concerns about impacts on existing water rights and regional water interests, especially in the San Joaquin Valley, but the author said the study would be informational rather than binding. The bill passed do pass to Appropriations. At the end of the meeting, the committee also took add-on votes confirming passage of the bills, and the meeting adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Environment and Natural Resources Mar 31st, 2025

Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • the epidemic, so to speak, in the sense of Burmese pythons and the effect that it's had on a lot of native
Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to consider confirmation appointments, beginning with Rodney Barreto’s reappointment to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Barreto described his background and defended his record, saying the commission has expanded public access, conserved land, supported youth conservation programs, and maintained strong law enforcement and wildlife management. Senators questioned him about public opposition to his confirmation, his role in supporting Amendment 2, a proposed use of submerged land near Singer Island, the Split Oak land swap, and whether FWC may reopen a bear hunt. Barreto said he saw no conflict in his Amendment 2 involvement, denied that any condo application existed for the Singer Island property, defended the Split Oak deal as a conservation and land-acquisition tradeoff, and said bear-hunt options would be presented later by staff and biologists. Several members of the public spoke against Barreto’s reconfirmation, arguing that FWC needs reform, term limits, and more scientific leadership, and criticizing his real estate and lobbying ties as conflicts of interest. Speakers also objected to his positions on development, habitat protection, trap use, herbicide spraying, and the handling of bear management and public notice at FWC meetings. Senator Avila spoke in strong support of Barreto, citing FWC’s role in Biscayne Bay restoration, juvenile redfish releases, invasive species control, and community involvement. The committee then voted to recommend Barreto’s confirmation favorably, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee next considered tabs 2 and 3, the reappointments of Kathy Chapman and Michael Kennedy to the Florida Inland Navigation District. With no separate vote requested and no public opposition, the committee recommended both confirmations favorably by voice roll call. The meeting concluded with thanks to staff and adjournment.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Environment and Natural Resources Feb 4th, 2025

Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Great presentation, and as a native, you know that this has been an issue for many, many years ongoing
Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources received a presentation from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on derelict vessels, enforcement challenges, and a long-term stored vessel study. FWC reported about 1,040 derelict vessels currently in its database, with roughly 600 new cases entering each year, and noted that hurricanes account for a large share of recent cases. The agency explained the legal definition of derelict vessels, the environmental and navigation hazards they create, and its enforcement process, including investigation, notice to owners, administrative hearings, removal authorization, and recovery of costs through registration holds. FWC also described prevention efforts such as at-risk vessel enforcement, nuisance vessel designations, public awareness campaigns, and the vessel turn-in program, which has received more than 250 applications and removed more than 145 vessels since rollout. Committee members asked about owner resistance to removal, rapid-response options for hazardous vessels, county differences in derelict vessel numbers, and how local governments participate. FWC said only a small percentage of owners contest removals, that the agency relies on contractors and does not generally have its own removal equipment, and that local governments may conduct removals with their own funding but must still provide due process. Members also asked where removed vessels go; FWC said they are taken to landfills, with recyclable materials recovered, and that storage is used only when necessary for public safety because it is costly. The presentation also highlighted the long-term stored vessel study, which found a strong correlation between long-term anchored vessels and later derelict vessels, especially in Monroe County. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the committee adjourned after Senator Errington moved to adjourn and there was no objection.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Public Education Mar 6th, 2025

Public Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • and director of public affairs, Texas of teachers, excuse me, uh, testify on behalf of the Texas American
  • Native hunters, hurricane insurance premiums do not cut in half when a kid is in SPED.
  • African-American males are the ones that receive the most discretionary referrals, and so that my opposition
Bills: HB2, HB2
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • the country, but we also have one of the deepest disparities, especially between Black people and Native
  • the country, but we also have one of the deepest disparities, especially between Black people and Native
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The committee heard House File 2499, authored by Representative Lee, which would expand Minnesota’s renters’ credit to more closely match the homestead credit for homeowners. Lee explained that the bill would raise the income cutoff from about $75,389 to $143,140 and increase the maximum credit to $3,500, with the goal of addressing what she described as an inequity between renters and homeowners who both pay property taxes. She cited revenue estimates showing the change could make about 80,000 additional renters eligible, while acknowledging the bill would be costly to enact this year. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project testified in support, describing how the renters’ credit works, including the assumption that 17% of rent goes toward property taxes. She highlighted 2022 data showing most recipients had low incomes, many were seniors or people with disabilities, and participation was higher in greater Minnesota in some respects. Michael Dah of Homeline also supported the bill, saying renters face rising housing costs and use the credit for basic needs such as groceries, school supplies, medical care, and car repairs. Members discussed whether expanding the credit would simply benefit landlords or encourage rent increases. Representative Anderson opposed the bill on the grounds that policy should incentivize homeownership, while Representative Huitt argued the credit could help renters build savings and move toward homeownership if they choose. Representative Lee responded that the housing market is broken and that the credit is one tool to help renters in a broader housing continuum. The discussion also covered outreach and administration of the credit, including the recent move to file it with income taxes, electronic certificates of rent paid, and funding for tax-preparation assistance and outreach through VITA sites and community organizations. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • hydroelectric facilities, reduced recreational access due to closures and quarantines, and harm to native
Summary: The committee heard three water- and environment-related bills. AB 1663, by Assembly Member Wallace, would provide relief for high desert homeowners by allowing permits without mitigation fees for removing or trimming up to 10 Western Joshua trees for health and safety needs, including defensible space. Support came from the California Association of Realtors and the Community Water Systems Alliance, and members discussed balancing conservation with property maintenance. The bill was moved out of committee on a do-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations. AB 1772, by Assembly Member Papin, sought to create a statewide framework to prevent the spread of golden mussels through watercraft decontamination standards, reciprocity for certifications, and long-term funding. Testimony in support highlighted Lake Tahoe’s invasive species prevention program as a model, while Recreational Boaters of California expressed caution about funding fairness, reciprocity, and how the system would work if infestations become widespread. After discussion about mandatory decontamination standards and funding, the bill was also passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 2521, also by Assembly Member Papin, would use a watershed-wide water availability analysis from the California Council of Science and Technology to help streamline groundwater recharge permitting and reduce applicant costs. Members raised concerns about protecting existing water rights and ensuring stakeholder input, and the author emphasized the study would be informational rather than binding. The bill passed to Appropriations, and the committee later took add-on votes confirming passage of AB 1663, AB 1772, and AB 2521.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations and Budget General Government Subcommittee Oct 23rd, 2025

A&B General Government Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Last native, um, and, you know, they have sitting on 5%. That was a 5%, you know, 5% job for them.
Summary: The committee held an interim study on retainage in public construction projects, with representatives from the Associated General Contractors of Oklahoma, the Subcontractors Association of Oklahoma, and construction firms discussing how retainage works and whether current law should be changed. AGC speakers said retainage is a statutory tool that helps ensure completion and closeout, and warned that eliminating it could create more problems by shifting leverage to owners or general contractors and leaving contractors with fewer remedies. Subcontractor representatives said retainage often functions as delayed profit, can tie up cash flow for one to two years, and can be especially burdensome for early-phase trades such as dirt work, concrete, and demolition. Several participants explained that retainage is typically withheld from monthly progress payments and paid at final closeout, with current law generally allowing retainage to drop from 5% to 2.5% after 50% completion on public projects. Subcontractors said that in practice they often still have to fight to get the reduced rate applied, and that some owners or construction managers do not follow the statute consistently. They also noted that bonding companies are a last resort but still an important enforcement tool, while AGC cautioned that bond claims and litigation are not ideal substitutes for a workable retainage process. The discussion focused on possible benchmarks or compromise approaches, including line-item or trade-specific release of retainage when work is complete, especially for demolition or other early-finish subcontractors. Committee members emphasized that owner, GC/CM, and subcontractor issues may need different solutions and that the study was intended to gather perspectives rather than produce immediate legislation. No vote was taken, and no formal action was announced.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Education Funding (02/13/2026)

Education Funding

Keywords: 1189, house, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Ways and Means (03/18/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm a regional director for Americans for Prosperity.
  • do believe that this is perfectly constitutional and should continue, and actually we agree with Americans
  • I love reading 18th century American history, and this whole dilemma reminds me of two episodes, one
  • I am a New Hampshire native, born and raised in Auburn.
  • Lacy I am a New Hampshire native born Lacy I am a New Hampshire native born and<02:59:05.960> raised
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 224, which would redirect most money from New Hampshire’s renewable energy fund back to electric ratepayers. The bill sponsor argued the measure would lower energy costs, noting recent utility rate increases and estimating annual savings of roughly $2.5 million to $7.3 million for ratepayers. Supporters said the fund has accumulated money that should be returned to customers rather than used for subsidies, and they emphasized that the state has already rebated similar funds from RGGI for years. Opponents, including Rep. Kat McGee, argued the renewable energy fund is a successful, nonlapsing dedicated fund that supports local clean-energy projects, energy resilience, emissions reductions, and private investment. McGee said the fiscal note overstated the benefit of rebates and understated the loss of investment, claiming the average annual rebate would amount to less than $10 per customer while the program has helped leverage significant private dollars and nearly 10,000 projects. She urged the committee to reject the bill as a poor deal for the state and ratepayers. Committee members questioned the fiscal note, the size of the rebate, whether the bill would set a precedent for other dedicated funds, and whether the program’s incentives amount to picking winners and losers. The Department of Energy testified neutrally, explaining how the renewable energy fund works, including renewable energy credits, alternative compliance payments, and the fund’s use for renewable energy initiatives. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Oral histories are lost in the wind, and the American heritage of freedom, bravery, and liberty have
  • I'm the chairman of AACC, the African American Coalition Committee.
  • Twenty-six million Americans have been segregated from their children under false allegations.
  • So one in three Americans and one in five Massachusetts residents have a criminal record.
  • But one in three Americans face barriers to employment due to an arrest or a conviction record.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on several Judiciary bills, with the largest portion focused on S. 1178/H. 2052 to reduce mass incarceration and end life without parole. People incarcerated at MCI Framingham, MCI Norfolk, and NCCI Gardner described personal growth, rehabilitation, restorative justice work, family separation, and the belief that parole eligibility after long sentences would better reflect public safety and human development. Speakers emphasized that life without parole removes hope and can undermine rehabilitation, while supporters argued that many lifers are older, less likely to reoffend, and could contribute positively if given a chance at parole review. Committee members did not take votes during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on S. 1139 to restore the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims involving tobacco use, with Sen. Keenan explaining that a recent SJC decision had cut off claims where the injured person did not sue within three years before death. He said the bill would restore families’ ability to seek redress in cases involving long-latency tobacco harms like COPD. Another major topic was S. 1205, which would add abusive litigation to the definition of coercive control in domestic violence law; Sen. Michael Moore said the bill would stop abusers from using repeated court filings to harass and financially burden survivors. The committee also took up S. 1114 on automatic record sealing, with Sen. Friedman and others arguing that the current petition-based process is slow, burdensome, and disproportionately harms people with criminal records, especially Black and Latino residents. Testimony also supported H. 1965/S. 1132 on compensation for wrongful conviction, with advocates and sponsors describing a faster administrative claims process, transitional support, and higher compensation without the current cap. Sen. Payano testified for S. 1241 to expand educational programming for incarcerated emerging adults, saying education reduces recidivism and improves reentry outcomes. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on S. 2522, an update to Massachusetts’ shield law for reproductive and gender-affirming care. Sen. Friedman, the Attorney General’s office, and DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said the bill is needed to strengthen protections against out-of-state legal attacks, protect patient and provider data, clarify enforcement authority, and add a state-level EMTALA-style emergency care requirement. Committee members asked detailed questions about prescription labeling, the prescription monitoring program, attorney discipline, custody and full faith and credit issues, and whether the bill’s enforcement language could create unintended limits or conflicts. The Attorney General’s office said it would provide follow-up written testimony on several technical questions.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Of course, the American Bar Association thinks attorneys are important at that stage.
  • <00:59:15.480> Bar >> And the ABA's the American Bar >> And the ABA's the American
  • Of course, the American<00:59:23.520> Bar<00:59:23.640> Association<00:59:24.760> thinks
  • American Bar Association thinks American Bar Association thinks attorneys<00:59:25.600> are
  • say, “Under the bush.” >> You’re absolutely correct that gun bushes seem to have become Kentucky’s native
Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council met with a quorum, approved the October 8, 2025 minutes, and welcomed guests including Marshall County Attorney Jason Darnall. The main topic was juvenile interrogation, with a presentation from Kentucky Youth Advocates by Courtney Downs and Shannon Moody. They said their organization is supporting a 2026 Blueprint priority requiring children to consult with an attorney before waiving Miranda rights, and they emphasized research on adolescent brain development, susceptibility to peer pressure and impulsive decision-making, and the risk of false confessions. They cited National Registry of Exonerations data showing high rates of false confessions among exonerated youth, especially younger children, and described approaches in other states such as Maryland’s Child Interrogation Protection Act, Indiana’s statute allowing certain adults to waive rights in some circumstances, and laws in other states requiring recording of interrogations or limiting deceptive tactics. Members asked about trauma and adverse childhood experiences, whether the proposal would require attorney consultation in every juvenile interview, whether parents could instead be the ones consulted, and how such a rule would affect law enforcement investigations and juvenile accountability. Senator Carroll and others raised concerns about feasibility, delays, and whether juveniles might avoid accountability if attorneys are required before questioning. The presenters responded that they were focused on ensuring children understand their legal rights, that some states use age- or offense-based limits, and that parent consultation is another model used elsewhere, though they said a lawyer is best suited to explain legal rights and process. Members also discussed the role of the Department of Public Advocacy and whether legislative action or court decisions should address the issue. The council did not take final action on the policy, but requested additional materials, including the text of laws from Maryland, Indiana, and North Carolina, for further review.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary (01/23/2025)

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the director of state and local engagement for the Federation for American Immigration Reform.
  • of the Federation for American of the Federation for American Immigration<00:36:37.079> Reform
  • There have been comments that illegal aliens commit crimes at a lower rate than American citizens.
  • There have been comments that illegal aliens commit crimes at a lower rate than American citizens.
  • There have been comments that illegal aliens commit crimes at a lower rate than American citizens.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Science, Technology and Energy (02/10/2025)

Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • And as far as this concept of native energy, well, we don't have native cars.
  • So if we can get native, and they do the same thing to us, all that's going to do is drive the price
  • And as far as this concept of native energy, well, we don't have native cars.
  • And as far as this concept of native energy, well, we don't have native cars.
  • It is a local, native fuel that comes out of our forest.
Keywords: 1189, house, all