Video & Transcript Research : 'native forests'
Page 14 of 214
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 4th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Travis Moore, Florida Native Plant Society, waving in support. Thank you for being here.
- And Travis Moore, Florida Native Plant Society, waving in support.
- We saw how few native fish there were.
- If it did, it's going to wash out the Ocala National Forest.
- If it did, it's going to wash out the Ocala National Forest, the tributaries, and then we're going to
Bills:
S0302, S0394, S0480, S0546, S0636, S0774, S0796, S1028, S1050, S1066, S1120, S1230, S1288, S1682
Keywords:
cybersecurity, information technology, data management, local government compliance, cloud services, state agency oversight, integrated governance, conservation lands, land exchange, state-owned land, Acquisition and Restoration Council, Florida water management, environmental protection, beach management, beach erosion, beach nourishment, coastal resilience, shoreline protection, critical erosion, critically eroded beach
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several bills, beginning with CS/SB 796, which would create Veterinary Professional Associates as a new supervised veterinary role, expand telehealth prescription timeframes, and set training and scope limits. Supporters said it would improve access to care, lower costs, and create a career path, while opponents argued the proposal lacked a clear regulatory framework, could create liability and federal-law conflicts, and would not address the real shortage in rural large-animal practice. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably.
Members also heard and favorably reported SB 1682 on local authority over derelict and abandoned vessels, CS/SB 1028 on a commercial Citizens clearinghouse for property insurance, SB 394 on exempting certain reinsurance underwriting managers from licensing, SB 636 on beach management and erosion designations, CS/SB 546 on public notice for conservation land sales or exchanges, CS/SB 302 on Biscayne Bay nature-based solutions and related coastal resiliency provisions, SB 1050 on pharmacy choice for pet medications, and SB 774 extending workers’ compensation benefits to 911 public safety telecommunicators for mental and nervous injuries. Testimony on these bills generally focused on access, regulatory clarity, environmental protection, or workforce support, with some concerns raised on insurance consumer protections and beach-management language.
Senator Harrell’s bills were also taken up and reported favorably: CS/SB 480, a major overhaul of state IT governance creating DIGIT and new procurement, reporting, and workforce structures; CS/SB 1230, restricting PFAS-containing firefighting foam and adding testing, inventory, and disposal requirements; and CS/SB 1288, a naming bill designating the Andrew Red Harris Shoal and requiring markers. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on SB 1066 regarding restoration of the Oklawaha/Rodman system, with supporters emphasizing ecological restoration, flood-risk reduction, and economic benefits, and opponents warning about local impacts, water quality, and the loss of a world-class fishery. The transcript ends during testimony on that bill, before final action is shown.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee May 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I am a representative in Native Sister Circle, California Native Vote Project, and many underrepresented
- I am a representation in Native Sister Circle, California Native Vote Project, and many unrepresentative
- I'm the Executive Director of Native Dads Network. I'm also a Round Valley tribal member.
- I'm here on behalf of Environmental Protection Information Center, California Native Plant Society, and
- On behalf of Friends of the Inyo, Friends of Harbors, Beaches, and Parks, and the Pacific Forest Trust
Summary:
The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee met with a delayed start while waiting for quorum, then heard several bills before moving to the suspense file. AB 564 by Assemblymember Haney would freeze the planned cannabis excise tax increase at 15% rather than allow it to rise to 25%; supporters argued the legal cannabis industry is struggling against the illicit market and high taxes, while opponents said the measure would reduce funding for children, youth programs, environmental restoration, and enforcement promised under Prop. 64. The bill was sent to suspense during regular order and later approved out of suspense on a 6-0 vote with amendments, including a five-year sunset and a reduced rate. AB 1265, also by Haney, would extend and expand the state historic tax credit to encourage rehabilitation of vacant historic buildings for housing and mixed-use projects; preservation and housing advocates supported it, and it was also sent to suspense rather than voted on immediately.
The committee then heard AB 1377 by Assemblymember McKenna, which would require studios seeking optional diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility film tax credits to complete the plans they submit to the California Film Commission. Labor supporters said studios should do more than make good-faith efforts, and the bill passed 5-1 to Appropriations. AB 1416 by Vice Chair Ta would clarify disaster-related property tax deferrals for homeowners who have requested installment plans, and it passed 7-0 to the Assembly Floor. Afterward, the chair gave a general warning that the bills on suspense represented large revenue losses and emphasized the committee’s need to weigh tax expenditures against other state priorities.
On the suspense file, the committee approved AB 27, AB 53, AB 97, AB 231, AB 232, AB 429, AB 613, AB 984, and AB 1485, mostly on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while AB 547 passed 5-1. Several other bills, including AB 386, AB 389, AB 490, AB 6991, AB 814, AB 1057, AB 1219, AB 1282, AB 1354, AB 1431, AB 1435, and AB 1481, were held in committee. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after completing the suspense-file actions.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN, AEN, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 01-27-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It can be farming revenue from forest fuel, fiber, flowers.
- It can be farming revenue from forest fuel, fiber, flowers.
- It can be farming revenue from forest fuel, fiber, flowers.
- It can be farming revenue from forest fuel, fiber, flowers.
- It can be farming revenue from forest fuel, fiber, flowers.
Summary:
The Agriculture and Environment hearing on January 27, 2025, took up multiple measures, beginning with a proposed constitutional amendment, HB 559, to recognize a right to clean water and air, a healthful environment, climate, native ecosystems, and beaches. The Attorney General’s Office testified with concerns that the amendment’s broad language could create challenges for future legislatures and environmental enforcement, while the Climate Commission and DLNR supported it. Environmental and advocacy groups, including Climate Protectors Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others, strongly supported the measure, arguing it would strengthen decision-making and protect Hawaii’s natural resources. Committee members raised questions about how the amendment would interact with existing constitutional protections and recent litigation, and the AG’s office said the proposal could lead to broad judicial interpretation and possible liability issues. The hearing then moved on without a recorded vote on this bill.
The committee next heard SB 552, which would establish a healthy soils program in the Department of Agriculture and require annual reporting and funding. The Climate Change Commission supported the bill, and the Department of Agriculture said it stood on its submitted testimony but noted existing commissions and the greenhouse gas sequestration task force already address similar objectives, suggesting SB 552 may duplicate current efforts. Agricultural and environmental advocates, including the Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others, supported the concept of a consolidated healthy soils program, saying it would better organize existing efforts, improve access for producers, and support conservation practices. The Agribusiness Development Corporation said it would support either DOA or ADC administering the program, and committee discussion focused on implementation, program overlap, and whether the bill should better integrate existing compost reimbursement and related efforts.
The final measure discussed in the excerpt was SB 678, which would create an Agricultural Development Food Security Special Fund, dedicate a portion of the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to it, and appropriate funds equal to 3% of the state budget for agriculture. The Department of Agriculture strongly supported the bill, saying the funding would align with its goals and help support farmers and ranchers. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Department of Budget and Finance raised concerns that the proposed special fund may not meet statutory criteria. Farm and industry groups generally supported the measure but suggested changes, including adding uses related to local food sourcing, distribution, and biosecurity. Committee members questioned the scale of the appropriation, noting it could amount to roughly $250 million and a major increase in DOA’s budget, and discussed whether the department could realistically implement such a large program. The hearing ended with testimony counts noted for the measures heard, and the chair indicated the committee would reconvene later for any unfinished business.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Jun 3rd, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So, House Bill 175, forest and watershed buffer projects. Um, allowing, uh.
- Um, we have on page 3, again, related to, uh, dealing with our forests and the over, um, crowding in
- I also highlight just as it ties in with all of our wildfire and forest management kind of package bills
- I'm also concerned about the US Forest Service and what they have done to our state.
- Uh, we'd like to see a buffer program where we could defend our, our communities from the forest and
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 04/03/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:47:15.920>
planting park improvements, native planting park improvements, native planting - But we have a long stain of not protecting the religious freedom of Native Americans.
- But we have a long stain of not protecting the religious freedom of Native Americans.
- In addition to Native people in support of this bill, there are many non-Native people who also support
- American people in every the Native American people in every conceivable<02:11:14.719>
way.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Mar 19th, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you very much for my awesome, my other awesome lady here that I've been bragging on, the State Forester
- Good to see you, Forester, and thank you.
- Chair, members of the committee, to the sponsors and the State Forester.
- I'm Atsa Chavez, ED for NM Native Vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 2nd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, over 56% of Native Americans in the state of California will suffer some type of traumatic
- This bill creates the Forest and Wildfire Prevention Fund to ensure California can sustainably use the
- forest biomass waste generated by wildfire mitigation efforts.
- Assembly Bill 97 by Assembly Member Ramos and others, an act relating to Native American human remains
- AB 977 is a continuation of our commitment to ensuring the repatriation of Native American remains from
Summary:
The Assembly met on May 23, 2025, established a quorum after a roll call, and proceeded through a long House of Origin floor session with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine parliamentary actions. Early in the day, a motion by Assembly Member Gallagher to suspend the rules and take up AB 12 immediately failed on a 18-39 vote. The chamber then moved through the daily file, with many measures passing by wide margins, often with bipartisan support and little or no opposition.
Among the notable bills discussed were measures on law enforcement oversight and records access (AB 847), CalFresh data-sharing exemptions (AB 593), campus-area housing for students and staff (AB 893), insurance and wildfire hardening updates (AB 1), missing middle housing code changes (AB 6), tribal peace officer status in a pilot program (AB 31), utility bill analysis before new mandates (AB 61), fairgrounds funding (AB 258), Diwali as a state holiday (AB 268), labor and worker organizing rights (AB 288), algorithmic price-fixing and antitrust enforcement (AB 325), elections and jail voter information (AB 331), protections for judges and court personnel (AB 343 and AB 352), school construction procurement (AB 361), school-zone speed limits (AB 382), transit worker protections (AB 394), blue carbon coastal mitigation (AB 399), K-9 standards for law enforcement (AB 400), livestock carcass composting (AB 411), translation of housing materials (AB 413), immigrant educational rights notices (AB 419), gun violence restraining order implementation (AB 451), special education and child care measures (AB 560 and AB 563), cannabis tax relief (AB 564), and disability access protections for businesses (AB 649). Several bills addressed housing, energy, public health, and public safety, and many authors emphasized affordability, transparency, and administrative efficiency.
The session also included several ceremonial or recognition items, including ACR 73 declaring Italian American Heritage Month, which was adopted by voice vote after 65 coauthors were added. Most measures were approved overwhelmingly, though a few drew some dissent, including AB 421? no—AB 399 passed 42-30, AB 450 passed 49-6, AB 461 passed 49-8, and AB 621 passed 58-0. The transcript ends partway through AB 772, which was introduced as an educational equity bill addressing cyberbullying after school hours, but the remainder of that item is not included in the provided text.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 28th, 2026 at 11:02 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We have the Gila National Forest, which has 3.3 million acres. The Gila...
- We have the Gila National Forest, which has 3.3 million acres.
- And whereas Grant County is known for its true West history that includes prehistoric Native Americans
- American designations on driver's licenses and identification cards when requested by Native American
- American designations on driver's licenses and identification cards when requested by Native American
Keywords:
nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The general fund is also one of the major sources of forest management funding, along with the forest
- 13.200>
forest <00:09:13.519>management along with the forest management along with the - successfully meet the needs of forest successfully meet the needs of forest land<00:21:27.840>
- <00:24:17.880>
stewardship, <00:24:18.880>restoring <00:24:19.600>native forest- stewardship, restoring native forest stewardship, restoring native freshwater<00:24:20.640>
muscles - <00:24:17.880>
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Jan 26, 2026, 10:00AM HST - State of the State Address
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And Native Hawaiians were still waiting sometimes for generations to receive the land that was promised
- resilience across our islands by taking responsible actions to both protect critical pasture lands, native
- forests, We'll support that.
- to both protect critical<00:41:02.160>
pasture <00:41:02.560>lands, <00:41:03.040>native - <00:41:03.440>
forests, Critical pasture lands, native forests, and protect our hunting areas
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Whereas Lorelai Chavez, a Native American Studies teacher...
- Whereas Lorelai is the first Native American Teacher of the Year.
- Whereas Lorelai received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Native American Studies with a minor in History
- Whereas Lorelai began her career in education, working as a substitute teacher, then moved into a Native
- **Senate Bill 33** relates to forest conservation, enacting the **Wildfire Prepared Act**, amending and
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- garden, the largest in the state, and numerous educational and conservation programs that promote native
- Corrigan's role in the state's timber industry is both historic and significant, nestled in the pine forest
- Corrigan's historical significance, economic contribution, and forward-looking stewardship of Texas forest
Bills:
HCR7
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Administration met with six members present and took up several commemorative and code-revision measures, along with one hospice/palliative care resolution. Senator Hall presented HB 2703, designating July as American Patriotism Month, and HCR 7, designating September 29 as Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Day; both drew no public testimony and were reported favorably. Senator Kolkhorst presented HB 1615, a non-substantive Texas Legislative Council recodification bill relating to water and wastewater special districts, which was also reported favorably. Senator Parker presented HCR 86 recognizing Denton’s “31 Days of Denton Halloween,” and Senator Johnson presented HB 1620, another non-substantive code update; both were left pending at first and later reported favorably. Senator Johnson also presented SB 644, creating Hospice and Palliative Care Day on the second Saturday in October, which was left pending and later reported favorably.
The committee also heard HCR 75, HCR 93, HCR 126, and HCR 92. HCR 75 concerned a local designation tied to marina/guide services and was left pending initially, then later reported favorably. HCR 93 would renew Nacogdoches as the Garden Capital of Texas, HCR 126 would designate Corrigan as the Timber Products Capital of Texas, and HCR 92 would designate the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day; all were heard without public opposition and later reported favorably. Several members emphasized the historical, cultural, or economic significance of the local designations, while the code-update bills were described as non-substantive recodifications prepared by the Texas Legislative Council.
After taking up pending business, the committee voted to report the measures favorably, with most also recommended for the May 14, 2025 local and uncontested calendar. The committee certified the local and uncontested calendar list for that date, with some items removed because they had already passed earlier in the day or had other issues. The meeting concluded with a motion to recess.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- MANGROVE FORESTS LIKE THOSE FOUND IN THE 19 ACRES BARRETO SOUGHT TO DEVELOP NATURALLY FILTERED THE POLLUTANTS
- MANGROVE FORESTS ARE FOUND ON THE LAND HE WANTED TO DEVELOP YOUR THEY PROTECT AGAINST STORM SURGES EDDIE
- ABOUT THE EPIDEMIC SO TO SPEAK IN THIS AND SOME BURMESE PYTHONS AND THE EFFECT IT HAS HAD ON A LOT OF NATIVE
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Nov 18th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- New Mexico communities, and Trees Water and People, who are enhancing land management skills for Native
- Working also with their forestry program for the folks called EcoServants, who do forest thinning work
- And then Trees Water and People, which Is a land management and employment skills for Native American
- I hope not just Native-serving Organizations, but it does ring just it makes me wonder what openness
- That's up in the Forest Service. We do have to protect our lands. We do have to protect our waters.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- years with the record the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award, including Corpus Christi native
- , Quintanilla-Perez, and Dallas-Fort Worth native DJ Spinderella is a member of Salt-N-Pepa.
- Hardin County is renowned for its lush pine and hardwood forests. with Cootes becoming a central hub
- Members, today as Alabama Cushata Tribe their day at the state capitol as the oldest native tribe with
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- honored in recent years with the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award, including Corpus Christi native
- Selena Quintanilla Perez and Dallas-Fort Worth native DJ Spinderella as a member of Salt N Pepper.
- Nestled in the East Texas timberland region, Hardin County is renowned for its lush pine and hardwood forests
- Members, today is Alabama Coushatta Tribe, uh, their day at the state Capitol, as the oldest native tribe
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- years with the record the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award, including Corpus Christi native
- , Quintanilla-Perez, and Dallas-Fort Worth native DJ Spinderella is a member of Salt-N-Pepa.
- Hardin County is renowned for its lush pine and hardwood forests. with Koontz becoming a central hub
- Their day at the state capitol as the oldest native tribe with a reservation in our.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 3, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- say that, quote, for Alaska Native say that, quote, for Alaska Native peoples,<03:28:11.360>
- The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was enacted to resolve Alaska Native land claims and support
- Forest Service.
- Forest<03:35:42.920>
Service. - But, too often the Forest Service.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Thu Jan 15, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/13/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Transcript Highlights:
- We looked at it for forest management when the fires were. So it's been talked about.
- time, we were able to also incorporate the soil erosion and conservation districts, which are the Native
- into the federal government and draw down a lot of money to help private landowners, state land, Forest
- time, we were able to also incorporate the soil erosion and conservation districts, which are the Native
- into the federal government and draw down a lot of money to help private landowners, state land, Forest
Keywords:
stormwater, recharge mapping, water resources, groundwater, appropriation, Arizona, irrigation, non-expansion areas, water management, agriculture, HB2116, Colorado River, litigation fund, water rights, Arizona water law, general fund appropriation, state budget, interstate water compact, Colorado River Compact, water litigation
Summary:
The committee began with member and staff introductions, then heard House Bill 2024, which would expand the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority’s water supply development definition to include snowpack augmentation and related planning and facility work. Supporters argued cloud seeding and drone-based silver iodide deployment could increase snowpack and water supply at relatively low cost, while opponents raised concerns about weather modification, uncertainty in the science, and possible environmental or health effects. After debate, the committee approved HB 2024 on a 6-4 vote, with some members expressing reservations and requesting more information before floor consideration.
The committee next considered House Bill 2053, which would direct the Arizona Department of Water Resources to update stormwater recharge mapping statewide and provide $100,000 for the work. The sponsor and ADWR said the bill would expand on prior state-land mapping and help identify recharge opportunities on private land; ADWR was neutral and said it could do the technical mapping but could not make legal determinations about appropriable surface water rights. Salt River Project opposed the bill’s language on surface-water rights, arguing that determinations about unappropriated water belong to the courts and that site-specific recharge projects could affect downstream rights. The committee adopted the Griffin amendment and then passed HB 2053 as amended on a 6-4 vote.
Chelsea McGuire of WIFA then gave a broad presentation on the agency’s revolving funds, conservation grants, and long-term augmentation efforts, describing past investments, current grant awards, and seven potential augmentation projects under development. She said WIFA’s current budget ask was essentially for no additional cuts, while members asked about costs, project qualifications, and public-private structure. The committee then took up House Bill 2097, which would impose a six acre-feet-per-acre groundwater pumping cap in irrigation non-expansion areas, add reporting and well-measurement requirements, and set a $150 penalty for violations. ADWR said the bill could require additional staffing and that the cap and substitution provisions had technical concerns; environmental groups argued the cap was too high and could still encourage overpumping, while supporters said it would finally place a limit on INA pumping. HB 2097 passed 6-4. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2116, which would appropriate $1 million to the Colorado River Litigation Fund; the sponsor described it as a contingency for ongoing Colorado River negotiations, and the committee moved the bill forward after brief discussion.