Transcript Highlights:

• Alcohol is not native to our pueblos, tribes, and nations. Alcohol was introduced.
• It does not belong to Native American populations.
• So it goes back to the self-determination of Native peoples and local communities.
• And I know Native Grill also provided some food there.
• There are Native American-owned businesses, Dengal. I think we had enough.

Transcript Highlights:

• A Little Rock native, John graduated from Catholic High School in 1941 and is currently the school's
• The gentleman from Alaska, Mr. Begich, and the gentleman from California, Mr.
• This interagency relationship has greatly benefited my home state of Alaska.
• <03:37:21.960> Mr from Alaska Mr from Alaska Mr beage<03:37:23.760> gentleman<03:37
• the North Slope of home state of Alaska the North Slope of Alaska<03:38:28.279> is<03:38:28.479

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, March 24, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They were successful, but the tribe intervened. Now that was in March.
• And we agreed, because the tribe charges 17% to administer their stuff.
• And again, we were derailed by the tribe promising the moon.
• The tribe doesn't want to build it at Sabonito.
• If it had not been for our native language, we could have been speaking a different language today.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now I'd like to point A 520 Native American Language and Cultural Certificate, which is issued directly
• This certificate is issued directly by each of the 23 tribes, nations, and pueblos, not by the state.
• The 520 Native American Language Certificate Pathway is essential because it allows students to learn
• So, he was being pulled out, and he was not allowed to speak his native language.
• And then it listed a whole bunch of the native Languages.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this year, right now for FY26, we currently have two applications from Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes
• So first, we did directly to Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes.
• We got two Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes that have asked for funding for that.
• We've partnered up with the Native Coalition.
• And we've done a lot of work with the Native Coalition.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• States and the five civilized tribes States and the five civilized tribes required<00:36:55.040>
• the African-American, and the Native the African-American, and the Native American,<00:37:11.599
• , expelled from the five civilized tribes, expelled from the five civilized tribes, and<00:38:09.680
• <01:15:44.960> stature<01:15:45.440> native shorter stature native stature native shorter
• stature native stature native prairie<01:15:47.120> under<01:15:47.440> solar<01:15:47.840

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• MIGA represents nine of the 11 federally recognized tribes in Minnesota.
• MIGA represents nine of the 11 federally recognized tribes in Minnesota.
• That's a question I would refer specifically to those tribes. Rep.
• Minnesota tribes have no interest in harming charities.
• stuff like that are the tribes stuff like that are the tribes continuing<00:41:19.160> on

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 733, which would restore electronic pull-tab features such as open-all, free play, bonus games, and similar functions that were restricted in 2023. The bill’s supporters, including representatives of Allied Charities of Minnesota, the American Legion, and a Bloomington school activities foundation, argued that the 2023 changes reduced revenue for charitable gambling operations and, in turn, cut funding for veterans programs, youth sports, food shelves, school needs, and other local community services. Several supporters cited early revenue declines since the new rules took effect, including double-digit drops and one example of a Bloomington site reporting a 29% year-over-year decline overall and a 44% drop in e-tab revenue. They also argued that restoring the features would help charities without meaningfully increasing casino play. Opponents, including Citizens Against Gambling Expansion and the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, said the bill would expand slot-machine-like gambling in neighborhood bars and restaurants and increase problem gambling and related social harms. They argued the features in question mimic slot machines, are especially concerning in non-age-restricted locations, and would amount to a major expansion of gambling. The tribal representative also said the 2023 clarification was appropriate, that charitable gambling revenues do not translate efficiently into mission funding, and that tax relief or other policy changes would be better ways to help charities than restoring the disputed features. The chair reminded testifiers to keep comments neutral and not partisan. After testimony, a member discussion began, with Representative Ray Rower thanking the testifiers and expressing support for their work. The transcript excerpt does not show a final vote or disposition beyond the bill being recommended to be re-referred to the Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had Indigenous people, Native American tribes, sustainably managing in the ocean since the beginning
• Second, local communities in California Native American tribes must be involved as meaningful partners
• Native American tribes must be involved as meaningful partners in restoration efforts.
• Healthy kelp forests bring enormous benefits, both tangible and intangible, to Native American tribes
• Healthy kelp forests bring enormous benefits, both tangible and intangible, to Native American tribes

Summary: The Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture held its annual State of the Fishery forum, focusing on salmon, Dungeness crab, kelp, ocean conditions, and related aquaculture and committee reports. Opening remarks from committee leadership emphasized climate impacts, reduced federal NOAA support, state investments through Proposition 4, coastal resilience funding, and the importance of fisheries to rural economies and tribal communities. Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot described a decade of drought and climate stress, highlighted progress such as Klamath River dam removal, wetland restoration, and the state’s salmon strategy, and warned that federal funding uncertainty and staffing cuts could undermine restoration and fishery recovery efforts. Senator Cortese raised concerns about illegal cannabis cultivation damaging riparian habitat and water flows, and both Crowfoot and Fish and Wildlife Director Bonham said enforcement against illicit grows remains a major environmental priority but is constrained by resources. Director Bonham provided a broad update on California fisheries, reporting encouraging signs for salmon after several difficult years, including improved ocean conditions, stronger returns in some runs, and successful short recreational openings in 2025. He also noted major challenges, including reduced federal hatchery production at Nimbus, ongoing uncertainty around winter-run and spring-run recovery, and the need for continued habitat restoration, monitoring, and hatchery investment. On Dungeness crab, Bonham said the fishery remained valuable but constrained by whale entanglement risk, warming ocean conditions, and domoic acid concerns; he described new marked-line distribution, ropeless and alternative gear trials, and ongoing aerial and vessel monitoring. He also said the department’s unified cannabis enforcement task force had served numerous warrants and seized large amounts of illegal cannabis, but more funding is needed for sustained operations. In the salmon panel, Yurok Tribe fisheries director McCovey said the Klamath still faces low run sizes, climate-driven warming, wildfire impacts, and federal uncertainty, but he pointed to dam removal, restoration work, and AB 263’s river-flow protections as major advances. PCFFA president Bradshaw stressed that the three consecutive salmon closures have devastated coastal communities and argued for major reinvestment in aging Central Valley hatchery infrastructure and better broodstock management at Fall Creek. CalTrout’s Schneider said salmon remain at risk statewide, but cited Prop 4, habitat reconnection, floodplain restoration, improved water management, and monitoring as the main tools for recovery. In the crab panel, CDFW’s Schumann reported that the 2024–25 season produced record prices per pound and about $55 million in value despite delays and trap reductions, but he warned that three confirmed whale entanglements and elevated whale presence could force a conservative opener for 2025–26. PCFFA’s Domrash supported marked line, alternative gear, and a new gear-recovery network, while also criticizing the current ramp system as a response to a problem not fully grounded in science.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are the closest community, native or non-native, in the nation to a nuclear plant and store nuclear
• We are the closest community, native or non-native, in the nation to a nuclear plant and store nuclear
• > pr<00:31:43.279> nuclear of our tribe relative to the pr nuclear of our tribe relative
• Community is a friendly recognized tribe Community is a friendly recognized tribe in<00:31:49.000
• <00:32:05.519> nation<00:32:05.880> to native or non-native in the nation to native

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• before compacts were signed into law here in the state of California with marching. civil rights for Native
• in Protecting the environment and work to protect heritage, landscapes with the Mondesino County tribes
• fought for folks across this state and across lines, because after all, there were none. when many tribes
• We adjourn in her memory today, I know her family and tribe is here.
• Thank you so much for lending her to the people of California, to other tribes.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She is doing the job of CYFD this morning because they didn't do it with a Native American child.
• Was there any collaboration or conversations with tribes about H.J.? About this bill?
• I asked because I represent three large Pueblo tribes and nine Navajo chapters, and then a large city
• With over 20 tribes and a very large population throughout the state, it just does not make sense to
• Who's going to ensure that the ICWA is in place, that the tribes have that?

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a representative in Native Sister Circle, California Native Vote Project, and many underrepresented
• in the Darko, Oklahoma. my mayor with youth forward. tribes residing in Antarctica, Oklahoma.
• 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

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• The gentleman from Alaska,<04:49:03.520> Mr.<04:49:03.760> Beggage. Alaska, Mr.
• Alaska, Mr. Beggage.
• <04:49:25.680> For<04:49:25.920> Alaska, my home state of Alaska.
• For Alaska, my home state of Alaska.
• > airports<04:50:56.000> are Speaker, in Alaska, our airports are Speaker, in Alaska, our

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Down in the Las Cruces area, there aren't a whole lot of Native American people still around, but Fort
• I learned about Native American struggles in the Northwest United States, including the fishing rights
• That was my introduction to Native American struggles, particularly fishing rights.
• Believe it or not, the natives in Washington are the only non-agricultural, non-nomadic tribe.
• We've got a lot going on with all our tribes, nations, and Pueblos, and even with our Gallup-McKinley

Transcript Highlights:

• MOUs are always something that we look forward to strengthening those bonds between the state and tribe
• Or someone coming onto the lands, tribes, or onto the tribes, nations, and pueblos' lands.
• Tribes, nations, and pueblos to do such.
• So creating support for Native Americans.
• Native veterans' mental health and wellness is a really big deal for me.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alaska, which is similar size to us, had 1,300 people in private prisons. In 2021, they had 300.
• Alaska, which is mixture of strategies.
• Alaska, which is similar<00:25:51.600> size<00:25:51.919> to<00:25:52.240> us,<00
• :09:06.480> a<01:09:06.640> Native<01:09:06.880> Hawaiian.
• I guess it just as a Native Hawaiian.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety heard several resolutions, including HCR 944/HR 90 to request a gubernatorial proclamation designating Hawaii as a Purple Heart state on August 7, 2025; HCR 205/HR 197 urging Maui County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite a permanent replacement for the Kulani Hakoi Bridge; and HCR 164/HR 159 urging counties to maintain an electronically accessible list of hurricane refuge shelters. No one testified on the first two measures. On the hurricane shelter resolution, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the intent and requested a wording change from “special needs” to “access and functional needs.” The committee then heard HCR 70, which asks the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to expand personal and professional development programs to include community service programs. Director Tommy Johnson said DCR supports the intent and described existing community service work lines at Kulani, the women’s correctional facility, and Wawa, including tasks such as pothole repair, tree trimming, and school grounds work. In response to questions, he said participation depends on inmate eligibility, volunteer status, and whether the work would interfere with programming; inmates must have no serious misconducts in the prior year and no escape attempts. He also explained that some work lines are tied to security classifications and facility type. The committee spent the most time on HCR 153/HR 148, which requests DCR to incrementally reduce the number of inmates housed in private out-of-state facilities. The ACLU of Hawaii strongly supported the resolution, arguing that private prisons are unsafe and that Hawaii should bring incarcerated people home. The ACLU cited federal findings and actions against private prison contractors, conditions at the Saguaro facility in Arizona, and the need for in-state rehabilitation and oversight. Director Johnson also supported the measure in principle but said population levels, security classifications, and available in-state facilities limit how quickly people can be returned. He said DCR provides annual reports on inmates eligible to return and suggested more frequent reporting could be considered. Committee members discussed benchmarks, quarterly reporting, parole, and reintegration services, and the ACLU argued that other states have reduced or phased out private prison use through sentencing reform, parole changes, and reintegration programs. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Native students continue to suffer from gaps in opportunities and outcomes compared to non-native students
• To push for legislation and increase funding to meet native students' needs.
• He has been one of the strongest advocates for native students.
• It's a requirement of every water rights settlement agreement with tribes.
• We're, we're 638 tribe.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, and turn it over to our brand-new dean, Palmerosi, who's a native Texan, and we're really excited
• You're a brand-new dean, Palmerosi, who's a native Texan, and we're really excited she's here.
• projects I've been working on around the country, in pretty much every state, even states like Maine and Alaska
• and Montana, that didn't need... ...every state, even states like Maine and Alaska and Montana that

Bills: HB42, HB125

Keywords: special prosecutor, state law, criminal justice, accountability, law enforcement, stormwater management, counties, regulation, environment, water quality

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met to hear several bills and first corrected the minutes from its April 1, 2025 meeting to reflect that a committee substitute for HB 271 had been adopted before the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 3326, which would help Texas higher education employees, especially adjunct faculty, qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness by counting classroom hours toward full-time status, requiring institutions to verify employment within 60 days, and requiring annual notice to eligible employees. No witnesses testified against the bill, and it was left pending. Members then heard HB 2853, authorizing UTEP to phase in a student union fee increase to fund demolition and reconstruction of its aging student union. Representative Perez and UTEP student and university witnesses said the current facility is outdated and insufficient for a campus of more than 25,000 students, while some members raised concerns about the size of the fee increase and its impact on low-income students. UTEP representatives said most students receive aid, the fee would be phased in over time, and the project was student-approved; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4066, a one-line bill to abolish the Texas Research Incentive Program after the state cleared its backlog of matching obligations, with the author saying the program was no longer needed in light of newer research funding approaches. The bill was left pending. The committee spent substantial time on HB 125, which would create the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Supporters, including Tarleton leadership, the founding dean, a rural hospital CEO, and a feasibility consultant, argued the school would address severe rural physician shortages by recruiting Texas and rural students, training them in rural settings, and developing new residency slots rather than competing for existing ones. Members asked about affordability, residency placement, and whether the school would draw students from rural Texas; Tarleton said it would seek to keep tuition and debt low, had already raised private donations, and would request $25 million in state support over the biennium. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 42, which would increase the annual Higher Education Fund appropriation and adjust its allocation methodology. The chair and university witnesses described rising deferred maintenance, inflation, cybersecurity needs, and enrollment growth at HEAF-eligible institutions, with witnesses from Texas Tech, Sam Houston State, and UNT saying the additional funding would help address aging facilities and technology needs. After testimony, the committee left HB 42 pending and recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I, Nita Batiste, on behalf of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, am against House Bill 4.
• I serve my people, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe on Tribal Council.
• His committed representation of the tribe is necessary to us due to the many issues the tribe faces on
• He represented the tribe from 2015 to 2024, excuse me. 2015 to 2022, of which the tribe holds in sincere
• I know we've been talking about black and brown, but we also have Native Americans.

Bills: HB4

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That would be borne by the tribe long term. University is going to be continued using it.
• <00:31:36.279> long would be born by the tribe long would be born by the tribe long term<00
• about the mismanagement of the tribes about the mismanagement of the funds<00:39:44.040> that
• <00:42:23.880> Americans learning from the the Native Americans learning from the the Native
• by a tribe before them, or a tribe before them.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all