Transcript Highlights:

• We have over 25 years of experience with the Acequias, been doing outreach since the 1980s and education
• Under, it's called the Second Community Education Program, which was set up in the budget several years
• Recommendation A1 really calls on us to engage much more fully in water education.
• So we're mounting a big education campaign and better water workforce.
• We don't just protect Native people when we do that.

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to offer this California-wide to other higher institutions of education and to high schools.
• Besides providing support, we’re educating and bringing awareness to what is a trauma-informed community
• I think it's a matter of educating, and we've really got to educate the communities, especially going
• collaborate with tribal and urban Indian health programs to ensure essential care and support for Native
• And I think that every panel was so helpful and educational, including this one.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee held an informational hearing on the health impacts of wildfires and the effects on health care systems and access to care. The first panel focused on public health consequences, with testimony from UCLA and UCSF physicians, a community organizer, and an Altadena recovery leader. Witnesses described acute and long-term physical harms from wildfire smoke and ash, including asthma and COPD exacerbations, cardiovascular and stroke risks, pregnancy impacts, infection risk, and possible added hazards from lithium-ion battery fires. They also emphasized mental health effects such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, “firebrain,” and the need for psychological first aid, trauma-informed community networks, and youth-focused resilience programs. Community advocates stressed that Latine, Indigenous, undocumented, and Black communities face disproportionate harm because of language barriers, unsafe work conditions, lack of insurance, and exclusion from disaster aid, and they called for stronger language access, worker protections, permanent disaster relief, and better outreach. Committee members asked about air monitoring, masks, wind events, lithium-ion batteries, and how to reach communities with translation and emergency information. Panelists said AQI is useful but incomplete, that N95s help for smoke but P100 masks are needed for ash/asbestos exposure, and that communities should be warned to stay indoors and avoid windy dust-ups after fires. They also discussed the importance of building relationships during non-emergency periods, using text alerts and trusted community organizations, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate information. Several members and witnesses highlighted the need for more research on long-term health effects, especially for people with chronic lung disease, workers who cannot stay indoors, and residents exposed to repeated disasters. The second panel addressed health care system response and access to care. DHCS and DMHC described emergency flexibilities used during the Southern California fires, including federal waivers, extended Medi-Cal renewal deadlines, reinstated coverage for some disenrolled members, suspension of prior authorization and prescription refill barriers, out-of-network access at in-network cost-sharing, and communication through websites, toll-free numbers, and social media. Hospital and community health center leaders described major operational strain: emergency room surges, canceled surgeries, dialysis disruptions, staff displacement, temporary housing needs, and financial losses. Huntington Health and AltaMed reported using incident command systems, temporary care spaces, bilingual and culturally tailored services, mobile clinics, infection control measures, and community health workers to keep care going. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better disaster staffing pools, more flexible facility rules, stronger mental health coverage, child care planning, and statewide coordination for future emergencies; no formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• of upholding trust responsibilities to 574 federally recognized American Indian tribes and Alaska Natives
• case offices that we established under President Trump's initiative to address missing and murdered Native
• American and Alaska Native women and children had solved several cases after many years.
• issues that we spoke about in my office related to federal lands better consultation with Alaska Natives

Keywords: nuclear energy, permitting process, energy production, public lands, national parks, uranium imports, legislative bills, infrastructure development

Summary: The committee meeting was dominated by discussions on a variety of legislative bills including major topics such as nuclear energy advancement, the effects of regulatory hurdles on energy production, and proposals to improve national park staffing and maintenance. Members expressed concerns over the federal government's handling of uranium imports and the necessity for maintaining a robust domestic nuclear supply chain. Efforts to streamline permitting processes to facilitate more efficient energy project development were also a focal point, alongside public testimony from stakeholders in the energy and environmental sectors. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure development to meet rising energy demands while addressing climate change impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ladies and gentlemen, A+ Education Partnership Legislative Reception is tonight at 5:30 at Central.
• Plaza, and the Legislative Prayer Caucus will meet tomorrow at 8:30 in Room 206. gentlemen, uh A+ Education
• Partnership gentlemen, uh A+ Education Partnership Legislative<00:12:08.320> Reception<00:12:
• All we did on that in the Senate, they just changed one little word that says they added native grasses

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 602, Haney, from the Health Committee to the Higher Education Committee.
• Thank you Madam Speaker, today I rise on behalf of the California Native American Legislative Caucus
• But it was there that Cesar Chavez was educating and empowering farm workers to know their true value
• We have economic and educational.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• one of the things that was going to be done in conjunction with one of those appropriations was a Native
• We operate safe facilities and provide education and effective re-entry programming to help individuals

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee reconvened in the afternoon and took up only Senate Bill 2015, the Department of Corrections budget. Representative Steeman explained that the budget reflected major changes from the Senate version because bed contracts with Grand Forks and Burleigh-Morton were still unresolved when the Senate acted. He described rising inmate populations, added county/regional jail payments, deferred maintenance and repair funding, planning money for a new Missouri River Correctional Center, software and equipment upgrades, victims of crime grants, and a one-time diversion/deflection center grant for Fargo funded through the Community Health Trust Fund. He also outlined funding for body cameras, tasers, and protective vests, and a Native American reentry program/report provision, along with a legislative management study on sentencing, corrections, and parole oversight. Members asked about the possibility of private or design-build alternatives for the new Missouri River Correctional Center. After discussion, the committee adopted language directing the steering committee to oversee design and construction and to explore other options. There was also discussion of the importance of maintaining North Dakota’s correctional rehabilitation culture, the cost and availability of out-of-state placements, and the current number of inmates housed in regional, county, and interstate facilities. The committee adopted the amendment to engrossed Senate Bill 2015 and then approved the bill as amended on a 21-0 vote, with two members absent and not voting. Representative Steeman was designated as the carrier. The chair then thanked members for their work and announced the committee would reconvene the next morning to continue with remaining bills and budget work before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's timely as Kentucky comes on its birthday and then we have uh Cole Vanover, who is a native
• It's been quite an education lesson for me.
• It's been quite an education this.
• It's been quite an education lesson<00:09:56.440> for<00:09:56.560> me.
• Yes, uh, Representative Bivens, it is an educational committee meeting this morning, and I used to be

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:10 SB 37 Discussion 6:56 SB 37 Roll Call Vote 12:31 SB 214 Discussion 14:27 SB 214 Roll Call 15:35, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, Reverend Bland is a native of Sutherland in Dinwiddie County and serves as the devoted pastor
• But Bobby's real education and his true calling But Bobby's real education and his true calling was never
• of my biggest challenges here in the General Assembly that I tell constituents all of the time is educating
• I tell constituents all of the time is educating folks up here about the life in rural Virginia.
• And even educating others in rural Virginia how different the rural coastal region is, where I represent

Keywords: March 14, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• over two decades to be able to share that and to advocate for Catholicism in the realm of politics, education
• Nicole is a Florida native born and raised in Miami.
• She has founded a non-profit that raised millions in South Florida to support public art and education
• data-driven public art can transform cities, drive economic growth, promote tourism, foster cultural education
• day with countries where the people need food, they need shelter, they need medicine, they need education

Keywords: legislative process, public involvement, community engagement, transparency, introductions

Summary: The meeting was characterized by a series of introductions and personal anecdotes shared by the committee members, with a focus on the importance of community engagement and transparency in legislative processes. Members expressed their commitment to open hearings and the necessity for public involvement in discussions impacting constituents. Several members remarked on how personal experiences shape their legislative priorities, thus reinforcing the human element of governance. However, there was a noticeable absence of discussion regarding specific bills, indicating that the session may have been more exploratory or introductory in nature.

Transcript Highlights:

• associate judges. served on numerous Supreme Court and legislative task forces, and continues to educate
• It plays a central role in highlighting the legacy of Juneteenth through powerful exhibitions, education
• June 19th is honored, not just in the... one day, but every day through our public art, through our education
• Influential performers and songwriters include Tanya Tucker, Clint Black, Cindy Walker, and Carthage native
• Members, the Texas Almanac has become part of our state's educational and civic foundation.

Bills: HB1397, HB1886, HB3088, HB4187, HB4229, HB4230, HB5032, HCR6, HCR34, HCR50, HCR55, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR74, HCR75, HCR80, HCR86, HCR93, HCR100, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6

Keywords: Texas Constitution, Declaration of Independence, victory or death letter, display, historic preservation, lifeguard requirements, public beaches, municipalities, county regulations, exemptions, Parks and Wildlife, procurement, goods and services, revenue generation, Texas legislature, historical preservation, Texas Historical Commission, fees, nonprofit organizations, fundraising

Transcript Highlights:

• from House File 4968, and this section provides that appropriations for the health professional education
• the federal changes in ways that are less harmful and disruptive, not only for immigrants but for Native
• the federal changes in ways that are less harmful and disruptive, not only for immigrants but for Native
• but for Native American communities. but for Native American communities.
• All of the doctors, the nurses are educated and trained at that one facility.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4466, the sub health supplemental budget bill, and moved it to the Ways and Means Committee after a walkthrough of the fiscal spreadsheet and the DE1 amendment. Nonpartisan staff explained that the bill produces general fund savings of about $2.4 million in FY27 for the 2026-27 biennium and about $97.7 million in the next biennium, with most savings tied to HR1-related Medical Assistance changes affecting adults without children. The Department of Health provisions were described as largely cost-neutral, with some increases for implementation, data, and IT work. Staff then reviewed the DE1, which combines several bills into four articles. The bill includes health licensing board changes, Department of Health provisions such as all-payer claims database fees, newborn screening fee exceptions, loan forgiveness and scholarship program extensions, workforce shortage grant changes, and reciprocal licensure and mortuary science provisions. The federal conformity article makes changes related to MA work and community engagement requirements, six-month renewals, retroactive eligibility limits, contact information updates, cost sharing for MA expansion enrollees, and related provider tax and disability-notice provisions. Article 4 and Article 5 were described as forecast adjustments for DHS and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Public testimony focused largely on the federal conformity and eligibility provisions. Legal aid testified that the work requirements and retroactive eligibility changes would be confusing, could expand requirements beyond intended groups, and would increase uncompensated care. The Minnesota Hospital Association said shortening retroactive eligibility would increase uncompensated care and strain hospital finances, and Unidos Minnesota criticized the immigrant eligibility changes as harmful to lawfully present immigrants and Native communities. Blood Cancer United supported the all-payer claims database provisions and urged attention to fertility coverage. Representative Elkins offered an amendment to add $55,000 for the Department of Health to include denied-claims data in the all-payer claims database; Department of Health staff said the idea was useful and provided a one-time setup cost, but the amendment was not acted on in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the remaining portion goes 25% to the Department of Education for truancy and dropout prevention
• I'm the acting director for the Office of Native American Affairs with the California Department of Justice
• And I know this for a fact: I am a formerly incarcerated Native American who had benefit from these services
• prison are three times more likely to go back and I know this for a fact I am a formerly incarcerated Native

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on Proposition 36 and its implementation, with judicial and budget officials describing it as a major shift from misdemeanor to felony processing for repeat drug possession and certain theft offenses. Witnesses explained that the law creates a treatment-mandated felony process that can lead to dismissal if a defendant completes treatment, but also requires evaluations, court monitoring, and potentially long, open-ended supervision. Judicial representatives said the new law is already generating large numbers of filings, creating workload, staffing, courtroom, and facility pressures, and that access to treatment beds, housing, and evaluation capacity is limiting participation. Several speakers emphasized that collaborative courts are effective but are not a perfect fit for Prop. 36 because those programs are typically probation-based and serve different risk/need populations. Court officials from San Bernardino and Orange counties said the impacts vary by county but are severe, with some counties seeing hundreds or more filings in a short period and others moving more slowly to build treatment infrastructure first. They argued that Prop. 36 is effectively an unfunded mandate unless the state provides more resources for judges, staff, facilities, treatment, housing, and supervision. The Legislative Analyst’s Office noted that Prop. 36 will reduce the Proposition 47 savings that fund mental health and substance use treatment grants, but said the near-term reduction is relatively modest and that the full effect will take time to appear because of the way those savings are calculated. Members of the committee repeatedly raised concerns that the state is underfunding the courts and counties needed to carry out the new law. The committee also reviewed the Governor’s proposed trial court operations budget, including a partial restoration of a prior $97 million cut and additional ongoing funding. Judicial branch officials said the restoration helped avoid furloughs, hiring freezes, and service reductions, and supported cybersecurity, technology, staffing, and records management. The LAO recommended that the Legislature seek more detail on how midyear restorations are handled and consider clarifying language for transferring unspent trial court trust fund monies to the General Fund. Finance said the flexibility in the ongoing funding was intentional and would be taken back for consideration. In a separate item, the committee heard testimony on a $6.3 million increase for Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal appointed counsel programs. Judicial officials and appellate project representatives said the system is facing a crisis because indigent appeals have risen sharply while the number of panel attorneys has fallen, leaving many cases waiting months for counsel. They argued the proposed increase would help but is still below what is needed to recruit and retain attorneys and prevent delays that affect criminal, juvenile, and child welfare cases. The committee also discussed the Tracy courthouse project in San Joaquin County, where local officials said reopening a courthouse closed since 2011 is necessary to serve a growing population and relieve overcrowding elsewhere. The LAO and Finance both noted the project is next in line under the facilities plan, though LAO suggested the Legislature could consider whether other facility priorities should come first.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a native U.S. born citizen and a resident of Texas for more than 30 years.
• I have been educated by this session, so thank you, committee, for allowing us citizens, who you work
• I've had the pleasure of testifying before you in the Education Committee. Thank you. Unmute.
• Texans deserve leaders who focus on what truly matters: public health and education.
• We have not seen any data or maps, so we can't form an educated opinion.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with NM Native Vote. I'm here in support of SB 55.
• This bill helps not just families, but it also helps our small businesses, our farmers, and our Native
• This model is the same process that's used for regents in our educational institutions.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Laboratory testing public education Laboratory testing public education childproof<00:46:29.200>
• those in the room who aren't uh educated those in the room who aren't uh educated on<01:01:26.160
• That's primarily been people of color, including Native Hawaiians.
• That's primarily been people of color, including Native Hawaiians.
• It ruined my education. It put me in dangerous situations.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committees on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs and Agriculture and Food Systems heard testimony and began decision-making on HB 1246, which would establish the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office within DCCA to regulate cannabis. Chair Tarnas described the bill as divisive and noted the hearing had received 95 testimonies in support, 135 in opposition, and 11 comments. Members were told the office would be administratively attached to DCCA, and the department emphasized it would not direct day-to-day operations. DCCA also raised concerns about banking access due to federal law, while the Department of Agriculture supported a one-plant, one-agency approach and noted its current authority over cannabis plant importation and movement. Several agencies and advocates supported the bill with cautions or requested amendments. The Department of Health said it appreciated the bill’s public health protections but remained concerned about increased adult-use access, youth mental health, pregnancy-related risks, and effects on developing brains; it requested a 12-month delayed effective date. The Attorney General’s office said legalization should include safeguards, recommended a longer implementation timeline and seed funding, and flagged issues in the bill involving impaired driving, open-container language, and penalties for under-21 possession. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill but objected to new driving and possession offenses, saying existing law already covers impaired driving. Doctors for Drug Policy Reform supported the measure, citing regulation of intoxicating cannabinoids, testing, childproof packaging, and public education as public-health benefits. Opponents focused on youth access, public safety, and the bill’s broader social effects. The Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill over access and diversion concerns, and the City and County of Honolulu Prosecutor strongly opposed legalization, citing higher-potency cannabis, youth harms, psychiatric risks, and increased poison-center calls. The Hawaiʻi Substance Abuse Coalition argued legalization should wait until prevention programs are in place and funded first, while the Hawaiʻi Family Forum and Hawaiian Republican Women also opposed the measure, citing concerns about youth exposure, added bureaucracy, and taxpayer costs. The Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi questioned the purpose of the proposed cannabis taxes, asking why cannabis should be taxed heavily if legalization is intended. The hearing continued with additional testimony after a brief audio issue for one testifier.

Transcript Highlights:

• education.
• education.
• education.
• education.
• education.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Economic opportunity for fair wages, infrastructure, and education.
• Fully fund public education. Stop destroying it. Get out of HISD. Stay out.
• My name is Jerome Wald, and I'm a native Houstonian. I am a retired Texas State employee.
• Our values are faith, family, love of country, economic opportunities, and better education.
• I'm a native Houstonian. I am in Congressional District 18.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Chair Harrell: GOOD AFTERNOON AND WELCOME TO THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION.
• WITH THAT, WE HAVE WONDERFUL PAGES COMING IN, WELCOME TO THE EDUCATION, HIGHER EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
• CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INSTITUTIONAL OPERATIONS.
• Calatayud: THANK YOU SENATOR WHEN I VIEW EDUCATION POLICY >> Sen.
• AND HIGHER EDUCATION BILL.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Educate me on that a little bit. Thanks.
• Educate me on that a little bit. Thanks. Great questions. Mr.
• Educate me on that a little bit. Thanks. Great questions. Mr.
• bill um this is something that Education bill um this is something that Education Minnesota<01:16
• for our that can foster education for our that can foster education Community<01:27:11.320> family

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He is a native of Jackson, Louisiana.
• He received his theological education from Christian Biblical College and Jefferson Theological Seminary
• She returned to school to pursue higher education, earning a bachelor's degree in Latin American studies
• and make recommendations regarding modernization of the state's problem gambling prevention and education
• and make recommendations regarding modernization of the state's problem gambling prevention and education

Bills: SCR12, HB221, HB509, HCR58, HB75, HB1222, SB121, SB312, SB348, SB485, SCR9, SCR58, SB65, SB215, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR54, HCR79, HCR87, HCR94, HCR104, HCR32, HB944, HB17, HB41, HB73, HB223, HB244, HB410, HB750, HB759, HB906, HB966, HB1006, HB1009, HB1086, HB1107, HB1112, HB1215, HB1242, SB208, SB217, SB283, SB387, SB389, SB401, SB408, SB469, HB74, HB119, HB368, HB414, HB552, HB732, HB776, HB848, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB149, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB382, SB441, SB449, HB134, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB784, HB1117

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, Mississippi River bridge, Trump Expressway, transportation, federal funding, Louisiana highways, injection wells, public hearing, geologic sequestration, environmental impact, public comment, Ascension Parish, state capitol, economic development, community partnership, celebration day