Video & Transcript : 'Indian affairs' :
Page 182 of 472
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 58 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and matters currently before the Joint Committee on Agriculture and the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs
- Fisheries, and be it further ordered that all matters currently before the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs
- Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, and the current members of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs
Summary:
The House received a gubernatorial message requesting certain fiscal year 2026 appropriations before final action on the general appropriation bill, and referred it to the Committee on Ways and Means. It also adopted several congratulatory and honorary resolutions, including recognitions for retiring members and public servants, and later welcomed a number of guests and honorees to the chamber.
The main legislative business was House Bill 423, establishing a sick leave bank for James Caruso of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. After the Public Service Committee reported the bill ought to pass, the House suspended the rules, gave it a second reading, and ordered it to a third reading. Later, the House also took up House No. 1590, a sick leave bank bill for Eric Inakwick of the Trial Court, adopted an amendment adding an emergency preamble, and passed it to be engrossed as amended.
A major action of the day was adoption of the conference committee report on the joint rules for the 2025-2026 legislative session. Members from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing reforms intended to improve transparency, public access, committee notice, live streaming, posting of votes and summaries online, and more efficient handling of legislation. The report was adopted by roll call, 147-2. The House also approved an order transferring matters from the Joint Committee on Agriculture to the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, and from Elder Affairs to Aging and Independence.
The House briefly questioned quorum several times, then recessed and later adjourned to meet Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session. The chamber also recognized the retirement of Chief Court Officer Gene DePersio, with remarks entered into the record.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Apr 15th, 2026
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill also directs the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, charging them with writing
- My name is Jessica Moore, and I serve as Director of Government Affairs for the Massachusetts Restaurant
- The legislation also requires the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation to ensure clear
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on House Bill 5036, concerning consumer information related to tariffs, and House Bill 5138, concerning consumer protections for low-value tender scarcity and penny rounding. The chairs opened with procedural remarks, noted both chambers were in session, and explained that testimony would be limited to three minutes. The hearing also included light discussion of the committee’s one-year anniversary and the large volume of bills the committee handles.
Testimony on H. 5138 was broadly supportive. Senator Paul Feeney, the bill’s co-sponsor, said the measure would address confusion caused by the penny’s scarcity by creating a statewide cash-rounding standard to the nearest five cents, with rounding up or down depending on the final digit. He emphasized that the bill would apply only to cash transactions and would require consumer notice rules from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Representatives from the Massachusetts Package Stores Association, Massachusetts Retailers Association, Massachusetts Restaurant Association, and New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association all supported the bill, citing operational efficiency, legal clarity, fairness, and reduced burden on retailers and restaurants. The Retailers Association suggested amendments to make rounding discretionary rather than mandatory and to clarify that taxes and fees would not be affected.
Testimony on H. 5036 was largely opposed by business groups. The Massachusetts Retailers Association, New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association, and Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association all said the tariff disclosure requirements would be difficult or impossible to implement in practice, especially given frequent tariff changes and the complexity of pricing goods and vehicles. They argued the bill would create compliance burdens and could increase costs rather than help consumers. No votes were taken on either bill. The hearing concluded after no further witnesses came forward, and the committee voted to close the hearing.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EIG-TRS, EIG-JDC Public Hearings 04-07-2026
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a joint committee with the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and our good friends
- We're convening our joint committees with Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and our good
- We're convening our joint committees with Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and our good
Committee:
Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Summary:
The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, Transportation, and later Judiciary heard two sets of resolutions. The first, SCR 132 and SR 124, urged the City and County of Honolulu to take steps to finalize the Makakilo Drive Extension Project. Testimony from a Makakilo resident emphasized the lack of a second access route and raised safety concerns about being trapped in the area in an emergency. Both committees voted to pass the resolutions unamended.
The second set, SCR 11 and SR 9, requested that the U.S. Congress amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, federally funded programs, credit, and jury service. Supporters from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, IMUA Alliance, and Pride at Work in Hawaii argued that stronger anti-discrimination protections are needed to reduce vulnerability to violence, housing insecurity, and exploitation, and to provide federal protections that mirror state law. One senator asked whether state protections already exist and was told the resolutions seek federal-level protections because federal law can supersede state law. Both committees adopted recommendations to pass SCR 11 and SR 9 unamended, with votes in favor and some members excused.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Feb 24th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the February 24th, 2026, meeting of the State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee
- And with that, our last meeting of this session for the State Government, Tribal Affairs and Elections
- That our last meeting of this session for the State Government, Tribal Affairs and Elections Committee
Bills:
HB1759 , HB2417 , HB2632 , HB2249 , HB2574 , HB2309 , HB2235 , SGA9066 , SGA9246 , SGA9268 , SGA9267
Keywords:
designation, commemoration, December 12, local observance, cultural significance, military justice, victims' rights, militia, Washington code, legal protections, citizenship, immigration, terminology, rights, legal status, HB 2249, Washington Technology Solutions, WaTech, civil service, classified service
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to House State Affairs. Thank you, Mr. Chair and committee. My name is Brandon Mitchell.
- Representative Shepard, welcome to House State Affairs. House Bill 573.
- Representative Shepard, welcome to House State Affairs.
Committee:
House State Affairs
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- be referred to the Health and Welfare Committee, while Senate Bill 1268 is referred to the State Affairs
- In the Senate, Senate Resolution 113 by the State Affairs Committee, a Senate resolution stating findings
- In the House of Representatives, House Concurrent Resolution 25 by the State Affairs Committee, a concurrent
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 13, 2026 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair: Now we will move to PCB GOS 26-11 OGSR Department of Military Affairs.
- 26-11 extends the repeal of public record exemption information held by the Department of Military Affairs
- Greco: This is for the Department of Records for Military Affairs.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Communications and Conveyance
Transcript Highlights:
- service providers to report key pricing and speed performance data to the Department of Consumer Affairs
- provide flexibility through a standardized reporting template developed by the Department of Consumer Affairs
- The next committee will give further consideration to the role of the Department of Consumer Affairs
Committee:
House Communications and Conveyance
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Government Operations Committee referred your House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs
- 02.600><c> to</c><00:27:02.679><c> make</c> Your House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs
- on Government Operations<00:27:36.880><c> and</c><00:27:37.000><c> Military</c><00:27:37.440><c> Affairs
- </c><00:27:38.040><c> found</c> Operations and Military Affairs found Operations and Military Affairs
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Apr 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for the California Travel Association.
- Here to testify in support is Nicole Corrin, Corinne, State Affairs Manager with the Office of Mayor
- My name is Nicole Curry, and I serve as State Affairs Manager to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the proud
- individuals representing Martin Luther King Community Hospital, and one is the vice president of community affairs
- Nakasi, and I serve as Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Martin Luther King Community
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Emergency Management met to consider a large slate of bills, first approving a consent calendar that included measures on emergency management and related topics, with several bills moved on a due pass basis to Appropriations or other policy committees. The committee then heard AB 2013, which would require community water systems to report on wildfire-related preparedness measures such as tank levels, backup generators, and pump hardening. The author argued the bill would provide needed transparency after repeated wildfire water failures, while water agency and municipal utility representatives opposed it, saying it would create new standards, liability concerns, and duplicative reporting. The bill was ultimately passed to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, with some members voting aye and one member not voting.
The committee also approved AB 2385, which would authorize local governments to create local reconstruction agencies for disaster recovery planning and rebuilding; supporters from the League of California Cities and the Los Angeles fire recovery community said it would help communities plan before disasters and speed recovery. AB 2492, concerning public safety coordination for major sporting events like the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympics, was supported by the California Travel Association and passed to Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism. AB 2370, which clarifies Cal OES authority over statewide public safety communications systems, was supported by operating engineers and passed to Utilities and Energy. AB 2475, dealing with after-action report timelines and local reporting requirements, was also approved and sent to Appropriations.
Later, the committee passed AB 2543, which addresses emergency preparedness for electric vehicle fast-charging infrastructure, and AB 2411, which would create a temporary process for in-state and out-of-state law enforcement to supplement security during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The most debated measure after AB 2013 was AB 2405, which would require law enforcement to transport patients to the nearest appropriate emergency department and report transport patterns. The author and Martin Luther King Community Hospital described severe overcrowding and frequent long-distance drop-offs, while some members raised concerns about rural impacts, exigent circumstances, and added reporting burdens. Despite those concerns, the bill passed to the Committee on Public Safety. At the end of the hearing, the committee reopened the roll to add votes from absent members on several items before adjourning.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- for the prohibition of fees for health records when requested for the Federal and State Veterans Affairs
- Connor Junkin, Executive Counsel for the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Counsel for the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Connor Junkin, Executive Counsel for the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Council for the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.
Committee:
House Civil Law and Procedure
Summary:
The House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure met on May 23, 2006, and considered a series of civil law bills, most of them reported favorably or as amended. Representative Mandy Landry’s HB 135, which updated motor vehicle exemptions from seizure in bankruptcy by raising vehicle value limits, allowing a second vehicle, increasing the exemption for vehicles adapted for persons with disabilities, and protecting certain HSA funds, was reported favorably. Her HB 297, expanding early lease termination rights to include stalking and cyberstalking victims, was also reported favorably after supportive testimony from housing and domestic violence advocates.
Representative Robbie Carter presented HB 292 on security deposits, HB 215 on raising the small succession threshold from $125,000 to $200,000, HB 226 on requests for admissions, and HB 216 on service of process. HB 292 was amended to give landlords an additional 15 days to send itemized security deposit statements and then reported as amended. HB 215 was reported favorably over opposition from the Clerks of Court Association, which argued the higher threshold would reduce clerk-generated revenue. HB 226 was amended to require a Rule 10.1 discovery conference before filing a motion based on unanswered requests for admissions and then reported as amended. HB 216, which would have allowed parties to choose how they receive service in later filings, drew concerns about practicality and electronic service and was voluntarily deferred.
The committee also reported favorably HB 609, which exempts veterans from one-time fees for obtaining private medical records needed for disability claims, and voluntarily deferred HB 170 and HB 194 at the authors’ requests. Representative Weibel’s HB 284, modeled on existing blight and expropriation procedures, would expand local government tools to address abandoned and blighted property and was reported as amended after questions about property rights, notice, heirs, and title protection. Finally, the committee took up HB 142, a Law Institute package of civil procedure revisions, including changes to default judgments, appeals, motions to quash, trial notices, small claims reconventional demands, and abandonment procedures; after discussion of the abandonment affidavit requirements and appeal record costs, the bill was reported as amended. The meeting ended with adjournment.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 051 Mar 6th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The state veteran and military affairs committee will be meeting 15 minutes upon...
- The state veteran<00:53:10.240><c> and</c><00:53:10.400><c> military</c><00:53:10.800><c> affairs</c>
- <00:53:11.119><c> committee</c> veteran and military affairs committee veteran and military affairs committee
- <c> 15</c><00:53:12.480><c> minutes</c><00:53:12.800><c> upon</c> The State Veterans and Military Affairs
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Feb 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And Seamus Nolan, the Director of Commercial and Government Affairs.
- And government affairs.
- I’m Seamus Nolan, Director of Commercial and Government Affairs at Switch Maritime.
- Dana DeBelle, Managing Director of State and Local Government Affairs for Delta Airlines, thank you for
- My name is Alethea Miller, and I'm the state and local government affairs manager at Alaska Airlines.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee met for a work session and public hearing on February 19, 2026. In the work session, Switch Maritime presented a proposal for hydrogen fuel cell ferries for Washington State, including a budget proviso directing the Joint Transportation Committee to study hydrogen propulsion and a lease model for future Washington State Ferries procurement. The company described its Sea Change vessel, said the design could be adapted for Washington routes such as San Juan Islands–Anacortes, and emphasized that hydrogen fueling could be delivered through a mobile supply chain without new charging infrastructure. Senators asked about vessel flexibility, size, hydrogen availability, and terminal compatibility.
The committee also received an update from WSDOT on the new public-private partnership program authorized in 2025. Staff said the agency is developing a four-phase implementation process, including consultant selection, a steering committee, a program manual, stakeholder engagement, and candidate project identification, with a report due to the transportation committees on September 1, 2026 and program launch targeted for January 1, 2027. The presentation stressed that the program manual will provide flexibility within the statute and that legislative input is being sought on engagement and project timing.
The public hearing was on Senate Bill 6352, an omnibus transportation resources bill that revises and expands provisions from last year’s ESSB 5801. Staff outlined sections covering a mobile driver’s license and ID card program, a reduced-fee ID card for older drivers, changes to alternative fuel and aviation taxes and fees, revised sales tax distributions for ferry and multimodal funding, transit and bicycle education grants, fish passage permitting, clean energy siting on WSDOT right-of-way, toll notice procedures, older driver safety outreach, traffic safety camera revenue sharing, and a delay to the tow-truck indigent impound reimbursement program. The prime sponsor highlighted two priorities: digital driver’s licenses and dedicated ferry funding.
Testimony was mixed. Supporters included airlines and aviation groups backing mobile ID and repeal of the luxury aircraft tax, transit and bicycle safety advocates supporting grant flexibility and continued bike education funding, and ferry advocates supporting dedicated ferry revenue. Local governments, including Bellevue, Kenmore, and Tacoma, raised concerns about the traffic camera revenue change, saying the shift from net to gross revenue would reduce local safety funding and could discourage new camera programs. The Association of Washington Cities also warned about unintended consequences in the fish passage and traffic camera provisions. RV dealers sought a delay to the luxury vehicle tax, and peer-to-peer car-sharing platform Turo asked for clarification on documentation requirements. The committee took no final vote and announced it would consider executive action the following week.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Feb 17th, 2026
Privacy and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- And, you know, we have a legislative team, or Office of Legislative Affairs, that I'm working closely
- And, you know, we have a legislative team or office of legislative affairs that I'm working closely with
- been receiving and really work on, you know, being open to these discussions through our legislative affairs
- been receiving and really work on, you know, being open to these discussions through our legislative affairs
- So, I'm sure my Office of Legislative Affairs can get back to you with more specifics. Thank you.
Committee:
House Privacy and Consumer Protection
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 25 (2-11-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 162, and 170; to the Transportation Committee: Senate Joint Resolution 90; to Veterans, Military Affairs
- 162, and 170; to the Transportation Committee: Senate Joint Resolution 90; to Veterans, Military Affairs
- :13:07.440><c> Military</c> Resolution 90 to Veterans Military Resolution 90 to Veterans Military Affairs
- and</c><00:13:08.480><c> Public</c><00:13:08.880><c> Protection,</c><00:13:10.000><c> Senate</c> Affairs
- and Public Protection, Senate Affairs and Public Protection, Senate Bills<00:13:11.120><c> 47,</c><00
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call establishing a quorum, and approval of the previous day’s journal. The House clerk then informed the Senate that the House had passed House Bills 49 and 470 and requested concurrence. The clerk also read the second-reading calendar, which included Senate Bills 45, 98, 118, 145, 153, 155, 158, and 160, all of which were sent to the Rules Committee. Committee reports placed several bills on the calendar, including SB 69, 56, 72, 57, 172, 9, 141, and 110, with various committee substitutes and title amendments noted. The Rules Committee later posted those bills for the next day’s regular orders, and the Committee on Committees made several referrals, including SB 41 to Appropriations and Revenue; SBs 124 and 152 to Education; SBs 125, 138, 162, and 170 to Judiciary; SJR 90 to Transportation; SBs 47, 104, and 159 to Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and Senate Resolutions 85 through 89 to the floor.
During floor business, members filed amendments and co-sponsorship requests, including amendments to SB 39 and SB 110 and co-sponsorships for bills such as SB 98, SB 172, SB 63, SB 135, SB 179, and SB 169. Senators also made several announcements and remarks, including notice of upcoming committee meetings, a reception for working families, the National Farm Machinery Show, and concerns about coal, energy affordability, and a constituent’s high utility bill. One senator called up Senate Resolution 82 for the next day, and the chamber adopted Senate Resolution 84, honoring Harriet Thompson of Winchester for her service to the Clark County Republican Women’s Club and the Republican Party.
New legislation was introduced, including SB 180 on property valuation, SB 184 on education reporting, SBs 185-187 on branch budget recommendations and branch budget bills, SB 188 on railroad safety, and SCR 96 to reestablish the disaster prevention and resiliency task force. No floor votes were taken on the bills themselves during this meeting beyond the adoption of SR 84. The Senate then recessed for committee meetings, returned, and adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- investment managers; SB 1684, school liability, bowling, serious injuries; SB 1685, School Latino Affairs
- President, your Committee on Military Affairs and Border Security, having under consideration Senate
- President, your committee on military affairs and board of security having under consideration set of
- Military Affairs and Border Security Committee, that I've had to vote no on.
- With the President's permission, Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency will be meeting at 9 a.m
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 27 present, and approval of the prior journal. Members then introduced guests, including representatives of the Arizona Fair Association, Mohave County fair staff, a constituent guest, a physician candidate shadowing a senator, Father David Myers, and the Doctor of the Day. The chamber also received messages and read a long list of bills placed on second reading.
The Committee of the Whole considered three measures. SB 1268, a veterans property tax exemption cleanup bill, was explained as clarifying that the exemption applies to a veteran’s primary residence and, if jointly owned, still counts as 100 percent; it received a do pass recommendation. SB 1051, requiring hospitals to collect and report patient immigration-status information for accounting purposes, drew extensive debate. Supporters said it would improve accountability for hospital spending and taxpayer costs, while opponents argued it would intimidate patients, discourage care, burden hospitals, and target immigrants unfairly. Despite repeated points of order and appeals over germaneness and remarks, the bill advanced on a 16-13 vote. SB 1316, creating a rural health transformation fund process with public hearings and JLBC involvement, was presented as a transparency measure for roughly $167 million in federal rural health funds; supporters favored legislative input, while opponents said it added bureaucracy and could delay care. It advanced 17-13.
The Committee of the Whole reported all three bills do pass, and the Senate adopted the report. HB 2792 was substituted for SB 1268 as an identical measure and passed with the emergency clause by a 29-1 vote. SB 1123 and SB 1145 also passed, and SB 1125, dealing with child safety and communication with tribal nations regarding group homes, passed unanimously 30-0. SB 1316 passed 17-13, and SB 1051 passed 17-13 after a lengthy floor debate in which supporters framed it as a fiscal/accountability measure and opponents called it harmful, anti-immigrant, and likely to deter medical care. The Senate then announced committee meetings for the next day and adjourned until Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- move the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee substitute for a Senate Health and Public Affairs
- For a Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee substitute for Senate Bill 20.
- the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee substitute for the Senate Health and Public Affairs
- I do pass on Senate Tax Business Transportation Committee substitute for Senate Health and Public Affairs
- I'm the Vice President of Government Affairs of Planned Parenthood.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 20, as amended, which would limit prior authorization for certain medications used to treat serious mental illness and extend prior authorization approvals for other chronic maintenance drugs to three years. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce treatment interruptions and administrative burden for patients, clinicians, and pharmacies, while opponents argued the three-year period could raise safety concerns, reduce annual clinical review, and increase costs and premiums. After public testimony and committee discussion, the bill passed on a 7-2 vote.
The committee then considered SB 21, as amended, establishing an annual Medigap open enrollment period with guaranteed issue protections for eligible Medicare beneficiaries already enrolled in Medigap plans. The Aging and Long-Term Services Department said the measure would give seniors more flexibility to change plans as their needs and premiums change, and OSI said premium impacts were expected to be limited. An amendment setting the effective date at January 1, 2027 was adopted, and the bill passed unanimously.
Next, the committee heard SB 177, a large economic development package centered on quantum, advanced energy, defense, and related workforce and research investments. The sponsor and administration witnesses described New Mexico as uniquely positioned to attract major private and federal investment, while members raised questions about guardrails, reporting, use of the Research and Development Fund, and whether EDD could manage the spending and educational components. An amendment removed the public safety section, a technical title fix was adopted, and the bill passed 9-1.
The committee also took up SB 189, which would protect existing coverage and expand insurance coverage for reproductive and gender-affirming care, including mid-year enrollment options for pregnancy and coverage for double electric breast pumps. Supporters said the bill would prevent abrupt coverage changes and ensure access to care, while opponents objected to abortion-related coverage and argued existing law and Medicaid already cover much of the care. A motion to table failed, and the bill then passed 6-4. Finally, the committee unanimously passed Senate Memorial 6 honoring golfer Nancy Lopez and her New Mexico roots and achievements.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- investment managers; SB 1684, school liability, bowling, serious injuries; SB 1685, school Latino Affairs
- President, your Committee on Military Affairs and Border Security, having under consideration Senate
- President, your Committee on Military Affairs and Border Security, having under consideration Senate
- President, your committee on military affairs and board of security having under consideration set of
- Senate Bill 1051, because 1051 is just one of many bills that we've heard in committee, Military Affairs
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs Feb 3rd, 2026
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, everyone, welcome to your Rural Development, Land Grants and Cultural Affairs Committee meeting
- I'm the Director of Government Affairs for the New Mexico Association of Realtors.
- a do pass on the committee substitute from the House Rural Development, Land Grants and Cultural Affairs
- not pass on House Bill 110 with a do pass on the House Rural Development, Land Grants and Cultural Affairs
- Do pass on the House Rural Development, Land Grants and Cultural Affairs Committee substitute for House
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 110, as amended by a committee substitute, which would require quarterly public reporting of housing development and permitting data by Class A counties and municipalities over a population threshold. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to improve transparency, identify bottlenecks in housing approvals, and help policymakers and developers understand permitting timelines and staffing needs. Support came from home builders, realtors, economic development, housing advocates, and some local officials, who argued that consistent data would help address New Mexico’s housing shortage and support better policy decisions. Opponents, mainly from the Municipal League and several smaller cities, argued the bill was an unfunded mandate, a step toward state preemption of local control, and a burden on municipal staff; they also warned it could expand to smaller communities later.
Committee members raised concerns about rural impacts, the lack of penalties in the bill, whether the data already exists and could be obtained voluntarily, and what the state would do with the information after collection. The sponsor said the bill was only a reporting measure, not a preemption bill, and that the data would help identify where resources or staffing support are needed. During discussion, the sponsor agreed to amendments discussed with the Vice Chair to raise the population threshold from 30,000 to 40,000 and add a five-year sunset, which would remove several smaller municipalities from coverage. The committee then voted 4-3 to give the committee substitute a do pass recommendation, with the bill itself receiving a do not pass recommendation; several members explained their votes by emphasizing either support for the data effort or concern about mandates and future expansion.
The committee then heard HM 24, which asks the Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty Division of the Department of Justice and the Land Grant Council to study the potential consequences of restructuring the Las Vegas land grant. The sponsor and witnesses explained that the Las Vegas land grant is uniquely managed through the Fourth Judicial District Court and that the memorial would help explore the historical basis for that arrangement and possible paths toward greater autonomy. Supporters said the study could help the land grant move toward independent governance and clarify procedures and policies. The committee approved the memorial on a do pass motion without opposition, and the meeting adjourned afterward.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Oct 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Now we will have Libby Gozo with the Department of Legal Affairs, Attorney General's Office, for their
- Like she said, I am Libby Gozo, the Legislative Affairs Director for the Office of the Attorney General
- He's the chief legal officer of this state and the head of the Department of Legal Affairs.
- So we have the Department of Legal Affairs, Office of Attorney General, the statewide prosecution office
- We are requesting rate and trust fund authority from the Legal Affairs Revolving Trust Fund.
Summary:
The committee met to hear fiscal year 2026-2027 legislative budget requests from several justice-related agencies. The Florida Commission on Offender Review requested funding for investigator and revocation staff salary increases to address turnover, plus nonrecurring funds for Wi-Fi, seven vehicles, technology support, and commissioner salary adjustments. The State Courts Administrator presented a broad judicial branch request focused on trial court case-management technology, additional case managers, trust fund authority for child support hearing officers, courthouse furnishings, district court flexibility in staffing, a future courthouse for the Sixth District Court of Appeal, Supreme Court elevator replacement, POM accounting implementation support, judicial security liaison positions tied to the Florida Fusion Center, expanded senior management service authority, and judicial salary adjustments. The Office of the Attorney General outlined pay and operating requests for consumer protection, citizen services, ethics, crime compensation, victim services, vehicle replacement, IT and cybersecurity, lease and operating costs, and PALM-related expenses, while several senators questioned the office about outside counsel contracts, contingency-fee arrangements, transparency, and the use of private law firms.
The Department of Corrections made the largest presentation, describing severe staffing shortages, high turnover, rising inmate populations, increased assaults, and heavy overtime use. Secretary Ricky Dixon said the agency’s request was driven by constitutional and public safety needs and included funding for operations, security equipment, inflationary costs, vehicle replacement, offender information system modernization, technology restoration, inmate health services, drug and food cost increases, staffing pilots, maintenance, security infrastructure, Florida PALM, recruitment and retention, and $56 million for new correctional housing units. Members asked about inmate labor, prison safety, overtime, vehicle breakdowns, and whether more National Guard support was needed; Dixon said the agency needed more staffing and pay competitiveness rather than a long-term military presence. A correctional officers’ union representative also urged support for pay raises, citing low pay and staffing concerns.
No votes were taken on the budget requests. The chair allowed extended questioning, especially for the Department of Corrections, but noted time constraints and asked agencies to return in a later committee meeting, including FDLE, which was deferred because of a House site visit.