Video & Transcript Research : 'Alaska Native tribes'
Page 21 of 204
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 11, 2025 - 10:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- I've been running boats for about 30 years, moved boats all the way from Alaska to Florida.
- I'm a Florida native. I'm a retired businessman.
- We have Travis Moore from Ocean and Florida Native Plants. You are recognized. Thank you, Mr.
- Travis Moore, Florida Native Plant Society, waive in support. Cape Romigan from the South...
Summary:
The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met and heard several bills on boating, anchoring, plastics, coastal resilience, and permitting. HB 735, expanding the Boating Improvement Program to fund boat-trailer parking at public ramps and offering a submerged land lease discount for manufacturers using environmental best practices, drew no opposition and was reported favorably. HB 371, a nature-based coastal resilience bill, was amended with a strike-all and then reported favorably with committee substitute. HB 287, allowing building or plumbing permits to move forward while septic system permits are still under review, also passed favorably after testimony from the onsite wastewater industry and a brief debate about construction delays and final occupancy certification.
The committee also took up HB 565 on auxiliary containers, which would preempt local regulation of items like bags, cups, and bottles and maintain statewide uniformity. The sponsor argued it protects consumer choice and business consistency, while environmental groups, PTA representatives, and others warned it would worsen plastic pollution, microplastics, and local cleanup burdens. Despite opposition and a 13-5 vote with several members opposed, the bill was reported favorably. Members also discussed HB 565’s policy background, including prior DEP studies and the tension between state preemption and local environmental regulation.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 565 in the transcript’s boating context, actually HB 565 on anchoring limitations in Biscayne Bay and other heavily impacted areas. Supporters from Miami Beach and North Bay Village said derelict and anchored vessels are harming waterways, seagrass, public safety, and enforcement efforts, while cruisers and boating groups argued the bill would displace responsible boaters and fail to solve derelict-vessel problems. The committee adopted an amendment, then reported the bill favorably with committee substitute by an 18-0 vote. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were completed and the subcommittee adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Dec 9th, 2025 at 08:40 am
Transcript Highlights:
- It has letters of support by other counties within their region, nations, tribals, and tribes as well
- You have a map on page 22 of the tribes listed or mentioned.
- All those tribes and nations participated in that tribal consultation on December 2nd. Mr.
- I would estimate about 15 to 17 of New Mexico's 23 nations, pueblos, and tribes were in participation
- And that includes even the Native children that we have in our secure facilities.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC – Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee Jul 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, at Green Hill, young people who are American Indian, Alaska Native, Black, Hispanic, or
- multiracial young people who are American Indian, Alaska Native, Black, Hispanic, or multiracial are
Summary:
The committee met on July 15, 2026, but initially lacked a quorum, so it could not adopt prior minutes. Chair Jerry Pollett welcomed new member Senator Victoria Hunt and new JLARC staff, and noted national recognition for recent JLARC reports. The meeting then moved into a series of preliminary audit presentations and an agency strategic management update, with committee members asking questions after each item.
JLARC presented a preliminary audit of DCYF’s Juvenile Rehabilitation programs. Staff concluded that crowding, staffing shortages, weak risk assessments, and inconsistent programming combine to create unsafe conditions. The report found that most youth are housed in two large secure facilities operating near or above capacity, incidents rise as population rises, 47% of frontline staff leave within a year, current assessment tools are not valid for the population, and program access depends more on facility than individual need. JLARC made one recommendation to the legislature to address crowding and seven to DCYF, including improving retention, training, incident response procedures, validated assessments, program alignment, and data quality. DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter said the agency agreed overcrowding is a serious problem, described ongoing efforts to improve staffing and safety, and said a detailed response would be provided later. Committee members raised concerns about education access, retaliation against staff or youth who participated in the audit, and whether JR-25 has helped or worsened conditions.
JLARC then presented a preliminary audit of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker labor laws. The audit found that L&I generally meets inspection timelines for health and safety complaints, but not for wage and hour or retaliation complaints, where delays are driven largely by time before assignment to an investigator. Staff said complaint volume exceeds capacity, though the agency has added staff, created screening processes, and reorganized workloads, and 2026 legislation now allows prioritization of complaints and broader investigations. JLARC recommended that L&I report back in December 2026 and December 2027 on backlog reduction and implementation of the new law. An L&I representative said the agency is hiring additional staff and will provide a formal response later. The committee also received a JLARC overview and Department of Health strategic management plan update on hospital data reporting, inspections, complaints, and adverse event reporting. DOH reported measurable progress on inspection compliance, new staffing and licensing systems, translated complaint forms, and plans for future work on language access, adverse event reporting, and financial data dashboards.
After lunch, JLARC began its 2026 tax preference performance reviews. The first review covered the Main Street tax credit, which JLARC said has helped increase the number of Main Street communities and businesses, with positive growth near designated districts; JLARC recommended continuing the preference and improving business-count data. The second review covered the equitable access to credit program, which JLARC said appears to support underserved communities by funding loans through CDFIs; JLARC recommended continuing the preference beyond its 2027 expiration. The committee began questions on the program mechanics and the role of the Community Reinvestment Act, and the presentation was still underway when the transcript ended.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- /c><00:05:36.240>
back <00:05:36.400>to <00:05:36.639>their <00:05:36.880>native - and then come back to their native and then come back to their native agency<00:05:38.320>
uh - If a trooper doesn't a tribe member.
- on a state across a member of the tribe on a state highway<00:18:00.240>
that <00:18:00.480>- be in violation of a federal law tribe be in violation of a federal law and<00:18:56.080>
if < - be in violation of a federal law tribe be in violation of a federal law and<00:18:56.080>
Keywords:
Second Amendment, firearms, state rights, federal regulation, law enforcement, civil penalties, government liability, concealed carry, public colleges, university facilities, weapons legislation, self-defense, campus safety, weapons, age requirement, permits, HB0097, Wyoming firearms privacy, merchant category code, MCC
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Apr 29th, 2025
Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials
Transcript Highlights:
- American tribes in the state of California when it comes to water policy.
- In making this addition, the state can correct a longstanding injustice tribes have his historically
- Pam Lopez on behalf of the Santa Rosa Rancheria Yucat Tribe in support.
- Cooley River Tribe in support. Good afternoon, Michael Chan with Audubon California in support.
- David Quintana with the Cahuilla Tribe in support.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 12th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise today to honor the life of Salinda Gonzalez, an incredible member of the Yurok tribe, and a tireless
- Among her many initiatives was the Elder's Christmas Gifting Program, which drew from many different tribes
- also arranged for mental health services to be available at her funeral and was honored by multiple tribes
- We have from the Yurok Tribal Council, Council Member Philip Williams, and we have the CEO of the tribe
- for her Yurok community and in particular for improving access to mental health services for all Native
Summary:
The Assembly convened, initially without a quorum, and the clerk called the roll until a quorum was present. The body then proceeded with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and several unanimous-consent motions, including re-referrals of AB 1878, AB 2089, and AB 1660 to different committees. Members also introduced guests, including the 2025 Central East High School football team, Morgan Hill leadership students, Southlands Christian fourth graders, and journalist Juan Esparza Loera, whom members praised for decades of reporting in the Central Valley.
On the floor file, ACR 139 was presented to designate March as Sleep Apnea Awareness Month. Supporters described the health and safety risks of undiagnosed sleep apnea and emphasized the value of screening and treatment; the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 61 coauthors were recorded. AB 1656, a human-trafficking victim protection bill, was also taken up and passed 58-0 after testimony that it would expand “good cause” for trial continuances to better protect survivors and preserve continuity of counsel. The chamber also adopted the consent calendar, including AB 1583 and SCR 11, by 63-0 votes.
The session concluded with adjournments in memory for Salinda Gonzalez, a Yurok community advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, and Sandy Steers, a Big Bear conservationist and executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley. Members highlighted Gonzalez’s work supporting Native communities and Steers’ decades of wildlife advocacy and public education. The Assembly then announced its next meeting for Monday, March 16 at 1 p.m., including the Women of the Year ceremony, and adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Sep 10th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The final area I want to address is that I would like you to consider is related to our Native American
- One being, obviously, working to increase the number of Native American students who go into teaching
- The College of Hest currently has four Native American faculty members in our full-time faculty ranks
- We are understanding ways in which NMSU can improve and be better with respect to recovery for Native
- So, that was the Alaska, the Murkowski piece.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 22nd, 2026 at 11:13 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He is also a member of the speech and debate team and the Native Warrior Club.
- She is enrolled in the Navajo tribe.
- In 1924, federal law granted U.S. citizenship to Native Americans.
- Garley (1948) is when Native women first started being allowed to vote.
- Romero is a northern New Mexico native with over 20 years... Dr.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The other stepbrother, J, did not qualify as a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe, and so
- The other stepbrother J did not qualify as a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe, and so Iqa
- One was a member of a Native American tribe, and the other was not.
- General Paxton said, knowing the difficulties that await them if they attempt to adopt a native child
- that children who are non-Native have in our state.
Bills:
HB18, HB37, HB 116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB 1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744
Keywords:
rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, perinatal bereavement, healthcare, hospital training, bereavement support, maternal care, fetal demise, stillbirth, neonatal death, parent-child relationship, involuntary termination, family law, child welfare, child protection, HB 388, HB388
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum and took up several House and Senate bills, with public testimony limited to two minutes per witness. The committee first heard HB 2358, a cleanup bill requested by HHSC that would repeal outdated training and conference requirements for long-term care facility surveyors and certain providers; there were no witnesses, and the bill was left pending. The committee then heard HB 18, the rural hospital stabilization bill, which would create financial assessment tools, a rural hospital finance office at HHSC, an academy for rural hospital officers, multiple grant programs, enhanced Medicaid reimbursement tied to average cost, OB/GYN add-on payments, expanded pediatric telehealth connectivity, and a rural pediatric mental health program. Senator Perry and witnesses from TORCH, a rural hospital, AARP Texas, and ARCHI strongly supported the bill as a way to stabilize rural hospitals, improve OB access, and address workforce and financial pressures. Committee members discussed rural hospital closures, low-volume quality metrics, system affiliation, and the need for predictable monthly reimbursement; the bill was left pending after testimony and questions.
The committee next heard HB 37, which would create a perinatal bereavement care initiative for families experiencing stillbirth, neonatal death, or intrauterine fetal demise, including counseling, staff training, and access to cooling devices, with possible grants and a recognition program for hospitals. Senator Huffman explained the bill, and several witnesses testified in support, sharing personal stories about infant loss and the importance of time with the baby, trained staff, and cuddle cots or similar devices. A neonatologist also supported the bill while suggesting clarification that hospitals should not be penalized if state funding is unavailable and recommending use of regional advisory councils to help implement training. Public testimony was then closed and the bill left pending. The committee also heard HB 879, which would create a streamlined licensing pathway for veterans with medical or nursing experience to practice in Texas, and HB 913, which would add new state hospitals to statute and split the North Texas State Hospital into two separate hospitals with their own superintendents; both bills had no opposition testimony and were left pending.
Later, the committee heard SB 2744, a heart disease screening bill that would update the 2009 Texas Heart Attack Prevention Act to require insurance coverage for coronary CT angiography with plaque analysis, including soft plaque detection, as a preventive screening tool. The author and invited witnesses argued the technology is more effective than calcium scoring alone, can identify patients before symptoms appear, and could save lives at a cost comparable to or lower than colonoscopy. An insurance industry witness opposed the bill, arguing the technology has not been recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for universal screening and that the mandated coverage and payment level would raise costs; the bill was left pending after testimony. Finally, the committee heard HB 1151, a parental rights bill clarifying that refusing psychotropic medication or psychiatric treatment is not neglect unless the child is harmed. Supporters, including parent advocates and attorneys, said the bill would protect parents from CPS overreach and preserve medical decision-making authority, while one witness urged broader attention to physical causes of behavioral issues. Public testimony was closed and HB 1151 was left pending.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- But the amount of tragedy of unprosecuted cases from majority Native American victims is tragic across
- And you can't tell me that a Native American woman who decides to take up law probably had no idea of
- I went up to Alaska, to the Native American Museum.
- Handcuffs made for children, but not just anybody's children—Native American children—to take them from
- I'm proud to be a native son of the beautiful Espanola Valley—the low rider capital of the world—where
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 12th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have a long history in this country.
- On behalf of the Native American Legislative Caucus.
- And as the Native American Legislative Caucus know that we stand side-by-side with you, we ask for an
- We have come such a long way, as I hear from our Native American caucus members, our LGBT caucus members
- As a member of the Hui'o Hawaii Club in San Diego, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, and a
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- The Stockbridge-Munsee tribe was the first federally recognized Indian tribe to receive funding under
- It's... ...was the first federally recognized Indian tribe to receive funding under this grant.
- Native Americans are the original stewards of this land, and studies are now showing that Indigenous
- The Mohicans were one of the earliest tribes From Lake Champlain to Manhattan.
- The Mohicans were one of the earliest tribes encountered by European settlers.
Summary:
The committee first heard testimony on a proposed Massachusetts baby bonds program, including H. 3429, S. 2146, and the Treasurer’s related bill H. 48. Treasurer Goldberg and a broad coalition of advocates, researchers, health professionals, and people with lived experience said the program would create trust accounts for children born into low-income families or in DCF custody, with funds available at age 18 for education, homeownership, business startup, or other long-term asset-building uses. Supporters argued the program would help close the racial wealth gap, improve economic mobility, and not affect eligibility for financial aid or public benefits. Committee members asked about administration, investment returns, eligibility, and withdrawal rules; the Treasurer said the accounts would be held in trust and managed by her office with an advisory board, with funds accessible at 18 and usable through age 35 if the beneficiary remains a Massachusetts resident. No vote was taken during the testimony shown.
The committee also heard testimony on legislation establishing Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day, including S. 2666 and H. 4625. Senator Ross, Representative Badger, physicians, survivors, and advocates described invasive lobular carcinoma as difficult to detect because it often grows in lines rather than forming a lump, can be missed on mammography, and is underfunded and underrepresented in research and clinical trials. Witnesses said the bill would codify an annual October 15 proclamation to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and encourage more targeted research and treatment. Committee members asked why the disease is so hard to detect, and medical witnesses explained the imaging challenges and the lack of lobular-specific protocols. The witnesses urged favorable reports.
The committee then took testimony on H. 4648, a bill concerning the purchase or lease of Fenn Farm in Stockbridge by the Stockbridge-Munsee community. Representative Davis, the Stockbridge Land Trust president, and the tribal president testified that the bill would remove a conservation restriction tied to a state MVP grant so the tribe could manage the land without a restriction that they said would conflict with tribal sovereignty and Indigenous stewardship practices. They said the parcel is a sacred site connected to Monument Mountain and that the restriction is unnecessary because the land is already surrounded by conserved property. The witnesses asked for favorable action on the bill.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on H. 3416, a resolution urging Congress to create a national infrastructure bank. Representative Senna and several advocates argued that an off-budget infrastructure bank could finance major repairs and upgrades to roads, bridges, rail, water systems, broadband, and housing without adding to the state budget, while creating jobs and supporting economic growth. Witnesses cited historical precedents for national infrastructure banks and said Massachusetts could benefit substantially from such a program. The transcript shown does not include a committee vote or final action on the resolution.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Indian Affairs Sep 26th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The level of success does vary from tribe to tribe, as would be expected in different market areas, but
- tribe as they move forward into the century.
- The tribes fought hard for it all.
- One of the things the tribes did to educate the tribes a little bit more about Indian gaming, because
- is an economic development venture for that tribe.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 2/19/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- MIGA represents nine of the 11 federally recognized tribes in Minnesota.
- on the reservations supports tribes and not the state of Minnesota.
- I appreciate it, and you said you represented nine of the 11 tribes. Thank you for your testimony.
- And you said you represented nine of the 11 tribes, Mr. Chair?
- What are the two tribes that you don't represent? Thank you, Mr. Chair.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- to make sure There was tribal consultation with this, which I believe there has been with all our tribes
- requests a study to support the education system coherence continuity, bringing all the players from tribes
- community research and Nonprofit organizations with expertise in education systems design, Indian Nation Tribes
- each of us is responsible to ensure that the constituencies we represent, whether it's geographic, native
- tribes, or whatever it is, it's our responsibility to make sure that they know about this.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a native of the state of Virginia, not Virginia, Minnesota, state of Virginia.
- Um, we are working with tribes to address that.
- Um, we are working with tribes to address that.
- Um, we are working with tribes to address that.
- Um, we are working with tribes not 30%.
Bills:
HF3900
Keywords:
permanent school fund, school endowment fund, Minnesota constitutional amendment, school aid, public school funding, State Board of Investment, investment income, distributable amount, school districts, property taxes, income taxes, voter approval, ballot question, constitutional amendment 2026, education finance, fund perpetuity, purchasing power, trust lands, swamp lands, internal improvement land fund
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 26th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Bill 2506 will incorporate tribes into the existing framework for interstate cannabis commerce
- Assembly Bill 2506 will incorporate tribes into the existing framework for interstate cannabis commerce
- The time has come for California to finally honor Native American Day as a paid state holiday.
- California is home to the largest Native American population in the nation, with hundreds of tribes residing
- For thousands of years, Native Americans have used fire to steward the land, protect their tribes, and
Summary:
The Assembly convened in session, established a quorum, offered a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a very large third-reading file while urging members to be at their desks for their bills. The day featured many support measures on housing, health care, public safety, local government, labor, education, and consumer protection, with repeated reminders that absent authors would have their bills skipped. Several bills were passed temporarily or retained on file, but the chamber spent most of the time taking up individual measures and voting on them.
Among the bills discussed were measures on land surveying, nurse midwifery access, historic-district transit zoning, EV charging infrastructure, foreclosure equity protections, tribal inclusion in interstate cannabis commerce, outdoor advertising permitting delays, commercial building permit timelines, DUI penalties, farmworker disadvantaged-community designation, restaurant reservation bots, open-space tax exemptions, pop-up business permits, anti-hate training for officials, sideshows and street takeovers, utility rate transparency, CalWORKs eligibility, dynamic electricity rates, interior designer licensure, compost contamination, modular housing standards, small claims limits for businesses, Native American Day as a paid state holiday, rural maternity care funding, protective orders tied to defendant release, immigrant service provider privacy under Safe at Home, mentally disordered offender evaluations, compounded weight-loss drug regulation, plasma donation center rules, missing persons DNA database updates, AI chatbot safeguards for children, an official state apology to California Native peoples, foster youth housing navigation, CTE teacher credentialing, Medi-Cal protections against federal cuts, CalFresh protections, public hospital physician employment authority, child care, and film tax credit changes for post-production work.
Testimony was generally supportive from authors, who framed the bills as cleanup, modernization, consumer protection, or targeted equity measures. A few measures drew notable opposition or debate, especially AB 2624 on Safe at Home privacy protections for immigrant service providers, where opponents argued it could chill journalism and transparency while supporters said it was needed to protect people facing doxing and threats. AB 2208 and AB 2299 were presented as responses to federal HR 1 impacts on Medi-Cal and CalFresh, and AB 2023 on AI chatbots drew emotional support centered on child safety and a reported suicide case. The chamber also heard strong advocacy for Native American recognition bills, rural health access, and housing affordability.
Most bills passed with little or no opposition, often unanimously. Recorded votes included AB 1933 (48-0), AB 1696 (49-0), AB 2415 (54-0), AB 1820 (50-0), AB 1957 (53-0), AB 2506 (60-0), AB 2024 (58-0), AB 2418 (61-0), AB 1578 (44-17), AB 1600 (46-9), AB 1661 (44-10), AB 1715 (46-7), AB 1755 (66-0), AB 1787 (43-5), AB 1796 (45-6), AB 1812 (47-1), AB 1815 (57-0), AB 1827 (59-0), AB 1841 (64-0), AB 1868 (61-0), AB 1882 (64-0), AB 1889 (69-0), AB 2624 (49-19), AB 1897 (57-1), AB 1990 (52-0), AB 2009 (65-0), AB 2018 (60-0), AB 2023 (58-8), AB 2115 (65-0), AB 2162 (60-0), AB 2206 (62-0), AB 2208 (42-17), AB 2237 (54-0), AB 2241 (62-0), AB 2246 (56-1), AB 2249 (51-0), AB 2299 (51-1), AB 2311 (65-0), and AB 2314 (68-0). The session ended with the Assembly still working through the file, including the opening of AB 2319 on film tax credits.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 16th, 2026 at 08:33 am
House Taxation & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- This opportunity would also help provide tribes with investing in solar energy. Thank you.
- This bill helps not just families, but also our small businesses, our farmers, and our Native communities
- By expanding the solar access on tribal lands, it helps lower the costs and gives our tribes more control
- talked about how what we were trying to do was offer an opportunity for lower-income families and Native
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation May 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- My tribe and others will irreparably be harmed by the Delta Conveyance Project.
- American tribes and the public.
- This is the same location where Governor Newsom apologized to the California Native American tribes.
- This entity is going to be directed by Native Americans and Native American tribes to ensure the buildout
- American tribes of California.
Summary:
The hearing opened with budget framing from the chair and the LAO, who said the May Revision addresses roughly a $14 billion budget problem and that the environment and transportation subcommittee’s proposals account for about $1.9 billion of the solution. The LAO urged members to focus on solutions that do not worsen out-year deficits, to preserve reserves, and to defer major policy changes that are not necessary to pass the budget, including the newly introduced water-related trailer bills. Members also raised concern about a late-dropped Olympic-related trailer bill, which the LAO likewise suggested should be deferred for fuller review.
The first major item was the Delta Conveyance Project and related water quality control plan trailer bills. The administration argued the proposals would streamline permitting, water rights proceedings, judicial review, and land acquisition, and would clarify DWR’s bond authority for the project. DWR said the project is needed to protect water supply reliability against drought, earthquakes, sea level rise, and other climate-related disruptions, and that the tunnel would help move water when conditions are wet and safer for the environment. Committee members from both parties questioned the timing, the use of budget trailer bills for major policy changes, the scope of the CEQA and water-rights changes, the lack of a bond cap, cost growth, and eminent domain protections. The LAO recommended deferring both water trailer bills without prejudice. Public comment was sharply divided, with labor, water agencies, and some business groups supporting the project as climate adaptation and reliability infrastructure, while environmental, tribal, fishing, county, and community groups opposed it as an attempt to bypass public process and weaken protections.
The committee then briefly heard the DMV’s Digital Experience Platform fee trailer bill, which would reinstate a $1 system improvement fee to help fund the vehicle-registration phase of the project. DMV said the fee would raise about $7 million annually and offset roughly $59 million to $60 million of project costs, while the LAO noted it would help but would not solve the Motor Vehicle Account’s broader structural gap. The hearing then moved to California High-Speed Rail, where the new CEO presented an updated plan and said the project remains a major climate and infrastructure investment. He reported a revised Merced-to-Bakersfield cost range of $34.9 billion to $38.5 billion, said the agency is trying to reduce risk through direct procurement of materials, and argued that stable annual funding is needed to avoid higher costs from delays.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Organizational business meeting to consider selection of Chairman and Vice Chairman, committee rules, and an original resolution authorizing expenditures by the committee during the 119th Congress. Feb 5th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Indian Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Which is solving the problems and improving the lives of Native people. So, good, good committee.
- committed to the treaty and trust responsibilities that the United States federal government has with tribes
- and other Native American peoples, and we've just accomplished so much over the last four years, and
- mean this group on both sides of the aisle, deeply knowledgeable, not just about their own states, Native