Transcript Highlights:

• In when it comes to Native Americans, because it will be funded by the tribe, culturally relevant to
• Native Americans.
• built an inpatient, culturally relevant inpatient center in downtown Phoenix, 90 beds funded by the tribe
• And we also met with the Department of Health Executive Director Sherlyn Yazzie of the tribe.
• Americans, because it will be funded by the tribe, culturally relevant to Native Americans.

Transcript Highlights:

• we're leading the market in terms of Black and African American representation, American Indian and Alaska
• Native representation, not doing quite as well with veterans and females as we have in the past.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Employment Relations met on May 8, 2026, to review goals and objectives for the 2027–2029 master collective bargaining cycle and to hear updates on higher education and Washington Management Service bargaining. OFM’s Jenny Sheehan outlined the state workforce, noting that most employees are represented, the workforce remains heavily governed by civil service rules and CBAs, and the state is entering bargaining under a constrained hiring and budget environment. She described the bargaining timeline, the role of the June revenue forecasts in determining whether targeted compensation increases can be funded, and the state’s goals of affordability, maintaining labor relations, supporting equity, and addressing non-economic issues such as AI use, leave, immigration-related workplace concerns, and union access in a hybrid work environment. Sheehan also reviewed the 2025–2027 bargaining cycle, including the prior WPEA ratification issue and the requirement that tentative agreements be submitted by October 1 for financial feasibility review and possible legislative funding. She said the 2025–27 agreements cost about $1.2 billion in general funds and $1.7 billion total, excluding the later-funded WPEA agreements. In response to a question, she explained that paid family and medical leave is not bargained over directly because it is governed by statute and ESD rules. She then presented on Washington Management Service bargaining, explaining that only certain WMS employees are eligible to bargain, that representation remains small, and that current WMS contracts are handled through addenda to existing agreements. She also described interest arbitration for certain groups, including ferries and public safety-related employees, and said arbitration awards still must be financially feasible and submitted by October 1. The committee also heard from Western Washington University and the University of Washington on higher education bargaining. Western described its locally bargained contracts, the importance of local bargaining for workload, tenure, grievance, and safety issues, and the impact of the state fund split on budget planning. Western said it has no state funding for student compensation and has requested inclusion of student employees in the wage base. UW outlined its large workforce and the different bargaining frameworks under RCW 41.56 and 41.80, emphasizing that state funding and tuition make up only a portion of its budget and that the fund split and health care cost increases significantly affect compensation planning. UW also highlighted its request for state funding for academic student employee compensation, saying rising costs are reducing the number of positions and affecting class sizes and the academic pipeline. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after members discussed the upcoming bargaining and arbitration timelines.

Transcript Highlights:

• On top of that, the Navajo tribe truly does not share a lot of information.
• During that time, I was one of about 37 Native American women who were placed on administrative leave
• The leaders are all non-Native.
• aware of this and has had ongoing conversations since 2015 when this first became a problem when 37 Native

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, well, how will tribes be included in this? Madam Chair.
• These kinds of regulations don't actually impact directly tribes.
• Clusters for Solar for All include: - Cluster 1 focusing on tribes and co-ops, - Cluster 2 focusing on
• I am a native New Mexican and currently live in Kingston.
• Do you plan to go into these areas where mostly it's Native American areas?

Transcript Highlights:

• month ago, where, um, the, um, stream bank has been graded to benefit, uh, endangered species and native
• Um, it's very hard to see, but that whole area is planted with, um, native plants, um.
• But they didn't do a formal consult with the tribes per that DOE order.
• and independent of the federal government, that they adhere to that DOE order and ensure that each tribe
• Um, and that, especially the four tribes along the shipping corridor at Lano, that they met with them

Transcript Highlights:

• students identifying as white, 14% as Black or African American, 9% Hispanic or Latino, and about 8% Native
• 08:14.800> sizable Latino excuse me and then a sizable Latino excuse me and then a sizable Native
• and Asian-American Native American and Asian-American population<00:08:18.039> we<00:08:18.280
• , and so I'm wondering what is your relationship with the tribes and how do you interact with the tribes
• with the tribes and so I'm<01:32:59.239> wondering<01:33:00.000> what<01:33:00.159>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By way of his background, he's a native of Union City, Tennessee, where he grew up.
• federal agencies have a responsibility to uphold these government-to-government relationships with tribes
• Well, Senator, as you've noted, the relationship that the federal government has with the Indian tribes
• relationships within the Department of Agriculture, and we can't forget when we are dealing with Native
• Native American, or another community back in New Mexico.

Keywords: USDA, nominations, Judge Vaden, Tyler Clarkson, agriculture policy, rural America, tariffs, farmer advocacy

Summary: The meeting focused on the nominations of Judge Stephen Alexander Vaden for Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Mr. Tyler Clarkson for General Counsel at the USDA. Members expressed concerns regarding the challenges farmers and ranchers face, especially in navigating the impacts of recent tariffs imposed by the President. Significant attention was given to how these nominations could influence agriculture policy and support rural communities amidst economic uncertainty. The committee emphasized the necessity for strong leadership in the USDA to advocate for farmer needs and ensure the proper implementation of assistance programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:24:25.440> due that is very important to our tribe due that is very important to our tribe
• <01:24:54.040> or we are the closest Community native or we are the closest Community native
• The tribe adamantly opposed this, but it was passed over our objections.
• The tribe adamantly opposed this, but it was passed over our objections.
• The tribe adamantly opposed this, but it was passed over our objections.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Every Native American client I've represented has come from Every Native American client I've represented
• I am also a native New Mexican.
• Representative, members of the Native community received treatment both through the Native health system
• I'm a retina surgeon and native New Mexican.
• I'm not a native New Mexican.

Bills: HB99, HJR5, HM39, HB206, HB213, SB41, SB153, SB165, SB261, SB264

Keywords: medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been calling out to different tribes and so forth about their involvement.
• I've been calling out to different tribes and so forth in their involvement.
• And I found to calling out to different tribes and so forth and their involvement.
• So I think to your point, Jim, like if folks from the tribe are willing to do that, then how do we make
• And she's from Boston, a Boston native, and is Afro-Wampanoag.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The State Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution DEIA Subcommittee met to share updates on 250th-related projects and to discuss how to ensure the commemoration is inclusive, statewide, and reflective of Black, Indigenous, and other underrepresented histories. Members described ongoing research and programming, including work in Quincy, Lexington, Bridgewater/Brockton, Mashpee, and other communities to identify Black revolutionary soldiers, Indigenous connections, and lesser-known local stories. Several members emphasized that the 250th should be framed as both commemoration and celebration, with attention to difficult histories as well as resilience, joy, and cultural contributions. Dr. Noel Trent reported on the Museum of African American History’s exhibition Black Voices of the Revolution, funded by Mass 250, which opened June 30 and will run through 2026 or into 2027. He described the exhibit’s use of AI tools, archaeological finds from Nantucket and Boston, and related programming. Other members highlighted Mass Humanities’ Expand Massachusetts Stories funding round, including support for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and likely additional Indigenous-led projects, as well as a statewide equity playbook being drafted for Mass 250 fundraising and engagement. Sheila Green of Massachusetts 250 then presented an overview of the statewide campaign, including advertising, social media, a website with events and blogs, 96 grants totaling $3 million, partnerships with sports teams and cultural organizations, and major upcoming events such as Evacuation Day, the Henry Knox reenactment, Sail Boston 250, and World Cup-related activity. During discussion, members suggested practical ways to improve inclusion and outreach, including sharing stories through blogs, podcasts, and a centralized project tracker, and highlighting museums and community programs that offer joy, rest, and cultural activities alongside historical interpretation. Dr. Trent raised concern that some Massachusetts 250 merchandise, such as T-shirts, did not adequately reflect the diversity of the state, and Green said the team was considering a redesign. The subcommittee agreed to compile a summary of stories, names, and examples for the full commission, and to continue sharing photos and materials by email for possible presentation at a future commission meeting. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just for some background, I am a Massachusetts native, and I... ...to the Bean New Deal.
• And just for some background, I am a Massachusetts native, and I completed my degrees and training at
• In a dozen real-world studies in Minnesota, Alaska, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the work of dental
• In Alaska, they served over 45,000 patients in remote villages, reducing untreated childhood decay by

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a lengthy hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills related to environmental health, PFAS, medical device chemicals, food access, lead poisoning, air quality, oral health, and school food additives. Chair Driscoll and Chair Decker emphasized that the hearing was for testimony only, no decisions would be made that day, and that written testimony could still be submitted. They also noted the high volume of speakers and asked witnesses to keep remarks brief. A major portion of the hearing focused on PFAS-related legislation, including bills to restrict PFAS in products and food packaging and to create a PFAS remediation trust fund. Municipal officials and advocates described the high costs of PFAS cleanup, especially for drinking water systems, citing Easton’s multimillion-dollar treatment investments and rate increases. Testimony from legislators and advocates argued that Massachusetts should act despite federal uncertainty, and that the state should stop PFAS at the source rather than leaving municipalities and residents to pay for remediation. The committee also heard strong support for a bill banning DEHP in medical devices, with physicians, nurses, and a bill sponsor saying the chemical can leach from IV bags and tubing and that safer alternatives already exist. The committee also heard testimony on bills to establish statewide food truck permitting, with food truck owners and a senator describing the current system as costly, duplicative, and inconsistent across municipalities. Another set of witnesses supported the “Bean New Deal,” which would expand plant-based food options in public institutions, senior nutrition programs, and WIC, citing health, equity, and cost savings. On lead poisoning, housing advocates and a representative backed bills to expand lead-safe housing requirements to all rental units, arguing the current law contributes to discrimination against families with children and leaves too much pre-1978 housing uncertified. The committee also heard support for an outdoor air pollution bill that would create an advisory committee, identify pollution hotspots, expand monitoring, and set reduction targets, with testimony from environmental justice groups, pediatricians, and legislators describing disproportionate asthma and other health harms in overburdened communities. Later testimony addressed oral health bills to create dental therapists and allow dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide, with supporters saying the measures would expand access, reduce costs, and help underserved patients. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to prohibit harmful food dyes in competitive school foods, with parents describing behavioral and health concerns tied to synthetic dyes. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• opportunities for stipends, bonuses, and overtime, we fall out of the conversation, Madam Chair, Director of Alaska
• , we're always looking for Innovative solutions, have you thought about, Madam Chair, Director of Alaska
• a state that has a lot of irrigation systems that were pretty much already in place by our tribal Native
• American communities, as well as all Native communities in the state of New Mexico.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, on line 92, $1.5 million on both recommendations to continue the Native American Graves Protection
• And when I was at the Colorado River with Senator Lanier at the water users, all the other tribes The
• 10 water basin tribes acknowledged New Mexico's commitment to what tribes, the investment New Mexico's
• I understand that PED has a convening government-to-government with tribes.
• We have a large Native American veteran population, and this is going to severely impact those that have

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ketchett Risling, also assisting our research team in pulling some of the historical data around tribes
• report when we're looking at a variety of the different generational and historical traumas that tribes
• report when we're looking at a variety of the different generational and historical traumas that tribes
• Ketchett Risling also assisting our research team in pulling some of the historical data around tribes
• report when we're looking at a variety of the different generational and historical traumas that tribes

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:

• And I think the tribe will tell you that when a death occurs on U.S. 70, that is a much bigger hurt to
• My name is Terry Rambler, Chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
• The question is, does the federal government have money because it's a Native American reservation?
• I'm a tribal member from the San Carlos Apache Tribe. I'm also Marine.
• I've worked for the San Carlos Apache Tribe and other cities in the state.

Bills: SB1063, SB1118, SB1153, SB1154, SB1209, SCM1001

Keywords: appropriation, transportation, safety improvements, Route 70, infrastructure, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, historic preservation, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, special license plate, special plate, license plate, vanity plate

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard and advanced six measures. SB 1118, as amended, appropriates $3 million to the Department of Health Services for grants to rural hospitals to install radiation protection systems in cardiac catheterization rooms; testimony focused on protecting health care workers from ionizing radiation, with the amendment narrowing the bill from an unspecified appropriation to a specific amount and room type. The committee also approved SB 1154, a $500,000 General Fund appropriation for an ADOT traffic and safety study on SR 64 between Williams and the Grand Canyon, after testimony from local officials, law enforcement, and fire personnel describing heavy tourism traffic, crashes, and fatalities. SB 1063, which appropriates $10.4 million for safety improvements on U.S. Route 70, also received a do-pass recommendation after testimony from the San Carlos Apache Tribe, sheriffs, and tribal law enforcement describing a high number of fatalities and dangerous roadway conditions. The committee then passed SB 1153, which creates a Grand Canyon National Park specialty license plate and fund; the Grand Canyon Conservancy testified that proceeds would support park conservation, research, education, and preservation work. SCM 1001, as amended, urging the renaming of State Route 260 as the Donald J. Trump Highway, was approved after a contentious debate over the symbolism of the memorial. Finally, SB 1209, which exempts people without a residence address or whose address is a homeless shelter from non-operating ID license fees and extends the validity period for those IDs, received a do-pass recommendation after testimony from homeless services providers that IDs are essential for housing, employment, and access to services. Votes were 10-0 for SB 1118, 6-4 for SB 1154, 6-4 for SB 1063, 10-0 for SB 1153, 6-4 for SCM 1001, and 9-0 with one not voting for SB 1209.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been working closely with them and the tribes, Pueblos and nations to ensure that they're standing
• Um, of, of interest from the one of those tribes and nations to establish that and we've also worked
• training funds are available, using some of IED's funds for veteran programs within the, the, the tribes
• uh, has done a phenomenal job of doing the outreach over the last year and making contact with our tribes
• That assists us because of the lack of VSOs in every tribe and nation.

Transcript Highlights:

• vegetation management that reduces catastrophic wildfire risk over the long term while supporting native
• People sometimes get us confused with the California Native Plant Society.
• Invasive plants harm native plants.
• We're trying to protect native plants and native habitat for wildlife.
• We work to support... ...and native habitat for wildlife.

Summary: The Assembly Natural Resources Committee met with some initial delay while waiting for quorum, then approved the consent calendar items SB 234, SB 484, and SB 839. The committee heard several bills focused on wildfire mitigation, biomass use, climate resilience, and geologic hazard mapping. Members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized the need to balance climate, air quality, public health, and land management goals, with testimony both supporting and opposing biomass-related proposals. SB 88 (Caballero) would direct state agencies to support beneficial uses of forest and agricultural biomass, including biochar and low-carbon energy. Supporters argued it would reduce open burning, improve air quality, and create rural economic opportunities; opponents, including environmental groups, argued woody biomass energy is costly, polluting, and harmful to forests and communities. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 653 (Cortese) defining environmentally sensitive vegetation management also passed, with supporters describing it as a voluntary framework to align wildfire fuel reduction with biodiversity and habitat restoration; no opposition was heard, and a member requested to be added as a coauthor. The committee also approved SCR 50 (Stern), which urges state climate agencies to define maladaptation and develop criteria for reviewing climate-related policies and investments, and SB 567 (Limón), a pilot program to study converting idle oil wells into gravity energy storage wells. SB 567 drew support from the sponsor and labor/local government witnesses, while the Water Replenishment District opposed unless amended, citing groundwater protection concerns in key basins and asking for additional safeguards. Finally, SB 831 (Limón) passed, clarifying the scope of geologic hazards to include conditions tied to climate change and natural disasters such as post-fire debris flows, subsidence, and coastal erosion. All measures were reported out of committee, with several absent-member votes later added to complete the roll.

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, in the language of Senator Gonzales, her native language is Yaqui.
• In the language of Senator Gonzales, her native language is Yaqui.
• with him is Tony Campoy, Antonio Campoy, who is a former tribal council member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe
• with him is Tony Campoy, Antonio Campoy, who is a former tribal council member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe
• making sure that the state is providing relevant information so that entities are informed and so that tribes

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened 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 Parks and Fair officials, a constituent guest, a candidate shadowing a senator, Father David Myers, and the Doctor of the Day. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered three bills. SB 1268/HB 2792, a veterans property tax exemption cleanup measure, was explained as clarifying that the exemption applies to a primary residence and jointly owned property for spouses; it received a due pass recommendation and later passed 29-1 with an emergency clause. SB 1051, requiring hospitals to collect and report patient immigration-status information tied to public spending, drew extensive debate over privacy, public health, cost, and immigration enforcement; supporters framed it as accountability for taxpayer spending, while opponents called it discriminatory and harmful to care-seeking, and it passed 17-13. SB 1316, creating a process for Arizona rural health transformation funds and requiring public hearings and JLBC involvement, was defended as a transparency measure for a $167 million federal rural health award; opponents argued it added bureaucracy and could delay rural care, but it passed 17-13. After the Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the Senate took up third readings. HB 2792 passed 29-1 with an emergency clause, SB 1123 passed 29-1, SB 1125 passed 30-0, SB 1145 passed 29-1, SB 1316 passed 17-13, and SB 1051 passed 17-13. Several members explained votes, with repeated arguments over immigration, public health, transparency, and the role of JLBC. The Senate then announced committee meetings for the next day and adjourned until February 11, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, just including Shoshoni and Arapaho tribes for their own tribally owned vehicles.
• adding the vehicles owned by the tribal governments of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes
• <00:01:52.640> for including Shosonyi and Rapo tribes for including Shosonyi and Rapo tribes
• I currently have a son in the 3rd Infantry Division in Fort Stewart, Georgia, a Wyoming native.
• Um, if he was Georgia, a Wyoming native.

Bills: HB0026, HB0042, HB0067, HB0069

Keywords: tribal governments, vehicle registration, exemption, license plates, Wind River Indian Reservation, vehicle, accident, duty to stop, felony, personal injury, death, veterans property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax relief, military tax exemption, Wyoming National Guard, active duty, reserve members, surviving spouse, surviving parent

Transcript Highlights:

• They are both California natives.
• They are both California natives. Derek was born in Arcadia and Scott grew up in Manhattan Beach.
• They are both California natives. Derek was born in Arcadia and Scott grew up in Manhattan Beach.
• Additionally, she was a key part of gathering support from tribes to submit letters of support for the
• Long before the founding of our nation, Native Americans were the first inhabitants of this land.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a largely procedural session with several unanimous-consent motions, guest introductions, and budget-related trailer bills. Members also adopted resolutions recognizing June as Dairy Month and June 2026 as Electronic Dance Music Month, and later approved H.R. 88 commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Guest introductions highlighted the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Kappa League, Assembly staff member Mukhtar Ali, and Jennifer Levy, who is advocating against drunk driving after the death of her son. On the floor, the Assembly considered a series of Senate budget trailer bills presented by Assembly Member Gabriel. SB 170 reorganizes housing and homelessness agencies; SB 171 makes labor-related cleanup changes; SB 172 addresses general government, broadband, and NextGen 9-1-1; SB 174 extends remote court hearings and related court provisions; SB 177 advances options related to Medi-Cal and employer contributions; SB 180 extends the California Competes tax credit and conforms tax treatment for certain savings accounts; SB 169 covers transportation and DMV-related provisions; SB 168 creates a zero-emission vehicle incentive program and other clean-energy changes; SB 166 implements natural resources and environmental protection budget items; SB 165 extends the skilled nursing facility financing framework; SB 163 updates developmental services; and SB 135 funds higher education initiatives, including community college enrollment and Cal Grant changes. Most of these measures passed with bipartisan support, though several drew opposition over concerns about bureaucracy, fees, oversight, or policy direction. The Assembly also passed SB 719, which updates vehicle-related protections for domestic violence survivors, SB 97, an urgency bill making clarifying changes to digital financial asset law, SB 1350, which supports hydrogen and clean energy development, and SB 1344, which aims to reduce meritless lawsuits delaying affordable and supportive housing projects. AB 182, which sets the order for proposition numbers on the November ballot, was approved despite criticism that it manipulates the ballot numbering process. Votes on the measures were recorded, with many passing on strong margins and several transmitted immediately to the Senate or Governor as noted in the proceedings.