Video & Transcript : 'Washington State Energy Code' :
Page 272 of 500
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
05/11/2026 - Senate Director Nominations
Transcript Highlights:
- That we see every day is our state flag.
- DEMA is one of the largest agencies in state government.
- So that's one thing that we need to do as a state: we need to keep lobbying our code L for assistance
- As stated earlier, communication is open.
- Many past successful TAGs across the states have come from infantry, aviation, armor... ...the states
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Director Nominations held a confirmation hearing for John Connolly, the current Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). Connolly described his background in the Army, National Guard, and military law, and outlined DEMA’s dual mission of supporting the Arizona National Guard and emergency management. He emphasized readiness, modernization of aging aircraft and facilities, growth in capabilities such as drones and electronic warfare, partnerships to restore helicopter training at Silver Bell, and stewardship of resources. He also discussed DEMA’s border-related missions, including Task Force Safe at Nogales, counter-drug operations, and use of artificial intelligence to monitor drone activity and build a common operating picture for law enforcement.
Committee members questioned Connolly about his interview and vetting process, his role in emergency management, disaster response in Gila County, support for rural counties and tribes, and services for Guard members and families through the Integrated Resilience Operations Center. Several members pressed him on military discipline, lawful orders, classified information, and the distinction between war and hostilities. Senator Rogers focused on chain of command, combat readiness, and whether Connolly’s JAG background prepared him to lead a combat-oriented force; Connolly responded that his role is to provide ready forces, follow civilian authority, and ensure troops have training, equipment, and family support. He also said he had experience advising commanders and teaching lawful versus unlawful orders.
A major point of contention came when members questioned Connolly about the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination mandate for the Guard and whether he had treated it as unlawful or unconstitutional. Connolly said it was a lawful order at the time and that exemption processes existed under the regulations. The hearing also turned to immigration enforcement, emergency powers, and whether the Guard should support ICE; Connolly said the Guard is a support function and would respond to a direct request through the governor, but he could not identify a specific scenario in the abstract. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the committee appeared to continue its review after testimony and questioning.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
PUBLIC HEALTH, WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE May 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- If the state... ...require improvements in self-sufficiency for state-funded grants.
- Big state, small population.
- Arizona is an interesting state.
- The state and the state agencies. And so I can understand hesitation, to be frank with you.
- Our state does.
Summary:
The committee first approved a motion, then heard a lengthy presentation on homelessness in Arkansas, with a focus on unsheltered homelessness, untreated mental illness and substance use, public safety, and the role of local law enforcement and shelters. Presenters from law enforcement, homeless service providers, mental health, and policy groups discussed federal Continuum of Care funding, the need for better data and accountability, and proposals such as statewide camping enforcement, stronger treatment access, and consolidating or reworking the continuum-of-care structure. Much of the discussion centered on the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, with witnesses describing it as a way to expand crisis services, treatment, and coordination with housing and justice systems. They also discussed homelessness among sex offenders, family homelessness, workforce supports, and how to scale successful local programs statewide. No formal action was taken on the homelessness proposals during the discussion.
The committee then reviewed several Department of Energy and Department of Health/Board of Nursing rules. The energy rule updated solid waste post-closure cleanup thresholds from $50,000 to $2 million to match Act 791 of 2025. Nursing-related rules added fees for the new dialysis patient care technician registration created by Act 198 of 2025, updated contact-information requirements, implemented APRN authority under Act 862 of 2025, clarified durable medical equipment language under Act 431 of 2025, and incorporated delegation changes from Act 959 of 2025. Additional nursing rules updated certified medication assistant training and duties under Act 265 of 2025, and corrected rules for full independent practice to include clinical nurse specialists under Act 872 of 2023. Each rule was reviewed without objection.
At the close of the meeting, members received an update that UAMS had completed its NCII designation submission for the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, which was described as a major milestone. The committee then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 3rd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Lee, state your point of order.
- State your point, Mr. DeMaio. Mr.
- This is critical for all of our communities because the state land, the state state of emergency declaration
- States and countries.
- If you die in a state prison, the state has 24 hours to notify the family.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- and whether that's said, the intermittent energy with wind turbines and solar panels or baseload energy
- and our energy sovereignty.
- Right now, Idaho is a net importer of energy, where we import roughly about 40% of our energy needs.
- We are a net importer of energy, where we import roughly about 40% of our energy needs.
- , and sometimes that energy is cheaper than generating it here in the state.
Summary:
The Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee met with a quorum and first took up HCR 32, a resolution on Idaho’s energy future. Representative Leavitt said the measure emphasizes baseload generation, transmission, energy sovereignty, and private property rights, citing Idaho’s reliance on imported energy and concerns about projects such as Lava Ridge and the Southwest Intertie Project North. Public testimony included support from Renewable Northwest, whose representative praised the resolution’s recognition of regional market participation, ratepayer protection, and the need for more generation and transmission, while noting that regional market access can reduce the amount of baseload generation needed. The committee then voted to send HCR 32 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee next considered H.J.M. 18, a memorial urging opposition to solar geoengineering. Representative Hostetler explained that the memorial had been revised to focus specifically on solar geoengineering rather than weather modification generally. A long line of public testimony supported the memorial, with witnesses arguing that solar geoengineering poses risks to health, agriculture, water, soil, wildlife, and property rights, and calling for Idaho to assert state sovereignty and urge federal action. Several witnesses cited federal reports, research plans, and alleged environmental and health impacts, while others described personal observations and sampling results they believed showed harmful particulates in rain or air.
One witness, a federal trial practitioner, argued that airplane trails are not merely water vapor and urged independent scientific study, while other speakers claimed links between geoengineering and infertility, neurological illness, bee decline, drought, and crop impacts. A sponsor clarified the memorial’s language in response to a question about the term “generally,” explaining it was intended to distinguish solar geoengineering from broader weather modification. After testimony ended, the committee voted to send H.J.M. 18 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Electricity as Vehicle Fuel Working Group 10/15/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the state. the state.
- </c> State<00:29:29.440><c> statute</c><00:29:30.000><c> 239.90</c> State statute 239.90 State statute
- </c> >> state parks. >> state parks.
- state gas tax.
- </c><01:24:57.679><c> uh</c> states across the the United States uh states across the the United States
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Government Affairs May 30th, 2025 at 03:30 pm
Government Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I have been to every county in our state.
- appropriation, what could the state do if we were to say the state does have some obligation to support
- GOED's first state plan identified 11,000 jobs as possible across our state from these logistics clusters
- Section 19 expands it so that it's not just the State Treasurer; it's also the State Treasurer and the
- For example, state tax credits may be one layer, right? Or the state administering federal funds.
Committee:
Senate Government Affairs
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-13 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> bill makes several changes to the state bill makes several changes to the state law<00:32:50.200
- . states. states.
- Senate Bill 218, Chair, Education and Energy Committee, State Superintendent of Schools, prolonged state
- <02:05:39.440><c> Committee,</c><02:05:40.000><c> State</c><02:05:40.240><c> Superintendent</c> Energy
- Committee, State Superintendent Energy Committee, State Superintendent of<02:05:40.720><c> Schools,<
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Debate — April 26 Apr 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- You can sell them to another manufacturer who's not meeting its goals, the goals that Washington State
- It can sell them in another state to a manufacturer, to another state that's It can sell them in another
- state to a manufacturer, to another state that's a participant—California, perhaps—or it can bank them
- So the underlying bill wants to tax at 2% the sales in Washington State, and I think that in itself is
- State.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a moment of silence for Senator Chris Gildon and his family after the death of his wife, Autumn. It then took up several bills on final passage, beginning with Substitute House Bill 2020, which establishes a 3.1% B&O tax rate for payment card processing activities and allows a deduction for certain related fees. Supporters said it resolves a long-running dispute with the Department of Revenue; it passed 47-0.
The chamber also passed House Bill 2039, delaying the child support pass-through expansion from 2026 to 2029, and House Bill 2040, delaying the elimination of recoveries from the Aged, Blind, and Disabled Assistance Program from October 2025 to October 2028. Supporters framed both as timing changes, while opponents argued they would postpone benefits for families and vulnerable people. Both bills passed 25-22.
Substitute House Bill 2051, dealing with payment to acute care hospitals for difficult-to-discharge patients, passed 27-20 after several proposed amendments were withdrawn. Supporters said the bill helps hospitals care for patients who have nowhere else to go, while opponents argued the state should not delay payment support for these patients. The Senate also passed In Gross Substitute House Bill 2061, imposing a 10% concession fee on duty-free sales to fund tourism promotion and sustainable aviation fuel, over objections that it was a tax increase passed on to consumers.
Finally, Substitute House Bill 2077, which taxes certain business activities related to zero-emission vehicle credits, passed 28-19 after an amendment to remove or narrow parts of the tax was rejected. Supporters said the measure would encourage spending of credits and support clean transportation goals, while opponents called it a targeted tax on Tesla and warned it could raise EV prices. The Senate then concurred in amended Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1293, a litter and plastic bag measure that increases litter penalties and keeps the planned bag-thickness increase from taking effect, and passed it 27-20. The Senate adjourned until April 27, 2025.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC – Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee Dec 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the Chief of Prevention, Safety, and Health at the Washington State Department of Health.
- I'm the Chief of Prevention, Safety, and Health at the Washington State Department of Health, and that
- Given that there are many local governments in Washington state, but OPDP is a relatively small office
- Kyoko and James Orr for their service to the state, and they really put in a lot of effort and energy
- , which in Washington State means only the slightest presence in the state counts.
Summary:
The committee met on December 3, 2025, with a quorum present and approved the September 17 minutes. Members first voted to suspend the 2026 JLARC lodging tax expenditure report for one year, based on staff’s explanation that the report is self-reported, not verified, and less useful than State Auditor accountability audits; the motion passed. The committee also approved renaming the JLARC I-900 subcommittee to the “Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits,” while keeping the opening script noting that the performance audit process exists under Initiative 900.
The committee then heard follow-up updates on two prior performance audits. The Department of Health presented a draft strategic management plan in response to findings on hospital inspections, complaints, adverse event review, and hospital data access. JLARC staff reiterated that 72% of hospital inspections were late, that DOH did not verify third-party inspection standards or review adverse event reports, and that complaint data suggested possible language-access barriers. DOH said it concurred with the recommendations, had improved on-time inspection compliance to about 49%, planned annual updates starting in July 2026, and would work on accreditation oversight, complaint-language access, and data accessibility, though members pressed for firmer deadlines and questioned the three-year timeline for language access improvements.
The Liquor and Cannabis Board also reported on its cannabis market study recommendation. JLARC staff said the agency’s data were incomplete and unreliable, limiting oversight of production, recalls, tax collection, and diversion. LCB said it had improved its current CCRS system but still relied on self-reported data, and it presented a decision package for a new traceability system estimated at about $9 million over three fiscal years. LCB described a plant-tagging and serialization approach tied to production, processing, testing, and retail, but acknowledged it did not currently have sufficient staff to fully implement the system without additional funding.
The committee also received briefings on JLARC’s recommendation-tracking tools and the 2024 public records reporting summary, including a high-level review of agency response rates, request volumes, costs, and litigation. Finally, JLARC presented the proposed final report on the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, concluding that OPDP meets its statutory responsibilities and has high user satisfaction, but that its mandate should be updated to better match its current capacity and focus; the committee adopted the report for distribution. The meeting then moved into the 2025 tax preference performance reviews, where JLARC staff summarized nine reviews and noted that the Citizens Commission on Tax Preference and Performance Measurement endorsed all 17 legislative auditor recommendations, with comments on seven. Early reviews discussed included natural gas transportation fuel preferences, travel agent and tour operator B&O rates, nonprofit low-income housing development, multipurpose senior centers, disabled veteran adaptive housing, and trade convention attendance, with staff and commissioners generally recommending continuation of some preferences, modification of others, and improved objectives or performance measures where needed.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 4 March, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of state.
- On the state of the state, lady?
- state.
- </c> the state of state. the state of state. That<02:12:02.000><c> is</c><02:12:02.120><c> gaming.
- States. States.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education (3-24-26)
Postsecondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- in the past year when it comes to energy in the United<00:10:18.840><c> States.
- Um, and so, whoever is the state that has energy will have economic development and growth.
- And states that do not have energy will be left behind.
- And states that do not have energy will be left behind.
- And states that do not have energy will be left behind.
Committee:
House Postsecondary Education
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 29th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the California State Assembly. Welcome to the California State Assembly.
- Okay, members, for those of you who are flummoxed by the state of democracy in the United States right
- The United States is falling behind the rest of the industrialized world when it comes to clean energy
- energy, electric vehicles, electric trucks, and overall the clean energy future that we inevitably will
- Our numbering should remain as spelled out in state code, absolutely content neutral.
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.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And the state, just a little commentary first, the state should be leading as a model employer.
- I mean, these are all like state contracts, state-led initiatives.
- Yes, so the State Exchange policy crosswalk, um, in all materials that State Exchange has sent, has been
- numerated coding manufacturing.
- It’s had great outcomes in other states.
Summary:
The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met in June, approved the March meeting minutes, and heard a chair’s report on recent “Meet the Moment” community conversations, including a successful Lowell event and plans for a July 14 event in Northampton. The chair also announced the Commission’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration on October 7 at the State House, which will include a MassAbility partnership panel on artificial intelligence and disability, and noted ongoing efforts to livestream future events when possible.
A major presentation came from the Supplier Diversity Office on the Empowering Abilities in Contracting and Employment (EAC) program. The coordinator described the program’s history from a 2016 law and 2018 pilot to its statewide launch on July 1, 2025, and said it now applies to all new statewide goods and services contracts. The program’s goals are to increase certification and contracting opportunities for disability-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, improve workforce development and disability employment among vendors, and build a resource network for employers. Reported figures included about 292 active certified businesses, roughly 40 vendors currently on EAC contracts, a projected increase to about 80 by July and more than 130 by November, and a long-term goal of 3% disability representation in vendor workforces. Commissioners praised the program and asked about comparisons with other states, geographic reach, and the mix of disability-owned versus veteran-owned businesses.
The Commission also received updates from its advisory council and subcommittees. The advisory council has been sharing expertise across employment, housing, transportation, health equity, technology, and AI, and two members will help plan the October employment event. The employment subcommittee discussed transition-to-employment barriers, the disability employment tax credit, veteran services, and a State Exchange policy brief that members want reformatted into a more usable data table. The workforce supports subcommittee reported on a May 28 webinar about apprenticeships as a strategy to address workforce shortages in disability services, with more than 45 participants and examples of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship models. The long-term services and supports/health equity subcommittee heard from the Department of Public Health’s CCATR resource center and from the Autism Self-Advocacy Network about COVID-era health care barriers and ongoing advocacy. The executive director also reported on meetings with MassHealth-related groups, caregiver organizations, agency leaders, MassAbility, and AI stakeholders, and the meeting ended with announcements and unanimous adjournment.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And the state, just a little commentary first, the state should be leading as a model employer.
- I mean, these are all like state contracts, state-led initiatives.
- And if they are, they have to serve the whole state. So we have the diversity in... Whole state.
- numerically controlled coding manufacturing.
- It's had great outcomes in other states.
Summary:
The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met virtually and in person for its June meeting. Members approved the March meeting minutes and heard a chair’s report on recent “Meeting the Moment” community conversations, including the successful Lowell event and plans for a July 14 Northampton event and an October National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration at the State House. The October event will include a panel with MassAbility on artificial intelligence and its impacts on people with disabilities, with discussion of both accessibility benefits and risks such as bias and discrimination.
A major presentation came from the Supplier Diversity Office on its Empowering Abilities in Contracting and Employment (EAC) program. Staff described the program’s evolution from a pilot launched after 2016 legislation to a statewide policy now included in new state contracts. The program aims to increase certification of disability-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, expand workforce participation by people with disabilities, and use vendor reporting to track progress toward a 3% workforce goal. The office reported about 292 active certified businesses, roughly 40 vendors currently on EAC contracts, and expectations that the number of participating vendors will grow to about 130 by November. Commissioners praised the program and asked about its reach, data, and potential replication in other states or institutions.
The advisory council update highlighted broad engagement across topics including accessibility, employment, youth transition, housing, health equity, transportation, technology, AI, and supported decision-making. Members were asked to share fact sheets and resources for posting on the commission website, and two council members will help plan the October employment event. Subcommittee reports followed: the employment subcommittee reviewed transition-to-employment barriers, the disability employment tax credit, veteran services, and a SEED policy brief; the workforce supports subcommittee discussed apprenticeships and a May webinar on addressing workforce barriers through apprenticeships; and the long-term services and supports/health equity subcommittee heard about care coordination training resources and a presentation on post-COVID health care inequities for people with disabilities. The executive director also reported on ongoing work with state agencies, MassHealth-related conversations, caregiver and aging issues, and AI planning. The meeting ended with commissioner announcements on the Paul Spooner Generational Leadership Summit and a Medicaid summit, followed by adjournment by vote.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-01-30 - 11:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> affecting the revenues of the state affecting the revenues of the state under<00:05:38.160><c> rule
- Listen to the Resources and Energy.
- >> Senator from Washington. >> Thank you, Mr. President.
- </c> >> Senator [clears throat] from Washington.
- >> Senator [clears throat] from Washington.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- :15:23.279><c> as</c> in the state building code as well as in the state building code as well as the
- The reason we don't have a 2020 Minnesota energy code, residential energy code, is because it wasn't
- </c> residential energy code. residential energy code. members.<04:17:02.000><c> I'm</c><04:17:02.319
- The reason we don't have a 2020 Minnesota energy code, residential energy code, is because it wasn't
- Senator Lucero. residential energy code. Now, right now, residential energy code.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Government Finance Committee Jun 25th, 2026
Government Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I can tell you, we have worked with the state of Washington, who has a program in place, just to get
- Fire Marshal's Office authority over the fire code for state buildings.
- building code to state buildings.
- who is in charge of enforcing the state building code.
- who is in charge of enforcing the state building code.
Committee:
Joint Government Finance Committee
Summary:
The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation.
The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward.
Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft.
The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations.
Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs May 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And there are states like Wisconsin, another Public Law 280 state, where there is actually state-level
- And the state of Washington, for example, has passed legislation that would bind, almost bind the state
- And the state of Washington, for example, has passed legislation.
- And the state of Washington, for example, has passed legislation that would bind, almost bind the state
- So looking at states that are non-Public Law 280 states and how this crisis is being handled in those
Summary:
The Select Committee on Native American Affairs opened its 2025 hearing with a traditional song and remarks about the importance of Native visibility and land acknowledgment. The hearing focused on missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIP), exploitation and trafficking in a Public Law 280 (PL 280) state, and California’s response. Members and tribal leaders emphasized that MMIP is tied to historical trauma, forced removal, undercounting, and ongoing inequities in law enforcement response, media attention, and access to resources. Several panelists urged stronger tribal consultation, better data collection, more funding, and culturally informed education and victim services.
In the first panel, tribal chairpersons described personal and community impacts. Chairperson Antonet Del Rio spoke about the need to include federally and non-federally recognized tribes and to educate schools and communities, while naming long-unsolved cases from her tribe. Chairperson Cheyenne Stone connected MMIP to the history of violence in Owens Valley and to the disturbance of Indigenous remains during infrastructure projects, calling for forensic resources, mandatory consultation, and accountability. Chairperson Charles Martin described the death of Morongo citizen Amy Porter and said the Feather Alert failed her family because law enforcement did not act quickly enough; he called for reforms and better coordination, especially in PL 280 jurisdictions. Chairwoman Nelson and committee members echoed the need for equity, urgency, and government-to-government respect.
The second panel examined how PL 280 complicates MMIP and trafficking cases. Professor Carol Goldberg explained that PL 280 created an unfunded mandate, reduced federal jurisdiction and funding, and contributed to under-resourced policing and mistrust; she recommended mandatory training, community-oriented policing, formal tribal-county collaboration, and possible retrocession in some cases. Yurok Chairman Joe James tied MMIP to boarding schools, trafficking, and the need to advance bills such as AB 31, SB 4, ACR 39, AB 285, and AB 1378, along with increased budget funding. Morning Star Gali argued that PL 280 enables traffickers and violent offenders to exploit jurisdictional gaps and called for tribally led public safety, housing, victim services, and stronger consultation. Dustin Contreras, a human trafficking investigator, described the overlap between trafficking and MMIP, stressed partnerships and task forces, and supported more education for law enforcement, schools, and families.
In the final panel, state and county officials described current efforts and acknowledged remaining gaps. The Attorney General’s Office said it is working on MICIC outreach, tribal response planning, PL 280 training through an advisory council, and improved data systems, while supporting bills and the Feather Alert. Humboldt County Sheriff Hansel described the case of a missing woman, Emily, as an example of how people with mental illness or justice involvement can become invisible, and said counties need more consistent training and clearer jurisdictional protocols. He and other officials supported the Feather Alert, tribal police authority, and a pilot program for POST status for tribal police, which they said had been vetoed previously. Across the hearing, speakers repeatedly called for better coordination, more funding, stronger tribal authority, and sustained action rather than symbolic recognition.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 116 May 9th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the state.
- the state.
- </c> our state has. our state has.
- c><04:03:07.040><c> completely</c> state, and the state has completely state, and the state has completely
- </c><04:53:28.718><c> local</c> exempts state uh the state from local exempts state uh the state from