Video & Transcript : 'black mangrove' :
Page 33 of 338
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Aug 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It takes two million black voters to get one representative with this map.
- One black vote in the state of Texas is worth one-fifth of a white vote.
- Texas has the largest black population of voters and the second largest population of Latino voters,
- In this way is incredibly dangerous to the Hispanic and Black communities that are being silenced.
- If this map is adopted, Texas has a shameful history of disenfranchising Blacks and Hispanics.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It is an immense privilege. to stand before you today during Black History Month to honor the Delta Xi
- Their history is not just a part of UT's story. of the larger story of black resilience, empowerment,
- At predominantly white institutions, black students were often isolated. denied access to social and
- They paved the way for others who followed, creating a space where black students could thrive. lead
- Since that historic moment, black Greek letter organizations have flourished at UT, but it was the AKA
Summary:
The committee meeting was conducted with several discussions surrounding various proposed bills, addressing both public interests and legislative concerns. Specific bills were presented, and members debated the implications of each, emphasizing their potential impact on the community and state regulations. Notably, several testimonies were heard from stakeholders, which enriched the conversation and provided different perspectives on the bills being reviewed.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It is an immense privilege. to stand before you today during Black History Month to honor the Delta Xi
- Their history is not just a part of UT's story. of the larger story of black resilience, empowerment,
- At predominantly white institutions, black students were often isolated. denied access to social and
- They paved the way for others who followed, creating a space where black students could thrive. lead
- Since that historic moment, black Greek letter organizations have flourished at UT, but it was the AKA
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Black.” “Thank you, Mr. Chair. Do you have any details, Mr.
- “Black?” “Aye.” “Boggs?” “Aye.”
- Black? Aye. Boggs? Aye. Chapel. Representative Boggs: Aye. Representative Chappell.
- Black. Boggs. Aye. Chappell. Christensen. Collins. Cupps. Yes. Douglas. Aye. Hein.”
- Black. Aye. Boggs. Aye. Chappell. Christensen. Collins. Aye. Douglas. Aye. Hein. Aye.” “Cupps.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There's nothing in the industry that prohibits or prevents black market sales or individuals manufacturing
- There's nothing in the industry that prohibits or prevents black market sales or individuals manufacturing
- So it's not as though it's a black market. And this idea of a black market, we've got to...
- Representative Barbieri continued: It's not as though it's a black market.
- And this idea of a black market, we've got to regulate this.
Summary:
The House Revenue and Taxation Committee met on March 12, 2026, and took up three RS drafts for introduction only. RS 33573, by Representative Raymond, would create a permitting and licensing framework for vape and alternative nicotine products, define those products, require out-of-state sellers to post a bond, allow permit denial for fraud or felony-related issues, establish contraband rules, and impose a modest tax with revenues split among Health and Welfare, public education for cessation/education, and the general fund. Supporters said the bill was the product of years of stakeholder work and was intended to address youth vaping and black-market sales; opponents, including Representative Barbieri, argued it would overregulate a cessation product and could amount to double taxation. The committee voted to introduce the bill, with some nays recorded.
RS 33664, by Representative Raybould, proposed a state property tax tied to occupancy, aimed at returning funds to counties and cities for law enforcement, fire, EMS, infrastructure, and property tax reduction. Several members said they were willing to introduce it for discussion but did not support a statewide property tax as a policy matter. The committee voted to introduce the draft.
RS 33659, also by Representative Raybould, would tighten homestead exemption verification by requiring the Idaho ID address to match the claimed property address, allowing an Idaho income tax return as an alternative for those without a state ID, and clarifying that applicants cannot claim a similar exemption in another state unless they are on active military service or a religious mission. The sponsor said counties would handle verification and could check other state records when needed. The committee voted to introduce this draft as well, and then adjourned with a meeting scheduled for the next day.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, February 24, 2026
Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- The result of this investment is now paying off as these live and healthy Wyoming Black Hills forests
- </c> invested in in the Black Hills. invested in in the Black Hills.
- We have mills in the Black Hills area up by Huelet.
- I've toured the Black Hills a number of times. I used to go and tour when I worked for the state.
- You look at the Black Hills, you look at different areas all the way around the state.
Keywords:
forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, water development, feasibility studies, appropriations, water management, rehabilitation, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, forestry management
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- They're working on Black and Latinx and Latin American artists.
- Black womanism or queer theory will Sherry Sylvester: meet the requirement.
- students and the teaching of Black history in Texas.
- SB 37's curricular review framework will have discriminatory Alan Liu: impact on Black people, Black
- history, and the Black experience in America and in Texas.
Bills:
SB 37
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 11th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Black community endured slavery, Jim Crow, segregation, redlining, voter suppression, and systemic
- For example, in my district there is a deep alliance, racial and economic alliance, between the Black
- And this relationship dates back to the early history of the Black freedom struggle, as leaders such
- The Asian American movement of the 1960s and '70s was heavily influenced by the Black Power movement
- As members of the California Legislative Black Caucus, we recognize this struggle and promise, and we
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 7th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- On behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus, I want to preface my statement by thanking the
- Today, the CSU San Luis Obispo program explored Black and Indigenous solidarity and acknowledged the
- For example, tribes would provide shelter to protect runaway slaves, as Black Americans can relate to
- As I said, where individuals are hunting Black or Brown... Court of ACR 163.
- As I said, where individuals are hunting black or brown, As I said, where individuals are hunting Black
Summary:
The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a large daily file of bills and resolutions. Early procedural motions were adopted, including re-referrals and a motion to allow the Appropriations Committee to notice SB 73, which passed 46-15. Members also introduced several guests, including young legislators, schoolchildren, a championship girls’ basketball team, realtors, and CASA advocates.
On the floor, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1389, a tribal gaming compact urgency bill for the Yurok Tribe, which passed 55-0 on the urgency and measure. The body then passed a series of bills on topics including trespass enforcement (AB 1632), pest control fees (AB 2380), county investment authority (AB 2080), pupil achievement gap reporting (AB 2149), transit board stipends (AB 1625), e-filing for workplace violence restraining orders (AB 2179), election eligibility restrictions for registered sex offenders (AB 2753), juvenile firearm possession and deferred entry of judgment (AB 2636), court access and First Amendment issues (AB 1544), physician medical record integrity (AB 1637), forced marriage protections (AB 2534), and local authority to restrict under-12 e-bike use in San Mateo County (AB 2595). Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, with votes ranging from 53-0 to 63-0.
The Assembly also adopted ACR 173, reaffirming California’s sister-state relationship with Jalisco, Mexico, after adding 50 coauthors. Later, it adopted ACR 163 designating May as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month after extensive testimony from the author and multiple caucus members emphasizing the crisis, data gaps, tribal sovereignty, and the need for more resources and action; 64 coauthors were added before the resolution passed by voice vote. The chamber likewise adopted ACR 180 designating Compost Awareness Week and ACR 182 establishing Youth Mental Health Awareness Week, both after coauthor roll calls and voice votes.
The day concluded with urgent action on AB 108, which provides up to $25 million in one-time emergency bridge funding for distressed hospitals facing imminent closure. Members from both parties spoke in support, citing rural access, prior hospital closures, and the need to protect community health care; the bill passed 59-0 and was sent to the Governor immediately. The Assembly then handled consent calendar items, heard an adjournment in memory for labor leader Larry Mazzola Sr., and adjourned until Monday, May 11 at 1 p.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Senate POCI Caucus Announces 2025 Priorities - 02/03/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Minnesota is at a crossroads in how we view and support our Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.
- I represent Senate District 56, and I'm the vice chair of the POCI caucus in the Senate Black, Asian,
- Asian Latino and most affected are black Asian Latino and Indigenous<00:03:16.280><c> neighbors</c><
- I always like to say that before the 2023 legislative session, there had never been a Black woman in
- woman in the Minnesota Senate a black woman in the Minnesota Senate but<00:04:39.600><c> thankfully<
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- As you know, the Tuskegee Airmen were a group of largely Black service members who fought as part of
- Public records requests come back with pages that are 100% redacted, just like black page after black
- Public records request come back with pages that are 100% redacted, just like black page after black
- Major Lieutenant Cullen became the first Black woman to join the U.S.
- So again, thank you for your time, and I hope became the first black woman to join the U.S.
Summary:
The committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hybrid hearing covering public construction, business regulations, and honorary designations, with most of the discussion focused on two matters: a five-year moratorium on new jail and prison construction (S. 2114/H. 3422) and a bill designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day (S. 2152/H. 3305). The chair emphasized that the hearing was public, testimony would be recorded, and speakers should generally keep remarks to three minutes. Senator Comerford introduced the prison moratorium bill, saying it would pause new construction while allowing renovations, and Senator Friedman introduced the Tourette awareness bill and a separate Tuskegee Airmen commemoration measure, asking for favorable action on both honorary designations.
A large portion of the hearing featured remote testimony from incarcerated people at MCI Framingham and MCI Shirley in support of the prison moratorium. Witnesses repeatedly argued that Massachusetts does not need a new women’s prison, that the incarcerated population is declining, and that funds would be better spent on mental health care, addiction treatment, vocational training, pre-release programming, housing, and repairs to existing facilities. Several speakers described poor conditions, limited programming, and the need to address trauma, domestic violence, and substance use as root causes of incarceration. One committee member responded to testimony by noting that incarceration numbers are going down, that the state is working on housing and workforce opportunities for people returning home, and that the committee wants to expand pathways to employment and reentry.
The Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day bill drew testimony from the bill’s young sponsor, Owen Rosenthal, his parents, medical professionals, and advocates. They described Tourette syndrome as a misunderstood neurodevelopmental condition, said awareness would reduce stigma and improve diagnosis and support, and cited the need for education in schools, workplaces, and the medical community. The Tourette Association of America supported the bill, noting underdiagnosis, co-occurring conditions, pain, and mental health risks associated with Tourette syndrome. Committee members praised the youth advocates and asked that written testimony be submitted electronically. The hearing ended without any recorded votes or final committee action in the transcript provided.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 003 Jan 17th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thus, he became the symbolic leader of the Black community as well as a world figure.
- Thus, he became the symbolic leader of the Black community as well as a world figure.
- because he thought all Blacks were dirty.
- In 2001, promoted because I was black.
- And in 2006, because I was black.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-11 (4:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the same Department of Education that said the Ocoee Massacre, where Black...
- So... ...majority Black folks.
- Representative Black, you were recognized for a motion.
- Seeing no debate, Representative Black, you're recognized to close. Madam Speaker.
- Seeing no debate, Representative Black, you're recognized to close. Waive close.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Terry Fields and the Parkland victims, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine organizational actions including approval of the journal and adoption of a special order report. The chamber then took up House Bill 1119, relating to materials harmful to minors, which the sponsor described as a measure to clarify and strengthen standards for removing obscene or pornographic content from public school classrooms and libraries while preserving educational uses and not targeting classical literature, LGBTQ content, or other protected viewpoints. Members questioned the bill’s use of terms such as “predominantly,” its relationship to existing local review processes, the impact on AP/IB and college-level materials, the applicability to voucher-funded schools, and the risk of additional First Amendment litigation and costs. The sponsor responded that the bill was needed because current standards were being bypassed and that the legislation was aimed at material harmful to minors, not general literary value.
The House considered numerous amendments, most of which were defeated. Amendments offered by Representatives Gant, Aristide, Bartleman, Eskamani, Nixon, Rainer, Woodson, and Harris sought, among other things, to preserve parental choice during review periods, restore a whole-work constitutional standard, limit repeated objections, protect educational and abuse-prevention materials, prevent LGBTQ-inclusive books from being labeled harmful solely on that basis, shield school districts from funding penalties, and delay enforcement in districts already under litigation. Supporters of the amendments argued that the bill would encourage censorship, remove books with clear literary or educational value, burden districts with costs and lawsuits, and harm students who rely on school libraries for access to reading material and representation. Opponents of the amendments argued the bill was necessary to protect minors from explicit content and that the proposed changes would weaken that protection. All of the amendments described in the transcript failed.
After the amendment process, the House waived rules, read HB 1119 a third time by title, and entered structured debate on final passage. In closing debate, opponents repeated concerns about constitutional vulnerability, overbroad book removals, and the educational harm of limiting access to literature, while supporters framed the bill as a child-protection measure and a clarification of existing law. The transcript ends during the structured debate on final passage, before the final vote on the bill is shown.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression Jun 21st, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to talk about Black Maternal Health Week, which is April 11th through the 17th.
- We're going to talk about Black Maternal Health Week, which is April 11th through the 17th.
- And what we heard in that data was pretty disheartening: that conditions for Black and brown women in
- Andi has been a staple in the Black maternal health space and the maternal health space.
- It's also focused on Black maternal health.
Summary:
The Ellen Story Commission for Postpartum Depression held its spring meeting with a large turnout, beginning with roll call and a review of the agenda. Co-chairs Representative Brandy Fluker-Reid and Senator Liz Miranda highlighted progress from the recently enacted maternal health omnibus law and the Moms Matter Act, including creation of a midwifery board, expansion of out-of-hospital birth options, doula services, lactation support, MassHealth coverage changes, and a trust fund for community-based behavioral health and substance use grants. Members also discussed implementation of the new law, the commission’s annual report, and the need to continue supporting birth centers and perinatal mental health services.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on commission membership and vacancies. Commissioners discussed whether to remain on the body, the need to fill several open seats, and whether the commission’s statutory composition should be updated to better reflect current practice and expertise. Members suggested adding more clinicians working directly with perinatal families, infant mental health experts, and a representative from PSI of Massachusetts, while also noting the value of having regulators and professional society representatives at the table. Several participants said any changes to membership would likely require legislation, and the co-chairs said they would explore options and possibly circulate a flyer or other invitation process for nominations.
The commission also discussed meeting structure and future planning. Members generally supported moving to quarterly virtual meetings, with a preference for a 4 p.m. start time, and some suggested one annual in-person gathering. The group agreed to postpone the usual May Advocacy Day because the Great Hall was unavailable and instead aim for a fall event, with volunteers stepping forward to help plan it. Commissioners raised top-of-mind issues including postpartum depression screening reimbursement, care for people after miscarriage or abortion, access for undocumented pregnant people, and the impact of federal cuts. The meeting ended with agreement to crowdsource legislative priorities for the next quarter, consider future presentations from outside organizations, and send updates between meetings, followed by a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Black? Here. Davis? Here. Dolan? Here. Jamison? Here. Keathley? Here. Overcast? Here. Sharpe? Here.
- Black? Aye. Member Smith? No. Anderson? No. Black? Aye. Davis? Yes. Dolan? Aye. Hardwick? Aye.
- Representative Black? To inquire, Madam Chair. Please proceed. Thank you.
- Representative Black? Thank you, to inquire, Madam Chair. Please proceed.
- Representative Black? Thank you, to inquire, Madam Chair. Please proceed.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 12, 2026 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair Black. Here. Ranking Member Nixon. Representative Albert. Here. Representative Alvarez.
- Representative Black, you're recognized for a question? Madam Chair.
- Representative Black, you're recognized for a question. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Representative Black, you're recognized in debate. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Black, yes. Boils, yes. Gossit, yes. Welcome, yes. Long, yes. Moony, yes. Nix, yes. For us, yes.
Summary:
The Education Administration Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up two bills. The first, PCS for HB 725 on political activity at public institutions of higher education, would require colleges and universities to notify students and employees about existing campus political activity rules at orientation and on their websites, and to adopt standardized policies through the State Board of Education and Board of Governors. The sponsor said the bill is intended to mirror federal IRS/501(c)(3) guidelines, protect institutions from risking federal funding, and clarify what is and is not allowed; supporters framed it as an awareness and free-expression measure, while opponents warned it could chill speech, create vague enforcement standards, and lead to unintended consequences for students and faculty. Public testimony was largely opposed, with speakers from student, civil liberties, education, and advocacy groups raising free-speech concerns. The committee passed the bill 13-5.
The second measure, PCS for HB 1437, addressed disputes under mutual management plans between conversion charter schools and district school boards. The sponsor said the bill fills a gap by providing a clearer dispute-resolution path through mediation by the Department of Education or, ultimately, an administrative law judge at DOAH. Members asked about appeal rights and whether DOE is perceived as favoring charter schools; the sponsor said the bill simply sets the process for the current issue and that the administrative law judge provision serves as the final step. There was no public testimony, and the bill was reported favorably 18-0.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Jul 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- As we warned, Black people are disproportionately represented in the CARE Court process, and the people
- As we warned, Black people are disproportionately represented in the CARE Court process, and the people
- The California Legislative Black Caucus believes this is the best way to do it.
- Okay, you put the Black people stuff inside of the Department, okay?
- You have been a strong supporter of the California Legislative Black Caucus.
Summary:
The committee met as a subcommittee without quorum at first, then later established quorum and continued hearing several bills. SB 27, the annual CARE Court cleanup bill, would require courts to consider CARE referral for certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial, combine some hearings, allow limited data sharing among licensed medical professionals, and expand eligibility to include mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would clarify the meaning of “clinically stabilized,” streamline the process, and help more severely ill people receive treatment; opponents argued it would expand CARE Court too broadly, strain county resources, and divert attention from housing and voluntary services. The bill passed to the Health Committee on a roll call vote and was placed on call.
SB 82, dealing with so-called “infinite arbitration clauses,” would limit consumer contract arbitration provisions to disputes arising from the product or service actually purchased. The author and supporters said the bill would stop companies from forcing arbitration in unrelated claims and would not ban arbitration itself. Opponents from business and banking groups argued the language was too restrictive, could create litigation over related transactions, and should be clarified as prospective only. The committee approved the bill and placed it on call after a roll call vote.
The committee then heard two reparations-related bills. SB 437 would direct CSU to develop a genealogical methodology and framework for verifying descendants of enslaved people, with oversight, reporting, and guardrails tied to recently allocated state funding. Supporters said the bill would create a fair, evidence-based process; opponents, including professional genealogists and reparations advocates, argued the work is already well understood, the bill is unnecessary, and it could delay action. SB 518 would create a Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within state government, with divisions for genealogy, property reclamation, outreach, and legal affairs. Supporters framed it as needed infrastructure to implement reparations recommendations; opponents objected to locating it in the Department of Justice, warned about data privacy and law enforcement control, and criticized the inclusion of broader communities. Both bills were moved to Appropriations and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 52, the End AI Rent Hikes Act, which would prohibit the use of algorithms to collude on and artificially inflate rental prices; the author and supporters described it as a response to AI-assisted rent fixing in California’s housing market.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 021 Feb 3rd, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:25:08.080><c> and</c><00:25:08.320><c> brown</c> profiling of black and brown profiling of black
- </c><01:48:26.080><c> immigrants,</c> experiences of black immigrants, experiences of black immigrants
- </c><02:14:19.440><c> or</c> is for all colors, not just black or is for all colors, not just black or
- And that's my life, our life every day as Black people, Black women in this building, treated with disdain
- It is a Black >> Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is a Black History<04:28:26.960><c> Month.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jul 2nd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- America, San Diego Gas, and the San Diego Zoo, companies that he identified as not wanting to hire Black
- Brown would later return to San Diego State as the first Black administrator, when he took a position
- the NAACP to get San Diego City Council elections to a district-based system, putting more power in Black
- supports understanding of the history, the importance of education, and economic systems within the Black
- I have to say that as... ...and economic systems within the Black community.
Summary:
The Assembly met with an initial quorum call, then proceeded through routine floor business, guest introductions, and several procedural motions. Members approved requests to suspend rules for adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest seating, removed some bills from the consent calendar, and re-referred or withdrew several measures. The chamber also took up a number of second-reading and concurrence items later in the day.
Two major bills drew floor debate. SB 762, a tax measure allowing eligible local governments to seek voter approval for transactions and use tax rates above the statutory cap, was presented as a response to local fiscal pressures and was described by supporters as giving voters local choice rather than imposing a tax increase. It passed with an urgency vote of 54-13 and was sent immediately to the Senate. AB 126, the education budget trailer bill, was presented as a major investment in TK-12 education, special education, community schools, and educator leave; one member supported many provisions but objected to policy changes affecting charter schools being included in a budget bill. The Assembly concurred in the Senate amendments on AB 126 by a vote of 56-1.
The Assembly also concurred in AB 35, an urgency environmental protection bill intended to speed implementation of Proposition 4-funded projects by narrowing administrative delay; supporters said it would accelerate wildfire prevention, water, and other environmental projects. The measure passed unanimously, 66-0. The consent calendar was then adopted, including AB 2796 on criminal history information, which passed 67-0. The session concluded with multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, including remarks honoring victims of a B-52 test flight crash at Edwards Air Force Base, former West Covina Mayor Lloyd Johnson, civil rights leader Harold Brown, educator and activist Kiyoko Nancy Oda, and Auburn Mayor John Mike Holmes, followed by announcements of summer recess and adjournment until August 3.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- you for your presentation, but what I'm wondering is that we know that people of color, especially Black
- sure that we are servicing everyone in the state of Washington, but talking more specifically with Black
- I'm talking more specifically with Black African Americans that are typically excluded from these programs
- And we are continuing to work to support emerging Black... ...continuing to work to support emerging
- Black developers, especially in the development of single-family housing as well as multifamily housing
Keywords:
embodied carbon, building materials, sustainability, construction, environment, broadband, infrastructure, loan assistance, economic development, technology access, HB 2353, predesign thresholds, capital construction, capital budget, major capital projects, Office of Financial Management, OFM, Washington state, state agencies, infrastructure planning