Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Michelle, and I'm a native New Mexican, a competitive shooter, a women's firearms instructor
• Madam Chair and committee, my name is Oscar Gomez and I'm a native of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
• time in our history in this state where, for the idea of public safety, we disarmed my people, the Native
• I'm a proud native New Mexican. My family have been New Mexico business owners for generations.
• Madam Chair, Representative, so this specific exemption is just exempting the Indian Nation, tribe, or

Bills: SB48, HB250, SB17

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, technology, innovation, advisory board, entrepreneurial support, stakeholder representation

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, uh, we work with six American Indian tribes in northern Minnesota to conduct a companion
• 00:20:12.880> Indian work, um, with six American Indian work, um, with six American Indian tribes
• in northern Minnesota to conduct tribes in northern Minnesota to conduct a,<00:20:16.559> uh,
• to participate if we of the 11 tribes to participate if we are<00:21:09.520> able<00:21:09.760
• adults report, a report on Native adults report, a report on Native Americans,<00:32:23.440>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I was recognized while in Alaska as a national distinguished principal, and the reason for that was
• I also was a director, one of the directors on the community mental health board there in Homer, Alaska
• where I had elementary school of Alaska where I had elementary school of 600<00:10:45.120> kids
• <00:10:52.720> as<00:10:53.120> a was recognized while in Alaska as a was recognized
• in Homer, Alaska where I also<00:11:24.399> then<00:11:24.720> opened<00:11:25.040>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission held an organizational meeting under SB 57 to study the cost of special education, with the meeting streamed publicly at the chair’s request. Members introduced themselves, and the chair explained that the bill creates two separate pieces, one dealing with SAU structure and the other with a commission on special education costing. He outlined his background in education and special education and said the commission’s work would focus on understanding and controlling special education costs. The commission reviewed its membership requirements and noted several vacancies or unfilled appointments, including the special education advocate, two governor-appointed parent advocates, and a Department of Health and Human Services representative. The members then elected Representative Rick Ladd as chair, Representative Dick Ames as vice chair, and Representative Megan Murray as clerk. Representative Ames briefly described his legal and policy background in disability and special education work in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The chair then walked through the commission’s study topics, including referral rates by IDEA category, reasons for increases in categories such as autism and other health impairment, post-COVID referral trends, pre-referral interventions, Medicaid and 504-related costs, out-of-district placements, dispute resolution, billing practices, privacy, reimbursement, legal services, graduation rates, attendance, and adult learning. Members discussed how special education costs are distributed, noting that the state spends about $977 million annually on special education, with only part covered by state aid and the remainder largely borne by local districts. Testimony also noted that out-of-district placement costs have risen sharply since rate-setting changes around 2018, and that some categories may reflect changes in identification practices, medical factors, or broader population shifts. The commission agreed to continue reviewing the data and formulas in future meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Air Force, testified in front of this committee in the mid-1930s, calling Alaska... the most strategic
• In all seriousness, we have a lot going on in Alaska. We've had...
• Will you commit to come to Alaska with me if confirmed to see our great military up there and just how
• The Biden administration issued 70 executive orders to shut down Alaska.
• unleashing our critical mineral potential, natural gas potential, military bases buying natural gas in Alaska

Keywords: Steven Feinberg, Deputy Secretary of Defense, national security, budget cuts, military readiness, global threats, Department of Defense

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the nomination of Steven Feinberg as Deputy Secretary of Defense. The committee emphasized the urgent need for strong leadership in response to a complex array of global threats posed by adversarial coalitions, including China, Russia, and Iran. The discussions highlighted concerns regarding budget cuts and personnel reductions within the Department of Defense, showcasing the challenges posed by the current economic context and the pressing need to maintain military readiness and capabilities. Various members expressed their apprehensions about how impending layoffs and budget reductions would impact the defense workforce and national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a chance to talk a little bit about the Alaska workforce.
• I'm looking at an article that just came out, and it cites to the Alaska State Department of Labor and
• The seafood sector in Alaska, you're looking at an industry during the summer, at least when it comes
• , so I'm not going to revisit that, although I did just come from a meeting. with the head of the Alaska
• who was talking about the benefits of going from that exceptional program to hand in glove with the Alaska

Keywords: PRO Act, labor laws, worker rights, unionization, right-to-work, public testimony, political polarization

Summary: The meeting centered around an in-depth discussion of the PRO Act, with representatives expressing passionate opinions both for and against the legislation. Representative Chavez de Rimmer emphasized the importance of worker freedom, arguing that the PRO Act would infringe upon individual rights by coercing unionization. This perspective was strongly received by members from right-to-work states, who articulated their concerns about the potential erosion of workers' choices and protections. Speaker after speaker conveyed conflicting views on labor laws, indicating a deeply polarized environment surrounding labor issues at the moment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I took this bill two years ago in partnership with our Native American tribes to ensure exclusivity over
• MIGA represents nine of the 11 federally recognized tribes in Minnesota on behalf of tribal leaders.
• Senate File 757 respects tribal sovereignty and trusts tribes as exclusive license holders.
• I would think the tribes certainly, because it would decrease revenue substantially.
• <01:31:07.960> on appreciated the work of the tribes on appreciated the work of the tribes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have paid attention to the requests that come from Minnesota's Native American tribes.
• We have paid attention to the requests that come from Minnesota's Native American tribes.
• We have paid attention to the requests that come from Minnesota's Native American tribes.
• We have paid attention to the requests that come from Minnesota's Native American tribes.
• We have paid attention to the requests that come from Minnesota's Native American tribes.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• California Water Impact Network, Planning and Conservation League, Tolumi River Trust, California Native
• We're in strong opposition, also on behalf of the Windham and Wintu tribes, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• drives cars around, you know, from dealerships, and the other one actually works up in Prudhoe Bay, in Alaska
• in prudo<00:10:30.880> Bay<00:10:31.680> uh<00:10:31.800> in<00:10:31.959> Alaska
• ><00:10:32.600> in<00:10:32.760> that<00:10:32.959> industry prudo Bay uh in Alaska
• in that industry prudo Bay uh in Alaska in that industry and<00:10:34.399> um<00:10:34.839>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And um we also have the Native American Disability Law Center, which is, um, which serves the four corners
• Um, attached to that as a commissioner there for 8 years, and we have 14 tribes and pueblos in Sandoval
• governor, and we also work because we don't have our own Indian Affairs Department or any kind of Native

Transcript Highlights:

• opening statement, much of the research we do, in fact, is what we call co-produced with not only the tribes
• You have charter schools, and then we have most of our Native communities. ...you have charter schools
• , and then we have most of our Native communities are very rural.
• And it's stating that English learners and Native American students had lower averages.

Bills: SB83, SB106, SB107, SB123, SJR1

Keywords: ecological monitoring, sustainability, tribal engagement, education, research funding, graduate scholarship, higher education funding, New Mexico, appropriation, financial aid, out-of-school programming, education funding, youth programs, affordability, nonprofit organizations, defibrillators, public schools, health and safety, emergency response, school elections

Transcript Highlights:

• I have Native roots. My dad is a band member, and all of this affects all of us.
• I'm not representing the tribes in any way, but I'm here as an individual. I do support Mr.
• <00:19:32.799> Um<00:19:33.280> myself tribes are opposed to mining.
• Um myself tribes are opposed to mining.
• need<00:19:38.080> to<00:19:38.240> work tribes and the mines need to work tribes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It supports a very active native trout population.
• <04:13:45.680> trout active native trout active native trout population<04:13:47.840> three
• This includes California, Utah, Texas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.
• This includes California, Utah, Texas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.
• Alaska a blanket drone ban is an insult Alaska a blanket drone ban is an insult to<04:37:51.879> the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed scheduling and notice for upcoming executive sessions on a larger slate of bills, including plans to take up eight bills in the morning and possibly the last three bills in the afternoon, with caucus time provided if needed. The chair emphasized advance notice, publication, and flexibility if more bills are added later. The hearing then opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and proceeded to HB 568, a bill allowing local planning boards to request water supply studies for subdivisions to ensure water adequacy as housing density increases. Representative Kat McGee, the prime sponsor, said HB 568 was developed after constituent concerns about private wells being affected by nearby development. She described the bill as narrowly tailored, non-mandatory, and intended to preserve local control while clarifying that planning boards may request studies under local regulations. She noted bipartisan support, an exclusion for community water systems and larger groundwater withdrawals regulated elsewhere, and said the bill would help prevent water shortages and related problems for new and existing homes. Questions from members focused on whether the bill should specify that it applies to subdivisions of four or more lots, since that language had been in an earlier version. Testimony on HB 568 was mixed. Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors opposed the bill, arguing it lacked a definition of “water supply study,” could lead to expensive hydrology studies, and might raise housing costs; he suggested more work with DES or a study committee. DES administrator Brandon Kernin said the department had worked from a 2010 groundwater commission report, that such problems arise only intermittently in certain areas, and that the bill would make explicit local authority to adopt such ordinances. He also said DES data and homeowner surveys can help identify problem areas and that more robust wells could be considered in the long term. The committee noted 10 online submissions in favor and 3 opposed, plus blue-sheet testimony of 2 in favor and 1 neutral, and then closed the hearing on HB 568. The committee immediately opened HB 582, a bill on safety requirements for operation of personal watercraft. Representative Darby, the sponsor, said the bill responds to the speed and maneuverability of modern personal watercraft, which he described as more like motorcycles on water than traditional boats, and cited a fatal accident on Lake Monomonac as an example of the risks. He said the bill is not intended to restrict ordinary recreation or wake surfing, but to update safety standards for a newer class of larger, quieter three-person PWCs. The hearing began with Darby’s presentation, and no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alaska is the superpower of seafood.
• I need a commitment from you to come to Alaska. As long as I can bring my family, we're coming.
• 70 executive orders and actions from the Biden administration singularly focused on shutting down Alaska
• Alaska's vast lands and resources for the benefit of the nation and the American citizens who call Alaska
• Extraordinary resource potential is moving forward, and we are finally getting done this massive Alaska

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going down to the sixth outcome the percent of fourth-grade Native American students who achieve
• Below that is a percentage of fourth graders As a measurement of Native American students who achieve
• But I see that we've got, we're Native American students are lagging very. Far, far behind.
• The Native American Needs Assessment.
• tribes, nations, and pueblos and be able to report that back to the department about what their Native

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and members, HB 2895, which is entitled Native American Language Instruction Certification
• So since the tribe doesn't have the laws to restrict these, I feel that the state should step in if they're
• So since the tribe doesn't have the laws to restrict these, I feel that the state should step in if they're

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of bills and resolutions, with staff giving brief descriptions and members flagging which items were on consent, had unanimous committee votes, or should be pulled for further discussion. Topics included education, health care, public safety, labor, water, taxation, housing, and elections. Several measures were noted as party-line or mixed votes, while many others were reported as unanimous and placed on third-read or consent calendars. Among the more discussed items were bills on school and labor policy, including a proposal to prohibit teacher strikes, a measure restricting school district bond actions, a bill requiring school safety protocols and assigning felony penalties for noncompliance, and a resolution limiting public money for labor organization activities. Members also raised concerns or requested further review on bills involving pharmacist testing authority, expired opioid antagonists, a county sheriff-related measure, a housing affordability district proposal, and a tobacco/vape regulation bill. Some measures were explicitly pulled from consent, including a Medicaid audit resolution, a budget-related pay-withholding resolution, and several education and public safety bills. The caucus also heard multiple health and human services measures, such as genetic counselor licensing, nursing board and pharmacy board continuations, foster care rights, psychiatry access funding, and free school meals. In addition, there were water and energy bills on Colorado River management, groundwater, transmission-line review, and renewable energy valuation, plus election and campaign-related proposals. The meeting ended with announcements, including an upcoming Colorado River breakfast briefing and an internal award recognizing Representative Brian Garcia, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a New Mexico native, a registered lobbyist, and I work every day on infrastructure issues that...
• I also host the New Mexico Broadband Summit, where we convene Internet service providers, tribes, co-ops
• Funding and affordability for tribes to be able to use, especially our...

Bills: HB2, SB152

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion

Transcript Highlights:

• THAT INCLUDE NATIVE AMERICAN ON BUSINESSES, AFRICAN-AMERICAN OWNED BUSINESSES, WOMEN OWNED BUSINESSES
• LET'S LOOK AT THE SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA.
• MAYBE THE COMMISSION WANTS TO DO SOMETHING AS IT PERTAINS TO THE SEMINOLE TRIBE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance was created in 2016.
• North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance was created in 2016, is a nonprofit organization committed to protecting
• , preserving, promoting, and educating the world about Native American culture, history, and the environment
• The North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance includes Spirit Lake Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, MHA

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present and handled a mix of conference committee appointments, appropriations bills, policy bills, and House amendments. Early in the session, the chamber appointed conference committees for SB 2399 and for House-amended SBs 2213 and 2354, and also named conference committees for HB 103, HB 1308, and HB 1169. The Senate then took up several appropriations measures, including HB 1612, which creates the North Dakota Center for Aerospace Medicine at UND; the Senate adopted an amendment shifting the funding to a one-time $250,000 Community Health Trust Fund appropriation with a required $250,000 match from other sources, and the bill passed 39-7. HB 1193, the “Back the Blue” grant, was amended to make the funding one-time and focus on officer retention, then passed 41-5. HB 1329, a government spending database proposal for school districts, was amended into a legislative study and passed 42-4. HB 1020, the water budget, received extensive amendments reducing and reallocating funding across major water projects, adding studies and oversight changes, and passed 45-0 with the emergency clause. HB 1581, a tribal tourism grant, also passed 40-6. The Senate rejected HB 1330, which would have authorized divestment from direct investments in Chinese companies; after debate over the prudent investor rule, trade impacts, and whether the bill singled out one nation in law, it failed 20-26. HB 1534, limiting property valuation increases, and HB 1266, adjusting the disabled veterans property tax credit, both failed unanimously or nearly so after committee recommendations against them. HB 1566, which would have created a regulatory framework for a product discussed as kratom, was amended on the floor to convert it into a study and then passed 31-15. The chamber also passed HB 2241 on charter schools after a House amendment changed the funding formula to the statewide average from the prior year, and HB 2022, the indigent legal counsel budget, after House changes added funding flexibility, offset lost fee revenue, and included a study on a public defender office. The Senate concurred in several House amendments and then passed a number of Senate bills. SB 2375, allowing joint negotiations between dental providers and insurers under Attorney General oversight, passed 44-2. SB 2251, clarifying that open records requests during state audits should be referred to the audited agency, passed 46-0. SB 2159, related to nuclear energy research, passed 43-3 after House amendments required Industrial Commission approval and consultation with the radioactive waste advisory council. SB 2155, changing gratis antelope license rules, passed 30-16 after debate over landowner rights and tag distribution. SB 251, setting fees and an audit for the Private Investigative and Security Board, passed 44-2. SB 2280, the prior authorization health insurance bill, passed 43-3 with a House-added study and consumer protections. SB 2023, the Racing Commission budget, passed 41-5 after a House change made internship funding one-time. SB 2232, changing prenatal substance exposure reporting requirements and related toxicology rules, passed 44-2. SB 2241, authorizing public charter schools, passed 39-7. The session ended while the Senate was still processing SB 2022’s final passage vote, but the bill had already cleared concurrence on House amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would just note for this committee, you know, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and California Indians
• Natives.
• It also excluded American Indians and Alaskan Natives. This one's effective October 1st, 2028.
• It also excluded American Indians and Alaskan Natives. This one's effective October 1st, 2028.
• It also excluded American Indians and Alaskan Natives. This one's effective October 1st, 2028.

Bills: HR1

Keywords: January 6 insurrection, pardon, law enforcement, violent crimes, public safety, justice system, political accountability, 1183, house