Transcript Highlights:

• Continuing on to the second page, you'll see operating increases for the Indian Affairs Council and for
• for um the Indian Affairs Council and for um the Indian Affairs Council and then<00:03:38.239><c> the

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Benjamin Clark, the tribal chairman for Mortown Rancheria of the Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians
• want to point out that in December, the IRS issued a final rule regarding entities wholly owned by Indian
• Chair and members, Steve Hanson from Lighthouse Public Affairs on behalf of the City of Fresno and the
• Chair and members, Steve Hanson from Lighthouse Public Affairs on behalf of the City of Fresno and the

Summary: The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee heard a series of bills focused on nonprofit tax status, housing, tribal land return, tax relief, economic development, journalism, reparations, manufacturing investment, and pawned property sales tax. The chair explained the committee’s suspense file process and noted that only AB 2270 and AB 2641 were eligible for immediate votes; other measures were referred to suspense after presentation. AB 2084 (Bauer-Kahan) would give the Franchise Tax Board discretion to delay or review revocation of state nonprofit tax-exempt status when federal status is revoked, and AB 2167 (Macedo) would clarify that tribally chartered corporations are eligible for existing tribal conservation land return tax exemptions. Both drew support from nonprofit and tribal representatives and were sent to suspense. AB 2270 (Arambula) sought to improve farmworker housing access to low-income housing tax credits by adjusting scoring criteria to reflect rural agricultural realities. Supporters said current amenity-based scoring disadvantages projects near farmland; the bill passed the committee 4-1 and was sent to Housing and Community Development. AB 2336 proposed excluding the first $25,000 of overtime pay and pension income from taxation; supporters framed it as affordability relief, while an opponent warned of major General Fund losses and a member raised the lack of an income cap. AB 2205 would reinstate the New Employment Credit to encourage hiring in high-unemployment areas, and AB 2222 would create refundable tax credits for local news organizations hiring journalists; both received strong support from business, labor, and media advocates and were referred to suspense. The committee also heard AB 2186, which would exclude future reparations payments from state income tax, with supporters arguing reparations should not be reduced by taxation; it was sent to suspense. AB 2377 would accelerate depreciation deductions for manufacturing equipment, with a larger benefit in high-need areas, and AB 2641 would extend the sales tax exemption for people repurchasing their own property from pawnbrokers, with the author agreeing to a five-year sunset amendment. AB 2641 passed 4-0 and was sent to Appropriations. After taking up the remaining roll calls for absent members, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• women, as my grandmother, who was chairwoman Martha Mania Chacon for the Salton Sea Band of Mission Indians
• June Natar serves as vice chairwoman of the Tejon Indian Tribe, where she has secured transformative
• She serves as director of government affairs and community engagement at St.
• As director of government affairs and community engagement at St.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But what about consideration of the Indian Affairs Department, because they help lead and guide different
• Madam Chair, Representative Beta, I'd be happy to add Indian Affairs to the list of governmental entities

Summary: The House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee met on February 3 and first took up House Bill 153, the Low Carbon Construction Material Rebate Act, with a committee substitute that added an Environmental Product Declaration program and shifted administration to the Environment Department. Sponsor Representative Dixon said the bill would create rebates for buyers of lower-carbon construction materials, support local manufacturers, and reduce industrial emissions. Support came from the New Mexico Home Builders Association, Sierra Club, and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. Some members questioned whether the bill would actually lower housing costs or instead create future price pressure once subsidies expire, and raised concerns about rulemaking and whether some materials would be incentivized even without state help. The committee voted 7-4 to do pass the committee substitute and do not pass the original bill. The committee then heard House Bill 154, which would broaden and decouple New Mexico’s advanced energy tax credit definitions from federal law and add fusion energy and related components as eligible advanced energy products. Representative Dixon said the change would give the state more flexibility to include emerging technologies while keeping the existing credit structure and cap intact. The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, a Santa Fe fusion company, a Los Lunas economic development official, and an online fusion company all testified in support, arguing the bill would provide certainty, attract investment, and help build a local supply chain. One member suggested future consideration of nuclear fission, while another questioned whether some renewable technologies were still appropriate, but the committee ultimately voted 9-2 to do pass HB 154. House Bill 184, a technical fix to the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund, was then presented by Representative Small. The amendment adopted by the committee delayed the three-year moving average for distributions by one year and extended the time to use funds from two years to three years, with the sponsor saying this would better reflect the fund’s growth and give projects more time to complete. Witnesses from Western Resource Advocates, conservation districts, and Conservation Voters New Mexico supported the measure, saying it would strengthen successful outdoor, watershed, and conservation programs. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill unanimously. Finally, the committee heard House Memorial 20, which would create a study group to examine barriers to renewable energy transmission and project development. The sponsor said the goal was to bring agencies, stakeholders, and possibly courts together to identify ways to speed up renewable infrastructure while preserving environmental review and public input. Sierra Club, Western Resource Advocates, Defenders of Wildlife, and the League of Women Voters supported the memorial, but several members said it should be broadened to include all energy infrastructure or more clearly address transmission, permitting, tribal, federal, and military coordination. In response to those concerns, the sponsor asked to roll the memorial for further discussion and possible revisions rather than advancing it that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Language that clearly states the inquiry of American Indian heritage is required for all children and

Bills: HF2354, HF1672, HF2389, HF2870, HF2743, HF1918, HF2551, HF1671

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis

Transcript Highlights:

• It adds clarifying language that clearly states the inquiry of American Indian heritage is required for

Bills: HF2354, HF1672, HF2389, HF2870, HF2743, HF1918, HF2551, HF1671

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis

Transcript Highlights:

• On Section B, I'm just curious why we're doing a separate appropriation to the Indian Affairs Department
• . for educational television and public radio on Indian nations.
• In consultation with Director Briding, because this is funding that's going to Indian Affairs specifically
• Speaker, gentlemen, is because the funding is going to Indian Affairs before it's dispersed to the stations
• Speaker, gentlemen, the first appropriation goes to DFA, and the second one goes to Indian Affairs.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was part of the 1985 Kobe Indian state champions back, uh, when I was a little kid.
• I'm sorry House Government Election and Indian Affairs Committee, House Bill 402 substitute on final
• We're debating House Government Elections and Indian Affairs Committee, substitute for House Bill 402
• I move that House Government Elections, Indian Affairs Committee, substitute for House Bill 402 do now
• House government elections and Indian Affairs Committee substitute for House Bill 402 has duly passed

Transcript Highlights:

• It's my honor to welcome Kristen McCowan, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs, and Dan
• As Vice President of Government and Community Affairs, Ms.
• Martin oversees the organization's legal affairs and provides strategic counsel across all aspects of
• Aaron helped staff important bills and committees and brought a great perspective from Indian country
• . ...and committees and brought a great perspective from Indian country, also opening up a window for

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's my honor to welcome Kristen McCowan, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs, and Dan
• As Vice President of Government and Community Affairs, Ms.
• Martin oversees the organization's legal affairs and provides strategic counsel across all aspects of
• Aaron helped staff important bills and committees and brought a great perspective from Indian country
• Aaron helped staff important bills and committees and brought a great perspective from Indian country

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Senate File 58, sponsored by Tribal Relations, Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act Sunset Repeal, an
• act relating to Indian child welfare.
• Speaker, your Committee Number 8, Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs, to whom was referred
• Senate File 58, Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act Sunset Repeal, respectfully reports same back to the
• Representative Brown, Chairman. 58, Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act, 58, Wyoming Indian Child Welfare

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve as the director of government affairs for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.
• </c><00:31:45.200><c> Uh</c> Department of Veterans Affairs. Uh Department of Veterans Affairs.
• </c><00:32:31.919><c> Affairs.
• </c><00:32:32.799><c> Thank</c> Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Thank Department of Veterans Affairs.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of it does fall within the Gila River Indian Community, and it is in both Maricopa and Pinal counties
• Mammoth Way is the entrance to the cement plant on the Gila River Indian Community that gets a lot of
• grade separation at mammoth way mammoth way is the entrance to the cement plant on the Gila River Indian
• On the north, the very northern portion is the Gila River Indian Community project, and it runs along
• I believe that the reservation in the Gila River Indian Community had a lot of undue stress, too.

Bills: HB2067, HB2068, HB2127, HB2164, HB2200, HB2201, HB2242, HB2283, HB2284, HB2285, HB2286, HB2287, HB2304, HB2306, HB2399, HB2601, HB2609, HB2760, HB2761, HB2859, HB2887, HB2892, HB2893, HB2894, HB2978, HB4027, HCM2012, HCM2016

Keywords: appropriation, transportation, infrastructure, Apache Junction, funding, Show Low, road extension, special license plates, nonprofits, charitable contributions, Reay Lane, Graham County, HB 2200, State Route 89, SR 89, Chino Valley, Arizona Department of Transportation, ADOT, road widening, highway expansion

Transcript Highlights:

• My Indian name is Hitchie C, proudly serving the 40th Legislative District.
• My Indian name is Hitchie C, proudly serving the 40th Legislative District.
• 2,000 registered voters would be required to comply with campaign finance and personal financial affairs
• Next bill up for exec is House Bill 2435, and this creates a legislative office of Indian affairs as

Summary: The committee first heard staff and sponsor testimony on House Joint Resolution 4210, which would remove constitutional limits on the length of regular legislative sessions and instead let the legislature set adjournment dates by statute. Rep. Breonna Thomas and supporters said the measure would give lawmakers flexibility to set a sustainable schedule and improve working conditions, while opponents argued it would concentrate more power in the legislature and could lead to a year-round session. No vote was taken on the resolution during the hearing. Members then heard House Bill 2520, which would clarify that county governing bodies may hold emergency special meetings outside the county seat or remotely during true emergencies and may act at such meetings even if the public cannot first listen in. Rep. Deborah Lekanoff said the bill was prompted by the Skagit Valley flooding and was meant to help local governments respond quickly in disasters. Testimony was split: counties and some others supported the clarification, while open government advocates urged tighter language defining “emergency” and limiting the bill to state or federally declared emergencies. The hearing was closed without a vote. The committee also took testimony on House Bill 2499, in proposed substitute form, concerning conservation district supervisors. The substitute would let conservation districts opt into the general election system under Title 29A, remove the landowner requirement, keep a farm-operator requirement for some seats, extend terms from three to four years, and require financial disclosure filings in some circumstances. Supporters argued the bill would modernize elections, increase transparency, and improve voter access; opponents warned it could be costly for small districts, reduce participation, and create unintended consequences. No final action was taken in the hearing portion shown. In executive session, the committee voted 7-0 to report House Bill 2408, a cleanup bill removing obsolete references to the Office of Financial Management, with a due pass recommendation. It also voted 5-2 to report House Bill 2435, creating a legislative office of Indian affairs, with a due pass recommendation; some members supported the bill as improving government-to-government relations with tribes, while others wanted a fiscal note before fully supporting it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cultural Affairs did not ask for endowment funds this year. This is the first year they haven't.
• And, Madam Chair, gentlemen, when you say State Library, that's within the Cultural Affairs Department
• Border Patrol Training Academy and the Indian Police Academy, where all cadets receive their basic training
• Border Patrol Training Academy and the Indian Police Academy where all cadets receive their basic training
• Academy and the Indian Police Academy, where all cadets receive their basic training.

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy presentation from the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative in support of fully funding the rural library endowment with an additional $29.5 million. The presenters described rural libraries as essential community infrastructure that provide not only books and internet access, but also early childhood programs, adult education, workforce support, telehealth, disaster response, and civic meeting space. They argued that the endowment would provide stable annual support for staffing and operations, help sustain libraries in very small towns and tribal communities, and support new or developing libraries. Members asked about eligibility, county coverage, how funds are distributed, and whether the state tracks broader outcomes such as job placements or certifications; the presenters said the State Library administers the funds and that the initiative itself is a nonprofit capacity-building organization, not the fund manager. Some members raised concerns about whether an endowment is the best long-term model versus recurring annual appropriations, and about the need for better reporting and state-library involvement. The committee then heard from food bank leaders Jill Dixon and Katie Anderson about food security and its economic impact. They said New Mexico’s five food banks and more than 500 partner agencies serve all 33 counties, distribute over 45 million meals, and rely mostly on philanthropy, with some state and local support. They emphasized that SNAP is a major economic driver, supporting grocery access, jobs, and local spending, and that recent legislative growth funding helped food banks respond to a surge in demand during a SNAP disruption. They also highlighted food banks as community hubs that can connect people to health care, job training, and other services, including through clinic referrals and closed-loop systems. In response to questions, they said food access gaps remain in some rural areas, that clients can generally seek food at other distribution sites without barriers, and that longer-term solutions should include more grocery access, healthy corner stores, and stronger broadband and health care infrastructure. The final presentations came from the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. Gallup-McKinley described a shrinking workforce, youth outmigration, crime, health care shortages, malpractice costs, and gross receipts tax burdens as major barriers to rural economic growth, and urged action on workforce pipelines, housing, public safety, malpractice reform, and tax/regulatory changes. Artesia highlighted its murals, library, sports tradition, oil and gas, agriculture, federal training center, and refinery, while also noting workforce shortages, health care recruitment challenges, housing constraints, and the need for quality-of-life investments and more flexible regulation. The committee also briefly heard a bill presentation proposing a New Mexico-Ireland Trade Commission to promote bilateral trade and investment, especially in technology, agriculture, and energy sectors. No votes were taken because quorum was not reached, and the endorsement item was not acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Zach Martin, Government Affairs Manager at ALLETE Minnesota Power.
• Indian Indian Community<01:09:07.960><c> Mr</c><01:09:08.279><c> chair</c><01:09:09.040><c> and</c><
• </c><01:30:55.600><c> Community</c> Nation Prairie Island Indian Community Nation Prairie Island Indian
• Island Indian Community and the Island Indian Community and the legislature<01:35:28.000><c> to</c><01
• </c> Johnson of the Prairie Island Indian Johnson of the Prairie Island Indian Community<01:47:10.960

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

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• My name is Jorge de la Cruz, and I serve as a director of external and governmental affairs at First
• Raymond McGrath of Lighthouse Public Affairs, on behalf of a flood of housing support. Thank you.
• I'm a deputy AG in the Office of Ledge Affairs for Attorney General Rob Banta, one of the co-sponsors
• I'm the attorney for the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority.
• I'm the attorney for the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1521, the Judiciary Committee’s civil law omnibus measure. The bill makes a number of minor, mostly clarifying changes, including repealing obsolete Government Code provisions, allowing juvenile courts to hear petitions to establish records of birth, death, or marriage, requiring notice of probate petitions to the Department of Child Support Services, and correcting typos in existing law. It had no opposition and was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, though it was later placed on call pending additional votes. Members then heard AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s Home Purchase Assistance Program funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. The author and supporters framed it as a reparative, race-neutral-by-lineage effort to address historic housing discrimination and the racial wealth gap, while opponents argued it was an unconstitutional racial proxy and should instead be based on individual injury. The bill drew strong support and opposition testimony, was amended, and was approved on a do-pass as amended vote to Appropriations, then placed on call. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, was heard next. The bill would expand and standardize caregiving and guardianship tools for families facing immigration-related separation, including broader use of caregiver authorization affidavits, recognition of non-relative extended family caregivers, and a new short-term guardianship process that preserves parental rights. Supporters said it would reduce trauma and help children remain with trusted caregivers; there was no opposition testimony. The committee approved it on a do-pass to Human Services vote and placed it on call. The committee also heard AB 392, which would address non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit media by requiring uploader consent certifications, faster takedown procedures, and civil remedies against uploaders and hosting sites. A survivor testified in support, and members discussed implementation details and possible amendments; the bill was moved on a do-pass as amended basis to Appropriations and placed on call. AB 692, which would prohibit employer “stay-or-pay” debt agreements that require workers to repay training or other costs if they leave or are terminated, also advanced despite opposition from business and industry groups concerned about impacts on signing bonuses and voluntary training programs. It was sent to Appropriations on a do-pass as amended vote and placed on call, along with AB 1234, a wage-claim enforcement bill aimed at reducing Labor Commissioner delays and adding consequences for employers who fail to participate in the process. The committee also heard AB 394, which expands protections for transit workers and allows transit agencies to seek restraining orders against violent riders; it received broad support, some concern about system-wide bans, and was discussed with amendments that preserved judicial discretion.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> which</c><00:19:30.640><c> includes</c><00:19:31.200><c> policies</c><00:19:31.720><c> and</c> Indian
• which includes policies and Indian which includes policies and practices<00:19:32.559><c> that</c><00
• of color racism experienced by students of color or<00:20:11.360><c> American</c><00:20:11.760><c> Indian
• </c> including black and American Indian including black and American Indian students<00:21:33.760><c
• I have taught all these courses alongside Latino, African American, American Indian, and Asian writers

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of</c><00:12:33.360><c> the</c><00:12:33.440><c> next</c> The last of those councils would be the Indian
• Affairs Council, with an operating adjustment of $61,000 for the biennium.
• </c><00:12:55.839><c> The</c> the Latino Affairs Council. The the Latino Affairs Council.
• </c><00:13:27.120><c> Affairs</c><00:13:27.440><c> Council</c><00:13:27.760><c> with</c><00:13:27.920
• ><c> an</c> the Indian Affairs Council with an the Indian Affairs Council with an operating<00:13:28.399

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Making appropriations to the Department of Finance and Administration and the Indian Affairs Department