Video & Transcript Research : 'Native American'

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session 3/3/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:32:27.000> adults efforts to assimilate native adults efforts to assimilate native adults
  • It's common sense, and that's why a vast majority of Americans agree.
  • It's common sense, and that's why a vast majority of Americans agree.
  • It's common sense, and that's why a vast majority of Americans agree.
  • <02:07:19.400> believe poll found that 79% of Americans believe poll found that 79% of Americans
Keywords: 1183, house
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • Did some 94142 things and uh did some we did a lot of funding together and worked a lot with the Native
  • Americans and uh on their education and funding and it was, it was something new.
  • We have American Airlines comes in and flies into here, but some of the things.
  • American students.
  • Uh, clearly, there's a couple of groups here and specifically African-American students where we saw
NV

Nevada 2025 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session May 29th, 2025 at 11:30 am

Nevada Assembly Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • and Senator Neal, creates a subcommittee to study and develop policy recommendations for African Americans
  • and Senator Neal, creates a subcommittee to study and develop policy recommendations for African Americans
  • I write today on behalf of the Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island Legislative Caucus.
  • recognize all the volunteers whose dedication, passion, and tireless effort have made this year's Asian American
  • Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander celebration at the legislature a meaningful and memorable success.
Keywords: 909, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Education Committee May 14th, 2025

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • California, American Jewish Committee Los Angeles, American Jewish Committee San Diego, California.
  • I am a Native American Studies Professor and Ethnic Studies Department Chair at Folsom Lake College.
  • ABC National, Arab American Journal.
  • I'm a proud Jewish American and I oppose AB 715. Thank you. Happy Hmong American! Good afternoon.
  • of Japanese-American internment?
Keywords: 988, house, all
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session - 2026-03-18 - 1:00PM

Vermont House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • in 2021, Matt Cushman and Glenn Whereas in 2021, Matt Cushman and Glenn Sawyer,<00:07:57.480> native
  • <00:07:57.720> Vermonters<00:07:58.280> of Sawyer, native Vermonters of Sawyer, native
  • And whereas, the positive impact of social workers on the lives of millions of Americans is experienced
  • <00:10:24.800> is<00:10:24.880> experienced<00:10:25.560> at of Americans is
  • experienced at of Americans is experienced at hospitals,<00:10:26.360> schools,<00:10:27.280>
Keywords: 926, house, all
Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Rabbi Toby Weisman, who spoke about Passover, the obligation to remember liberation from slavery, and the Torah’s repeated command to love the stranger. He connected that theme to immigrants and the need for community, courage, and small acts of kindness. After the devotional, the chamber took up three Senate bills for first reading and referral: S. 179 on the Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act to Judiciary, S. 212 on potable water supply and wastewater system connections to Environment, and S. 227 on immigration protocols in Vermont schools to Education. The House also referred H. 558, relating to the Medicaid School-Based Services Program, to Appropriations, and H. 937, reported favorably by Ways and Means, was also sent to Appropriations under House Rule 35a. The House adopted JRS 45, a joint resolution on weekend adjournment for March 20, 2026, by voice vote. It also read and adopted several concurrent resolutions, including HCR 187 congratulating Village Garage Distillery of Bennington for a silver medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, HCR 213 recognizing March 2026 as Social Work Month in Vermont, and HCR 224 congratulating Vermont athletes at the 2025 National Senior Games and designating March 18, 2026, as Vermont Senior Games Day at the State House. Members made remarks in support of the resolutions, including praise for the distillery, social workers, and senior athletes, and guests in the gallery were recognized. The House then took up H. 887, which would amend the Fair Employment Practices Act to align documentation rules for crime victims with the protections already available to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking under the safe leave law. The committee and sponsor described it as a modest but important fix to ensure survivors can access both leave and anti-discrimination protections without conflicting paperwork requirements. The House agreed to the committee amendment and ordered the bill to third reading. Next, the chamber began H. 917, an omnibus military affairs bill combining several measures: correcting the Adjutant General title, defining Gold Star family member, creating a hiring preference for military spouses in state government, and providing free parking for disabled veterans. The sponsor outlined the bill’s purpose and sections, and discussion began on the title correction and related provisions.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair, a lot of my teachers and students work with Native American populations, and what we discovered
  • especially because if we look at the Martinez Segnasi lawsuits and if we look at student achievement, it's Native
  • American students that are at the bottom, and if we're expecting them to take a test, if we're expecting
  • And I would like to make sure that those materials are provided for not only Native American students
  • So, you know, socioeconomic, Native American...
Keywords: 996, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, as a proud Portuguese American, I encourage you to go up to the House chamber.
  • Americans, a lot of us, are working a lot more than a 40-hour work week.
  • Americans, productivity. And people are really feeling that.
  • Americans, a lot of us are working a lot more than a 40-hour work week.
  • The intersection between employment and training both for Americans born and immigrants.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development heard testimony on several workforce-related bills, with most of the hearing focused on ESOL and apprenticeship legislation, followed by testimony on a four-day workweek pilot and paid prenatal leave. On ESOL, witnesses including the Boston Foundation, Skillworks, MassINC, MIRA, JVS Boston, Eastern Bank, immigrant advocates, employers, and legislators supported H.2080/S.1326, arguing that Massachusetts has a large backlog of limited-English-proficiency residents waiting for classes, that ESOL is essential to economic mobility and immigrant integration, and that the state needs a coordinated, statewide strategy with more vocational and workplace-focused English instruction. Testifiers cited long waitlists, fragmented delivery across agencies, labor shortages, and examples of workplace English programs helping immigrants gain jobs, advance careers, and support businesses. Committee members asked questions about how vocational ESOL differs from standard classes, and witnesses explained that it focuses on job-specific language and workplace scenarios. The committee also heard strong support for H.2085/S.1303, which would require more use of registered apprentices on public construction projects over $1 million. Labor leaders from the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and Massachusetts Building Trades, along with electricians and apprentices, said the bill would help apprentices complete training by ensuring enough job-site hours, expand access to good union careers, and strengthen the construction workforce for housing, infrastructure, and clean energy work. Several witnesses defended existing apprenticeship ratios and electrical licensing standards, warning against deregulation and emphasizing safety. Committee members asked about project thresholds and apprenticeship ratios, and witnesses said the bill’s phased apprentice-hour requirement was intended to cover most public projects under current cost conditions. The committee then heard testimony on S.1330, a four-day workweek pilot program. Senator Dillon Fernandez and Representative Shirley Arriaga described the proposal as a response to burnout, affordability pressures, and changing workplace norms, arguing that a pilot would let Massachusetts study whether shorter workweeks improve productivity, retention, and worker well-being. Witnesses said the model could help families balance caregiving and commuting while maintaining or improving output. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.1361, establishing paid prenatal leave. Parents, health advocates, March of Dimes, and others said paid leave would help pregnant workers attend critical prenatal appointments, reduce missed care, and improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Several speakers shared personal stories about high-risk pregnancies, pregnancy loss, and the financial strain of taking unpaid time off. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and asked a limited number of questions.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 079 Apr 3rd, 2026

Colorado Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Fort Lewis College is a Native American-serving non-tribal college located in the Four Corners region
  • Fort Lewis College is a Native American-serving non-tribal college located in the Four Corners region
  • African American women giving birth. African American women giving birth.
  • the African American community. the African American community.
  • with African American birthing parents suspected<00:54:45.120> to<00:54:45.200> be<00:
Keywords: 981, all
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and received committee reports advancing several measures, including House Bills 1237, 1081, 1208, and Senate Bill 103. The chamber also adopted a motion to proceed out of order for moments of personal privilege, during which members welcomed students from Fort Lewis College, Colorado State University, and Adams State University, as well as Volunteers of America and Zonta International, and recognized Volunteers of America’s 130th anniversary. On third reading, the Senate passed House Bill 1120 on mobile home taxation and delinquent property tax collection after adopting a technical amendment, and passed House Bill 1007 on distributed energy resources after debate focused on safety, UL listing, utility coordination, and affordability. It also passed House Bill 1253 on disconnection of property from a statutory municipality and House Bill 1145 on water quality in mobile home parks, though the latter drew more opposition. House Bill 1044 on maternal health equity was amended to change language from a “statement of rights” to a required notice and to revise task force language, then passed after sponsors emphasized disparities in maternal mortality and provider training. The Senate then adopted the Committee of the Whole report, which placed House Bills 1186 and 1044 on the calendar for third reading and laid over Senate Bill 134 and House Bills 1071 and 1084 until April 6. The chamber also confirmed three governor’s appointments to the State Board of Parole: Katherine Rodriguez, Rodrigo Luévano, and Greg Size. The meeting ended with announcements, including committee meeting notices and a brief personal privilege about the Artemis 2 launch, followed by a recess until noon.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • Who protected American assets in Laos.
  • There is a T-28 pilot sitting up here, trained by the American U.S.
  • It's a fact that under 90 Americans died in Laos, not in Vietnam; we're talking about Laos.
  • <00:08:28.639> died It's a fact that under 90 Americans died It's a fact that under 90 Americans
  • This is a great way to kick off May, which is also a celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian,
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The House took up House File 3919, a Veterans Affairs bill to modify benefits for veterans of the Secret War in Laos and to codify recommendations from an SGU task force created in the prior session. Representative Cha, the bill’s author, explained that the measure was the product of eight task force meetings and consultation with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and he described the bill as a way to recognize SGU veterans, including Hmong, Lao, and other indigenous groups who served in Laos. He and several members spoke at length about the sacrifices of SGU veterans and the Hmong refugee experience, emphasizing that the bill was both a policy change and an overdue act of recognition. Multiple members rose in support. Representative Duran said he initially had concerns but changed his view after conversations with Cha and said he was not offended by the bill as a combat veteran. Representatives Lee, Vang, Gander, McDonald, Frasier, and others praised the veterans’ service, noted the large Hmong population in Minnesota, and said the bill was long overdue. Representative Lee K. offered a more cautious note, saying the bill was the result of a difficult compromise and expressing concern that the licensing distinction for these veterans was different from other veterans, though he still supported the measure. Representative Jean J. clarified that veterans naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act already have access to state programs, while this bill was aimed at SGU veterans who were not naturalized under that act. After discussion, the House proceeded to a roll-call vote. The bill passed unanimously, 132 ayes and 0 nays, and its title was agreed to.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Feb 7th, 2026 at 09:06 am

House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • effects across three different human cell lines, which was in a 2025 paper, and no adverse impact on native
  • effects across three different human cell lines, which was in a 2025 paper, and no adverse impact on native
  • plants, soils, or soil microbial communities, which was a 40-week ...adverse impact on native plants
  • More than 75% of our membership is Native American Navajo members, and many of the communities were directly
  • More than 75% of our membership is Native American Navajo members, and many of the communities were directly
Keywords: 996, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Apr 28th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Today I rise on behalf of the California Native American Legislative Caucus to urge an aye vote on ACR
  • A lot of folks think it's a contemporary thing and it's an American thing. It's not.
  • And like the African American community with the Jewish community, the Armenian community has a deep
  • Jewish American culture and will be receiving a certificate in Jewish studies.
  • Height, David Scott, and Earl Evans, American soldiers who served during the Vietnam War.
Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled several procedural motions, including suspending rules to allow committee hearings and guest access, re-referring bills, and removing one bill from the consent calendar. The chamber also observed Holocaust Remembrance Day with a lengthy ceremony and remarks from many members across caucuses, emphasizing the importance of remembering the Holocaust, combating antisemitism and other forms of hate, and supporting survivors and descendants. ACR 59, the California Holocaust Memorial Day resolution, was adopted by voice vote after 76 coauthors were added. After the ceremony, the Assembly took up the daily file. AB 390, which strengthens California’s “slow down, move over” highway safety law, passed 64-0. AB 439, making small changes to the Coastal Act and reporting requirements, passed 44-11 after debate over Coastal Commission oversight. The body also approved a rules waiver to allow the Education Committee to meet on AB 1468. Later, AB 50, allowing Medi-Cal enrollees to access over-the-counter contraceptives without a prescription, passed 67-0 urgency and 67-0 overall; AB 55, streamlining alternative birth center licensing, passed 68-0; AB 596, protecting workers’ right to wear masks or respirators unless there is a direct safety hazard, passed 53-8; AB 631, requiring animal shelters to post intake and outcome data, passed 60-0; and AB 792, allowing consolidated negotiations for court interpreter contracts, passed 52-1. The Assembly also passed AB 867, banning cat declawing, by 68-0 after bipartisan support; AB 1089, expanding local permitting authority for Western Joshua Tree projects, by 16-0; and AB 1154, clarifying ADU rules, by 63-1. SCR 57, proclaiming Dolores Huerta Day, was adopted 66-0. The second-day consent calendar was then adopted 71-0. The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory remarks for Mary Hammer, a longtime San Lorenzo Valley community leader and environmental advocate, followed by recognition of her family and friends in the chamber.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Lauren Dave Valencia, representing the American Coatings Association, not in support.
  • Chair, members, Randy Powell, on behalf of the American Chemistry Council, in opposition.
  • Cody Boyles on behalf of California Citrus Mutual and American Pistachio Growers in support.
  • Steve Spriggs, Vietnam veteran, also a member of Valor, American Legion, VFW, AUSA.
  • American Legion, VFW, AUSA. We ask for your support. Thank you.
Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of natural resources and related bills, with several measures taken up as the committee reached quorum and many others moving on consent or with due-pass recommendations. Early items included AB 80 on carpet recycling, AB 452 creating a local process for state surf reserves, and AB 823 restricting microplastics in personal care and cleaning products. AB 80 drew broad support from recycling, labor, and environmental groups and was described as a follow-up to earlier carpet recycling reforms. AB 452 was backed by surf, tourism, environmental, and local government interests as a voluntary, community-driven way to recognize and protect surf breaks. AB 823 generated the most extensive debate, with supporters citing public health and environmental harms from microplastics and opponents warning the bill’s language could sweep in products such as sunscreens, cosmetics, and fragrance-encapsulation materials; the committee discussed possible ambiguity and EU comparisons before voting the bill out on a due-pass-as-amended basis to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. The committee also advanced AB 1046, which would create a narrow exemption from SB 1383 organic-waste requirements for certain crop preparers and tree nut processors that do not send organic waste to landfills. Agricultural witnesses said the bill would clarify that their operations already reuse byproducts and should not face duplicative reporting, and the measure passed with support from agricultural and rural county representatives. AB 252, the “Stop Laying Off Firefighters Act,” proposed year-round Cal Fire staffing; the author and Cal Fire supporters argued that wildfire conditions are now year-round and that maintaining trained crews would improve response and prevention, and the bill was sent to Appropriations. AB 571, a targeted CEQA exemption for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery in Anaheim, drew strong bipartisan and veterans’ support and also passed out. Later, the committee approved AB 1455, which would authorize emergency rulemaking and streamline future updates for ember-resistant building regulations after recent wildfire emergencies, and AB 687, which would let public agencies use forest-practice rules and timber-harvest plans for certain publicly funded fuel-reduction projects; AB 687 drew some opposition over scope and enforceability concerns but was still advanced. The committee also moved AB 652, allowing alternate members on the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District board to prevent quorum problems, and AB 317, a first-time homebuyer housing bill that would exempt certain small, lower-cost homes from CEQA and defer some property taxes; AB 317 prompted discussion about guardrails to avoid unintended use on larger subdivisions. Finally, AB 900, requiring the Natural Resources Agency to develop a stewardship plan for 30-by-30 lands, was heard with broad support from land trusts and conservation groups and advanced on a due-pass recommendation, and AB 738, a wildfire-rebuild bill easing solar requirements for certain disaster survivors, was introduced and discussed with questions about its narrow scope and the number of homes affected.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 26th, 2025

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • One of the stops along the way is getting into the AAU, the American Association of Universities.
  • Also, I am a member of an advisory committee for America 250, which celebrates 250 years of American
  • I'm also a 50-year resident of Pensacola and an eighth-generation native Floridian.
  • Many of our students are first-generation college students and even first-generation Americans.
  • For many members of my community and others who made their way to Miami-Dade to achieve the American
Summary: The committee first heard a confirmation from UCF trustee reappointee Mr. Christie, who described his background in medical devices and prior board service and said he wanted to help UCF strengthen its financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology pipeline. Members asked about UCF’s direction, and he emphasized the university’s role in producing engineers and supporting Florida’s space and technology sectors. The committee then moved to the higher education budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which was presented as an $11.5 billion total budget including local funds and focused heavily on workforce education, nursing, agriculture technology, tutoring, student aid, and university initiatives. Chair Harrell highlighted increases for school district workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education grants, the GATE program, nursing education through USF’s Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS rural and agricultural programs, UCF’s Community School Grant Program, UF’s literacy and tutoring initiatives, autism and neurodevelopment services, full funding for major scholarship programs, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and Harrell said a conforming bill would address the details. The budget proposal was adopted as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee, with staff authorized to make technical corrections. The committee then took up a series of confirmations, beginning with Florida State University reappointee Peter Collins, who emphasized his long FSU ties, leadership on the board, and goal of keeping FSU on a path toward top-10 status and AAU membership. Rebecca Matthews, a new University of West Florida appointee, discussed her education-related volunteer work, Florida Education Foundation service, and interest in supporting UWF’s continued excellence; senators questioned her on Title IX and she said she would support student protections and compliance. Rachel Moyah, another UWF appointee, highlighted her education, school board experience, and priorities of student safety, fiscal discipline, and workforce readiness; she also said she would comply with Title IX and other applicable rules. Ashley Ross, also nominated to UWF, said she would focus on university advancement, military ties, cybersecurity, civil engineering, and strong governance, and agreed that Title IX protections should be preserved and advanced. The most extensive questioning came during the confirmation of Adam Kessel, a UWF appointee and Heritage Foundation fellow, who was asked about prior writings on privatizing public universities, his comments about the GI Bill, and his views on free speech and Project 2025. Kessel said he did not recommend privatizing Florida universities, clarified that his comments about the GI Bill and over-enrollment were about broader higher education policy, and said he supports veterans and the GI Bill. He described his higher education work as focused on civic education, accreditation, student success, tenure, and free speech, and said trustees should improve campus culture through policies, training, and institutional neutrality. Public testimony on UWF was sharply divided: former UWF leaders and community members warned that the new slate of trustees and their vote to make Scott Yenor chair had chilled donations, enrollment, and community trust, while a James Madison Institute representative praised Kessel’s scholarship and thoughtful approach. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment Belvin Perry, who cited his judicial career and board service and said his goal is to support student success, retain strong faculty and staff, and help FAMU continue rising in national standing. Finally, the committee began hearing from remote appointees, including UCF nominee Mark Philburn, who emphasized his construction, affordable housing, and higher education board experience, and FSU nominee Peter Jones, who described his finance and investment background and long service to FSU boards and committees. The last nominee heard before the transcript ended was Florida Gulf Coast appointee Paul Applegarth, whose audio issues delayed his remarks; he began by noting his prior federal confirmation, military service, and GI Bill-supported education.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • of the committee, I am Renee Scott and I run the Massachusetts Pollinator Network Program for Grow Native
  • The native bee population is now on the decline due to the insecticides called neonicotinoids, which
  • and West Nile can be serious problems and should be managed, but the way it is done now kills the native
  • He wore a leather belt covered in eagles, with a big giant belt buckle that had an eagle and American
  • He wore a leather belt, covered in eagles with a big giant belt buckle that had an eagle and American
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills focused on pesticides, pollinators, rodenticides, mosquito control, invasive species, and local authority over pesticide regulation. Chair Becca Rausch set strict two-minute testimony limits due to the very large number of speakers. Early testimony from Senator Moore and Representative Hawkins strongly supported a bill to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, citing harms to wildlife, pets, and public health, and noting that California has already adopted a similar model. Testimony also supported a Lowell home rule petition to allow the city to prohibit or restrict these rodenticides, with local officials describing documented raptor poisonings and municipal efforts to phase out use on city property. A major portion of the hearing focused on pollinator protection and neonicotinoid-treated seeds. Witnesses from environmental groups, conservation organizations, academics, and beekeepers argued that neonics harm bees and other beneficial insects, contaminate soil and water, and provide little or no economic benefit in most corn and soybean fields. Several speakers pointed to New York, Vermont, and Quebec as models for restricting treated seeds, and one panel cited research showing only a small percentage of fields benefit economically from the treatments. Support was also voiced for a bill establishing an ecologically based mosquito management program, with advocates criticizing aerial and truck spraying and urging non-chemical, locally tailored approaches. Other testimony supported bills to reform the pesticide board and pesticide regulation process, to give vulnerable municipalities more local control over pesticide use, to protect schoolchildren from pesticides on school grounds, and to respond to invasive species through a centralized state office, coordinator, strategic plan, and trust fund. Many speakers, including representatives from Mass Audubon, MSPCA, the Xerces Society, the Sierra Club, watershed groups, and local wildlife rehabilitators, described impacts on hawks, owls, pets, fish, and broader ecosystems. No votes were taken during the hearing, and committee members generally asked few questions, with the hearing remaining in testimony mode throughout.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Feb 5th, 2026 at 11:33 am

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Gallup's a history of immigrants, a history of Native Americans, and they're our brothers and sisters
  • The Community Service Award in 1997, the American Health Service Honor Award in 2005, the New Mexico
  • American Studies from the University of New Mexico, where she focused on nation building and leadership
  • ... ...inspiration back and forth, which I always appreciate, and especially as a Native American woman
  • We've never had a Native woman represent us before, and I told Mariah, well, come up to the Roundhouse
Keywords: 996, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • So, Victor Young, and I am a native Floridian, native to Tampa, Florida.
  • College is the gateway to the American dream, and it is exciting to be considered for service at a university
  • USF is now a member of the Association of American Universities, which we're extremely proud of, one
Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to continue confirmation hearings, but the chair announced the committee would not present its budget that day and would instead roll it out the following week in coordination with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a quorum was confirmed, the committee discussed how it would handle a large number of university board appointments, noting that some reappointments would be grouped for a block vote while others could be heard individually if members requested it. The committee then heard testimony from a series of appointees and reappointees to university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to FAMU, student success, and support for the university’s national standing; Harris highlighted his FAMU background and faculty experience, Young cited his business and health care leadership, and Vasquez described scholarship support through his company. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh focused on servant leadership, research growth, entrepreneurship, and FAU’s recent R1 designation and quantum computing initiatives. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins discussed UCF’s preeminence goal, workforce needs, and strong nursing outcomes. The committee also heard from Florida Gulf Coast University appointees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointment Joseph Fogg, who spoke about workforce development, affordability, student success, water and nursing programs, and FGCU’s role in regional economic growth. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly highlighted USF’s AAU status, research growth, and workforce-focused programs. Members and the chair responded positively throughout, praising the universities’ achievements and the nominees’ qualifications. At the end of the hearing, the committee voted by block on all nominees in tabs 2 through 13 and recommended them for confirmation without objection. The meeting then adjourned.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Mar 20th, 2025

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • presenter, so there is a bill in the House that will be on the floor, Senate Bill 13, pertaining to Native
  • Americans and education.
  • department is going to be cut, and the question I have is, is, do we have a fund that will help with the Native
  • Americans in terms of that interaction if there is no Department of Health that they would normally
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Judiciary (01/27/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • We used to think slavery was acceptable, killing Native Americans, right?
  • We used to think slavery was acceptable, killing Native Americans, right?
  • We used to think slavery was acceptable, killing Native Americans, right?
  • We used to think slavery was acceptable, killing Native Americans, right?
  • We used to think slavery was acceptable, killing Native Americans, right?
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened with procedural remarks, including notice of an overflow room and a brief apology from Representative Andress about returning to his seat after introducing HB 114. The committee then took up HB 476, a proposed 15-week abortion ban. Chairman Lynn explained that a request to withdraw the bill had been filed, but because the bill was already scheduled for hearing, the committee would proceed with testimony and the withdrawal would require later House action. The chair also reminded witnesses to keep remarks to three minutes and asked the audience to remain respectful. Most testimony focused on abortion access, maternal health, and the likely effects of a 15-week limit. Opponents, including Nancy Pariser, Dr. Cynthia Rasmussen, Dr. Young, Bonnie Bruno, and others, argued that abortion restrictions increase maternal mortality, worsen miscarriage care, create “OB deserts,” and can delay emergency treatment in cases such as sepsis or ectopic pregnancy. Several speakers cited experiences from Texas and Georgia and warned that HB 476 contained no exceptions for rape, incest, or maternal health. Supporters of the bill, including Paul Galasso and Lynn Hill, framed abortion as the loss of unborn life and argued that 15 weeks still allows most abortions while saving lives; they also said New Hampshire’s current law is already adequate and that the bill should be strengthened rather than abandoned. Other witnesses emphasized practical and economic concerns, saying unwanted pregnancies can worsen poverty, childcare burdens, housing insecurity, and women’s lifetime earnings. Some speakers urged lawmakers to focus instead on affordable housing, childcare, and family support. No committee vote or final action on HB 476 occurred during the hearing; the meeting consisted of opening remarks and public testimony only.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Tue Apr 1, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • emissions associated with all geothermal projects, and there is interest in the voices of local and Native
  • <00:20:09.679> and interest in the voices of local and interest in the voices of local and Native
  • communities<00:20:11.559> particularly<00:20:12.559> with<00:20:12.760> a Native
  • communities particularly with a Native communities particularly with a BN<00:20:13.679> um<00
  • I am testifying on behalf of ARDA, the American Resort Development Association.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on April 1 at the State Capitol and heard four measures. HCR 45/HR 38 urged the Public Utilities Commission to support transferring regulatory authority over motor carriers, water carriers, and other transportation means to the Department of Transportation; both the PUC and DOT testified in support, and members discussed that the resolution was largely symbolic because statutory changes would still be needed. HCR 58/HR 54 requested a geothermal energy working group; the Consumer Advocate, PUC, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Life of the Land supported it, while Students for Justice in Palestine at UH opposed it, citing an active injunction, environmental risks, and the need to prioritize Native and local community voices. Members asked about the injunction and community representation, and the PUC said it would support including Hawaiian community members in the working group. HCR 91/HR 87 sought insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices; a 14-year-old amputee testified in support, describing the need for sports prosthetics and arguing that coverage should allow people with limb loss to participate fully in school and athletics. HCR 102/HR 98 urged the Real Estate Commission to allow the salesperson exam to be administered in Japanese for timeshare sales; the Real Estate Commission opposed, while ARDA supported it, arguing there is a shortage of bilingual real estate professionals and that Japanese-language testing would help the timeshare industry and Japanese visitors. Members questioned the limited-license concept and public protection concerns, and the committee later amended the measure to a limited real estate salesperson’s license for timeshare sales, changing the target from Japanese-speaking visitors to Japanese nationals, before passing all four measures out of committee, with HCR 102 passing with amendments and the others passing as is.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • someone to make history, becoming the first Democrat to win in House District 85, the first Asian-American
  • To my fellow Asian-American legislators, Representatives Fugate and Pay, thank you for your leadership
  • She is on the Edmond Public School Native American Challenge Owl Team.
  • She is on the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry Youth Council and the American Farmers and
  • She is on the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry Youth Council and the American Farmers and