Transcript Highlights:

• And now I'm the first female American to win gold in the summer and winter games because I had an activity
• And now I'm the first female American to win gold in the summer and winter games because I had an activity
• DRE impacts people of color and the Native American population with a greater propensity than other demographic
• we know, especially—I don't want to get too weedy here—but when you start talking, especially our Native
• program for such um projects i just want to bring it to the sponsor and dFA's attention that the american

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• his recent New York Times opinion piece, this is the quote: "the cooled versus the cooked, the new American
• In terms of Native Americans, where the surveillance is not nearly as robust as it is for non-Natives
• , there are estimates that over half of the American Indian population over the age of 70 have some sort
• Medical journals, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), just issued an article in July
• Indeed, there was one very interesting study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association

Transcript Highlights:

• have been from formerly incarcerated students, veterans, students 35 years and older, and African-American
• In 2022, we launched the UC Native American Opportunity Plan, which covers tuition and most mandatory
• fees for undergraduate and academic graduate students from federally recognized Native American tribes
• I'm an American Multicultural Studies student, a Women and Gender Studies student, and a Queer Studies
• proposed budget cut will only fast-track the erasure of the culture and history of Californians and Americans

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• going to bring into session this meeting of the State Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American
• American Revolution DEIA Subcommittee meeting to order. And I'm just going to do a voice roll call.
• End of July, I was at the Association of African American Museums annual conference in Charleston.
• And she's from Boston, a Boston native, and is Afro-Wampanoag.
• Like, you can go to yoga at the Museum of African American History.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The State Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution DEIA Subcommittee met to share updates on 250th-related projects and to discuss how to ensure the commemoration is inclusive, statewide, and reflective of Black, Indigenous, and other underrepresented histories. Members described ongoing research and programming, including work in Quincy, Lexington, Bridgewater/Brockton, Mashpee, and other communities to identify Black revolutionary soldiers, Indigenous connections, and lesser-known local stories. Several members emphasized that the 250th should be framed as both commemoration and celebration, with attention to difficult histories as well as resilience, joy, and cultural contributions. Dr. Noel Trent reported on the Museum of African American History’s exhibition Black Voices of the Revolution, funded by Mass 250, which opened June 30 and will run through 2026 or into 2027. He described the exhibit’s use of AI tools, archaeological finds from Nantucket and Boston, and related programming. Other members highlighted Mass Humanities’ Expand Massachusetts Stories funding round, including support for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and likely additional Indigenous-led projects, as well as a statewide equity playbook being drafted for Mass 250 fundraising and engagement. Sheila Green of Massachusetts 250 then presented an overview of the statewide campaign, including advertising, social media, a website with events and blogs, 96 grants totaling $3 million, partnerships with sports teams and cultural organizations, and major upcoming events such as Evacuation Day, the Henry Knox reenactment, Sail Boston 250, and World Cup-related activity. During discussion, members suggested practical ways to improve inclusion and outreach, including sharing stories through blogs, podcasts, and a centralized project tracker, and highlighting museums and community programs that offer joy, rest, and cultural activities alongside historical interpretation. Dr. Trent raised concern that some Massachusetts 250 merchandise, such as T-shirts, did not adequately reflect the diversity of the state, and Green said the team was considering a redesign. The subcommittee agreed to compile a summary of stories, names, and examples for the full commission, and to continue sharing photos and materials by email for possible presentation at a future commission meeting. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Health and the State Department of Education, in collaboration with the Louisiana chapter of the American
• Joseph Savoie, a native of Assumption, Louisiana, has Whereas Dr. E.
• Joseph Savoie, a native of Assumption, Louisiana, has devoted his life and career to advancing educational
• resolution to memorialize the United States Congress to take such actions as are necessary to pass the American
• This resolution memorializes Congress to pass the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026.

Bills: SR146, SCR12, HB221, HCR115, HCR116, HCR58, HB1, HB312, HB313, HB314, HB383, HB983, HB1126, HCR3, HB2, HB3, SCR3, SB56, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR27, HCR28, HCR66, HCR67, HCR72, HCR5, HCR32, HCR49, HCR50, HCR53, HCR60, HCR62, HCR64, HCR68, HCR78, HCR81, HCR86, HCR97, HCR102, HCR31, HCR47, HB476, HB481, HB487, HB492, HB549, HB579, HB608, HB621, HB624, HB626, HB632, HB637, HB656, HB722, HB745, HB804, HB818, HB821, HB833, HB864, HB867, HB874, HB893, HB909, HB951, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB979, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1005, HB1007, HB1024, HB1032, HB1050, HB1051, HB1056, HB1059, HB1077, HB1080, HB1081, HB1086, HB1108, HB1112, HB1153, HB1172, HB1173, HB1175, HB1192, HB1193, HB1204, HB1218, HB1242, HB1244, HB1249, HB1252, HB1254, HB42, HB45, HB71, HB79, HB158, HB160, HB169, HB227, HB251, HB289, HB330, HB394, HB410, HB429, HB769, HB971, HB1017, HB1234, HB1235, HB9, HB177, HB181, HB202, HB223, HB225, HB387, HB398, HB457, HB459, HB540, HB591, HB616, HB766, HB775, HB783, HB895, HB906, HB950, HB975, HB1052, HB1057, HB1076, HB1100, HB1139, HB1155, HB1160, HB1182, HB1186, HB1220, HB1223, HB1224, HB1228, HB1231, HB1245, HB1256, HB17, HB27, HB36, HB41, HB47, HB73, HB126, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB166, HB205, HB211, HB226, HB259, HB271, HB308, HB310, HB324, HB337, HB351, HB399, HB403, HB571, HB712, HB723, HB726, HB740, HB750, HB759, HB812, HB844, HB966, HB1006, HB1009, HB1018, HB1036, HB1038, HB1107, SB29, SB42, SB78, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB401, SB441, SB449, SB487, HB74, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB956, HB1117, SB43, SB149

Keywords: SR146, Senate Resolution 146, Louis Thomas Nelson, Thomas Nelson, condolences, memorial resolution, tribute, obituary, public service, St. Martinville, Cade, St. Martin Parish, police juror, mayor, community center, water system, school bus driver, school board, Louisiana Senate, sympathy

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with NM Native Vote. I'm here in support of SB 55.
• This bill helps not just families, but it also helps our small businesses, our farmers, and our Native
• I'm a registered lobbyist for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association and for Allstate Insurance
• I'm a registered lobbyist for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association and for all state
• I'm a registered lobbyist for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association and for Allstate Insurance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• affected 24% of California Community College survey respondents during the previous year, and African American
• , Black, American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Hispanic and Latinx students were more likely to report
• that could include. include not just a Title IX coordinator, but also, for instance, a Tribal and Native
• American liaison, which is an effort we're stepping up our engagement in, as well as a DEIA coordinator

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Travis Moore, you are recognized to represent Oceana and Florida Native Plant Society.
• Travis Moore, you are recognized to represent Oceana and Florida Native Plant Society.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against polystyrene for kids.
• And last but not least, I have Andy Palmer representing the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance,
• Rosanna Catalano, the American Great Loop Cruisers Association, waiving in opposition. Thank you.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and considered a series of environmental, water, waste, boating, and land-use bills. SB 834 on recreational fishing vessel licenses was briefly explained as aligning licensure rules for freshwater and saltwater captains and was reported favorably. SB 1208 on service lateral assessment and rehabilitation would require periodic CCTV inspections, a seven-year assessment cycle, and a long-term public database for sewer laterals; county representatives opposed it over private-property and cost concerns, but the bill was reported favorably. SB 978 on advanced wastewater treatments, as amended, would require DEP reports and a long-term prioritization plan for upgrading large wastewater facilities to advanced treatment; the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 1822 on auxiliary containers, which would preempt local regulation of certain packaging and define the term in statute. The sponsor argued it would reduce a patchwork of local rules and help businesses, while opponents from environmental groups, local advocates, and some local governments warned it would weaken plastic and foam restrictions, including in parks and coastal communities. Despite substantial opposition and several senators expressing concern, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 384 on notice for annexation of state-owned lands, after a technical amendment requiring written or email notice to legislative delegations, and reported it favorably. SB 1008 on waste incineration would bar new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within a half-mile of residential, commercial, or school property. The sponsor said the bill was aimed at preventing another fire-related incident like the Doral plant and clarified it was intended to apply only to new facilities, not existing ones; waste-to-energy and county representatives opposed it as too restrictive, while several senators sought clarifying changes. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a substitute amendment to CS for SB 594 on port channel and turning basin buffer zones, reducing the proposed anchoring setback from 5,000 feet to 2,500 feet and allowing ports to create buffer zones after public hearings and rulemaking; the bill was then reported favorably. Finally, SB 830 on lost or abandoned property, aimed at streamlining removal of migrant vessels that pose navigational and environmental hazards, was reported favorably after brief support testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 124 is to create the Office of New Americans within the Department of Workforce Solutions.
• The Office of New Americans is the way to do that and is a start for our state.
• Twenty-three other states have already established their own permanent Office of New Americans.
• The Office of New Americans would have provided the resources and support needed. Thank you.
• Madam Chair, Representative, there's about 22 states that have an Office of New Americans.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• adjacent professor at the Bacchanal College. and is the director of Villa Stinch, the House for American
• Speaker, members, today I rise in honor to memorialize the passing of a true American hero, U.S.
• Members, as you know, February is American Heart Month and Heart Disease Awareness Month, heart disease
• Rita Littlefield herself and members of the Texas Renal Coalition, the American Nurses Association.
• As a proud native of Alamo, Texas, Geronimo is a graduate of St.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the federal changes in ways that are less harmful and disruptive not only for immigrants, but for Native
• American communities.
• Indians born in Canada or and American Indians born in Canada or members<00:42:21.680> of<00:
• American dream the right way. American dream the right way.
• <00:43:15.240> American immigrants, but for Native American immigrants, but for Native American

Bills: HF4401, HF4466

Keywords: HF4401, Minnesota Medical Assistance, dental reimbursement, dental rates, critical access dental providers, Medicaid dental, MinnesotaCare, managed care plans, county-based purchasing plans, fee-for-service, oral health access, safety-net clinics, federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, Indian health services, state-operated dental clinics, low-income patients, children's dental care, provider reimbursement, dental access

Transcript Highlights:

• Sergeant Major Thorne is a native of West Virginia and a respected resident of Williamstown, Kentucky
• service as a distinguished American service as a distinguished American veteran<00:16:25.600>
• <00:16:37.600> of Sergeant Major Thorne is a native of Sergeant Major Thorne is a native of
• He is a highly decorated American soil.
• his fellow Americans and citizens around<00:18:08.720> the<00:18:08.880> world.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then spent much of the meeting recognizing members of the Falmouth Police Department and related support personnel. Representatives and senators described the department’s response to a May 17, 2025 shooting between two vehicles, saying officers secured the area, apprehended suspects, and prevented further harm within about 30 minutes. They also recognized Officer Jonathan Bis for helping rescue a person from a burning storage facility on May 3, and honored Chaplain Abram Croer and police administrator Marilyn Belure for their support roles. Members praised the officers’ service and presented citations; one member also noted the recent flooding in Falmouth and the strain on local responders. The committee also observed a moment of silence for a firefighter who died after a vehicle crash while responding to a call. The committee then recognized Sergeant Major Jimmy Thorne, USMC (Ret.), with a lengthy citation for his military service and community involvement. The citation highlighted more than three decades of service, including Vietnam, Lebanon, Somalia, multiple injuries, exposure to Agent Orange, and numerous decorations such as the Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal. Speakers also noted his continued civic work in Williamstown and Grant County. Thorne thanked the committee, said enlisting in the Marine Corps and moving to Kentucky were two of his proudest decisions, and received a committee coin. Members and guests offered additional remarks about his character and service. Finally, Brigadier General Charles Jones and Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson gave an update on spring storm response and recovery. They said Kentucky has had three declared disasters and one undeclared event this year, with 113 of 120 counties affected in the last 12 months, including February flooding, April flooding, and May tornadoes; a January ice storm appeal was denied. Gibson emphasized the rising frequency and cost of disasters, citing about $350 million in public assistance over the first 10 years of the period reviewed versus about $2 billion in the last five years. He reported on sheltering, disaster recovery centers, FEMA and SBA assistance, and said about $57 million in individual assistance had been paid and nearly $69 million obligated, while public assistance projects were still moving through review and payment.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have shown that they are willing to kill law-abiding American citizens in order to promote their
• We all want what everybody wants: human kindness and to live in the American dream, not the American
• And executing American citizens should not be how we enforce policy in 2026. And with that I yield.
• My heart races every day when I have to get online and I see Americans being executed for exercising
• I had a conversation with a constituent who is Native American and who told me that she had so much fear

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer by Deacon Ernie Gonzalez, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of Dr. Pamela Murphy as Doctor of the Day. Members also introduced guests, including local officials, Arizona Game and Fish commissioners, and advocates from the Alzheimer’s Association. A proclamation was read designating January 26, 2026, as Arizona Aviation Day, highlighting the industry’s economic impact and the role of airports, aerospace, and aviation-related jobs in the state. The clerk then recorded a large number of bills and resolutions for first and second reading, covering water and energy policy, education savings accounts and school choice, elections and campaign finance, veterans issues, public safety, housing, health care, immigration-related matters, and land and natural resources. Representative Gress also read a resolution recognizing National School Choice Week and praising Arizona’s school choice programs, including charter schools and empowerment scholarship accounts. A lengthy portion of the meeting consisted of members’ personal privilege remarks responding to violence and immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota and Arizona. Many members condemned ICE tactics, described fear and harm in immigrant communities, and called for constitutional rights, due process, and accountability; several requested or observed a moment of silence. No substantive floor votes on legislation were taken during the transcript beyond the motion to adjourn, which passed, and the House adjourned until 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an Arizona native. I was born just down the street at St.
• of the largest public health providers in the southwestern United States, and one of the largest American

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met, approved the March 25 minutes, and heard testimony from Dr. Lynette Livesey, a nominee for the State Board of Psychologists Examiners. Dr. Livesey described her background as an Arizona psychologist with experience in public health, corrections, and behavioral health training, and emphasized her commitment to ethical standards, access to care, and community service. In response to questions, she said she had been serving on board committees and attending board meetings, noted that family court-related complaints have been a recurring challenge, and expressed support for fair, informed decision-making and better coordination among providers, probation officers, and primary care physicians in behavioral health cases. Committee members asked about her experience on the board, challenges facing the board, and her views on behavioral health system improvements. One member encouraged her to meet with caucus members and discuss family court issues further. A motion was made to recommend Dr. Livesey’s confirmation to the full Senate, and the committee approved the motion by a 5-0 vote, with two members not voting. The nomination was then forwarded to the full Senate, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Native youth experience disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges, including elevated
• At the same time, for many Native youth, particularly in rural and tribal communities, online spaces
• At the same time, for many Native youth, At the same time, for many Native youth, particularly<00:12:
• community, um and also as a Native community, um and also as a Native American<00:24:45.880>
• American regalia.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• American community, followed by the Anglo community, followed by the Asian community.
• , and a significant percentage of Asian-American residents.
• Why are the majority of Americans so deeply cynical about politics?
• I'm a fourth generation Texan and a native Houstonian of nearly 41 years.
• I am a 16-year-old Vietnamese American high school student from Fort Bend County.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rivian is an all-electric, all-American vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Irvine.
• Benjamin Liu, on behalf of the American Lung Association, the American Lung Association agrees with speakers
• I am a Fairfield native. I am here today. Good afternoon, Chair.
• I am a Fairfield native. I am here today. My name is Reginald Byrd. I am a Fairfield native.
• Chris Nielsen with the American EV Jobs Alliance.

Summary: The meeting began with a budget subcommittee hearing on a proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit trailer bill. Assembly Members Ávila Farías and another member spoke in support, emphasizing union jobs, refinery investments, and the need to decarbonize aviation. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s proposal would provide a $1 to $2 per gallon credit against the diesel excise tax for SAF sold in California from 2026 to 2036. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the proposal, arguing it is a relatively expensive way to reduce emissions, has uncertain environmental benefits, could significantly reduce transportation revenues, and conflicts with the spirit of voter restrictions on transportation taxes. Committee members questioned whether the credit would mainly benefit out-of-state producers, whether firms would have diesel tax liability to use the credit, and whether the proposal would shift production away from renewable diesel and raise fuel prices. Administration and CARB staff said the credit is intended to support aviation decarbonization, preserve jobs, and help keep California on track toward its 2045 climate goals. LAO and UC Berkeley testimony countered that the policy could mostly subsidize existing technologies, that feedstock supply is limited, and that the net emissions benefit may be small relative to the cost. Members also asked about the effect on local streets and roads, SHOP, and trade corridor funding; Finance estimated a $165 million annual revenue impact would reduce those programs, while LAO said the reductions would mean fewer projects over time. No vote was taken, and the chair said the issue would remain open for further discussion. The committee then moved to a zero-emission vehicle incentive trailer bill proposing a one-time $200 million appropriation to CARB for a new point-of-sale incentive program focused on first-time buyers and leases of new and used light-duty ZEVs. Supporters said the program would help offset the loss of the federal EV tax credit, maintain momentum in California’s ZEV transition, and use a one-to-one match with participating automakers to double the state’s investment. LAO recommended rejection, saying the proposal does not meet the high budget bar this year, lacks enough program detail to evaluate, is unlikely to move sales significantly given the size of the appropriation, and could duplicate existing state and utility programs. Members asked about current incentives across light-, medium-, and heavy-duty sectors, the recent decline in ZEV sales, and whether the program would help lower-income buyers rather than subsidize purchases that would have happened anyway. CARB said the proposal is meant to fill a gap in the light-duty market, where sales fell sharply after the federal credit expired, and noted existing programs for other vehicle classes. The Department of Finance also addressed a separate question about the Motor Vehicle Account, saying a previously planned GGRF transfer was no longer needed because updated forecasts showed the fund had sufficient balances, though LAO said the account still has a structural long-term imbalance. The discussion ended before any vote or action on the ZEV proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• Drilling down into opioid use, in 2023 about 9 million Americans 12 or older misused opioids in the last
• American Indian Minnesotans are far more likely to overdose than white Minnesotans.
• use um in 2023 about 9 million Americans use um in 2023 about 9 million Americans 12<00:28:22.440
• Indian motans are far more American Indian motans are far more likely<00:30:12.320> to<00:30:
• Society of addiction medicine American Society of addiction medicine standards<00:41:49.160> which

Bills: HF696, HF1429, HF1379

Keywords: HF696, rural EMS, ambulance, emergency medical services, uncompensated care, payment pool, rural health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, public safety answering point, PSAP, nontransport, unpaid ambulance calls, EMS reimbursement, rural ambulance provider, general fund appropriation, Minnesota health finance, specialized life support, metropolitan counties, emergency response funding, HF1429

Transcript Highlights:

• -born descendants of enslaved Americans, what we call American Freedmen, have a median wealth of $8.
• There needs to be an office for American Freedmen, not Black Americans, not African Americans, because
• American Freedmen, not Black Americans, not African Americans, because right now Elon Musk could qualify
• just talking about Jewish Americans, Japanese Americans, Native Americans, but every single American
• just talking about Jewish Americans, Japanese Americans, Native Americans, but every single American

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to open meeting law, municipal meetings, town meetings, and remote participation. Senator Rausch supported S. 2205 and S. 2206, and House companion H. 3382, saying they would make remote participation in public bodies permanent and streamline open meeting law and public records complaint processes to reduce burdens on local officials. Committee members and the senator discussed concerns about complaints being weaponized, the role of the Attorney General, and whether public testimony should be presumed allowed unless a chair limits it with justification. The senator said the bills do not change public records fees and are meant to improve process and transparency. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 3342 and S. 2197, which would modernize municipal meetings, town meetings, and local elections by allowing permanent remote or hybrid participation. Supporters included Wayland officials, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, MAPC, MACC, and others, who argued that hybrid and remote options increase participation, help parents, caregivers, people with disabilities, and residents with travel or work constraints, and have worked well during the pandemic-era extensions. Municipal officials emphasized that a mandate would be costly and difficult for smaller communities because of staffing, technology, room design, cybersecurity, and uneven internet access, especially in western Massachusetts. Committee members asked about equal access, funding, and whether local discretion should remain; the chair said the committee wants a permanent solution beyond emergency rules but must balance access with local capacity. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3328, which would allow remote participation to count toward quorum for statewide appointed bodies such as commissions on women and LGBTQ issues. Supporters argued this would improve regional equity and make it easier for people outside Greater Boston to serve, while committee members noted it is a separate issue from municipal meetings and may be easier to address than broader local-government changes. Another bill, H. 4351, was supported by Rep. Brandy Fluker Reed, who described it as creating an Office of Freedmen Affairs to address longstanding racial wealth disparities affecting descendants of enslaved Americans. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3299 from Common Cause and MASSPIRG in favor of guaranteed hybrid access for public meetings with public participation components, with advocates saying it would improve transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement.

Transcript Highlights:

• When I took office this term, I was upset about very low proficiency rates in predominantly Native American
• Success stories such as the great results in Native American schools, the Wilson Lab School, and the
• If you poll it, it's very popular amongst Americans because it's just a matter of fairness.
• But ultimately, I think this tries to address the concerns of many Arizonans, many Americans.
• Because it predominantly is aimed toward Native American tribes, and he is a member of a tribe here in

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee first heard Superintendent Tom Horn’s State of Education address, which focused on school safety, academic outcomes, teacher pay, school choice, and opposition to DEI/CRT in schools. Horn argued that students cannot learn unless schools are safe, cited increased funding for school police officers and a recent Tucson charter school incident as evidence for more officers, and said the department’s academic efforts have centered on Project Momentum, tutoring, cell phone restrictions, career and technical education partnerships, and support for Native American districts. He also urged direct teacher pay increases through Proposition 123 and said the state board should revise teaching standards and school grading practices. Members questioned him about DEI compliance, cell phone enforcement, ESA accountability, teacher preparation programs, school safety funding, and literacy outcomes; Horn said the department’s role is largely advisory in a local-control state, that it tracks school practices on a website, and that it lacks academic outcome data for ESA students because private schools are not tested by the state. The committee then took up House Bill 2008, which would prohibit public school libraries from using public funds to pay dues or memberships to professional library associations that advocate for libraries and information services. Representative Cooper, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to keep school libraries politically neutral and prevent taxpayer money from supporting ideological advocacy, while arguing that membership could still be paid privately and that free professional development options exist. Opponents, including former librarian Judy Schweber, Marana board member Hunter Holt, and the ACLU of Arizona, argued the bill would undermine professional development, local control, and constitutional rights of association and petition, and that there was little evidence public funds were actually being used this way. Supporters, including Adrienne Johnson, said some library materials and associations promote political viewpoints and should not be funded with public dollars. After public comment and debate, the committee voted 7-5 to give HB 2008 a do pass recommendation. Members who explained no votes said the bill targeted a non-issue, lacked data showing a problem, and would divert attention from funding and literacy needs. Members supporting the bill said it was a reasonable restriction on public spending and a way to keep school libraries ideologically neutral. The committee then announced it would move on to House Bill 2249, the Parents’ Bill of Rights and Remedies.