Video & Transcript Research : 'Native Hawaiian'
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AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- A proud East Valley native. And I also have the honor of our Senate royalty.
- We know that tamarisk, invasive salt cedar, is really hurting our native riparian habitats, and to actually
- It does take up a lot of water, but we need to also include native plants so that... ...also include
- native plants so that we don't, we have to address flooding, et cetera, that is already in the washes
- HB 2875, local regulatory affairs and government efficiency; HB 2895, Native American language instruction
Summary:
The Arizona Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and numerous points of personal privilege recognizing guests, including Justice of the Peace Day participants, Donate Life Day attendees, State Farm representatives, educators, rural water advocates, and other visitors. The chamber also received a House message consenting to adjournment later in the week, and the Senate agreed to the House’s request to adjourn after completing its work on March 11 until March 16. Several announcements were made about upcoming events, including a nurse anesthetists’ reception, Golf Industry Day, National Civic Learning Week, and other advocacy gatherings.
The Senate then considered and passed a series of bills, including SB 1602 on kinship foster care; SB 1621 creating an Obesity Treatment and Prevention Advisory Council; SB 1672 on AHCCCS step therapy and related health coverage issues; SB 1677 appropriating money for forestry and fire management; SB 1811 relating to public schools; SB 1001 appropriating money to the Department of Economic Security; SB 1072 and SB 1169 appropriating money to AHCCCS and its administration; SB 1531 on special plates; and SB 1776 amending AHCCCS statutes. Members offered explanations of vote on several measures, with support often tied to health care access, education, wildfire mitigation, and social services, while some no votes cited fiscal concerns.
The chamber also passed SCR 1020, a proposed constitutional amendment to increase compensation for elective state officers, with floor debate emphasizing the need to recruit and retain qualified public servants. In Committee of the Whole, members amended and advanced SB 1170 on drug offenses, removing mandatory minimums and changing crime qualifications; SB 1488 establishing a study committee on coal-impacted communities, with an amendment changing appointment authority; SB 1641 on marijuana producer licensure, amended to remove DHS’s annual license-number determination; SB 1752 on mescaline-related drug offenses; and SB 1740 on turquoise alert statewide training. SB 1740 was later passed on third reading, and the Senate also confirmed gubernatorial nominees for Director of Tourism, the Game and Fish Commission, and the Livestock Loss Board. The session ended with committee announcements, first-reading referrals for numerous House bills, and adjournment until March 16.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the Chair of the Delaware Native Species Commission, and I want to read a letter from the Commission
- Dear Chair, Hefferman and committee members, the Delaware Native Species Commission was formed by the
- At the February 2026 meeting of the Delaware Native Species Commission, the commission voted unanimously
- On behalf of the members of the Delaware Native Species Commission, I thank you and the members of the
Bills:
SB9
Keywords:
wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process
Summary:
The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and first considered SB 321 with Senate Amendment 1, the community solar utility billing bill. The sponsor explained that it would consolidate the two-bill system for community solar subscribers into one utility bill, with the utility forwarding the subscriber fee to the solar facility through an escrow mechanism so costs are not shifted to other ratepayers. Testimony from the solar industry, the Public Advocate, and environmental advocates supported the measure, emphasizing easier enrollment, fewer barriers for low-income customers, and guaranteed savings. The committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, but after a roll call vote it was released from committee.
The committee then heard SB 9 with Senate Amendment 1, a wetlands protection bill creating a state non-tidal freshwater wetlands permitting program. The sponsor and DNREC described a framework of exemptions, general permits, and individual permits based on wetland type and value, with an advisory committee to develop regulations. Witnesses explained that “exceptional value” wetlands would include unique wetland communities and high-functioning wetlands, and that the bill was intended to preserve important habitat while allowing farming, drainage, and other exempt activities to continue. Some members raised concerns about flooding, land classification, and the balance of the advisory committee, while supporters said the bill was the product of broad stakeholder consensus and would protect wetlands without unduly harming agriculture or development.
Public comment on SB 9 was strongly supportive from environmental groups, the Delaware Native Species Commission, the Home Builders Association, the Farm Bureau, The Nature Conservancy, and affordable housing advocates, who said the bill balanced conservation with practical land use concerns. After remote testimony, the committee took a roll call vote and SB 9 was released from committee. The meeting concluded with remarks thanking the chair for her service and instructions for members to sign the backers before adjournment.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the chair of the Delaware Native Species Commission, and I'm going to read a letter from the Commission
- Dear Chair Heffernan and committee members, the Delaware Native Species Commission was formed by the
- At the February 2026 meeting of the Delaware Native Species Commission, the commission voted unanimously
- On behalf of the members of the Delaware Native Species Commission, I thank you and the members of the
Bills:
SB9
Keywords:
wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process
Summary:
The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met to consider two Senate bills. SB 321, with Senate Amendment 1, would change community solar billing so subscribers receive one consolidated utility bill instead of separate bills from the utility and the solar provider. Supporters said the bill would simplify enrollment and payment, improve customer retention—especially for low-income customers—and include safeguards such as guaranteed savings and an escrow mechanism to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers. After public testimony from solar developers, the Public Advocate, the Sierra Club, and others, the committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, so the vote was circulated to absent members and the bill was later reported out for floor action.
The committee then heard SB 9, with Senate Amendment 1, a long-negotiated wetlands protection bill. The sponsor and DNREC explained that it would create a state non-tidal wetlands program with exemptions for certain agricultural, conservation, and routine activities, general permits for some lower-impact projects, and individual permits for higher-value wetlands. Witnesses described the bill as a compromise among environmental, agricultural, development, and local government stakeholders, while some members raised questions about flooding, landowner impacts, wetland delineation, and the role of the regulatory advisory committee. Public testimony was broadly supportive from environmental groups, the Farm Bureau, builders, engineers, and affordable housing advocates. The committee then voted to release SB 9 from committee.
At the end of the meeting, members offered thanks and remarks recognizing the chair’s service and leadership on environmental and energy issues. Both bills were ultimately released from committee and reported out.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/09/26
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- More than 2 billion native and pollinator-friendly plants are growing on these sites, all established
- Thousands of sheep and their shepherds, in addition to song and game birds, native bees, and honeybees
- around these steel, glass, and silicon monuments to her memory are thousands of acres of low-growing native
- Thousands of acres of low-growing native grasses, and with each sunny season, a new wave of flowers.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 12th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- So, Victor Young, and I am a native Floridian, native to Tampa, Florida.
- So, Victor Young, and I am a native Floridian, native to Tampa, Florida.
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education opened by noting it would not present its budget that day, explaining the budget rollout would be delayed until the following week to align with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a roll call confirmed a quorum, the chair explained that because of the large number of gubernatorial appointments, the committee would hear only a subset individually and consider reappointments in a block unless members requested otherwise.
The committee then heard testimony from appointees and reappointees to several university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to their alma mater, support for leadership, student success, entrepreneurship, scholarships, and maintaining FAMU’s status as a leading HBCU. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh highlighted FAU’s growth, R1 research designation, quantum computing, servant leadership, entrepreneurship, and expanded research opportunities. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins focused on UCF’s preeminence, workforce needs, nursing and engineering, and keeping graduates in Florida.
Florida Gulf Coast University nominees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointee Joseph Fogg discussed workforce development, affordability, student success, water and environmental programs, business and entrepreneurship, nursing outcomes, and FGCU’s regional role. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly cited USF’s AAU status, research growth, and focus on student success, health care, cybersecurity, and AI. Committee members generally praised each nominee’s background and the universities’ achievements. At the end of the hearing, the committee approved all nominees in a single block vote for confirmation and then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 02/19/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- art, traditions, and the story of Native hockey players.
- art, traditions, and the story of Native hockey players.
- art, traditions, and the story of Native hockey players.
- art, traditions, and the story of Native hockey players.
- Culture of our Indigenous communities by showcasing Native art, traditions, and the story of Native hockey
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Culture, Recreation & Toursism May 1st, 2025 at 10:05 am
Transcript Highlights:
- The site where Milan is built along the Sabine River was well known. on the trail used by Native Americans
- Committee members, it is crucial that the Texas legislature works toward the protection of our native
- Let's continue prioritizing the lives of our native critters and Texans by ensuring we have wildlife
Keywords:
wildlife corridors, animal-vehicle collisions, HB5259, licensing, concurrent resolutions, cultural significance, Senate Bill 1247, public safety, environmental conservation
Summary:
The meeting of the committee centered around significant legislative measures, including several bills aimed at enhancing wildlife safety through the establishment of wildlife corridors and licenses for outdoor activities. Key discussions highlighted House Bill 5259, led by Vice Chair Flores, which proposes a wildlife corridor action plan to reduce animal-vehicle collisions in Texas. This bill is crucial given Texas's alarming rate of wildlife-vehicle accidents, and testimonies from supporting members emphasized the need for action to protect both wildlife and public safety. Furthermore, Senate Bill 1247 was brought forward, simplifying the non-resident hunting license system to improve compliance and conservation funding. The committee also addressed multiple concurrent resolutions recognizing towns for their cultural significance, reflecting a broader commitment to community identity and heritage.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Sep 11th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Native pollinators are important also for.
- But around the globe, many native pollinators have declining populations.
- Chief among those pollinators are our native wild bees and our domestic honey bees.
- I'm a native New Mexican. I'm from Tortugas Pueblo, which is located down in Dona Ana County.
- As far as native bees go, a lot of times they're reliant more on the native vegetation and a diverse,
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Our Native people are up to 30% more likely to experience homelessness, and four times more likely to
- American community, how broader Native American community, how vital<00:42:11.680>
this <00:42 - Our native<00:42:23.840>
people <00:42:24.360>are <00:42:24.480>up <00:42:24.600> to <00:42:24.720>30% <00:42:26.040>times <00:42:26.440>more native people- are up to 30% times more native people are up to 30% times more likely<00:42:27.400>
to <00:42
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- 2895 requires ADE to administer a grant program for schools to partner with Indian tribes to offer Native
- SBE, ADE, and public schools to support certification pathways for individuals seeking to obtain a Native
- American language certificate. ...partner with Indian tribes to offer Native American courses.
- SBE, ADE, and public schools to support certification pathways for individuals seeking to obtain a Native
- sure that studying Native American languages is rewarded by public schools.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2076, which would create a reimbursement program for school safety training and equipment, maintain an approved list of training programs meeting AZPOST standards, and allow eligible schools to adopt policies permitting certain employees to carry concealed firearms on campus if they complete approved training and meet notification/confidentiality requirements. The sponsor, Rep. Bliss, framed the bill as an optional, fiscally responsible medical-response measure meant to help school employees stop bleeding and save lives in emergencies, emphasizing that no school would be required to participate and that no new state appropriation was needed.
Opponents, including Giffords, Arizona for Gun Safety, and the Arizona Education Association, argued the bill would normalize armed staff in classrooms, create confidentiality problems for parents and law enforcement, and expose students and staff to additional risk. They also said teachers are not trained as trauma responders and that the bill’s immunity and secrecy provisions could reduce accountability. Supporters, including Arizona Citizens Defense League and other proponents, said the bill adds guardrails to existing law, focuses mostly on first aid and de-escalation training, and gives schools an option to prepare staff for emergencies. After debate, the committee voted 6-5-1 to give HB 2076 a do pass recommendation.
The committee then took up House Bill 2830, which directs the State Board of Education to adopt science standards requiring instruction on fetal and prenatal development and specifies that the instruction is not sex education. Opponents, including the Arizona Education Association and Reproductive Freedom for All, said the bill politicizes science, creates fragmented instruction, and could lead to questions that inevitably touch on sex education while failing to address broader student health needs. Supporters, including Arizona Right to Life, a school board president, and a biology teacher, argued the bill is simply about age-appropriate, medically accurate science and parental transparency. The committee approved HB 2830 on an 8-4 vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 3/10/25
Rules and Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Second, the bill does not ensure representative representation for Native and minority groups or preserve
- Second, the bill does not ensure representative representation for Native and minority groups or preserve
- Second, the bill does not ensure representative representation for Native and minority groups or preserve
- Second, the bill does not ensure representative representation for Native and minority groups or preserve
- for Native and minority groups<00:27:02.520>
or <00:27:02.720>preserve <00:27:03.120>
Bills:
HF550
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 10th, 2026 at 12:22 pm
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, can you please tell me how many Native American mothers aborted babies in the last five years
- But in the state of New Mexico, 28% in ages 20 to 24, Native American mothers aborted these babies.
- President, also ages 25 to 29, there is 28.3% Native American mothers aborted these babies. Mr.
- If you include Hispanic, Black, and Native American, 92 percent are minorities.
- As a Latino male, native New Mexican, I tell you I stand with my vote for the state of New Mexico and
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Aug 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- You had the foresight to do this and the wisdom to include an Assistant Secretary for Native American
- Mind you, my district is very much Native American New Mexico, and you keep mentioning your appreciation
- I also have to commend your former Native American Secretary, Secretary...
- But in Native country, it was Head Start, but we didn't know what a Head Start II was.
- Simulation of our Native American cultures, languages, etc.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota Zoo bonding request 3/5/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Aspen, the star of the show, is a North American porcupine, so a Minnesota native here.
- The fisher, a Minnesota native animal, also is one that has been able to figure out a way to hunt after
- The fisher, a Minnesota native animal, also is one that has been able to figure out a way to hunt after
- Sounds good. >> [applause] the fisher, a Minnesota native animal, the fisher, a Minnesota native animal
Summary:
The Minnesota Zoo presented its infrastructure and animal health needs to the committee, beginning with an educational demonstration featuring Aspen, a North American porcupine. Staff used the animal to explain porcupine biology and correct common myths, including that porcupines cannot shoot their quills and that the quills are not poisonous. Members asked about the animal’s natural predators and care, and staff explained that porcupines are protected by their quills but can still be preyed on by animals such as bobcats, cougars, great horned owls, and fishers.
Zoo leadership then shifted to the facility request, describing the zoo as a major state attraction and education center with about 1.4 to 1.5 million annual visitors, nearly 100,000 students served, and significant economic impact. They said the 50-year-old campus is in poor condition, with a third of its 125 structures in poor or crisis condition and more than $78 million in deferred maintenance, creating safety risks for visitors, staff, and animals. The zoo said it is seeking to use the governor’s recommended $4 million for critical life-support and infrastructure needs.
The main funding request discussed was an additional $6 million for the zoo’s animal hospital project. Zoo officials explained that the original plan for a standalone new hospital was no longer affordable, so they are now proposing a new wing attached to the existing A Building hospital. The extra funds would renovate A Building for staff, storage, and support spaces, remove asbestos, meet code, and improve safety so the new hospital can function as intended. Members asked about incidents at the zoo, and staff described examples such as close calls with animal enclosures and injuries tied to aging facilities and outdated equipment. No vote or formal action was taken in the transcript.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- “As a proud native Floridian, I’ve seen firsthand how vital our state university system is to expanding
- I'm a native of Palm Beach County.
- attribute that and connect it back to the blessing that I've received in the state of Florida as a native
- And so whether you're a native to Palm Beach County or you've moved here five months ago, one thing that
- I'm a fifth-generation Polk County native and a fourth-generation chairman, CEO, and president of a formerly
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education convened with a quorum and first took up CS for SB 1694 on technology education. The bill would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and would encourage high school computer science courses that include AI to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal settings. The bill sponsor and several supporters emphasized preparing students for an AI-driven workforce while teaching critical evaluation and ethical use; one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the need to preserve real-world skills. Senator Davis supported the measure and suggested introducing similar instruction earlier, possibly in middle school. The committee voted the bill favorably, with Senator Leak later recorded in the affirmative.
The committee then heard a large block of confirmations for higher education boards, including appointees to Tallahassee State College, the University of South Florida, the University of North Florida, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally highlighted backgrounds in education, health care, law, business, technology, and public service, and described priorities such as student success, workforce alignment, affordability, fiscal responsibility, and institutional growth. One nominee to Tallahassee State College was asked about low NCLEX pass rates and said the college had a plan approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Another nominee discussed Florida Poly’s STEM mission, and several members praised the nominees’ community ties and professional experience.
After hearing the appointees, the committee voted to report the block of confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. The committee then received a high-level overview of the higher education budget, totaling $11.9 billion, with major emphasis on workforce training and development. Highlights included increases for school district workforce education, the Florida College System, workforce development capitalization, a rural educator recruitment program, funding for the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s literacy and math initiatives, UF’s autism and neurodevelopment center, and a postsecondary guardian program for campus security. Members asked a brief question about a workforce fund transfer, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds added. No public comment was offered, and the meeting adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/02/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, and a lot of respect to the Native American community too, I love them too, but this is something
- I cannot agree on with the Native Americans for letting this happen on their soil.
- I just wanted to make a correction in your speech: Native American people did not choose for the Japanese
- And I just want to comment on the Native Americans.
- I know that's, I just want to comment on the Native Americans.
Keywords:
immigration, public benefits, asylum, verification, Arizona Revised Statutes, appropriation, public safety, detention, unauthorized aliens, local government funding, border security, fencing, appropriations, southern border, local government, immigration enforcement, probation, law enforcement, court notification, civil rights
Summary:
The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee met and approved the January 26, 2026 minutes, then took up several bills related to veterans, immigration, and border security. SB 1268 was described as an emergency cleanup measure clarifying that a 100% service-connected disabled veteran’s primary residence is fully exempt from property tax, including when jointly owned with a spouse; county assessors supported it as needed to fix ambiguous language before the 2026 tax year, and it passed 7-0. SB 1152 would make people with pending asylum applications eligible for state or local public benefits until asylum is granted; supporters framed it as limiting state spending on pending cases, while opponents argued it was redundant, could encourage racial profiling, and conflicted with humanitarian and economic considerations. It passed 4-3. SB 1156 would appropriate $20 million to reimburse cities, towns, and counties for short-term detention costs involving unauthorized persons; supporters said local governments were bearing an unfair burden, while opponents said the money should go elsewhere and that the state was already spending heavily on border issues. It passed 4-3.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- the site where Milam is built along the Sabine River was well known, stopover on the trail used by Native
- Committee members, it is crucial that the Texas legislature works towards the protection of our native
- Let's continue prioritizing the lives of our native critters and Texans by ensuring we have wildlife
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- the site where Milan is built along the Sabine River was a well-known stopover on the trail used by Native
- Committee members, it is crucial that the Texas legislature works towards the protection of our native
- Let's continue prioritizing the lives of our native critters and Texans by ensuring we have wildlife
Bills:
HB370, HB738, HB2935, HB3227, HB4103, HB5259, SB519, SB1350, SB1247, SB1248, SB2112, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR59, HCR109, HCR111, HCR135, SCR6
Keywords:
HB 370, Events Trust Fund, Texas events funding, sports eligibility, women's sports, girls' sports, biological sex, transgender athletes, sex-segregated sports, athletic competition, event subsidies, tourism funding, site selection organization, anti-trafficking plan, female athletes, public funding, economic impact, sports policy, Rosenwald Schools, historical preservation
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Apr 11th, 2025 at 09:30 am
Appropriations - Education and Environment Division
Transcript Highlights:
- That's for the history and the culture, and the other one is for Native American essential understanding
- Native American essential understanding.
- science centers, but the 5.7 is the one-time for dyslexia, statewide reading, school board training, Native
Bills:
HB1540
Keywords:
education savings account, ESA, school choice, private school vouchers, nonpublic school, tuition assistance, education tax credit, homeschool exclusion, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Public Instruction, public funding for private education, voucher program, student scholarships, special education, parental choice, curriculum funding, tutoring, online learning, state per-pupil payment, income-based eligibility
Summary:
The committee first took up amended bill 10-13, a school funding and education appropriations measure. Senator Schaible walked through the final version, which included changes to foundation aid, transportation grants, free and reduced-price meals funding, paraprofessional and teacher support programs, Native American education items, library and school facility projects, and several one-time grants. Members discussed removing the science center grant funding, and Senator Meyer objected to that removal, arguing that Grand Forks had raised matching private and local funds and that other cities had received similar state support. The committee also agreed to adjust regional education association funding to reflect six centers rather than seven, reducing that line to $600,000.
The committee then adopted the amendment to 10-13 unanimously and passed the bill as further amended on a unanimous roll call, with Senator Shively designated as carrier. After a brief recess, the committee turned to bill 1540, but no formal action was taken. Bank of North Dakota and OMB representatives raised concerns that the draft included policy changes and procurement/IT exemptions that needed further discussion. Members agreed the bill would be delayed until Monday so the Bank, OMB, and NDIT could confer and work through the mechanics and policy issues before the committee moved it forward.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- California Native American tribes are best positioned to identify their own TCRs and how to best protect
- SB 1326 empowers California Native American tribes to better protect their TCRs and preserve their culture
- United Auburn is proud to be co-sponsor of SB 1326, and we are honored to work with other California Native
- SB 1326 ensures that California Native American tribes have the authority to use our tribal cultural
- lead agency does not adopt the identification, avoidance, mitigation, or treatment that a California Native