Video & Transcript : 'African Americans' :

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MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Health Jan 27th, 2026

Joint Committee on Public Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • health equity in hospital systems, as a Black-identified biracial woman of a Jewish father and an African-American
  • And yet, despite the fact that the average American woman spends roughly 40% of her life post-menopause
Bills: H4796 , H4838
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Jan 23rd, 2026 at 10:30 am

State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • commission appointment process aligns with that of our peer commissions: Hispanic, Asian Pacific American
  • , African American Affairs, and LGBTQ commissions.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
  • HBCU in becoming more involved in accounting, where there is a big shortage of accountants that are African-American
  • You all know we're working with American Village and Troy University.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 092 Apr 15th, 2026

Colorado Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's the oldest Greek letter organization established by African-American college-educated women.
  • Texas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority often is hailed as America's premier Greek letter organization for African-American
  • organization oldest Greek letter organization established<00:33:57.200><c> by</c><00:33:57.400><c> African-American
  • </c> established by African-American established by African-American college-educated<00:33:59.000><c
  • </c> organization for African-American women. organization for African-American women.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Insurance Committee Jun 24th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Mark, on behalf of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association.
  • Mark, second, American property casual insurance association.
  • Anthony Thomas, the Thomas Abixie Group, on behalf of the Environmental Justice Coalition, African American
  • Danny Ritter with the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. Thank you all.
  • As emphasized by the American Medical Association, it also medical data, as emphasized by the American
Summary: The committee heard several insurance-related bills. AB 69, AB 1554, and AB 1680 all focused on California’s insurance market and the Fair Plan. AB 69 would require clearer notices to Fair Plan policyholders about coverage options, quarterly public reporting on clearinghouse programs, and additional broker/agent training to help depopulate the Fair Plan while preserving consumer choice. AB 1554 would require the California Earthquake Authority to post its annual report online and send it to relevant committees, and would direct the Insurance Commissioner to convene a working group on incorporating hazard mitigation into risk-transfer recommendations. AB 1680 would require the Fair Plan to comply with CDI examination findings, hire more staff, and improve clearinghouse operations; the Fair Plan moved from opposition to neutral after amendments, and the department said the bill would strengthen accountability and consumer protections. These bills were held pending quorum or taken up later, with authors requesting aye votes. AB 2198, by Assemblymember Rodriguez, would clarify title insurance rate-filing rules by specifying that title insurers file title rates and underwritten title companies file escrow rates, reducing duplicative filings and requiring rate schedules to be posted online. The California Land Title Association supported the bill, saying it codified longstanding practice and improved transparency, while the department continued discussions about possible revisions. The bill was left open for further questions and a later vote. AB 1795, by Assemblymember Gibson, would create statewide standards for inspecting, testing, and remediating smoke damage in wildfire-affected homes. The author and the Department of Insurance said the bill would establish science-based standards, protect survivors from unsafe reentry, require training and certification for relevant professionals, and improve claims handling; the department also described serious gaps found in its Fair Plan examination and recent wildfire claims. Insurers and some residents opposed or opposed unless amended, arguing the bill was still too broad, could raise costs, relied too much on industry standards, and left unresolved issues about legal standards, timing, and coverage. The bill remained under discussion, with the author saying negotiations would continue. AB 311, by Assemblymember McKinnor, would create an optional telematics-based auto insurance program to reward safer driving and improve road safety. Supporters, including road-safety advocates, victims’ families, and some insurance representatives, argued telematics could reduce speeding and distracted driving and save lives. Opponents, including privacy and consumer groups, argued the bill would create opaque surveillance pricing, undermine Prop. 103, and raise privacy and fairness concerns. After extensive debate, the committee passed the bill on a 3-0 vote and placed it on call. AB 1798, by Assemblymember Wilson, would bar life and disability insurers from using non-diagnostic genetic information from direct-to-consumer or other predictive genetic testing to deny coverage or raise premiums, while preserving use of medical history and family history and allowing consideration of certain high-value policies above $1.5 million. Supporters said the bill would reduce genetic discrimination and encourage testing; insurers argued genetic information is relevant to underwriting and warned the bill could raise costs and create inconsistencies. The committee chair and members noted the bill was close to agreement but still needed work, and the bill was moved with a 3-0 vote and placed on call.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Fourteen - Tuesday, February 3

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life.
  • As Missouri's first African-American member of Congress, Congressman Clay broke a barrier and opened
  • The question is: is it constitutional in American jurisprudence in 250 years of American law?
  • in the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • You have adopted. deal enthrined into law in the Americans with Disabilities Act.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, May 20, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • He organized the League of Gileadites, encouraging African Americans to train in arms to defend their
  • He organized the League of Guileites,<00:37:35.119><c> encouraging</c><00:37:35.839><c> African-Americans
  • </c> Guileites, encouraging African-Americans Guileites, encouraging African-Americans to<00:37:37.119
  • Fitch was not just one of the first African-American mail carriers.
  • </c><02:15:04.000><c> mail</c> one of the first African-American mail one of the first African-American
Bills: SJR13 , HB1969 , HR1223 , HR426 , HR430
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/16/26

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • reviser, exempt the commissioner from rule making when making determinations under the Minnesota African
  • American family child welfare disproportionality Act.
  • <00:10:04.760><c> American</c><00:10:05.840><c> family</c><00:10:06.920><c> child</c><00:10:07.200><c
  • > welfare</c> African American family child welfare African American family child welfare disproportionality
  • Red Cross as far covered by the American Red Cross as far as<01:01:40.840><c> the</c><01:01:40.960><
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Task Force on Child Protection - 01/08/25

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • already today, and learn from individuals with lived expertise and successfully implement the Minnesota African-American
  • already today, and learn from individuals with lived expertise and successfully implement the Minnesota African-American
  • The African-American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act back in 2017.
  • We believe strongly, with the passage of the Minnesota African-American Family Preservation and Child
  • We believe strongly, with the passage of the Minnesota African-American Family Preservation and Child
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session May 29th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • recognition, including being a semi-finalist for the Bullsworth Trophy and named a second team All-American
  • Through the American Energy Institute, Daniel Luo provided policy research and communications for our
  • in raising not only your family and your children but also in what you have done for the Mexican-American
  • It is the city's only African-American newspaper and the largest black-owned publication in South Texas
  • Now, what if, what if the head of the Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce was from Hong
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jun 30th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • But at the end of the day, we are all Americans.
  • That’s an American.
  • That’s an American.
  • Her last words were, 'Now I’m an American.'
  • I am my mother’s American dream, and I fight for that. This society is one can dream.
Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a long floor session focused heavily on budget trailer bills, labor agreements, housing, environmental review, and several resolutions. Members also introduced visiting guests, including family members, district staff, Mandela Washington Fellows, and UC Berkeley public policy students. Procedural motions were taken up early, including a successful roll-call vote to suspend rules so certain budget-related bills could be heard without reference to file. The chamber approved several major budget measures. SB 129, the labor trailer bill, passed 56-4 after supporters said it made technical budget adjustments, funded collective bargaining, supported In-Home Supportive Services, and addressed pension and project-related issues. SB 131, the public resources and housing trailer bill, passed 50-3 after extensive debate over homelessness funding, CEQA exemptions, advanced manufacturing, high-speed rail, rural access to funds, tribal consultation, and environmental protections; multiple members voiced support while also urging follow-up changes. The Assembly also adopted SB 139, implementing agreements for professional and operating engineers, by 69-1, and SB 140, implementing the correctional officers’ agreement, by 71-0. Later, AB 130, the housing trailer bill, was taken up on concurrence in Senate amendments after a successful rule suspension; members discussed tribal consultation protections, CEQA reform, prevailing wage, and vehicle miles traveled provisions, with debate continuing as the transcript ended. The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 927, extending the Williams inspection window for certain school districts, which passed 70-0. In addition, ACR 16 naming the 10th Street Bridge the POW/MIA Bridge passed 70-0. AJR 9, urging full and consistent federal funding for the National Park Service, drew broad bipartisan support and passed 66-0 after members highlighted California parks’ economic and cultural importance. HR 47, recognizing the Fourth of July and the Declaration of Independence, prompted extended remarks on democracy, civics, immigration, military service, and community celebrations before being adopted by voice vote with 64 co-authors added. The consent calendar was also adopted 64-0.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty One - Tuesday, April 14

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And then also I have a group from Paris High School that's here with the American Legion Group, Mr.
  • Thomas, and and, uh, and American Legion Group, Mr. Thomas, and Ms.
  • Again, she was the first African-American woman to speak on the March on Washington.
  • continue to think about her and her history. ...and how recognizing the importance of this icon in American
MO
Transcript Highlights:
  • Alpha Phi Alpha became the first intercollegiate Greek letter fraternity established for African American
  • Alpha men have been at the forefront of nearly every major civil rights movement in American history.
  • Every year, more than 600 American women are shot to death by intimate partners.
  • More than 600 American women are shot to death by intimate partners.
Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for February 10, 2026 by roll call vote, 120-0. Members then used personal privilege and guest introductions to recognize fraternity members, students, advocacy groups, and other visitors. One member delivered remarks honoring Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and another gave a personal statement about a cousin who died in a domestic violence-related murder-suicide, followed by a moment of silence. The main floor action focused on House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2780 and 2668, a major property tax reform package. The sponsor described the bill as a broad effort to stabilize Missouri’s property tax system after extensive statewide hearings and testimony. The bill and amendments addressed issues including clearer ballot language for tax measures, moving tax-related ballot questions to November general elections, prohibiting “no tax increase” ballot descriptions, standardizing ballot wording, changes to assessed valuation and inspection rules, quarterly tax payment options in some counties, and a fix to a CPI-related provision. Members debated the size and scope of the bill, concerns about local control, election timing, voter fatigue, and possible litigation. Amendments were adopted to narrow the title, add clear ballot language, exempt township counties from the election timing requirement, and remove duplicative language. After the previous question was ordered, the committee substitute as amended was adopted and ordered perfected and printed. The House also perfected House Bill 1917, a Jefferson County-specific water district bill. Supporters said it would allow detachment of a ratepayer from a water district under certain conditions so a large manufacturing project could proceed, describing the district’s demands as obstructive to economic development. The bill passed committee unanimously and was ordered perfected and printed after discussion about the federal loan issue, the district’s refusal to cooperate, and whether the measure should be limited to one district or expanded later. The chamber then moved to announcements, including upcoming committee meetings, a property tax issues presentation by FFA students, birthday wishes, and a recess until 2 p.m.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
  • Alpha Phi Alpha became the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American
  • Alpha men have been at the forefront of nearly every major civil rights movement in American history.
  • Every year, more than 600 American women are shot to death by intimate partners.
  • More than 600 American women are shot to death by intimate partners.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by roll call vote, 120-0. Members then used personal privilege and guest introductions to recognize several groups and visitors, including Alpha Phi Alpha members, students from multiple schools and programs, dental hygienists, public administrators, credit union representatives, National History Day participants, and others. One member also spoke emotionally about a relative killed in a domestic violence incident and requested a moment of silence in her honor. The main floor action centered on House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2780 and 2668, a large property tax reform package. The sponsor described it as the product of extensive statewide hearings and public testimony, aimed at stabilizing Missouri’s property tax system. The bill and amendments would, among other things, require clearer ballot language for tax measures, move tax-related ballot questions to November general elections, eliminate “no tax increase” wording, standardize ballot wording, address assessment and valuation rules, require physical inspections for certain commercial property assessment increases, allow quarterly tax payments in more counties, and make other technical changes. Members debated the size and scope of the bill, local control concerns, voter turnout and “voter fatigue,” and whether the changes were sufficiently vetted. Amendments were adopted to narrow the title to property taxation, add the ballot-language provisions, remove duplicative language, and exempt township counties so their levy elections could still occur on the schedule they need. The House then adopted the substitute as amended and ordered it perfected and printed. The chamber also took up House Bill 1917, a targeted utility/economic development bill involving a Jefferson County water district. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by a dispute in which a water district sought payment or infrastructure contributions from a company planning a roughly $400 million investment and about 250 jobs, despite the district’s inability to serve the site. Supporters said the bill would allow detachment of a ratepayer under specified conditions and prevent water districts from blocking development; the committee vote had been 15-0. Members raised concerns about the bill’s narrow, district-specific scope and possible litigation, but the House ultimately ordered the bill perfected and printed. The House also read three new bills for first reading and later recessed after announcements about committee meetings and a property tax discussion event with FFA students.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Ethics and Elections Feb 4th, 2026

Ethics and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • legislation assume voters have easy access to original or certified documents, but only half of Americans
  • legislation assumes voters have easy access to original or certified documents, but only half of Americans
  • Original or certified documents, but only half of Americans have a passport, and a majority of married
  • Americans who lived here all their lives, no problem. They just don't have money in their pocket.
  • I pastor Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in a small rural town called Hastings.
Bills: S0460 , S0748 , S1180 , S1334
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Fiscal Policy Apr 2nd, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • American at those particular schools.
  • People don't realize the American Heart Association every few years puts together this group with tremendous
  • He made All-American, Team One, was awarded the Miami Herald's baseball player...
  • All-American, Team One, was awarded the Miami Herald's baseball player of the year during his senior
  • Donovan Brown, waving in support, representing the North American Pet Health Insurance Association.
Summary: The committee took up a series of bills and amendments, reporting several measures favorably. Early in the meeting, CS for CS for SB 344 modernizing the Telecommunications Access System Act was approved without opposition. The committee then adopted amendments and passed CS for SB 714 on non-opioid advanced directives, CS for SB 738 updating child care and early learning provider regulation, CS for SB 756 revising health insurance coverage for individuals with developmental disabilities, and CS for CS for SB 1356 creating a Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a newborn genetic testing pilot. Later, the committee also approved CS for SB 1624 on higher education, CS for SB 1626 on child welfare, SB 178 on an agronomic study for emerging crops, SB 1162 on water access facilities and boat ramp parking, CS for CS for SB 958 creating a type 1 diabetes early detection program, CS for CS for SB 1402 expanding dropout retrieval eligibility, SB 774 requiring electronic transmission of certain court orders, SB 1516 creating an international aerospace innovation fund, and SB 994 revising driver education requirements. Most of these bills were reported favorably by roll call votes after brief explanations and, in several cases, amendments. Several measures drew substantive discussion and public testimony. CS for CS for SB 1624 prompted questions about replacing “minority” with “underrepresented,” the role of the Florida Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education in overseeing private religious postsecondary institutions, and whether the changes could affect access for students at institutions such as FAMU and FIU. CS for CS for SB 1070 on ECGs for student athletes received extensive emotional testimony from parents and advocates describing children lost to sudden cardiac arrest and urging mandatory screenings; the sponsor said the bill would be cost-neutral for districts by encouraging partnerships with screening groups. SB 994 on driver education was discussed as a vehicle to add distracted driving instruction, and the sponsor agreed to work on that issue. SB 774 was presented as a response to a fatal delay in transmitting an ex parte order, with support from clerks and sheriffs. The most extended debate centered on SB 810 on stormwater management systems. The sponsor said the bill, as amended, would narrow annual inspections to infrastructure identified as vulnerable by MS4 entities, but the Florida League of Cities, Florida Association of Counties, and Florida Stormwater Association warned the proposal could impose major costs and duplicate existing MS4 permit requirements. Committee members questioned the fiscal impact, whether the bill would apply to FDOT or other entities, and whether annual inspections were feasible for large and small jurisdictions alike. Despite those concerns, the sponsor and several members emphasized flood prevention and public safety, and the bill remained under discussion with the sponsor indicating continued willingness to work with stakeholders.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • addressing the racial bias that too often leads to over-surveillance and overreporting of Black, African
  • American, Native American, and Latino families.
  • American, Native American, and Latino families.
  • One in two Black and Native American children are subjected to an investigation of child abuse before
  • I'm with the Coalition for Adjusting Equitable California, as well as the American Redress Coalition
Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing on child welfare, foster care, child support, and related prevention efforts. The chair opened by emphasizing mandated reporting reform, foster care system improvements, and community-based prevention, and noted that no votes would be taken. Public testimony focused first on mandated reporting, where a lived-experience advocate and several organizations argued that the current system overreports families, especially Black, Native, and Latino families, causes trauma, and should be reformed through standardized training, clearer thresholds, and stronger community supports rather than more hotline referrals. Casey Family Programs cited data showing nearly 90% of reports are unsubstantiated, while CDSS said it is already forming a Mandated Reporting Advisory Committee, updating training, and exploring community pathways and possible changes to the list of mandated reporters. CWDA and SEIU supported training and alternative response concepts but stressed child safety, county capacity, funding, and the need for careful implementation and accountability. The committee then discussed a proposal to create a foster care multi-agency office within the California Health and Human Services Agency, led by a chief foster youth advocate with authority to coordinate across departments. Advocates said foster youth often need services from education, health, housing, and behavioral health systems that do not coordinate well, and argued that a central office with real authority could improve placement stability and access to services. CDSS responded that existing structures already provide coordination, including AB 2083 interagency teams, the Child Welfare Council, complex care steering committees, and the foster care ombudsperson, but said it was open to technical assistance. Members raised concerns about whether the new office would have enough authority and funding to avoid becoming another layer of bureaucracy, and the chair emphasized the need for real “teeth” and better interagency action. The final major topic was the continuation and expansion of Promise Neighborhoods. A community leader described strong early results from the state-funded neighborhoods, including improved kindergarten readiness, reduced chronic absenteeism, higher graduation rates, food access, housing supports, and mental health services, but warned that current funding sunsets in June 2025 and that a fiscal cliff could jeopardize staff and services. CDSS said the four funded neighborhoods have reported positive outcomes and valuable flexibility, but also noted challenges with one-time funding, student mental health, and long-term planning. Assemblymember Mia Bonta urged continued investment, saying the place-based model is difficult to rebuild once lost, and the chair asked LAO to help identify the minimum funding needed to preserve the existing infrastructure while evaluation results are still pending.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Apr 9th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Resolution 113 by Representative Walters to recognize and commend Martha's Vineyard African American
  • American Film Festival for 24 years of Black Excellence in Film.
  • More than seven out of ten Americans across all demographics support voter ID in our elections. a great
  • More than 7 out of 10 Americans across all demographics support that we have to have voter ID in our
  • Had you heard any concerns that people have with older Americans who might not have access to their birth
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session, 4/11/2026 #1

Maryland House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Mary's County was the only the fifth county in the nation to elect an African-American sheriff.
  • We've had a Black African American school board member under the same rules at voting at large since
  • lawsuits to make sure that there was a seat at the table at the county council, where I was the second African-American—actually
  • , the first African-American female to ever have a voice at the table.
  • I'm the first African-American female to serve out of nine counties on the Eastern Shore.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • The American dream and 77 million Americans delivered a mandate to him to do just that.
  • Congress and to the American people.
  • My job is to make Americans healthy again.
  • Only 23% of Americans Are complying.
  • There are 16 million Americans.