Video & Transcript : 'Indian affairs' :
Page 77 of 500
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Jun 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And, of course, we're working with Calitz Indian Tribe on one of the state's first electric truck charging
- And, of course, we're working with Calitz Indian Tribe on one of the state's first electric truck charging
- You listed the various nations that have received the funding, but, like on the Samish Indian Nation,
- Some examples include the Jamestown S'Klallam and Samish Indian Nation and the Confederated Tribes and
- Some examples include the Jamestown Scallum and Samish Indian Nation and the Confederate tribes and bands
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee held a work session focused on Climate Commitment Act transportation spending and electrification programs. Staff first reviewed overall CCA transportation allocations, saying about $2.2 billion has been allocated over three biennia, with major categories including public transportation, active transportation, ferry electrification, zero-emission vehicle programs, rail/ports, and planning. Members asked for additional breakdowns comparing CCA dollars with total program costs across categories.
The Department of Ecology presented on the zero-emission school bus grant program. Ecology said the program was codified in 2024 and supports the transition from diesel to electric school buses, including buses, charging infrastructure, and training. For 2025-27, Ecology received $38.3 million in CCA funding; $21.4 million is already obligated or spent, replacing 91 diesel buses in 28 districts, with the rest to be awarded by the end of the biennium. Members asked about cost parity, exemptions for rural and extracurricular routes, health data, and whether the funding covers chargers as well as buses. Ecology said OSPI is developing the parity formula and exemptions are available when electric buses cannot meet district needs.
The Department of Commerce described its clean transportation role, including EV rebates, tribal charging and electric boat projects, and the EV Coordinating Council. Commerce said its rebate program was designed to lower monthly costs and prioritize low-income households, with 89% of recipients saying the rebate was essential to their purchase. It also reported strong demand for charging grants, progress on tribal projects, and concerns about utility interconnection timelines, vandalism, and range anxiety. The Department of Enterprise Services reported on state agency EVSE projects, saying it has completed 82 sites with 567 Level 2 ports and 46 DC fast chargers, and that current projects will add 152 more Level 2 ports; members asked about replacing aging chargers and the state’s EV fleet purchasing mix.
WSDOT closed with updates on charging, transit, and port electrification. It said its corridor charging program has awarded 23 sites this biennium, with 13 in overburdened communities and five tribal sites, and that the Washington Zero Emission Incentive Program opened with $112 million for vouchers for zero-emission commercial vehicles and equipment. WSDOT also described transit grants, including bus and bus facility funding, commute trip reduction, paratransit, tribal transit, and zero-emissions access car-share projects. The rail freight and ports division reported $89.8 million for port electrification projects, including shore power and drayage trucks, but noted only about 10% has been spent so far because projects are still in design and permitting. Members raised concerns about funding gaps, supply-chain delays, utility capacity, and whether the programs are sufficient to meet broader electrification needs.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It modified the work group membership to include two representatives of federally recognized Indian tribes
- to the group who were... ...included two representatives of federally recognized Indian tribes to the
- group who were nominated by the Governor's Indian Health Advisory Council, and it requires the Governor's
- Governor providing executive coordination... include two representatives of federally recognized Indian
- tribes to the group who were nominated by the governor's Indian Health Advisory Council, and it requires
Summary:
The Senate Human Services Committee met on February 24 to executive a large docket of bills and one gubernatorial appointment. The committee first heard and then moved several bills in two packets. Topics included the Community Protection Program (SHB 1390), jail search policies for transgender and intersex individuals (EHB 1604), medically tailored meals (EHB 2211), limits on DSHS reviews of community residential service providers (SHB 2230), and a children and youth behavioral health coordination bill (2SHB 2429). Later, the committee also considered bills on foster care licensing and adult family homes (SHB 2505), DOC supervision of stalking convictions (HB 2510), inmate funds and indigency thresholds (SHB 2539), and transparency for residential habilitation centers (SHB 2350), along with the reappointment of Corey McNally to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board.
Most of the debate centered on SHB 1390 and EHB 1604, where Senator Christian offered numerous amendments aimed at adding restrictions, notifications, assessments, and delays; most of those amendments failed on party-line votes. On SHB 1390, the committee adopted only a technical amendment updating agency names and references, then advanced the bill to Rules. On EHB 1604, all proposed amendments failed and the bill was sent to Rules. On EHB 2211, an amendment to add a competitive bidding credit for nonprofit and small-business meal vendors failed, and the bill advanced. SHB 2230 moved forward without amendment, and 2SHB 2429 was amended with a striking amendment and referred to Ways and Means because of its fiscal impact.
In the second packet, SHB 2505 and HB 2510 were both moved out of committee without amendment. On SHB 2539, the committee rejected an amendment to lower the indigency threshold to $50, adopted an amendment allowing the threshold to be at least $100 and adjustable, and then advanced the bill as amended. On SHB 2350, the committee adopted a negotiated amendment requiring notices about residential habilitation center noncompliance to be emailed to relevant legislative committees, withdrew a second notice amendment, and passed the bill. The committee also voted to recommend confirmation of Corey McNally’s appointment to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board. Several bills were reported out subject to signatures, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Jan 13th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Environment & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- our first panel is Lisa Gunwellas and Lindsay Watchman from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian
- Gunwellis, an elected member of the Board of Trustees for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian
- am Lindsay Watchman, Chairman of the General Counsel for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian
- Number two, consultation should involve a structured management model to ensure federally recognized Indian
- We worked with the Wanapum Indians on those particular dams and worked also with BPA, worked with the
Committee:
Environment & Energy
Keywords:
nuclear energy, renewable energy, energy strategy, sustainable development, state energy policy, climate change, fuel regulations, compliance obligations, sustainability, environmental policy, consumer-owned utilities, clean energy, port districts, market customers, energy transformation, ski areas, winter sports, terminology update, recreation, regulatory changes
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Transcript Highlights:
- that you'll find in the Encore, in MGM in Springfield, in Plainridge, and also in Taunton at the Indian
- I am a senior government affairs manager at DraftKings, a Massachusetts-based company with our global
- Next, we're going to have Sean Flaherty, head of government affairs at Play & Go.
- I'm head of government affairs at the online supplier Play & Go. Thank you for ...
- I'm head of government affairs at the online supplier Play & Go.
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, chaired by Rep. Carole Fiola and Sen. Barry Finegold, held a lengthy hearing on a range of gambling-related bills. Testimony first focused on H. 496 to allow the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to authorize Plain Ridge Park Casino to add table games and more slot machines. Supporters, including Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Sen. Finegold, Rep. Barry R. Finegold, Rep. Brian Vaughn, and Plainville officials, argued the change was needed to keep Massachusetts gaming dollars from flowing to Rhode Island, protect jobs, and preserve local tax revenue. They described Plain Ridge as a strong community partner and cited host-community benefits such as municipal infrastructure projects and local aid. Opponents or skeptical witnesses later argued that expanded gambling, especially online, would increase harm and cannibalize existing casinos and local economies.
The committee also heard testimony on bills related to sports betting restrictions and online gambling. Sen. John Keenan presented a “Better Health Act” proposal to ban prop bets and in-play bets, require affordability checks, prohibit hosts, raise the sports betting excise tax, expand funding for problem-gambling services, and increase research and data sharing. He and supporters framed the bill as a public-health response to addiction, suicide, bankruptcy, and other harms. Rep. David Nangle, speaking from personal experience with gambling addiction, strongly opposed internet gaming, warning that it would intensify addiction and expose children and families to 24/7 gambling on phones. In contrast, Rep. David Moradian and industry witnesses supported H. 4431 to legalize and regulate internet gaming, arguing it would bring illegal activity into a regulated market, generate new revenue, and include consumer protections such as age verification, deposit limits, self-exclusion, and responsible-gaming tools.
The committee also took testimony on H. 4238, which would expand fundraising options for fraternal organizations, especially the Elks. Rep. Bruce Ayers and Elks representatives said the bill would help lodges raise money for scholarships, veterans’ services, and community programs after COVID-related losses and declining membership. On H. 480, Rep. Kathleen LaNatra, Rep. Badger, and representatives of veterans organizations and gaming-machine operators urged allowing qualified veterans groups to participate in certain video gaming activity, saying it would provide a sustainable revenue source to keep posts open and support veterans’ services. Dr. Rachel Volberg testified that expanding gambling, especially online gambling and slot machines at veterans organizations, would likely increase gambling harm, and she urged stronger harm-prevention measures, data reporting, and research funding. Other witnesses, including anti-gambling advocates and industry representatives, sharply disagreed over whether legalization would reduce illegal gambling or worsen addiction and social costs. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- McCormack; Committee on Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miller of Ohio.
- ,</c> McCormack, Committee on Foreign Affairs, McCormack, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Mr.<02:19:16.639
- And she even did a and public affairs.
- ,</c><05:39:38.958><c> and</c> worker, director of alumni affairs, and worker, director of alumni affairs
- </c> and the University of Indian and the University of Indian Indianapolis.<05:49:17.840><c> Through
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/10/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- up to testify here today are Kenosha Alexander from MINASA and Nicole Matthews from the Minnesota Indian
- </c><00:56:31.079><c> women's</c><00:56:31.520><c> sexual</c> the Minnesota Indian women's sexual the
- Minnesota Indian women's sexual assault<00:56:32.640><c> Coalition</c><00:56:33.640><c> uh</c><00:56
- /c><00:59:19.880><c> women</c><00:59:20.280><c> sexual</c><00:59:20.599><c> assault</c> Minnesota Indian
- </c><01:21:04.199><c> Country</c> Services they provide in Indian Country Services they provide in Indian
Committee:
Judiciary and Public Safety
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Apr 7th, 2026
Natural Resources and Water
Transcript Highlights:
- to acknowledge that the chairman is here, Octavio Escobito, number three, the third, of the Tahone Indian
- With that, I have with me two of our supporters, Chairman Escobito III with the Tahone Indian Tribe,
- I'm the chairman of the Tahone Indian Tribe and one of the proud co-sponsors of SB 1305.
- For the Tahone Indian Tribe, the grizzly, or Huniat, is not a symbol.
- For the Tahone Indian Tribe, the grizzly, or Huniat, is not a symbol. It's a relative.
Committee:
Natural Resources and Water
Summary:
The committee heard SB 872, which would direct $300 million annually for 20 years to repair Central Valley subsidence damage and Delta levees to protect State Water Project deliveries. The author and supporters said the bill is needed to safeguard water for 27 million Californians, prevent threats to life and billions in infrastructure, and address long-standing levee and canal vulnerabilities. Testimony in support came from Restore the Delta, the Central Coast Water Authority, and a broad coalition of water agencies, environmental groups, local governments, and business interests; one organization, the California Chamber of Commerce, supported if amended to include federal conveyance infrastructure. No opposition witnesses appeared. Members from both parties praised the bipartisan coalition and discussed funding, beneficiary-pays concerns, and the need to prioritize water infrastructure. The committee voted 5-0 to pass SB 872 as amended to Appropriations, with the bill placed on call.
The committee then heard SB 1305, a study bill on the feasibility of reintroducing the California grizzly bear. The author and tribal co-sponsors framed the measure as a science-based, consultation-driven roadmap that would not authorize reintroduction but would evaluate habitat, impacts, and implementation. Supporters, including tribal representatives, conservation groups, and animal welfare organizations, emphasized the grizzly’s cultural significance, ecological role, and the value of planning for coexistence. Opposition came from retired and current law enforcement, county officials, ranching and hunting groups, and rural representatives, who raised public safety, staffing, livestock, and wildlife-management concerns, arguing the Department of Fish and Wildlife lacks resources for another apex predator. Committee members debated whether risk, public safety, local control, and potential reintroduction areas should be addressed earlier in the process. The author agreed to consider amendments on those points and on funding and local authority. The committee voted 4-1 to pass SB 1305 as amended to Appropriations, with the bill held on call.
The committee also heard SB 1079, which would create a Cal Fire Fire Innovation Unit to identify firefighter needs, test new technologies, and speed deployment of successful wildfire tools. The author said the bill would formalize a pipeline from pilot projects to statewide use and build on existing Cal Fire technology efforts. Support came from Megafire Action, Fireworks, Aurora Tech, and the Orange County Fire Authority; the California Association of Realtors supported if amended to allow nonprofits to administer grants directly to homeowners. With no opposition testimony, the bill was moved on a 2-0 vote and held on call pending additional members. The committee later took up SB 997, a district bill for the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency that would grant lien authority so it can enforce groundwater fees and sustainability plan requirements without relying on civil litigation. Support came from water contractors, rural counties, and county associations; members discussed whether similar authority should be extended to other GSAs. The bill was moved on a 2-0 vote to Judiciary and held on call.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Early Learning & Human Services Jan 27th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Early Learning & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- It is drawn from the Indian Child Welfare Act, the gold standard of child welfare practice. [00:20:00
- It is also the same definition that we currently use and have used in this state for ICWA, our Indian
- And because those directly affect cases that will involve Indian children, we need tribal consultation
- And because those directly affect cases that will involve Indian children, we need tribal consultation
- So I want to make sure that whatever this bill brings forward aligns well with the Indian Child Welfare
Committee:
Early Learning & Human Services
Keywords:
child welfare, dependency, imminent physical harm, child abuse, neglect, foster care, extended foster care, shelter care, out-of-home placement, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, DCYF, family law, juvenile court, child protection, unsafe home, substance use, caregiver impairment, relative placement, guardianship, adoption
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., of California, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. Jan 30th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The only groups worse are Indian reservations, which haven't even... ...rate, and the only group that
- When you look at our health statistics, whether it's Alaskan Natives or American Indians, our health
- have been quoted, and I'd like for your comment on this, as saying that, as far as budgeting for Indian
- I was one of the founding editors of Indian Country Today, which is the biggest Indian newspaper.
- My father and uncle, Ted Kennedy, were deeply critical. deeply critical of the functioning of the Indian
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 14, February 25, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Because even when he was a British officer in the French and Indian War, he didn't—he wasn't a British
- Speaker, your Committee No. 8, Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs, to whom was referred Senate
- Speaker, your Committee No. 8, Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs, to whom was referred Senate
- to whom referred Senate file 67 affairs to whom referred Senate file 67 engrossed<01:22:22.560><c> Wyoming
- Senate File 58, Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act Sunset Repeal; Senate File 95, Drivers and Motor Vehicle
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And what we mean by this is the undercut protection of the Indian Education Act, the Bilingual Multicultural
- I also direct the American Indian Language Policy Research Center, Teacher Training Center at UNM in
- I will say that... ...also through the Indian Education Act, we have additional technical assistance
- Chair, Representative Dórez Pulasquez, I think it was a presentation from our Indian Education Assistant
- of this, So what you're telling me is that all of this, based on our, what the objectives of the Indian
Committee:
House Education
Keywords:
foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Sep 12th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Recognize that water planning and Indian water rights settlements are in addition to the governor's 50
- As you all know, we have Indian water rights settlements that are outstanding, including the six Rio
- You mean Indian water rights settlements specifically?
- And then, is there any risk of delaying water settlement, Indian water settlement rights?
- There is some tension between uranium mining interests and tribal Indian rights settlements regarding
Committee:
Water & Natural Resources Committee
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Aeronautics and Transportation Mar 2nd, 2026 at 10:00 am
Aeronautics and Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1475 will designate the interchange of I-35 and Indian Hills Road to be known as the Ubby
- This is for the interchange of I-35 and Indian Hills Road, which is on ODOT property.
- This is the interchange of I-35 and Indian Hills Road. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Committee:
Aeronautics and Transportation
Keywords:
memorial highways, bridge designations, Oklahoma Statutes, commemorative markers, transportation, uninsured vehicles, reimbursement fund, towing services, commercial vehicles, public safety, memorial, infrastructure, dedication, Toby Keith, aviation, aircraft, surveillance, regulations, fees, Oklahoma statutes
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/05/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:21:27.440><c> The</c> the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- The the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- </c><00:55:20.000><c> for</c> director of state government affairs for director of state government affairs
- For American Indian parents, it is a stunning 12 times higher.
- For American Indian parents, it is a stunning 12 times higher.
Committee:
Commerce and Consumer Protection
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 21, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> leadership on the House Foreign Affairs leadership on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.<00:15
- ,</c> military construction, veterans affairs, military construction, veterans affairs, and<02:46:11.359
- </c><03:00:28.000><c> Committee</c> and the House Veterans Affairs Committee and the House Veterans Affairs
- </c><04:32:13.520><c> Committee</c> before the Veterans Affairs Committee before the Veterans Affairs
- </c><04:56:04.878><c> appropriation</c> veterans affairs appropriation veterans affairs appropriation
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 4th, 2026 at 11:20 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB95, HB111, HJR1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21, HM34, HB2, HB32, HB33, HB61, HJM2, HM23, HM24, HM26
Keywords:
HB95, additional judgeship, district court, judicial district, First Judicial District, Second Judicial District, district judges, court administration, judicial staffing, caseload, access to justice, New Mexico courts, judiciary, judge vacancy, court backlog, state courts, water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/09/2026 - House Health & Human Services
House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- over 100% prepayment review for behavioral health services provided to a member under the American Indian
- over 100% prepayment review for behavioral health services provided to a member under the American Indian
- requires DCS to make efforts on an annual basis to enter into a memorandum of understanding with each Indian
- requires DCS to make efforts on an annual basis to enter into a memorandum of understanding with each Indian
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Human Services heard and advanced a series of Senate bills focused largely on mental health, public health, child welfare, and insurance coverage. SB 1113 would allow screening or evaluation agency employees to personally serve court documents on patients in involuntary mental health proceedings; supporters said this would reduce burdens on police and be less disruptive for patients. The committee adopted the Bliss amendment limiting reimbursement to services provided under county contract, and SB 1113 was given a due pass recommendation 12-0. SB 1122 would limit Access from imposing over-100% prepayment review on certain behavioral health providers serving American Indian Health Program members unless a corrective action plan is in place; Access was neutral and said it had worked with the sponsor, and the bill passed 12-0. SB 1123 would remove a board-certification requirement so trained, licensed forensic pathologists can supervise pathology trainees during autopsies; Maricopa County supported it as a workforce and efficiency measure, and it passed 12-0. SB 1125 would require DCS to make annual efforts to enter MOUs with Arizona tribes and improve coordination on tribal children in state care; DCS said it was already working on pending MOUs, and the bill passed 12-0.
The committee also heard several bills tied to breast cancer screening and court-ordered treatment. SB 1165 would prohibit cost-sharing for follow-up breast cancer diagnostic and supplemental screening services in private insurance; the sponsor and advocates described it as removing financial barriers that can delay diagnosis, and it passed 12-0. SB 1243 would require guardians to be notified before discharge or release of patients under court-ordered treatment and allow guardians to seek continuation of treatment; family members and advocates testified that missed renewals can create dangerous gaps, and the bill passed 10-0 with two absent. SB 1318 would repeal a state breast-density notice requirement that now overlaps with a newer federal FDA standard; ADHS said the change would reduce confusion and duplicate notices, and it passed 11-0 with one absent.
Later, SB 1188 would align Arizona controlled-substance schedules with federal FDA/DEA scheduling; the sponsor said it would speed access to new treatments, while one member opposed it over concerns about relying on federal agencies, and it passed 8-2. SB 1193 would bar DHS from selling or disclosing EMT personal identifying information for commercial purposes without consent; the sponsor said the bill was prompted by concerns about vendors buying licensee data, and members discussed whether broader privacy protections should be considered, but the bill passed 10-0. Finally, SB 1477 would require referral agencies serving assisted living facilities to verify background-screening practices, registry status, and insurance coverage; the sponsor and PASSRS said it would raise standards in senior placement services, and it passed 10-0 after a technical amendment. The committee then adjourned.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 19th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- The One Big Beautiful Bill also added new exceptions for Indians, also referred to as Native Americans
- There, those federal definitions... ...have now been included in our Arkansas rules for an Indian, an
- urban Indian, and a California Indian as defined in the federal law.
Summary:
The subcommittee received a brief DHS update on the Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver reimbursement rate process, with Secretary Janet Mann reporting that the new cost reporting period began in January and that DHS has begun provider and contractor conference calls as the process moves forward.
The bulk of the meeting focused on DHS’s overview of TANF and, especially, SNAP changes under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill. Mary Franklin explained new SNAP work requirements for adults ages 18 to 64 who are not otherwise exempt, including the three-month time limit in a 36-month period unless they meet an 80-hour monthly work, volunteer, education, or training requirement. She also reviewed exemptions, noted that some prior exemptions were removed while new tribal-related exemptions were added, and described SNAP Employment and Training providers, budgets, service areas, participant characteristics, and outcomes. Members asked about how mandatory referrals will work, whether funding and vendors are sufficient, how cross-program participation is tracked, how verification and recertification will be handled, and how error rates and sanctions will be managed. DHS said mandatory participants will be referred directly to providers, verification will occur at application and recertification, interviews can be by phone, and the department will return with more information on error-rate mitigation and other requested data.
DHS then outlined upcoming Medicaid community engagement requirements for the ARHOME population under the same federal law, which must be implemented by January 1, 2027. The department said it is preparing policy, system changes, data matching, communications, and an outbound customer-service verification process, with a soft launch planned for July to help identify who would meet the requirement or need to provide more information. Members raised concerns about notice, local versus centralized decision-making, and how clients will document work, school, caregiving, or medical exemptions. The meeting concluded with broader discussion of the Alliance for Opportunity audit and a shared emphasis on using SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and workforce programs together to improve outcomes, expand training options, and better connect Arkansans to education and employment opportunities. The committee also discussed extending the audit contract at a future meeting and adjourned without taking any formal vote in the transcript provided.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Business and Insurance 2ND REVISED Feb 19th, 2026
Business and Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- after the word "act" and before the comma the words: "or as otherwise authorized to be conducted on Indian
- lands in compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C.
- say, God. that we're putting in to say on this law that anything else is under the conduct of the Indian
- lands in compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and it gives the statutory cite to the United
Bills:
SB1969, SB1953, SB1277, SB1287, SB1061, SB1916, SB1589, SB2178, SB1444, SB1438, SB1501, SB1873, SB1364
Committee:
Business and Insurance
Keywords:
massage therapy, licensing, multistate compact, regulation, healthcare, professionals, Employer Health Plan Transparency Act, health insurance, claims data, contract provisions, health care providers, auditable materials, HIPAA compliance, insurance regulation, unemployment benefits, employment security, work search, job search, reemployment, jobless benefits
Summary:
The Senate Business and Insurance Committee met and first laid over Senate Bills 1969 and 1624 without hearing them. It then considered SB 1953, a health insurance transparency bill requiring third-party administrators to provide employers information on what was spent on employee health benefits; an amendment deleting the word “welfare” was adopted, and the bill passed 7-1. SB 1277, which codifies a three-week work-search requirement for unemployment benefits, passed 8-0. SB 1287, amended to change “may” to “shall,” would bar the Oklahoma Abstractors Board from licensing applicants not legally authorized to work in the U.S.; after questions about the need for the bill and the alleged loophole, it passed 7-2.
The committee also passed SB 1061, a cleanup measure on mortgage broker licensing and renewal fees, and SB 1916, which would move the Oklahoma Receivership Office under the Insurance Department and streamline receivership operations. SB 1589, as amended to reference Indian Gaming Regulatory Act authorization, would increase penalties for illegal sweepstakes/gambling operations and expand enforcement against entities profiting from illegal gambling; it passed unanimously. SB 2178, a compromise special-event license bill requiring liability insurance coverage, also passed unanimously.
Two major insurance reform bills were debated at length and failed. SB 1444 would shift homeowners insurance rate regulation from a use-and-file system to prior filing with authority for the Insurance Commissioner to declare rates excessive; after testimony from a homeowner about a large premium increase and extensive debate over regulation and market effects, it failed 4-5. SB 1438 would require reporting of underwriting gains and profits, cap average profits at 5% over three years, and require rebates or premium credits if profits exceeded that level; supporters argued it would protect consumers, while opponents warned of market disruption and reduced competition. It failed 2-7. The committee then passed SB 1501, clarifying medical marijuana grow reclamation bond requirements, SB 1873, correcting a drafting error in a prior bill and delaying its effective date, and SB 1364, requiring an affidavit of encumbrances before transferring a medical marijuana business license.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 19th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- The One Big Beautiful Bill also added new exceptions for Indians, also referred to as Native Americans
- Those federal definitions have now been included in our Arkansas rules for an Indian, an urban Indian
- , and a California Indian as defined in the federal law.