Transcript Highlights:

• Again, recognizing our already built relationships and trust with Pueblo tribes and nations, but also
• recognized Pueblo tribes and nations within the state of New Mexico who have distinct beliefs and traditions
• I think the state recognizes that, again, the true authority lies within Pueblo tribes and nations, and
• using the Indian Education Fund, we know that a lot of Pueblo tribes and nations have before-school
• We also see Pueblo tribes and nations utilizing the Indian Education Fund to support the 520 certification

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on the 520 Native American Language and Culture certificate, created to let proficient tribal language and culture speakers teach in K-12 schools without a bachelor’s degree. LESC staff, PED, and HED described the certificate’s statutory basis, the role of tribes and pueblos in setting proficiency standards, and ongoing challenges such as uneven MOAs, limited professional development, rural access barriers, data gaps, and retention concerns. PED said oversight of 520 is moving from the licensure bureau to the Indian Education Division, and HED reported that the tribal education technical assistance centers authorized in 2023 are still in procurement but are expected to be awarded in early 2026. A student, Alonzo Hughes, testified about how learning Tewa from 520-certified teachers helped him understand his culture and speak with elders, and members praised the program’s role in language revitalization and asked about funding, teacher pathways, and whether similar models exist in other states. Committee members then discussed several PED rule updates. Staff reviewed an adopted rule implementing HB 54 on AEDs and cardiac emergency response plans, including staff training requirements and staggered compliance dates, and a proposed rule for school nurse licensure under HB 195 that would create a three-tier system and align nurse pay with teacher pay. They also reviewed proposed changes to the Community Schools Act rule, including a full-time community school coordinator requirement, updated grant language, and broader coalition membership criteria; PED said the broader language would not conflict with the Martinez-Yazzie work. A proposed bilingual teacher rule would standardize coursework requirements, add trans-languaging and culturally relevant curriculum competencies, and allow Native American language certification applicants to demonstrate proficiency using tribal standards. In questions, members raised concerns about AEDs being present at athletic events, the need for the amended school nurse bill to move experienced nurses directly into higher levels, and whether the community schools rule’s broader coalition language could affect current education litigation. Members also asked about funding for 520 programs, teacher residency or cohort models, and how to support advanced language instruction and sustainability. PED said the Indian Education Fund and school budgets can support some of the work, but additional strategic funding and cross-training are needed. The committee also heard that New Mexico’s 520 system is unusually robust compared with other states, and members encouraged staff to present the model at national conferences. The meeting ended with the director’s report, which noted a flat budget request of $2,024,300, staff turnover including Natasha Davalos’s departure, and appreciation for the committee’s work before adjournment for the holidays.

Transcript Highlights:

• So my Indian name is Tachnanam.
• Tribe and Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe in really looking at doing some overtime enforcement.
• tribe and Port Gamble Scallum tribe in really looking at doing some overtime enforcement.
• Makah Indian Tribe and Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe are really looking at doing some overtime enforcement
• , coastal tribes, some of the more urban tribes, and then some other tribes, as far as what was requested

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met in Yakima to focus on tribal traffic safety, with members and Yakima Nation leaders emphasizing the importance of safety, the right to travel, and continued partnership on U.S. 97 corridor improvements. Yakima Nation Vice Chair Christopher Wallachie and engineering staff described the Tribal Traffic Safety Committee, the U.S. 97 safety project, heritage connectivity trails, roundabout construction, and the use of federal grants and advanced sensing technology to identify hazards before crashes occur. They highlighted collaboration with WSDOT, the Traffic Safety Commission, the University of Washington, and other regional partners, and explained that the goal is to move from reactive crash response to proactive risk reduction. The Yakima Nation engineering team and AI Vision presented the MUST sensor project, which uses compact AI-enabled devices to collect traffic counts, speeds, near-miss events, roadway conditions, and pedestrian activity, with data transmitted to a dashboard and used for real-time warnings and longer-term planning. Committee members asked about speed tracking, driver behavior, enforcement, and partnerships with WSDOT and counties. Yakima Nation staff said the relationship with WSDOT has improved over time, especially after community outreach on proposed roundabouts, and that the tribe now supports several roundabout projects and broader safety coordination. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission then presented statewide fatality trends and tribal traffic safety data. Mark McKekney said 2024 showed a roughly 10% decrease in fatalities statewide, though recent years remain among the highest in decades. He noted that race and ethnicity data are only available for people who die in crashes, and that many American Indian and Alaska Native fatalities involve passengers, pedestrians, or bicyclists rather than drivers. Penny Rerick outlined tribal traffic safety coordinator grants and other state-funded tribal projects, including work with Yakama Nation, Colville, Kalispel, Makah, Port Gamble S'Klallam, Muckleshoot, Lower Elwha, and Puyallup, stressing that flexible state funding helps fill gaps left by federal programs and supports community-led solutions. The final presentation covered impaired driving enforcement and ignition interlock compliance in Yakima County. Yakima Police Chief Sean Boyle said the city created a DUI enforcement and education officer program that helped reduce serious injury and fatal impaired-driving crashes, supported by state funding and social media outreach. Yakima County District Court’s Nick Bazan described a supervision program for DUI offenders and interlock compliance, reporting more than 1,000 DUI convictions in 2024-25 and about 3,800 noncompliant interlock users countywide. He said the court is using a two-pronged approach—pretrial assistance for indigent clients and post-conviction accountability and case planning—to improve compliance and reduce impaired driving. The committee expressed support for the work, noted the progress made, and adjourned the work session after thanking presenters for their updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• recognized member of a tribe. ...if we have a crime or something occurs on a federally recognized tribe
• recognized member of a tribe. ...have to be a federally recognized member of a tribe that's recognized
• recognized tribe, that's all that the bill is seeking: the federal recognition of a federally recognized
• Federally recognized tribes from this state.
• This legislation only focuses on federally recognized tribes.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference and reaffirming... ...recognizing the California
• Paiute Tribe of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. ...and a descendant of the Shoshone Paiute Tribe
• She is also a descendant of the Shoshani Payot tribe of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation in No.
• Paiot tribe of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation in Oahuahee, Nevada, please welcome Dr.
• for equitable health care resources and access for his tribe and fellow Indian communities.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with a Native American song and prayer by Assemblymember Ramos, observed a moment of silence for former staff member Eric Washington, and then handled a series of procedural motions, including removing several items from consent, rescinding prior action on SB 626, returning AB 643 to the Senate, and placing SB 1294 on the inactive file. The chamber also approved a request to allow an Elections Committee informational hearing on AB 1923. The main floor action centered on ACR 208, recognizing California Native American Day and the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference. Ramos and several caucus leaders spoke in support, emphasizing Native history, sovereignty, cultural preservation, missing and murdered Indigenous people, and the importance of representation. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 61 co-authors were added, and the Assembly then held a Native American Day ceremony honoring several tribal leaders and elders with cultural performances and guest introductions. The Assembly also adopted HR 102 recognizing Filipino American History Month after extensive support from multiple caucuses, with members highlighting Filipino American history, labor activism, healthcare, public service, and community contributions; 64 co-authors were added before the voice vote. ACR 213 designating September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month also passed by voice vote after 62 co-authors were added, with testimony focused on pediatric cancer research, treatment access, and personal stories of loss and survival. ACR 230 proclaiming California Firefighter Appreciation Month and California Firefighter Memorial Day likewise passed unanimously after 66 co-authors were added, with members citing firefighters’ emergency response work, wildfire service, and occupational health risks. Several concurrence items also passed, including ACR 126 on Captain Vidar Anderson Memorial Highway, AB 1651 on AI disclosure in the bar exam, AB 2789 on mediation, AJR 27 urging federal disaster aid for Eaton and Palisades fire victims, and AB 2134 on parental leave protections for local officials.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this is the federal statute that said federally recognized tribes can operate gaming on Indian lands
• So, it is limited to federally recognized tribes with eligible Indian lands.
• So, it is limited to federally recognized<01:07:45.240><c> tribes</c><01:07:45.600><c> with</c><01:07
• :45.840><c> eligible</c><01:07:46.320><c> Indian</c> recognized tribes with eligible Indian recognized
• Thank you. >> Go ahead. >> Are there any state-recognized tribes who run operations?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:41:25.040><c> tribes</c><00:41:25.440><c> individual</c> to American Indian tribes individual
• to American Indian tribes individual Customs<00:41:26.319><c> or</c><00:41:26.480><c> Traditions</c>
• </c> within the reservation of a federally within the reservation of a federally recognized<00:41:48.359
• </c> actually through uh the 11 federally actually through uh the 11 federally recognized<00:42:09.680
• In the Twin Cities alone there's over 78,000 Native Americans in 150 different tribes recognized, just

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And where is our Indian Affairs?
• Our Indian Affairs, Stanley Rup Sioux Tribe enrolled member employee, I thought she would be here too
• There is that federal trust responsibility from the federal government.
• I want to recognize someone here as Sage is part of the tribe.
• It's always been recognized.

Summary: The Tribal and State Relations Committee met at Standing Rock with tribal council members, state legislators, and agency representatives to discuss state-tribal coordination and local priorities. Early discussion focused on process concerns, including the short agenda time and the need for better communication, more advance notice, and more relevant state department staff at future meetings. Tribal leaders asked for lists of state tribal liaisons and bills affecting tribes, and state members said they would follow up, share grant and deadline information, and plan another meeting in Bismarck with program experts and agency staff. A major portion of the meeting centered on health, child welfare, law enforcement, housing, infrastructure, and sovereignty issues. Tribal speakers said rural health transformation funding and other state programs often do not fit direct-service tribes or IHS-funded systems, and they raised concerns about Medicaid, ICWA, foster care delays, human service zones, housing shortages, and the placement of Native children off-reservation. They also discussed missing and murdered Indigenous people, search-and-rescue cooperation, cross-deputization, extradition and banishment ordinances, and the need for stronger law enforcement partnerships that respect tribal sovereignty. Other concerns included poor roads, water and sewer needs in Sioux County communities, census accuracy, and the impact of data centers and other development on water and health. Economic development and regulatory issues were also discussed. Standing Rock representatives raised concerns about charitable gaming and e-pull tabs, saying the machines function like Class III gaming and have harmed tribal revenue while spreading into local businesses. They also described problems with county-issued fireworks permits and state/county liquor licensing rules that they said undermine tribal authority within reservation boundaries. In response, legislators said the committee would continue to look at these issues, and one member suggested possible legislation such as limiting e-tabs near tribal lands. The committee also heard from Joseph McNeil of Sage Development Authority about a 235-megawatt wind project on tribal, allotted, and fee land; he said federal permitting delays have stalled the project and asked for state support to help move it forward. The meeting concluded with a presentation from Dave Archambo of Wojou, a nonprofit focused on land regeneration, buffalo, food sovereignty, cultural programming, and youth wellness. He described the organization’s work on buffalo processing, gardening, fishing, hunting, language, and arts programs, and framed it as a response to historical trauma and community healing. The committee then broke for lunch and planned to resume with the Wojou presentation after the recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:06:26.640><c> Tribe</c> a bill to amend the Kataba Indian Tribe a bill to amend the Kataba Indian
• </c> Kataba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Kataba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land<03:07:11.600><c
• set out several rules for the tribe and federal law.
• It put future membership rules for the Catawba Indian Nation directly into federal statute.
• What is now the nationally recognized Indian Pueblo Cultural Center was once the Albuquerque Indian School

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is to federally recognized tribes as well as Native Hawaiian organizations.
• Federal agencies.
• That's with one tribe.
• First, I know that we're talking specifically about the Indian Health Services mainly on the federal
• level. federal level.

Transcript Highlights:

• recognized by our Indian Affairs Department.
• And then that's sent from the Indian affairs department to the tribe.
• So that's a challenge for some of the smaller tribes and non-gaming tribes.
• It was pretty clear that the rule-making process has been vetted by the Indian, um, by the Pueblo's tribes
• So that the graph explained how tribes, nations, and pueblos that were consult all the tribes, nations

Transcript Highlights:

• and trust with Pueblo Tribes and Nations, but also recognizing the expertise that I have within my team
• recognized Pueblo Tribes and Nations within the state of New Mexico who have distinct beliefs and traditions
• I think the state recognizes that, again, the true authority lies within Pueblo's Tribes and Nations.
• Within tribal communities, using the Indian Education Fund, we know that a lot of Pueblo Tribes and Nations
• We also see Pueblo Tribes and Nations utilizing the Indian Education Fund to support the 520A certification

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• recognized tribe.
• recognized tribe.
• The state and the tribe are currently in federal...
• What has happened here is that the state and the tribe are currently in federal court in the Eastern
• being non-Indian.

Summary: The Assembly Governmental Organization Committee held an informational hearing on four Tribal-State Gaming Compacts and amendments negotiated between Governor Newsom and federally recognized tribes. Chair Blanca Rubio emphasized that no formal vote would be taken because the Legislature cannot amend the compacts; the ratification bills are AB 1527 and SB 864. Matthew Lee, Senior Advisor for Tribal Negotiations, explained that the compacts were negotiated under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and were structured to stay within the permissible subjects identified and clarified by the Ninth Circuit’s Chicken Ranch decision. Lee first described the Trinidad Rancheria compact, which would allow up to 1,200 gaming devices at up to three facilities and includes labor protections, minimum wage requirements, anti-harassment and anti-retaliation provisions, state regulatory cost recovery, and revenue-sharing terms for operations above 350 devices. He then discussed the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians amendment, which extends the existing compact while the tribe and state remain in federal court, preserving the status quo and adding the state’s standard off-track wagering appendix. For the Pinoleville-Pomo Nation amendment, Lee said the compact was updated to reflect current law and more recent state compacts by removing environmental review and family law provisions, narrowing tort protections, revising revenue-sharing and impact mitigation terms, and updating financial disclosure language. For the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Lee said the amendment similarly removed Chicken Ranch-related provisions, narrowed tort and facility definitions, added a commitment to bargain in good faith over any future new forms of class III gaming, and extended the compact through 2036. Sycuan Chairman Cody Martinez testified in support, noting the tribe’s long history in gaming, its employment of more than 3,000 people, and its desire to continue operating its casino resort. No opposition was voiced, and the committee took no vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's where my first familiarization with federal Indian law was. That was back in the 80s.
• with a focus on the process by which states and Indian tribes negotiate. agreements on revenue-sharing
• communities, both Indian and non-Indian alike.
• In New Mexico, not all tribes have chosen to pursue Indian gaming or see Indian gaming as a feasible
• One of the things the tribes did to educate the tribes a little bit more about Indian gaming, because

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Arens, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Madam Majority Leader, you are recognized. Good morning, everyone.
• Eventually, he transitioned back to Indian issues and became the regional officer for the Bureau of Indian
• Leadership Award from the Western Indian Gaming Conference.
• that transformed not only his tribe, but the economic prosperity of tribes throughout the state of California

Summary: The Assembly met with a quorum present after a roll call and prayer, then proceeded through routine journal, procedural, and guest-introduction business. Members recognized several guests, including local district officials, Japanese business leaders, and students/interns, and the chamber also observed remarks about the Texas flooding tragedy during the prayer. The body then moved through the daily file, including second-reading items and concurrence votes on AB 390, which expands the slow-down/move-over law to stationary vehicles, and AB 1478, which allows retailers to absorb mattress recycling fees; both measures had Senate amendments concurred in by recorded vote. The Assembly adopted AJR 12, a bipartisan resolution recognizing Head Start Month and urging Congress and the President to protect and increase Head Start funding. Multiple members spoke in support, emphasizing the program’s role in early education, health, nutrition, and family support, especially in rural and low-income communities; the resolution received 70 ayes and no noes after 69 co-authors were added. The chamber also adopted ACR 96, designating a portion of Highway 101 in Humboldt County as the Patty Berg Memorial Highway, and SCR 50, which calls for state review of climate adaptation and maladaptation criteria to improve climate resilience planning; both measures passed without opposition. On the consent calendar, the Assembly added co-authors to ACR 81 and adopted the second-day consent calendar and remaining consent items, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The body also approved a motion to return AB 529 from engrossing and enrolling to the Senate for further action. The session concluded with numerous adjournment-in-memory tributes, most notably for Rincon Tribal Council Chairman Bo Mazzetti and former legislative secretary George Steffes, followed by a moment of silence for each and adjournment until Monday, July 14 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• :17:30.719><c> sovereign</c> recognizing the tribe as a sovereign recognizing the tribe as a sovereign
• </c><02:27:02.000><c> of</c> Southern U Indian tribe and the state of Southern U Indian tribe and the
• Indian tribe has spent over $700,000 of Indian tribe has spent over $700,000 of our<02:41:18.960><c>
• , the Ute Mountain tribe, or Indian tribe.
• ><c> the</c><02:49:12.160><c> Ute</c> the Senu Indian tribe and the Ute the Senu Indian tribe and the

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And where is our Indian Affairs?
• Our Indian Affairs, Stanley Rup Sioux Tribe enrolled member employee, I thought she would be here too
• There is that federal trust responsibility from the federal government.
• You wanted to recognize a speaker?
• It's always been recognized.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of assisting other federally recognized tribes.
• sole purpose of benefiting other federally recognized tribes that do not operate, or operate only limited
• On behalf of the 54 federally recognized member tribes of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association
• recognized tribes that are either non-gaming or operate fewer than 350 Class 3 gaming devices.
• Paula Treat, on behalf of Pala, Pauma, and the Colusa Indian tribes, in support.

Summary: The Governmental Organization Committee heard a series of bills focused largely on alcohol licensing, nonprofit funding, tribal grants, public transparency, and tobacco policy. AB 342 (Haney) would allow local governments to create hospitality zones with extended last-call hours on certain days; supporters argued it would boost tourism, nightlife, and major-event readiness, while opponents warned of alcohol-related harms and public safety risks. AB 684 (Patel) would subject the UC Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools to open-meeting requirements, with supporters saying admissions-related changes should be more transparent and allow schools time to adjust. AB 1008 (Addis) would authorize up to 10 new on-sale general licenses in San Luis Obispo County to meet tourism demand, and AB 1039 (Hart) would require state agencies to offer advance payments on new nonprofit grants and contracts, which supporters said would help cash-strapped nonprofits deliver services. AB 221 (Ramos) would revise the Tribal Nation Grant Fund to provide more predictable annual distributions to eligible non-gaming and limited-gaming tribes, and it drew broad support from tribal representatives and others. AB 795 (Jeff Gonzalez) would create a California commission for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, with supporters describing it as a privately funded, nonpartisan planning body. AB 828/AB 28 (Mark Gonzalez, as referenced in the transcript) would expand neighborhood-restricted liquor licenses in Los Angeles County to reduce costs and support restaurant recovery, and AB 1246 (Hoover) would increase craft distillers’ direct sales limits and address barrel-storage rules; both were supported as small-business measures. AB 1428 (Ta) would require reporting of all surplus and underutilized state land, and AB 957 (Ortega) would prohibit tobacco sales in pharmacies, with strong public health support. Several bills were voted out on motions to Appropriations, some with amendments, while others were held or left on call until quorum was established; the committee also adopted a consent calendar and left rolls open for absent members on multiple measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• the agency is implementing the Indian Education Act.
• In terms of what each Pueblo tribe or nation may need, that will vary depending on the Pueblo tribe or
• It is determined by each Pueblo, tribe, and nation.
• Every tribe has a way of electing its people.
• When we receive funding from the federal government, there is a base that ensures smaller tribes are

Transcript Highlights:

• Valencia, the tribe joined the tribal alliance of sovereign Indian nations and the California Nations
• Indian Gaming Association, which collectively represent over 60 federally recognized Indian tribes in
• Valencia, the tribe joined the tribal alliance of sovereign Indian Indians and the California Nations
• Indian Gaming Association, which collectively represent over 60 federally recognized Indian tribes in
• Nations Indian Gaming Association in support.

Summary: The Governmental Organization Committee met as a subcommittee before quorum was established, then heard three measures. AB 770 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez would authorize the City of Los Angeles to create a flexible signage framework at the Los Angeles Convention Center to generate revenue for renovation and modernization tied to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Support came from labor, business, and SEIU representatives, who cited jobs, tourism, and financing benefits; there was no opposition testimony. Members asked about the job estimates and the connection between signage revenue and convention center expansion. SB 451, presented by Senator Archuleta, would clarify that a 50-50 charitable raffle may be conducted at a championship game held at a designated venue where an affiliated sports team plays home games, addressing a Super Bowl-related ambiguity. Supporters from the NFL and the 49ers said the change would preserve charitable fundraising for Super Bowls 60 and 61 and would not alter other raffle rules. CalNonprofits raised concerns about fairness, gambling expansion, and the special treatment of pro sports raffles, while members discussed how charities receive funds and the program’s audit process. AB 831 by Assemblymember Valencia would prohibit online sweepstakes using dual-currency models that allow cash payouts, while leaving non-cash social sweepstakes untouched. Supporters, including several tribes, the Sports Betting Alliance, the California Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholders, argued the bill closes a loophole, protects consumers, and preserves tribal gaming sovereignty; opponents, including the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance and numerous tribal members and representatives, argued it would eliminate a legal industry, harm smaller and less advantaged tribes, and was advanced without sufficient consultation. After extensive debate about consumer protection, tribal equity, and online gaming regulation, all three bills were approved, and the committee adjourned at 9:55 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> federal</c> SRS recognizes that the federal SRS recognizes that the federal government<02:39:45.920
• , the only federally recognized tribe in El Dorado County.
• ,</c> tribe received federal recognition, tribe received federal recognition, which<03:46:33.439><c>
• Insular Affairs, and to represent a district that is home to 12 federally recognized tribes.
• </c><03:52:32.479><c> tribe,</c><03:52:33.199><c> Indian</c> of the Quinnalt Indian tribe, Indian of

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 1012, house, all