Video & Transcript Research : 'native forests'
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WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources, February 12, 2026
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- He said he has done a lot of hunting, has worked for the Forest Service, and has done timber cruising
- I've worked<00:27:05.760>
for <00:27:05.919>the <00:27:06.080>Forest <00:27:06.400 - <00:27:06.880>
I've <00:27:07.120>I've worked for the Forest Service. - I've I've worked for the Forest Service.
- He said he has done a lot of hunting, has worked for the Forest Service, and has done timber cruising
Keywords:
right to repair, digital electronics, consumer protection, embedded software, manufacturers, repair providers, tools and documentation, anti-theft measures, blockchain, financial technology, digital innovation, economic development, select committee, trespass, hunting, land use, public access, wildlife, 916, all
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, things like we don't have enforcement people with the forester anymore, and those things were taken
- enforcement people like uh we don't have enforcement people with<00:32:41.120>
the <00:32:41.279>forester - anymore<00:32:42.320>
and <00:32:42.480>and <00:32:42.960>those with the forester - anymore and and those with the forester anymore and and those things<00:32:43.679>
were <00:32 - And it also allows the state forester to have some benefits.
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.
NH
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (02/11/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- um you know places like heavily forested um you know places like Florida<01:21:08.520>
they <01 - It is the position of the House that no landfill should be located in the vicinity of Forest Lake State
- again to say that I stand 100% with the people of Dalton and the North Country and the fact that Forest
- > State<02:18:16.000>
Park <02:18:16.920>so <02:18:17.319>it vicinity of Forest - and<02:19:15.719>
the <02:19:15.880>fact <02:19:16.080>that <02:19:16.280>Forest
Summary:
The Solid Waste Subcommittee met to discuss proposed amendments to HB 171 and HB 215. For HB 171, Representative Gerna outlined technical changes to a landfill moratorium bill: DES would be allowed to accept applications only to review them for completeness, a notwithstanding clause would override automatic approval timing rules, the word “fully” would be removed, and an unnecessary reference to perennial water bodies would be deleted. Members raised concern about whether applications deemed complete during the moratorium would still have to comply with later changes in law or rule. Director Mike Whap of DES said applicants would likely need to amend applications if policy changes occurred, and suggested the bill could explicitly state that later changes apply to pending applications. The subcommittee generally supported the revised language and agreed the amended bill could go directly to executive session, though one member said the underlying legislation was ill-advised but preferred the amended version over the original.
The committee then turned to HB 215, which would create a two-stage landfill siting review centered on a “net public benefit” determination before full technical review. Representative Gerna explained that the amendment would define net public benefit, require an independent third-party assessment paid for by the applicant, and set up a process for selecting the contractor from a list submitted by the applicant, with DES and the host community involved and the commissioner choosing if no agreement is reached within 60 days. Members asked how “host community” would be defined; DES said it would generally mean the municipal governing body, though that body could appoint others. The amendment also broadened the factors considered in both harms and benefits, including human health, property values, tourism, recreation, wildlife, local economic benefits, and infrastructure improvements.
The discussion also added a provision directing DES to consult with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources as needed when reviewing the third-party assessment. Director Whap said interdepartmental consultation is normal and that DES would likely adopt rules to guide the process. Members questioned whether the new framework would be too vague or burdensome for applicants, but Whap said it would not be designed to stack the deck against applicants and that the process should provide clearer, more balanced criteria. No votes were taken during the meeting, and the subcommittee appeared to continue refining the amendment language before further action.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Dec 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Eleven to 13% of our fellows are Native American and serving Bernalillo, Cuba, Ojo, Academy, and Zuni
- It also removes the economic barriers that have historically excluded Native American, Hispanic, and
- Native-speaking teachers.
- Native-speaking teachers.
- them in terms of learning how to teach a second language, in terms of learning how to support the native
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation on strategic resource management in public education. LESC staff and PED officials argued that New Mexico has increased school funding, but local budgeting and planning remain fragmented and overly compliance-driven. They described long-term pressures including declining enrollment, rising special education costs, falling cash balances, changes in federal funding, and leadership turnover, and said schools need more intentional multi-year planning tied to student outcomes. They also outlined the many disconnected planning requirements schools must complete, compared New Mexico’s current approach with Ohio’s three-year budget forecasting model, and recommended continuing multi-year appropriations, adding $2.5 million for state grants in the unified application, and directing LESC, LFC, and PED to develop a long-term financial planning proposal. PED said it is working to reduce administrative burden through school accreditation, a unified application for federal and state funds, and internal alignment of guidance and coaching, with pilot schools reporting time savings and better alignment. Members raised concerns about four-day school weeks, the burden on small districts, the need for outcomes and return on investment, and whether the state should move toward a two-year or three-year planning cycle; staff clarified that the proposal was to streamline or eliminate redundant requirements, not add another layer.
The committee then received an update on the Educator Fellows program. PED described it as a Grow Your Own pipeline that employs candidates as supplemental educational assistants while they work toward licensure, providing salary, benefits, paid leave, mentoring, and coursework support. Officials said the program helps address teacher shortages, improves student-to-teacher ratios, increases workforce diversity, and supports the Martinez-Yazzie action plan. They reported 370 current fellows across 86 LEAs and about 180 schools, with many fellows being people of color, first-generation college students, or second-career educators; roughly 85 are expected to become certified this year. A local HR director from Belen testified that the program has been especially valuable in small communities, where fellows are already rooted in the community and several have moved into teaching roles. Members asked about high school recruitment, tuition, retirement and benefits, the relationship to the Higher Education Department’s Grow Your Own scholarship, and the role of university partners. PED said fellows choose among accredited higher education partners, the program is separate from the scholarship but complementary, and the state is also building an apprenticeship model and seeking to expand the program to more LEAs, though some districts are on a waiting list because of funding and local match requirements.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Dec 10th, 2025 at 08:35 am
Transcript Highlights:
- There is a 100-bed commitment to serve the Native American community within our health care system, and
- On the second or third page, the UNM Hospital and Native American Health Services on that 100 inpatient
- Chair, and Representative Little, yes, we will follow up with you on data regarding our Native American
- and Representative Little, we look forward to following up with you on the issues of OMI and our Native
- Many Native American students are first-generation college attendees, and the opportunity to earn college
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- shows, you know, Black Minnesotans are incarcerated 14.3 times the rate of white Minnesotans and Native
- American motans at 14.3 times the Native American motans at 14.3 times the rate.<01:29:31.440>
And - Carlton County jails, for instance, you know, a fairly large Native population.
- They are very cognizant of the fact that they have a very high population of Native Americans there and
- uh you know, a fairly large native population.<01:31:41.120>
And <01:31:41.440>one <01:
Keywords:
Duluth, Lake Superior Zoo, capital improvements, funding, bonds, appropriations, capital investment, port development, grant caps, state assistance, navigation facilities, Dakota County, state bonds, park improvements, infrastructure, transportation, safety, congestion, water infrastructure, bond issuance
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 53 (3-25-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Choctaw Academy was unique in that it was on the request of the Native chiefs.
- the first formally trained Native the first formally trained Native American<01:42:30.920>
physician - One<01:42:48.480>
of <01:42:48.600>the <01:42:48.720>600 <01:42:49.440>Native - <01:43:14.360>
Native <01:43:14.880>artifacts <01:43:15.520>in <01:43:15.640> - the<01:43:15.720>
state Native Native artifacts in the state Native Native artifacts in the
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 10th, 2026 at 11:16 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's great, except one of the things I noticed is that there is no Native American workforce.
- There's no codified Native American workforce, and I'm wondering why we aren't putting that first to
- Madam Speaker and gentlelady, the state, of course, engages with Native Americans.
- We have the statewide Native New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, for instance, that works with our
- I'm Native American, I'm here. I'm Hispanic, I'm here. I'm wherever you're from.
Bills:
HB111, HB103, HB109, HB128, HJM2, HJM3, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB49, HB60, HB108, HB120, HB124, HB145, HB154, HB158, HB164, HB180, HB291, HJR6, HJR7, HR1, HJM1, HM13, HM47
Keywords:
water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (03/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- those who were appointed because of their Native heritage.
- those who were appointed because of their Native heritage.
- But if we don't see otherwise, I'd be apt to look to end it next year if we don't see progress. native
- Heritage um to me that brings a native Heritage um to me that brings a pretty<00:20:35.559>
troubling - <00:24:31.440>
American conflict within the Native American conflict within the Native American
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1/CAC 1, which concerned gubernatorial succession and incapacity. Members supporting an ITL motion said the bill was not workable as written and that New Hampshire already has a constitutional structure that has functioned for more than 200 years. Others noted the state’s two-year gubernatorial term and said the existing protections were sufficient. The committee voted 16-0 to inexpedient to legislate, and the item was placed on consent.
The committee then considered House Bill 96, the energy code bill. Supporters argued that updating the code would reduce long-term energy costs, improve climate resilience, help the construction industry, and keep New Hampshire eligible for federal funding. Opponents of ITL said the bill was premature because the 2024 energy code was already under review, housing costs were a major concern, and the testimony on costs was conflicting and not well supported. The committee voted 12-4 for ITL, and a minority report was requested.
House Bill 161, dealing with the Native American Affairs Commission, was also sent to ITL by a 16-0 vote and placed on consent. Members cited serious concerns about vacancies, expired terms, missing annual reports, and whether the commission was functioning effectively. Several members said the committee lacked the expertise to resolve the underlying cultural and intergovernmental disputes and that the issues were beyond the committee’s scope.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 428 and adopted Amendment 0328 by a 16-0 vote. The amendment would preserve municipalities’ ability to make administrative building-code amendments, such as permit, inspection, occupancy, and fee procedures, while still barring local governments from setting higher construction standards than the state code. Testimony emphasized that the amendment was meant to clean up and consolidate related language and make the bill administratively workable. After the amendment passed, members discussed the bill in amended form, with supporters and opponents focusing on housing costs, local control, flood protection, and the risk of inconsistent local codes.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Feb 17, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 16
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- grader class is following up on that work by championing and testifying on a bill to protect the native
- bill to championing and testifying on a bill to protect<00:13:21.680>
the <00:13:21.839>native - <00:13:22.160>
Amma <00:13:22.880>from <00:13:23.040>over protect the native - Amma from over protect the native Amma from over fishing.<00:13:24.240>
Mahalo <00:13:24.720><
Bills:
HB1974, HB1853, HB1973, HB1574, HB2619, HB1966, HB1643, HB1671, HB2558, HB1854, HB2173, HB1575, HB2229, HB1535, HB1978, HB2508, HB1549, HB2187, HB1550, HB1977, HB2314, HB1871, HB2319, HB1591, HB1858, HB1898, HB2372, HB1765, HB2012, HB1706, HB1962, HB1963, HB1975, HB2009, HB2083, HB2224, HB1877, HB1959, HB1626, HB1665, HB2488, HB2456, HB2548, HB2207, HB1832, HB2079, HB1985, HB1618, HB2486, HB2242, HB2045, HB1703, HB2236, HB2480, HB1976, HB2287, HB2288, HB1777, HB276, HB1660, HB1676, HB1605, HB1751, HB1967, HB2383, HB2340, HB1946, HB2268, HB1950, HB2156, HB2118, HB1859, HB1863, HB1996, HB2114, HB2423, HB2429, HB2475, HB2534, HB2545, HB1813, HB1941, HB2474, HB2583, HB1576, HB1886, HB1939, HB2540, HB2590, HB2000, HB2163, HB2386, HB1691, HB1680, HB2516, HB1993, HB2442, HB1510, HB1958, HB1692
Keywords:
HB1974, hearing loss, audiology, audiologist, hearing screening, hearing aids, cochlear implants, tele-audiology, communication access, assistive technology, speech-language pathology, deafness, hard of hearing, public health, kupuna, keiki, dementia, cognitive decline, fall prevention, State Health Planning and Development Agency
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/21/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- And um the this bill aims to honor and recognize the remarkable contributions of Native Americans that
- Americans that are serving in of Native Americans that are serving in our<00:16:14.000>
military< - very beginning of our nation, the Native very beginning of our nation, the Native Americans<00:16
- Americans served in the US 12,000 Native Americans served in the US armed<00:16:45.240>
forces - <00:16:50.000>
Americans the contributions of Native Americans the contributions of Native
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 066 Mar 20th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- > concerning the continuation of the concerning the continuation of the Colorado<00:53:30.600>
Forest - Health Council and in Colorado Forest Health Council and in connection<00:53:32.000>
therewith - The Colorado Forest Health Council offers a forum for stakeholders who manage or depend on forests to
- The Colorado Forest Health Council offers a forum for stakeholders who manage or depend on forests to
- These issues, opportunities, and threats facing our state's forests. And we ask for an aye vote.
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, approved the journal, and then moved through announcements recognizing Nowruz/Persian New Year, Ute Day at the Capitol, Mosaic students, and other brief invitations and tributes. The chamber then agreed to proceed out of order to resolutions and adopted House Joint Resolution 1017, which urges the federal government to fulfill obligations to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe regarding water rights and the Animas-La Plata project. Supporters emphasized tribal water security, federal funding, and the tribes’ longstanding stewardship; an amendment (L.004) was adopted 60-0, and the resolution then passed 60-0, with several members adding as co-sponsors.
The House also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 17, reappointing Carrie L. Hunter as State Auditor for a five-year term. Speakers from the Legislative Audit Committee praised Hunter’s professionalism, nonpartisan leadership, and the office’s national recognition; the resolution passed unanimously, 62-0, and members invited Hunter to be recognized in the chamber. After that, committee reports from Appropriations and Finance were read and several bills were set as special orders for later consideration.
In Committee of the Whole, the chamber considered several measures. Senate Bill 39, dealing with Fire and Police Pension Association disability and survivor benefits, received a technical cleanup amendment and passed. House Bill 1311, concerning bonds in lieu of retainage in construction contracts, was amended to clarify public versus private projects and passed; supporters said it would help smaller contractors, including contractors of color and women contractors, enter the market. House Bill 1184, continuing the Colorado Forest Health Council, passed after committee report amendments. House Bill 1305, on aligning state and federal statutes to improve access to inpatient behavioral health, passed despite some committee-level concerns about regulation. House Bill 1234, concerning access to child abuse or neglect records, passed after an amendment limiting access unless courts explicitly grant it; supporters said it would help victims access their own records, including for legal defense. Finally, Senate Bill 50, on child care center policy disclosures, was introduced with sponsors explaining it would require centers to disclose mandatory reporter obligations, camera and footage policies, and related privacy/access rules, in response to a case where parents were denied access to video footage.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/4/26 - Part 1
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Whereas this year's Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander...
- :30.880>
American, Whereas this year's Asian American, Whereas this year's Asian American, Native - Hawaiian,<00:14:32.640>
and <00:14:32.760>Pacific <00:14:33.200>Islander Native
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call, then recognized guests from Taiwan, including the Director General of Taiwan’s Midwest office and a vice consul. Members then read a resolution honoring Minnesota’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan and highlighting trade, agricultural exchanges, cultural ties, and Taiwan’s support for Minnesota during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resolution reaffirmed support for the Taiwan Relations Act, encouraged continued negotiations toward a bilateral trade agreement and a tax agreement to avoid double taxation, and supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, WHO, ICAO, UNFCCC, and INTERPOL. It also emphasized shared democratic values, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and support for Minnesota businesses referring to Taiwan as Taiwan.
Several members participated in reading the resolution, including Representatives Lee, Vang, Lee XP, Presnell, Nash, and Mueller. After the resolution reading, Representative Niska moved a recess to the call of the Speaker for photographs, and the motion prevailed, sending the House into recess.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- But I also want to focus that the benefits not just to the tribe or to the Native American community,
- it is now, but also on that tribe itself, the local community, its contributions to it, and other Native
- And so it'll go from being a closed park that no one can... ...to it and other Native American tribes
Summary:
The Governmental Organization Committee met as a subcommittee because it initially lacked a quorum, then later established quorum and heard several bills. AB 445 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry would grant Colusa County 10 on-sale liquor licenses to address a long-standing shortage and support local economic development; the author said she would accept committee amendments. The bill was later approved on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations, with the roll held open for absent members before additional aye votes were added.
AB 766 by Assemblymember Sharp-Collins would require state agencies and departments to conduct an equity analysis before implementing budgets or regulations, with the review performed by a DEIA coordinator or qualified equivalent. Supporters, including a college administrator and a nursing instructor, argued the bill would protect diversity, equity, inclusion, and access efforts and help address systemic barriers in education and health care. The committee voted 13-? on the measure after a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with the roll held open and later additional aye votes recorded.
AB 971 by Assemblymember Alvarez would facilitate transfer of about 3.83 acres of city-owned land in San Diego to the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, contingent on affirmative action by the City of San Diego. The author and tribal witnesses described the bill as a step toward correcting historical injustices and reopening a currently closed park as a tribal-operated historical park and museum. The measure passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, again with the roll held open for absent members before additional votes were added.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
HB 1308 Conference Committee Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Native American youth are absolutely overrepresented in our client base, and having the feedback and
- So in Bismarck, I would say roughly 70 to 80% of the youth that we serve are Native.
- able to— I can absolutely get you a breakdown, because I would want to be able to give you not just Native
Summary:
The conference committee on HB 1308 met to review Senate amendments related to the Human Trafficking Commission and continuing education language for regulated professions. Senator Beauchay explained that the bill would make the commission more independent and robust by changing permissive language to mandatory language, adding members from DHS/Children and Family Services, school districts, the State’s Attorneys Association, and the governor’s office, and designating the Attorney General or designee as presiding officer. The committee also discussed a new duty for the commission to provide annual human trafficking prevention and awareness education for students, with a proposed cross-reference to DPI curriculum law to avoid conflict with HB 2330.
Members raised questions about the size of the commission, quorum concerns, and how the existing human trafficking task force differs from the commission. Testimony from Amy Boyd-Bomey of YouthWorks supported broader representation, especially from child welfare, schools, and tribal entities, and emphasized that trafficking of youth in North Dakota disproportionately affects Native youth. Committee members discussed the need for tribal representation, including a single representative chosen by tribal chairs, and suggested adding language to ensure that perspective. Boyd-Bomey also noted that the statute already references designees from state, local, and tribal agencies, though the committee considered making that more specific.
No final action was taken. Representative Davis was asked to draft possible language changes, and the committee agreed to stand at ease and reconvene later, but ultimately the chair announced that more time would be needed and that another meeting would be scheduled.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color Apr 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- boys in particular were still three times as likely to be suspended compared to white students, and Native
- boys were... ...likely to be suspended compared to white students, and Native boys were suspended at
- The majority are men, and Black and Native American young men face the highest rate of disconnection.
- across the state, access to dual enrollment remains highly uneven, particularly for Black, Latinx, and Native
- American students, underscoring the need to prioritize... ...Latinx and Native American students, underscoring
Summary:
The Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color held its second hearing, focused on cradle-to-college-and-career pipelines and education. Members opened with remarks emphasizing bipartisan support, the need to address opportunity gaps, and the committee’s prior hearing in Los Angeles, which helped generate legislation. The chair framed the day around school safety and discipline, community schools, and college/career pathways, and noted that public comment would be included at the end.
In the first panel, witnesses described persistent disparities in school discipline and policing, even as suspension rates have declined statewide. Dr. David Turner cited reductions in suspensions tied to reforms such as bans on willful defiance suspensions, but warned that Black and Native boys remain disproportionately suspended and that “ghost suspensions” and police referrals still push students out of class. Other advocates called for stronger accountability, more restorative and culturally rooted practices, and greater investment in community-based supports. Members asked about the role of state and local policy, rural versus urban differences, and how to measure which interventions work best.
The second panel centered on community schools. Advocates from Californians for Justice, Reclaim Our Schools LA, MILE, and the Sierra Health Foundation argued for the governor’s proposed $1 billion ongoing investment in the California Community Schools Partnership Act. They said community schools improve attendance, reduce suspensions, strengthen belonging, and create shared decision-making with families and students. Panelists described the role of community school coordinators, the importance of authentic partnerships, and the need to track informal discipline practices. Committee members pressed for a plain explanation of community schools and heard that the model is intended to be a high-return equity strategy that can save the state money over time.
The final panel addressed college and career pathways. Speakers from the California Faculty Association, UC Student Association, Brotherhood Crusade, A Men, and Improve Your Tomorrow highlighted barriers facing Black, Latino, Native, and other boys and men of color in higher education, including financial aid gaps, weak transfer pathways, underinvestment in student support, and low campus belonging. They urged continued funding for community schools, expanded dual enrollment and ELOP access, and support for mentorship and culturally responsive programs. Public commenters echoed support for community schools and youth investment, including calls to redirect prison spending toward education and prevention. The chair closed by thanking the panelists, reflecting on his own school struggles and the role of mentorship, and adjourned the committee.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Feb 25th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- collect 1,000 samples to submit so that we could establish the baseline of the genetics across the native
- The native herd is 80% S alleles.' The reality is, members, they did not do that.
- That genetic testing of the native population requires money to fund.
- That genetic testing of the native population requires money to fund.
- I do still want the native herd genetic makeup. I do think it is extremely important.
Bills:
HB4338, HB3977, HB2100, HB2975, HB3056, HB3406, HB3720, HB4316, HB3405, HB1907, HB3142, HB3173, HB3270, HB3728, HB2440, HB2596, HB3466, HB3469, HB4338, HB3977, HB2100, HB2975, HB3056, HB3406, HB3720, HB4316, HB3405, HB1907, HB3142, HB3173, HB3270, HB3728, HB2440, HB2596, HB3466, HB3469
Keywords:
HB4338, Oklahoma Brine Development Act, brine unitization, produced water, produced water unit, oil and gas wastewater, produced water recycling, reclaimed water, constituent elements, brine rights, solution gas, Corporation Commission, unitization, royalty interests, surface owner, oil and gas produced water, recycling and reuse, wastewater disposal, mineral extraction, lithium extraction