Video & Transcript Research : 'POW/MIA flag'

Page 93 of 296
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Finance - 04/02/25

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Capitol Mall, and then the first part of work on the commemorative circle, which will be a tribal flag
  • Capitol Mall, and then the first part of work on the commemorative circle, which will be a tribal flag
  • commemorative Circle uh which will be a commemorative Circle uh which will be a tribal<00:01:46.880> Flag
  • but<00:01:48.960> what<00:01:49.240> happened<00:01:49.840> is tribal Flag
  • Plaza but what happened is tribal Flag Plaza but what happened is and<00:01:50.320> I<00:01:50.479
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 3, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under
  • To the flag of the United States of Mo.
  • Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution to condemn the illegal and international use of flag
  • Flags of convenience conservation NGO.
  • <08:51:42.000> laws, loopholes in gun sales, red flag laws, loopholes in gun sales, red flag
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • We were attending an outdoor prayer ceremony and gathering at POW grounds. shared.
Keywords: 918, senate, all
Summary: The hearing of the Minnesota Senate Select Subcommittee on Federal Impacts on Minnesotans and Economic Stability focused on federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, especially ICE and CBP operations, and their alleged constitutional and civil-rights impacts. Opening remarks from both parties emphasized the need for calm, cooperation, and public safety, though they sharply differed on the causes of the current situation. Republican members argued that violent criminal undocumented immigrants should be removed and that state and local officials should cooperate with federal authorities. Senator McEwen and other Democrats described the federal presence as abusive and terrorizing, citing deaths, family separations, and community fear, and called for accountability and truth-telling. The chair also held a moment of silence for Renee Mlin Good and Alex Prey before testimony began. Testimony from the ACLU of Minnesota and the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota described what they said was a large-scale federal enforcement operation, including Operation Metro Surge, with widespread alleged violations of the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Tenth, and other constitutional amendments. Witnesses cited alleged racial profiling, warrantless arrests, excessive force, denial of counsel, detention out of state, and failure to comply with court orders. They referenced specific cases involving Susan Tinure, Abdi Khadir Nure, Victor Manuel Diaz, and others, as well as reports of journalists and community members being threatened or detained while documenting ICE activity. The witnesses also said the federal government’s lack of transparency makes it difficult to know how many people have been detained or deported and argued that the harm extends to both immigrants and citizens. Committee members asked questions about ICE entering homes without judicial warrants, federal claims about constitutional limits, and access to counsel for detainees moved out of state. The witnesses said that out-of-state detention, poor locator systems, paid phone access, and lack of privacy make legal representation difficult or impossible, and that civil-rights remedies often come too late because people are removed before cases are resolved. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the committee moved from opening statements into testimony and member questions.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • We saw legal bureaucratic hesitation when programs were sending out money and red flags were raised and
  • 57:04.400> be goes to the departments supposed to be goes to the departments supposed to be flagged
  • . flagged. flagged.
  • programs were sending out money and when programs were sending out money and red<00:58:34.880> flags
  • <00:58:35.280> were<00:58:35.520> raised red flags were raised red flags were raised
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The House took up Senate File 856, which would create an Office of the Inspector General to combat fraud in state public programs. Representative Norris described the bill as the product of a long bipartisan, bicameral working group and emphasized the office’s independence, five-year term, Senate confirmation, removal-for-cause protections, authority to investigate entities receiving public funds, prevention-focused duties, and required public and annual reporting. Representative Anderson PE also thanked the bipartisan authors and staff, saying the bill was the result of extensive negotiations and should move forward without reopening the agreement. Members then considered several amendments. Norris offered a technical cleanup amendment, A44, to clarify language about embedding employees at the Department of Education, distinguish civil and criminal investigative authority, and update law-enforcement terminology; it was adopted. Anderson PE then offered and secured adoption of a technical amendment, A45, to correct a drafting error. Representative Cleorne offered A37 to add prepayment review procedures for all agencies, but it failed on a roll call, 65-67. Cleorne also offered A38 to appropriate $15 million for OIG modernization and data-sharing improvements, but withdrew it after noting it would be out of order. A39, which would have renamed the proposed law enforcement unit from an anti-fraud and waste bureau to an anti-fraud and enforcement unit, failed on a roll call, 66-67, after debate over whether “waste” should be included in the title and scope. During debate on the naming amendment, supporters argued the title should better reflect law-enforcement work and avoid implying the office was a “waste” agency, while opponents said the existing language reflected the bipartisan working-group agreement and that changing it could jeopardize the bill’s progress. Representative West cited inspector general standards that include waste among their duties, and Representative Pinto questioned the substantive basis for opposing the change. Later, Representative Mhler offered A41 to eliminate the future law-enforcement agency entirely, arguing it would be duplicative and unfunded; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that amendment.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • They should be flagged as automatically exempt from work requirements.
  • And that's more than enough time for those auto-flaggings to happen before And that's more than enough
  • time for those auto-flaggings to happen before the first people can lose their CalFresh benefits on
  • We do want to flag that we've heard from stakeholders and advocates that the degree to which regional
  • And so I just wanted to flag that the proposal in front of you meets those deadlines and has that in
Keywords: 987, senate, all
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 59 (4-14-26) - Part 1

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • . >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
  • <00:01:29.759> of<00:01:30.000> the >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the &
  • gt;> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United<00:01:30.560> States<00:01:30.960> of
  • Um, even the federally approved state plan components could be flagged as deficient.
  • <02:05:12.800> as plan components could be flagged as plan components could be flagged as
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session 3/16/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Please remain standing and recite the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
  • . >> To the flag of the United States of America and to the stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty
  • <00:02:13.120> allegiance<00:02:13.599> to<00:02:13.760> the<00:02:13.920> flag
  • <00:02:14.319> of<00:02:14.480> the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the pledge
  • of the United States of >> To the flag of the United States of America<00:02:22.959> and
Keywords: 1183, house
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Fiscal Committee (10/17/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • I think many of the things that have been flagged have been resolved.
  • A couple of the ones that were flagged here weren't unfiled reports.
  • flagged have been resolved. resolved. resolved.
  • A couple of the ones<01:32:54.400> that<01:32:54.719> were<01:32:54.880> flagged
  • were flagged here weren't unfiled<01:32:56.560> reports.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
Summary: The committee first adopted the September 5 minutes and then approved the remaining consent calendar items after removing several bills for separate consideration, including 25-252, 25-248, 25-251, and 25-253. The committee then took up 25-252 from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, where members asked about the arts tax credit program, staffing, and volunteer coordination. Department representatives said the program had recently been authorized, forms had been finalized, three of six laid-off staff had been rehired through a federal grant, and the agency was now trying to recruit participants. Members also discussed whether tax-credit-raised funds could count as federal match; the department said they could not, because federal rules require state dollars. The item was adopted. The committee next considered 25-248 from the Department of Safety, which was described as a technical correction moving funds from equipment to hardware and software after consultation with the Department of Administrative Services. A member asked about “buy American” waivers, and the department said it would follow up with more information. The item was adopted. The committee then approved 25-251 from the Department of Administrative Services, which included discussion of ongoing problems with Anthem’s retiree health plan mail-order pharmacy. Department staff said many issues were tied to implementation changes and prescription renewal rules, that some complaints were being resolved through the vendor and the retiree health office, and that the contract would be rebid in the coming year, likely causing further changes. On 25-253 from the Department of Health and Human Services, members questioned the department’s September 5 health alert and whether it diverged from CDC guidance. DHHS said the alert was an annual evidence-based guideline for respiratory virus season and immunizations, largely aligned with CDC recommendations, and that some differences reflected timing and population-specific guidance. The item was adopted. The committee then heard 25-237 from the Department of Justice on the annual litigation fund request. Attorney General John Formela said the request was about $4.3 million, roughly 40% below last year and below the five-year average, with major costs tied to YDC civil and criminal litigation and some DHHS class actions. A member criticized the large increase over the budgeted $350,000 and said the budgeting approach should be corrected in the next cycle. Another member asked about YDC settlement reductions; the attorney general said confidentiality limited specifics, but explained that under the new statute the office had accepted well over half of administrator awards, rejected some, and negotiated lower amounts in others while still resolving most cases. The item remained under discussion at the end of the excerpt.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session - 04/23/25

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands...
  • I pledge algiance to the flag<00:07:41.759> of<00:07:41.919> the<00:07:42.080> United
  • 42.400> States<00:07:42.720> of<00:07:43.000> America<00:07:44.000> and flag
  • of the United States of America and flag of the United States of America and to<00:07:44.479> the
  • flag that there's an enforcement section in<01:25:14.960> here<01:25:15.120> and<01:25
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Transportation Committee Jun 23rd, 2026

Joint Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We also have an additional three criteria that are really aimed at being sort of red flags or constraints
  • We would then score them against our kind of four main criteria and then flag any constraints.
  • We would then score them against our kind of four main criteria and then flag any constraints.
  • So to have that single point was fantastic, and then it took us about 18 months to kind of wave the flag
Summary: The committee began with member introductions, then heard a presentation on a draft final report studying alternative funding mechanisms for sidewalks and related pedestrian infrastructure. Consultants said current local funding sources are insufficient, with most jurisdictions unable to complete planned sidewalk networks within 50 years. They evaluated four options: a sidewalk utility fee, a modified transportation benefit district sales tax, a new real estate excise tax option, and expanded stormwater fee use for ADA sidewalk ramps. The consultants recommended authorizing the modified TBD sales tax and new REET option, considering a sidewalk utility despite legal uncertainty, broadening any authorization to all pedestrian improvements, and not pursuing the stormwater fee option. Members asked about legal authority, fairness, revenue adequacy, and whether jurisdictions had been consulted; the presenters said state enabling legislation would likely be needed for a sidewalk utility and that fairness could be defined either by direct benefit or by need. The committee then received an update on the 2025 assessment of city transportation funding needs. The consultants reported that city transportation revenues have grown in some local and federal categories since 2019, but state revenues have remained relatively flat and smaller cities are especially affected by declining fuel tax revenues and limited tax bases. They estimated annual city transportation needs at $4.25 billion, average annual spending at $1.89 billion, and a funding gap of $2.37 billion, larger than in the prior study because of updated data, inclusion of system improvements, and higher preservation costs. Draft recommendations focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency, preserving and increasing state support, and expanding local funding options, including preservation-first spending, a permanent federal fund exchange program, streamlined review processes, better coordination with WSDOT, possible property tax flexibility, and exploration of new local tools. Members raised questions about design standards, the role of density and transit, federal compliance, and whether the report would identify specific consolidation or process changes. The committee also heard a project update on evaluating zero-emission vehicle and electrification programs funded by the Climate Commitment Act. Consultants said they had reviewed roughly 23 programs and projects across seven agencies and were now evaluating options to improve delivery, including process improvements, reorganizing programs, or consolidating governance and administrative functions. Early findings highlighted staffing shortages, duplication and variation across agencies, differing levels of risk, and the challenge of coordinating climate priorities across agencies with other core missions. Members asked about program outcomes, administrative costs, whether some programs should have exit strategies, and how to strengthen the EV Coordinating Council. Finally, WSDOT provided an implementation update on its new public-private partnership authority under SB 5801, saying work is underway to prepare governance, legal, policy, and organizational structures ahead of the January 1, 2027 effective date.
NJ

New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

Assembly Appropriations Jun 8th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • when they cannot get the reproductive or transgender health care that they need is really a false flag
  • I want to flag that parents' rights are parents' rights and they still have them, and the rights of parents
  • I would like to just flag that, like, we have clinic escorts... ...when we're talking about, I would
  • like to just flag that, like, we have clinic escorts outside of our reproductive health care centers
Keywords: 1146, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • The one our office would like to flag for the subcommittee is the first proposal, the May BCP for the
  • of be tracking them in two different BCPs is, as mentioned, a bit unconventional, but doesn't raise flags
  • evolve as we learn more about what's needed and as technologies themselves evolve, so again, not a red flag
  • Chad Alamo, the analyst office: I think one of the items that we want to flag is the uncommonly large
Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration held a May Revise hearing focused on state administration proposals, with the chair noting no actions would be taken and all items would remain open. The committee heard presentations on a range of budget proposals, including technical adjustments for the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement and the California Workforce Development Board, security and election-related funding for the Secretary of State, modernization and loan-backfill requests for the Department of Consumer Affairs, and multiple Employment Development Department updates covering EDD Next, UI and DI/PFL benefit estimates, workforce funding, and an EMT training reappropriation. Several items drew discussion from the LAO and committee members. The LAO generally supported technical or modernization items such as PERB’s implementation requests, GoServe’s College Corps adjustment, the Secretary of State’s security and HAVA grant items, and the Board of Pharmacy modernization proposal, but raised concerns about the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education’s proposed $10 million General Fund backfill and interest-free loan language. For EDD, the LAO flagged the size of the DI/PFL benefit adjustment and the unusual structure of the document management system proposal within EDD Next, while EDD said the changes reflected higher participation and benefit levels after SB 951 and ongoing modernization needs. The Department of Industrial Relations drew the most extensive questioning. It proposed funding for legal unit reclassifications, EAMS and Cal/OSHA data modernization, a new Cal/OSHA emerging technologies unit, a COYA reappropriation, and trailer bill changes requiring electronic payment of employer assessments and adjusting the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board timeline. Members pressed DIR on high vacancy rates, long wage theft and workers’ compensation backlogs, low collection rates for fines, and the need for clearer workload and outcome measures. DIR said the requests were intended to improve efficiency, support audits and corrective action plans, and better address emerging workplace risks, while the LAO said the workload drivers behind delays remain unclear. The hearing also included support for CalHR’s employee assistance program consolidation and CDT’s proposal to expand “Poppy,” a statewide generative AI assistant for state employees.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 05/13/26

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands.
  • I<00:09:01.279> aliance<00:09:02.000> to<00:09:02.160> the<00:09:02.399> flag
  • <00:09:03.120> of<00:09:03.360> the<00:09:03.519> United I aliance to the flag
  • of the United I aliance to the flag of the United States<00:09:04.320> of<00:09:04.480> America
Keywords: 918, senate, all
Summary: The Senate opened under call, received a prayer and pledge, and then proceeded through routine business including roll call, quorum, and messages from the House. The chamber concurred in House amendments to Senate File 3210, a human rights bill concerning disability accommodations, and then passed the bill on final passage by a vote of 42-22. The Senate also received several House messages on conference committees and returned bills, including SF 4476, SF 4612, and SF 4760, and agreed to conference committees on House File 3426 (Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund appropriations) and House File 4252 (higher education student aid reporting). The Senate adopted committee reports and moved several bills through second reading and introduction stages. In motions and resolutions, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 86, which governs Senate business during the interim between sessions; the sponsor explained that most changes were cleanup and modernization, with one substantive change allowing the Secretary of the Senate to appoint someone to fill a vacancy in an elected officer position for the remainder of the interim. The resolution passed 57-0. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 87, commemorating deceased senators Bruce Anderson, Carrie Dietick, Alice Johnson, Bob Kurlin, Don Samuelson, James Yuland, and Ray Vander, followed by a moment of silence. The Senate then took up confirmations of three Minnesota Tax Court judges: Jane Bowman, Bradford Deopena, and Beverly Luther Quest. Supporters cited their combined public- and private-sector tax law experience, and the appointments were confirmed. Later, the chamber designated special orders and debated Senate File 3891, which would allow eggs to be donated up to 30 days past their quality assurance date to food shelves; supporters emphasized food insecurity, food waste reduction, and the bill’s support from food shelves and retailers. The bill passed 65-0. The Senate also considered House File 4240 on election administration, adopting an amendment that replaced House language with Senate language, including polling-place requirements for certain school district elections, a ban on candidates betting on their own elections, and an effective date for Three Rivers Park District reporting; the bill then passed 36-28. The chamber then began consideration of House File 4239, another elections-related bill, taking it from the table and offering an A5 amendment, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Finance Division I (04/20/2026)

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative Griffin, I agree with him that this would at least show a trend and it may show there may be flags
  • show a trend and it may show there may show a trend and it may show there may be<00:39:19.560> flags
  • that<00:39:20.360> start<00:39:20.680> appearing<00:39:21.280> because be flags
  • that start appearing because be flags that start appearing because it's<00:39:21.840> like,<00
Keywords: 1189, house, all
Summary: The committee held a work session on House Bill 592, which concerns regional conservation and energy resources planning for habitat strongholds and wildlife corridors, and a commission to study transferring ownership of the Winnipesaukee River Basin Program to another authority. Jason Stock of the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association said his group was fine with the bill as printed, especially after Senate language clarified that habitat stronghold designations are for information gathering and not regulatory purposes. Ted Diers of the Department of Environmental Services strongly supported the bill’s Winnipesaukee River Basin provisions, saying the state’s role in operating the wastewater system is outdated and that the communities are now capable of taking more control; he also supported creating a higher-level engineering/director position to oversee aging infrastructure and help manage a possible transition. Committee members asked about the facility’s location, capacity, costs, staffing, the possibility of private operation, the commission’s membership, and whether the six-month study timeline was realistic. Diers said there would be no state savings beyond administrative time, that the communities already pay the costs, and that a report in six months should provide useful next steps even if it would not resolve everything. The chair closed the work session on HB 592 and announced a brief recess before later action, while a member indicated interest in proposing an amendment to change the commission’s membership.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Caucus of the Whole - H.955 report - 2026-04-14 - 11:11AM

Vermont House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you for flagging that.
  • Thank you for flagging<00:30:57.760> that.
  • <00:30:57.920> I<00:30:57.960> remember<00:30:58.200> that flagging that.
  • I remember that flagging that.
Keywords: 926, house, all
Summary: The caucus of the whole received an update from Representative Kornheiser on House Bill 955, focusing on the Ways and Means amendment and how it aligns with Act 73 and the House Education Committee’s broader education transformation work. She said the amendment was assembled from separate pieces developed earlier in the session and covers three main areas: planned property tax updates, steps needed for the future education finance system and foundation formula, and policy changes to support collaborative education service agencies and district mergers. She emphasized that the bill is aimed at the future state of the system, with many provisions tied to later effective dates and pending reports. Kornheiser described the property tax provisions as further defining the new non-homestead/second-home classification so the Tax Department can continue form development and data collection before rates are set, and she said the bill also advances regional assessment districts and a more regular reappraisal cycle. On education finance, she said the amendment adds school construction and school debt provisions, reserve guidance, pre-K funding study language, special education funding protections, and transportation-related follow-up work so those pieces can fit the foundation formula. She also framed the bill as reducing cost drivers in the system, citing health care savings, reference-based pricing, mental health coordination, special education scale, deferred maintenance, and larger-scale school organization. During questions, members asked about merger support funding, transportation timelines, private equity ownership of school transportation, tuition restrictions for approved independent and public schools, and the timing and finality of the second-home tax definitions. Staff explained that merger support would be reimbursed through AOE for committee expenses and would not count against excess spending thresholds, that transportation and other grant categories will be addressed in future reports and decisions, and that the transportation study does not explicitly name private equity but could encompass staffing and cost issues. They also confirmed that the tuition-related provisions apply to approved independent, in-state public, and out-of-state public schools receiving tuition, but only when the foundation formula takes effect. No votes were taken during the caucus; the update was informational, with the bill noted as having been referred to Appropriations and expected to come up for action later in the week.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS Senate Floor - 24 March, 2026; 10:00 AM

Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
  • <00:04:06.680> allegiance<00:04:07.480> to<00:04:07.600> the<00:04:07.680> flag
  • >> I pledge allegiance to the flag >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of<00:04:09.000
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then dispensed with the reading of the journal and committee report titles. The main business was a lengthy exchange over Senate Bill 2632, the local governments disaster recovery emergency loan program bill. The governor’s veto message argued that the enrolled bill had been materially altered after conference adoption, specifically over the interest-rate language, and called for an investigation. Senate leaders responded that the veto message was inaccurate, saying the word “monthly” had been removed earlier by unanimous consent to avoid an unintended 12% rate and that the bill was intended to provide disaster relief financing for local governments affected by Winter Storm Erin. Senators McCaughn and others defended the process, criticized the governor’s accusations as false and offensive, and emphasized that the legislation was meant to help struggling cities and counties with no interest until FEMA reimbursement, followed by a 1% rate. After the veto discussion, Senator McCaughn moved to refer the bill back to the committee from which it began, and the motion carried. The Senate then moved through routine business, including introductions and recognition of guests. Visitors included the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Peanut Committee, the Mississippi School for the Deaf and Blind, the doctor of the day, and an NCSL representative, along with a National Ag Day milking champions presentation and a large group of junior pages. The chamber also honored the Starkville Oktibbeha County School District’s varsity boys and girls basketball teams. Senate Resolutions 64 and 65 were called up to commend the Starkville High School girls and boys teams for winning the 2026 Class 7A state championships, and both coaches addressed the Senate briefly to thank members for the recognition.
AL
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, February 27, 2026

Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • out of sort of a conservative approach and interpretation that may be there that the secretary had flagged
  • may be there uh that the<00:10:11.200> secretary<00:10:11.680> had<00:10:11.920> flagged
  • c><00:10:12.320> And<00:10:12.480> so<00:10:12.640> that's the secretary had flagged
  • And so that's the secretary had flagged.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • careers, create cultural advisory boards with true decision-making authority, display Native art, flags
  • You know how many white people come in there with their flags and their American colors and all these
  • education system as a young man and as a young Native boy was always having to pledge allegiance to a flag
  • boy, having to stand up in class every day, put my hand on my heart, and pledge allegiance to this flag
Summary: The Select Committee on Native American Affairs held a historic hearing at Table Mountain Rancheria focused on tribal education, culture, resilience, leadership, and trust. The opening prayer and remarks emphasized the significance of holding the first committee hearing on tribal land. Members said the hearing was intended both to hear testimony about ongoing problems in schools and to identify next steps for legislation and policy, especially as the session neared its end. The committee also referenced recent efforts supporting Native students’ right to wear regalia at graduation and broader concerns about representation in education and state institutions. The first panel centered on Native students’ experiences in public schools. Bella Garcia described a two-year fight with Clovis Unified over wearing tribal regalia at graduation, including a restrictive approval form and administrators who she said denied Native identity and made her feel invisible. Morningstar Ghali connected those experiences to the legacy of boarding schools, racial profiling, suspensions, and the “boarding school to prison pipeline,” and called for culturally responsive education, Native educators, counselors, Native studies, and restorative justice. Janet K. Bill, from the Attorney General’s Office of Native American Affairs, described her own path from tribal Head Start to Stanford, law school, tribal council, and state service, and said education, justice, and sovereignty are linked. Members asked about restorative justice, representation, and how to build pipelines into leadership and education roles. The second panel focused on solutions. Chairwoman Michelle Heredia Cordova urged a reimagined education system that is more personalized, experiential, culturally grounded, and balanced with land-based learning, while also recruiting Native teachers and creating stronger tribal partnerships. Chairman Leo Sisku said schools should educate educators, stop tokenizing Native students, and create accountability and consequences for discriminatory behavior; he also supported stronger tribal-school partnerships and more positive outreach. Chairman Fred Bean emphasized consistent engagement from tribal leaders at every level of schooling, stronger transitions from elementary to college, and programs that prepare Native youth for leadership, trades, and higher education. Chairman Shaineto of Tule River argued that schools and administrators should face consequences for violating Native students’ rights, and that Native people should not have to keep educating institutions about basic cultural respect. Committee members responded by discussing possible statewide solutions, including regional tribal boards, better enforcement of existing laws, stronger pipelines into teaching and leadership, and improved representation on boards and in state agencies. Several members raised the need to implement existing laws, fill vacant Native appointments, and consider broader protections for Native regalia and cultural expression. No formal vote was taken in the transcript, but the hearing concluded with a clear call for continued collaboration, accountability, and legislation driven by Native voices.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session May 16th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Flags. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands
  • And, you know, again, when Medicaid, therapy, comes up, people's antennas go up; red flags start to wave
  • So I will tell you I wear this flag on my chest every day with honor.
Bills: HB2293, HB2694, HB2999, HB3694, HB3254, HB4662, HB5629, HB5632, HB5675, HB5664, HB5671, HB5680, HB5682, HB5693, HB4158, HB5695, HB4669, HB5696, HB5698, HB5677, HB5699, HB5694, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR89, HCR111, HCR142, HR868, SB682, SB1351, SB1895, SB1931, SB2141, SB3044, SCR1, SCR6, SCR37, SB458, SB482, SB927, SB984, SB651, SB1620, SB2124, SB2448, SB841, SB843, SB402, SB2662, SB2053, SB2332, SB2112, SB745, SB1247, SB1789, HB75, HB5354, HB4683, HB4847, HB1449, HB3833, HB265, HB1845, HB 108, HB1960, HB1955, HB2512, HB2581, HB2803, HB1738, HB636, HB2638, HB2655, HB871, HB 1107, HB1765, HB1822, HB3679, HB4099, HB3732, HB3171, HB3749, HB2814, HB3977, HB4204, HB4207, HB4449, HB1820, HB1876, HB1939, HB1347, HB2593, HB2136, HB2658, HB2757, HB2080, HB3063, HB3006, HB2844, HB3241, HB3680, HB3169, HB2078, HB2507, HB4559, HB3405, HB475, HB3463, HB3441, HB3520, HB3178, HB158, HB2060, HB4991, HB1991, HB5596, HB2014, HB2731, HB2417, HB2399, HB2301, HB3335, HB3234, HB3320, HB4848, HB4748, HB4769, HB4795, HB2086, HB2234, HB4916, HB5624, HB4505, HB5093, HB5302, HB5402, HB5606, HB4630, HB4924, HB3339, HB3793, HB3631, HB4882, HB5509, HB5499, HB5520, SB1177, SB1559, SB746, SB434, SB1383, SB1214, SB1079, SB3031, SB2141, SB2185, SB1895, SB1241, SB901, SB1883, SB552, HB 1249, HJR218, HB5623, SB687, SB1332, SB458, SB482, SB927, SB984, SB651, SB1620, SB2124, SB2448, SB841, SB843, SB402, SB2662, SB2053, SB2332, SB2112, SB745, SB1247, SB1789, HCR76, HCR127, HCR9, HCR40, HCR118, HR559, HCR59, HCR135, HCR141, HCR46, HCR109, HCR10, SB3037