Video & Transcript Research : 'federally recognized'
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FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 5, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Suggs, you are recognized, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chair. You are recognized, sir. Thank you, Mr.
- Keene, you're recognized. Mr.
- Colise, are recognized. Ms. Coleniso, you're recognized.
- You're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Okay. Representative follow-up? You're recognized.
- You're recognized. Nice.
Summary:
The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee met to review how county budgets are developed and how constitutional officers fit into that process. Davin Suggs of the Florida Association of Counties gave an overview of county budgeting, explaining the statutory framework, the role of property taxes and TRIM notices, the fiscal-year timeline, fund balances and reserves, and the Department of Revenue’s oversight. He emphasized that county budgets include the board’s budget plus the budgets of constitutional officers, and that relationships and communication are critical to resolving budget issues.
A panel of constitutional officers then described their offices’ budget processes and responsibilities: Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons discussed law enforcement budgeting and the importance of negotiated agreements with county commissions; Alachua County Property Appraiser Aisha Solomon explained the June 1 budget deadline, valuation methods, and the appeal process for property assessments; Manatee County Clerk and Comptroller Angelina Coleniso outlined the clerk’s court and finance duties, the county-side budget process, and the clerk’s personal liability under section 129.09 for unlawful expenditures; Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Early described the cyclical nature of election costs, staffing, equipment, and the impact of turnout and election law changes; and Columbia County Tax Collector Kyle Keene explained that tax collectors’ budgets are reviewed by the Department of Revenue, with fee offices funding themselves through service charges and budget offices relying on county support.
Members asked about personal liability for unlawful spending, conflicts between clerks and county commissions, property valuation and storm damage adjustments, reserve levels, and whether tax collectors can retain excess fees. Responses noted that clerks must refuse illegal expenditures, property appraisers use market-based assessments with VAB and court review available, counties should maintain healthy fund balances for cash flow and emergencies, and tax collectors generally must zero out year-end balances and distribute excess revenues to taxing authorities. The committee took no votes and adjourned after thanking the panelists for their testimony.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 24, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The gentleman is recognized. Mr.
- The gentleman is recognized again.
- The gentleman's recognized again.
- Kennedy is recognized. Mr.
- The gentleman was recognized. Mr.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 3rd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- DeMaio, you are recognized.
- Assemblymember Soria, you are recognized. Recognize. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
- Your point is well recognized.
- Lackey, you are recognized.
- AB 1485 brings equality to federally recognized tribes by making them eligible for the welfare exemption
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 50 (3-19-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair recognizes the announcement.
- Chair recognizes and motion thereon.
- likely be consolidated into a federal likely be consolidated into a federal Supreme<00:50:16.160
- Chair recognizes the lady from Grayson. Chair recognizes the lady from Grayson.
- Chair recognizes the lady from Davis. Chair recognizes the lady from Davis.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-13 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- that are considered federally impacted. that are considered federally impacted.
- local, state or nationally recognized local, state or nationally recognized building<00:53:37.839
- Um, federally qualified health centers, which also have their federal reporting and requirements.
- Um federally regulated in this.
- :29:49.440>
Chittentin, >> Recognize the senator from Chittentin, >> Recognize the
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- But every other case, the states can enact laws. that are in parallel or right next to the federal federal
- The federal law does.
- The federal government has.
- I recognize that.
- HB 75 will be left pending, and Chair recognizes, or Chair will bring up HB. 76, and recognize Chair
Keywords:
family violence, global positioning monitoring system, victim resources, electronic monitoring, protective orders, magistrate, criminal procedure, probable cause, written findings, law enforcement, bail bonds, bail fund, charitable bail fund, nonprofit bail organization, public funds, local government spending, political subdivision, county, city, taxpayer lawsuit
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Burns, you are recognized. For Senate Bill 1584, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr.
- Recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Sendere, you're recognized for Senate Bill 1255. You are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- You're recognized for a follow-up.
- You're recognized. Thank you again.
Keywords:
cold case, unsolved homicide, violent crime, case file review, law enforcement, police records, victim family, immediate family member, designated person, forensic testing, witness reinterview, investigative leads, cold case unit, unsolved murder, public safety, Title 21, Oklahoma statutes, sexual assault, evidence kits, DNA testing
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We recognize that the people present have different levels of risk.
- : SB 627 applied to local and federal officers, but not state officers.
- The court found that... ...to local and federal officers, but not state officers.
- California has spent years recognizing that young people are different than adults.
- SB 938 recognizes a very simple point: experience as a federal immigration enforcement officer is no
Summary:
The committee heard several public safety bills and took testimony on each, with members often noting amendments and continuing negotiations. SB 1009 by Senator Becker would require juvenile courts to find that less restrictive alternatives are unsuitable before ordering detention, and would require periodic review of continued detention and consideration of alternatives at disposition. Supporters argued it would reduce unnecessary youth detention and improve transparency; probation, judges, and police groups opposed it as an undue limit on judicial discretion and potentially unsafe in serious cases. The chair said he would recommend an aye with amendments, but the bill was held pending quorum and later remained on call.
SB 1130 by Senator Gomez Reyes would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses, requiring consent before recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and banning devices or accessories designed to defeat recording indicators. Supporters said the bill addresses secret recording and invasive surveillance; opponents from tech and hospitality groups sought clarification to avoid unintended liability for businesses and exempt workplace communication devices. Members discussed those exemptions, and the chair recommended an aye, but the measure also remained on call.
Senator Blake Spear presented SB 99, which would let courts consider military protective orders in domestic violence proceedings and require better communication between civilian law enforcement and military authorities. Supporters from the Department of Defense, local officials, and military representatives said it would close protection gaps for military families; the ACLU opposed it on due process grounds because MPOs are issued without judicial process. The chair and author emphasized that the bill only allows consideration of MPOs and does not require civilian enforcement of them. The bill passed out on a vote, though it remained on call for additional members.
The committee also heard SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, restricting flashbang use for crowd control and banning flashbangs and explosive breaching charges in immigration enforcement, and SB 1022, creating a statewide anti-trafficking task force. SB 937 drew support from civil rights and community groups and opposition from police and sheriffs over the use-of-force standard and limits on tactics; it passed out on a vote but remained on call. SB 1022 was supported by survivor and faith groups and opposed by public defenders and sex worker advocates who raised concerns about racial disparities and enforcement harms; it also passed out on a vote. Later, SB 1395, extending criminal protective orders for certain felony sex offenses against minors up to 20 years, and SB 1230, increasing penalties for repeat illegal dumping, were both heard with mixed testimony and were held on call after committee votes. The committee also adopted a consent calendar and several bills were moved forward with amendments.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses
Transcript Highlights:
- I will pass it off to my Senate co-chair to also recognize the Senate members.
- policy, state funding, federal funding.
- policy, state funding, federal funding.
- I know that that's a federal thing that they are currently being cut by the federal government, affecting
- federal demonstration grant that gave us a window into what's possible.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held its final hearing of the session on H. 5187 and S. 3022, the Enough Act, with Chair Andy Vargas and Senator Adam Gomez opening by thanking committee members and stakeholders for their work during the session. The bills were described as a grant-based, place-based anti-poverty initiative intended to support cradle-to-career services by funding local nonprofits, schools, community organizations, and backbone entities that can coordinate housing, education, health, workforce, and family supports in high-poverty neighborhoods.
Testimony was overwhelmingly in support of the bills. Speakers including Strategies for Children, Chelsea Public Schools, Bunker Hill Community College, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Rep. Antonio Cabral, the Harlem Children’s Zone’s Kwame Owusu Kesse and Jeffrey Canada, former Education Secretary Paul Reville, AFT Massachusetts, United Way, the Boston Foundation, Give Black Alliance, Eastern Bank Foundation, and others argued that poverty is a systems issue that schools alone cannot solve. They emphasized the need for local control, community voice, coordinated services, and long-term public-private investment, often citing examples from Chelsea, New Bedford, Springfield, Lowell, Boston, and other communities, as well as the Harlem Children’s Zone and Maryland’s similar model.
Committee members asked several questions about how the bill would function in practice, including what organizations would do on day one, how it would interact with existing efforts like community schools, McKinney-Vento, and the Student Opportunity Act, and how it would be sustained over time. Witnesses said the act would help create or strengthen backbone organizations, reduce duplication, align existing resources, and leverage philanthropy and future revenue sources for long-term sustainability. No vote was taken during the hearing, but multiple speakers urged the committee to report the bill favorably and quickly.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services May 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Under the new federal final rule, forthcoming federal guidance may help both the administration and the
- “A justification to the federal government for additional federal funding for federal fiscal year 2025
- This is the federal grievance process.
- the federal government stops.
- On food benefits, we want you to... ...or federal support.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The federal government is recognizing the need, the shortage, and the fact that we are a growing state
- Senator Davis, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. I, I, um, You're recognized?
- Senator DeSigley, you are recognized to close. Senator DeSigley, you are recognized to close.
- Senator Pizzo, you are recognized to close. Senator Pizzo, you are recognized to close.
- You're recognized. Mr.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, several introductions, and an announcement that there would be no weekend conference. The chamber then took up a long special-order calendar of bills, generally moving each measure through third reading and final passage, often by substituting House companion bills. Early measures included trust law modernization (SB 786/HB 895), military affairs changes and Guard retirement corrections (SB 474), rounding rules for cash transactions as pennies phase out (SB 1074), podiatric medicine regulation and informed-consent requirements (SB 1092), veterans court expansion (SB 50/HB 199), RV park special assessment clarification (SB 118), concurrent jurisdiction for juvenile offenses on military installations (SB 502/HB 351), alcoholic beverage loss deductions (SB 678/HB 1137), and bail bond/pretrial release revisions (SB 600). Most passed unanimously or near-unanimously; SB 600 passed 36-1 after questions about charitable bail bonds and an amendment aligning with the House version and prosecutors’ concerns.
The Senate also considered bills on portable electronics and eyewear insurance (SB 772), the linking industry to nursing education fund and health science workforce programs (SB 1246), recovery residences and behavioral health licensing (SB 1030, with a technical amendment on background checks and probationary licenses), felony battery enhancements for repeat offenders and offenses against law enforcement (SB 436), and child welfare changes including foster-home visitor screening, a permanent statewide Step Into Success program, and a best-practices repository (SB 1718). These measures were explained by sponsors as efforts to streamline regulation, improve workforce and health-care training, strengthen public safety, and reduce administrative burdens while preserving safeguards. Votes on these bills were overwhelmingly favorable, with final tallies typically 36-0 or 37-0.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to a farewell tribute to Senator Lori Berman. Members from both parties praised her leadership, collegiality, policy work, and advocacy on issues including voting rights, women’s rights, Israel and antisemitism, school safety, breast cancer, and family law. Berman delivered a lengthy farewell reflecting on her 16 years in the Legislature, her caucus leadership, and the importance of dignity, respect, and public service. The Senate adopted a motion to spread her remarks upon the journal and then recessed before returning to continue the calendar.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 29th, 2026 at 11:10 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Capitol—and it's because the New Mexico Federation of Democratic Women are in the House.
- from Laguna Pueblo with the New Mexico Federation of Democratic Women.
- It recognizes the urgency that we have. Our children can't wait any longer.
- It recognizes the urgency that we have. Our children can't wait any longer.
- They are in full support of doing this and recognize the urgency.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- This needs to happen at the federal level. We said that last year. Let's say it again this year.
- This needs to happen at the federal level. We said of that last year. Let's say it again this year.
- Yeah, I notice in K, we said a federally insured bank or federally insured credit union or its duly authorized
- I had a bill, and yeah, we had a long discussion about state, federal, federally, and so I'm up to speed
- But this bill gives the state the authority to recognize this role.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 6, 2026, with five members present and adopted the April 28 minutes. The committee first heard a presentation on the new Leadership Louisiana Health Fellows Program, a leadership and networking initiative focused on Louisiana health care challenges such as workforce shortages, rural access, chronic disease, and the economic impact of health care. Speakers described it as a cross-sector program intended to build informed leaders and support collaboration with health systems, insurers, providers, LDH, and the Louisiana Hospital Association.
The committee then moved through a series of bills, generally adopting amendments and reporting measures favorably. SB 57, a nutrition/labeling bill, was amended to delay the effective date for the labeling provision until December 31, 2028, and was reported as amended. HB 62 increased membership of the Louisiana Women’s Policy and Research Commission and was reported as amended, and HB 193 adjusted membership rules for the Sickle Cell Commission foundations and was also reported as amended. HB 815 would allow financial institutions to receive death certificates to help close accounts and avoid problems with automatic payments and federal benefit clawbacks; it was reported favorably. SB 405, which had been heard earlier, was reworked to codify LDH’s new Ascend nursing home quality initiative, including short- and long-term quality oversight goals, stakeholder involvement, internal expertise, and reporting requirements; after reconsidering prior amendments, the committee adopted the new amendment and reported the bill as amended.
The committee also advanced several health and human services bills. HB 222 would allow Medicaid dental coverage when needed to clear a patient for another covered medical procedure, and it was reported as amended after LDH said the cost could be absorbed. HB 420 expanded DCFS background-check requirements to cover staff with access to sensitive records, and HB 475 required verbal consent before AI is used to record or transcribe a medical visit; both were reported favorably. HB 246 updated membership of the Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board and the council for grandparents raising grandchildren, including replacing an inactive coalition seat with the state police, and was reported as amended. HB 486 joined Louisiana to the psychology interjurisdictional compact to expand access to psychologists through telepsychology and temporary practice across state lines, and HB 574 updated outdated board names in the Mental Health Advisory Services Board statute; both were reported favorably.
Later, the committee heard HB 949, which would create a licensure framework for radiologist assistants to help address radiologist shortages and improve imaging access, especially in rural areas. Testimony emphasized that RAs work under radiologist supervision and would extend capacity without replacing physicians; the bill was reported favorably. HB 584 required foster children to be provided luggage or similar items instead of trash bags when moving placements, and also corrected language in the Foster Youth Bill of Rights from “privileges” back to “rights” while extending the bill’s applicability to children from birth to age 18; it was reported as amended. The committee also reported HB 1214, which restructures certain LDH state facilities into a more unified system, and HB 1092, a technical renaming/terminology cleanup bill, both favorably. Finally, HB 203 added members from Christus Health System and Xavier University’s College of Medicine to the uterine fibroids commission and was reported favorably before the committee adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services Apr 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- in federal fiscal year 2025.
- And it was the federal fund. That's correct.
- other federally eligible individuals from the Federal Office of Refugee Resettlement.
- Due to the federal funding cuts, our current federal unaccompanied children's program currently provides
- Federal funding is still intact right now.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation May 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I completely recognize and appreciate the fiscal challenges that we have.
- And I recognize that the water insecurity is perhaps not an emergency until it is.
- budget subcommittee very clearly recognize how precious these Prop. 4 dollars are.
- We could find the funding for this project, but I do recognize there's a broader need.
- Recognize there's a $45 million gap there.
Summary:
The hearing focused on the governor’s May Revision proposals for transportation, natural resources, climate, and related programs, with the Department of Finance and the LAO presenting competing views on the state’s fiscal condition. Finance said the budget remains balanced over two years, with major climate-bond, water, parks, transportation, DMV, and agriculture proposals, while the LAO argued the state still has a structural deficit and should reject or defer many new discretionary spending items, preserve reserves, and be cautious about ongoing commitments. The LAO specifically questioned the timing and scale of new spending for programs such as Clean California, Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, and the Golden Gate Fields acquisition, and urged more clarity on future obligations and revenue scenarios, including for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
A major portion of the hearing was devoted to the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes proposal for Bay-Delta water quality implementation. Secretary Wade Crowfoot and Finance described it as an enforceable, science-based alternative to a more traditional regulatory approach, with the state’s $25 million request intended to support early implementation, monitoring, habitat restoration, and environmental flows. The LAO countered that the Water Board has not yet adopted the updated Bay-Delta plan, that the proposal may be premature, and that the Legislature should wait for more information on the state’s total funding commitment and the program’s long-term costs. Several members expressed support for the program as a way to reduce conflict and protect water reliability, while others echoed concerns about timing and fiscal exposure.
The committee also examined the proposed $125 million Proposition 4 contribution toward acquiring the Golden Gate Fields property for a shoreline park and habitat project. State officials said the acquisition is a time-sensitive, once-in-a-generation opportunity, with an appraised value of $175 million and additional philanthropic and local funding expected to close the gap. Members questioned whether the project had gone through the usual competitive process, whether the site is the best use of scarce park bond dollars, and how public access, habitat, and disadvantaged-community priorities would be protected. The discussion ended without a vote, and the committee moved on to transportation items including Clean California litter abatement, the Games Route Network, homeless encampment coordinators, and DMV modernization and field office proposals, with LAO recommending rejection or delay on several of those requests as well.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- having less protection. that they would under the federal precedent.
- and federal law.
- I recognize Senator Blanco to explain the bill. Senator Blanco.
- Just recognize that it is 7:22, the bill's in good shape.
- The chair recognizes Senator Hagenbuch to explain the bill for Senator Creighton.
Keywords:
HB 1022, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Texas State University System, Education Code, higher education, course levels, upper-level college, lower-division courses, community college-style courses, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Uvalde, Board of Regents, academic programs, university expansion, HB 2856, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, clinical training placements, clinical rotations
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair lays out Senate Bill 2840. 41, recognizes its officer, Senator Hinojosa, to explain the bill.
- The Chair recognizes Senator Hughes to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr.
- And the short-line programs do get federal funds too, right?
- When federal funds were used on that project, they have to be treated differently.
- Laying out Senate Bill 2001, I recognize Senator King to explain the bill.
Keywords:
memorial highway, Captain Kevin Williams, Firefighter Austin Cheek, Smith County, transportation, pedestrian right-of-way, sidewalk users, bicycle safety, micromobility, electric scooter, motor-assisted scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, skateboard, roller skates, driveway crossing, alley crossing, traffic safety, yield law, Texas Transportation Code, vehicle-pedestrian collision
Summary:
The meeting of the committee focused on several bills aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of Texas transportation and port authorities. Key discussions included the implications of SB2080, which seeks to streamline operations for navigation districts by raising procurement authority, exempting security discussions from recording requirements, and aligning Texas ports with national standards to foster economic growth. Senator Alvarado advocated fervently for the bill, emphasizing its positive impact on competitiveness with ports in states like Virginia and New Jersey. Public testimony reflected mixed responses, with strong support from industry representatives but opposition from some municipal authorities concerned about the potential overreach of port authorities into local development.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair recognized Dr. Jane Smith to provide expert testimony on the bill. Dr.
- The chair recognized Senator Muñoz as well. Sergio Muñoz, Jr.: Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Federal employees? Yes, sir, they are federal employees. Boy, beans and bacon. Yes, sir. All right.
- And now the federal government has formally recognized the urgency by declaring an emergency and authorizing
- And before that, I want to recognize Chair Vassute joining us today.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Social Services Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026
Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- It was actually required under federal law in order for us to recoup federal funds associated with that
- Those requirements at the federal level have changed.
- Those requirements at the federal level have changed over time.
- I also want to recognize State Representative Hovitsky, being a medical doctor.
- So also, I just want to point out on the federal law, we have four bills right now federally that are
Keywords:
hemp, marijuana, THC regulations, cannabis products, adult-use industry, public health, youth protection, child support, reunification, Department of Services for Children, family court, liability
Summary:
The committee met in late June with Senators Hansen, Buckson, Siegfried, Townsend, and Huxable present, and first approved the meeting minutes by voice vote. The opening bill, HB 341, would limit DFS from filing child support in foster care cases unless doing so would not hinder reunification; Children’s Department staff said the department has already decided to stop filing in all such cases, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $140,000 annually. Public testimony from the League of Women Voters supported the bill as a compassionate measure to help families reunite.
The committee then heard HB 446/related anaphylaxis legislation for colleges and universities, which would allow institutions to stock and use intranasal epinephrine alongside auto-injectors and update training and reporting requirements. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America supported the measure, emphasizing the need for needle-free options and faster treatment of anaphylaxis. The committee also took up HS1 for HB 356 on PFAS, which would ban firefighting foam containing PFAS beginning in 2028, require disclosure if PPE contains PFAS, and address recalls; DNREC and the fire service supported it, saying most departments have already transitioned away from PFAS foam.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 305, a diabetes wellness pilot program that would use continuous glucose monitoring, app-based care coordination, lab testing, and DHIN data analysis to shift care toward prevention and remission. Sponsor Senator Siegfried described the bill as a response to Delaware’s high diabetes costs and prevalence, and the Medical Society of Delaware supported it as a proactive model. The committee also discussed HB 395, which would regulate intoxicating hemp-derived products and synthetic cannabinoids by classifying products over a THC threshold as marijuana and creating penalties for unlicensed sales; the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner supported the bill, while hemp industry representatives and Senator Hoffner warned it could harm legitimate hemp retailers and access to hemp products.
The final item, HS1 for HB 332, would ban sales and marketing of kratom products to those under 21 and direct the state to study testing and regulation of kratom and synthetic variants. Supporters, including the Delaware Healthcare Association and several recovery advocates, said age-gating is a reasonable first step and that synthetic products are the main concern; opponents and some senators argued the bill should go further and fully ban kratom or better distinguish synthetic products from natural leaf kratom. No formal roll-call votes were taken on the substantive bills during the transcript, and the meeting adjourned after public comment.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 022 Feb 5th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- c> that<00:43:24.240>
black It is about recognizing that black It is about recognizing that - Uh, so first and recognize you.
- We're rescended at the federal level.
- The Speaker then recognized Representative Suka to proceed.
- The Speaker then recognized Representative Suka to proceed.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and then moved out of order to consider Senate Joint Resolution 7, recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month. The resolution was read at length and grounded in the history of Black history commemoration, Carter G. Woodson’s work, the evolution from Negro History Week to Black History Month, and Colorado-specific Black leaders and pioneers such as Barney Ford, Clara Brown, John T. Gunnel, Joseph H. Stewart, and others. Members emphasized that Black history is American history and that the centennial observance should honor both the struggles and achievements of Americans of African descent.
Several representatives spoke in support. Representative Bacon described the resolution as an important tradition and said the chamber should record its history. Representative Joseph framed Black history as a living story of resilience, innovation, and justice. Representative Jackson said the resolution matters especially amid efforts to erase or minimize Black history, and tied it to Colorado figures and to her own family history. Representative Carter highlighted the importance of naming schools after Black Coloradans and introduced guests, including educators and community members connected to the resolution.
Representative Gonzalez also spoke in support and honored a community member, Tony Gomes, who died of cancer. Representative DeGraaf stated full support for the resolution but offered a lengthy amendment to add more historical references, including Black patriots of the American Revolution, Nat Love, James Beckwourth, Harriet Tubman, and the Tuskegee Airmen. The transcript ends during his proposed amendment, and no final vote or disposition on the resolution is shown in the excerpt.