Video & Transcript : 'Fred Korematsu' :

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TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Feb 20th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Kim, Cabestro, other companies. as well, and what's more iconic than the Fred Hartman Bridge for Baytown
  • He was instrumental in getting The Fred Hartman Bridge built over the Houston Ship Channel, which has
Bills: SJR5 , SJR36 , SJR5 , SJR5 , SR105 , SR121 , SB17 , SB19 , SB25 , SB28 , SB17 , SB19 , SB25 , SB28
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Transcript Highlights:
  • So the recognition of Fred Korematsu Day is significant.
  • So the recognition of Fred Korematsu Day is significant for many reasons.
  • Fred Korematsu was born and raised in Oakland, California.
  • A civil servant, Endo, and a humble welder named Fred Korematsu.
  • the importance of Fred Korematsu and the Asian American community in general.
Summary: The hearing covered a wide range of bills, with substantial testimony on commemorative days and several local development measures. Early testimony focused on competing proposals about Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Senator Comerford and others supported redesignating the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, while several Italian American legislators and advocates opposed changing Columbus Day and instead urged a separate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on August 9 or another date. Committee members noted the long-running debate, discussed the state flag and motto review process, and emphasized that any changes would require legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee also heard strong support for a Fred Korematsu Day bill, with testimony from advocates, legal organizations, community leaders, and Korematsu’s daughter. Witnesses described Korematsu’s resistance to Japanese American incarceration during World War II, argued that his story remains relevant amid current immigration and civil liberties concerns, and said the designation would help educate students and the public. A separate bill to designate September as PCOS Awareness Month drew testimony from Senator Miranda and health advocates, who described the disorder’s prevalence, frequent misdiagnosis, fertility and pregnancy risks, and the value of public awareness and education. Other bills discussed included a Domestic Workers’ Rights Day proposal, supported by Representative Garcia and Representative Sousa, who spoke about the invisibility and vulnerability of domestic workers and the importance of recognizing their labor. The committee also heard support for a veteran suicide awareness and remembrance day, a Boston branch library and affordable housing project in Dorchester, and a Fall River waterfront redevelopment bill transferring land to the local redevelopment authority for a major mixed-use project. In addition, Senator Miranda testified in favor of a memorial portrait for former Representative Doris Bunty, highlighting her pioneering role in the legislature and Boston public housing. The hearing was hybrid and lengthy, with the chair repeatedly asking witnesses to be concise and noting that testimony would be public record.
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York State Senate Session - 03/19/2026

New York Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I rise to vote aye on this legislation by establishing January 30th as Fred Korematsu Day.
  • Like Fred Korematsu, who wanted nothing more than to live an ordinary life, but was forcibly detained
  • I RISE TO VOTE AYE ON THIS LEGISLATION BY ESTABLISHING JANUARY 30TH AS FRED KOREMATSU DAY.
  • LIKE FRED KOREMATSU WHO WANTED NOTHING MORE THAN TO LIVE AN ORDINARY LIFE BUZZ WAS FORCIBLY DETAINED
  • a day of reckoning on behalf of Fred Korematsu and others like him.
Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Major Brittany Wooten, then took up Senate Resolution No. 1749 designating March 19, 2026, as West Point Day in New York State. Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Senator Skoufis, Minority Leader Ortt, and several other senators spoke in support of West Point, its cadets, and the academy’s history and role in national service. Colonel Daniel R. Stuewe, commander of U.S. Army Garrison West Point, also addressed the chamber, emphasizing the long-standing partnership between West Point and New York and the academy’s mission to develop leaders of character. The resolution was adopted, and the West Point Day observance included recognition of cadets and academy staff. The Senate then moved through a calendar of bills, passing measures including amendments to the Public Health Law, Election Law, Executive Law, Penal Law, Elder Law, Real Property Tax Law, General Municipal Law, and Public Authorities Law. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote or debate. Senator Mayer spoke in support of a bill establishing Fred Korematsu Day, framing it as a reminder of the injustice of Japanese American internment and the need to defend civil rights. Senator Ryan supported a bill streamlining the senior citizen property tax exemption process, calling it a way to reduce burdens on older residents. Senator Helming opposed a local government planning mandate as an unfunded mandate, while Senators Walczyk and Martins criticized a housing-related reporting bill as burdensome and ineffective. The most debated item was Calendar 457, a housing-data and reporting bill sponsored by Senator May. Supporters argued it would improve transparency and help the state understand zoning and housing capacity, while opponents said it imposed new reporting burdens on municipalities and could penalize poorer communities by threatening CDBG funding. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and ultimately passed by a vote of 37-23. The Senate then adjourned until the next legislative day.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Informal House Session 20 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • bills be scheduled for consideration by the House: Senate Bill 2132, an act designating January 30 as Fred
  • Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution; House Bill 4476, an act authorizing Kenneth Navarro
  • bills be scheduled for consideration by the House: Senate Bill 2132, an act designating January 30 as Fred
  • An act designating January 30 as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, Senate Bill
  • An act designating January 30th as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties in the Constitution, Senate
Summary: The House began with committee reports and adopted several resolutions and orders without objection after suspending the rules. These included commendations for the New England Hemophilia Association and congratulations to an Eagle Scout, as well as extensions of reporting deadlines for the Committees on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery and on Revenue. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling also reported a slate of bills for House consideration, including measures designating Fred Korematsu Day, authorizing several named individuals to take firefighter civil service exams or continue public safety employment despite age limits, creating Agent Orange Awareness Day, and addressing housing court jurisdiction. The House then suspended Rule 7A, took second readings on the scheduled bills, and ordered them to a third reading. The chamber also considered House Bill 4643, authorizing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to convey a parcel of land in Stoneham; the emergency preamble was adopted by a recorded division vote, and the bill later passed to be enacted. House Bill 4763, validating the results of a Bourne town election, passed to be engrossed, and House Bill 4962, establishing a sick leave bank for a Department of Correction employee, was amended to add an emergency preamble and then passed to be engrossed as amended. In final actions, House Bill 3898, amending the charter of the town of Natick, passed to be enacted. The House also adopted an order to adjourn until Thursday at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned to meet in informal session at that time.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Informal House Session 20 Mar 2nd, 2026

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • following bills be scheduled for consideration by the House: Senate Bill 2132, designating January 30 as Fred
  • Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution; House Bill 4476, authorizing Kenneth Navarro
  • Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution; House Bill 4476, authorizing Kenneth Navarro
  • Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution; House Bill 4476, authorizing Kenneth Navarro
  • Second reading of the bills: An act designating January 30 as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and
Summary: The House took up several committee reports and routine procedural matters. The Committee on Rules and the Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended adoption of resolutions commending the New England Hemophilia Association for Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month and congratulating Gavin William Roberts on earning Eagle Scout, and the House suspended the rules and adopted both resolutions. The House also adopted orders extending reporting deadlines for the Committees on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery and on Revenue. The House then scheduled and advanced a package of bills, including a Senate bill designating January 30 as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, several local civil service and public safety bills for Haverhill, Arlington, Conway, Boston, and Malden, a bill establishing August 10 as Agent Orange Awareness Day, and a bill on housing court jurisdiction. After suspending Rule 7A, the House gave these bills second reading and ordered them to a third reading. On final action, the House adopted an emergency preamble for a bill authorizing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to convey land in Stoneham, passed a Bourne election-validation bill to be engrossed, and approved an amended bill establishing a sick leave bank for a Department of Correction employee. The House then enacted the Stoneham land conveyance bill and a Natick charter amendment bill. Before adjourning, the House adopted an order to meet again Thursday at 11 a.m. in informal session and then adjourned.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Informal House Session 20 Mar 2nd, 2026

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • following bills be scheduled for consideration by the House: the Senate bill designating January 30 as Fred
  • Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, Senate No. 2132.
  • Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, Senate No. 2132.
  • Second reading of the bills: An act designating January 30 as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Finance - 03/05/2026

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • S-2587, Mayer establishes January 30th of each year as a day of commemoration, known as Fred Korematsu
  • As a day of commemoration, known as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution.
  • Madam Chair, just so that people know, Fred Korematsu was someone who refused to be detained in the detention
Committee: Senate Finance
Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met on March 5 and moved a series of bills, with brief discussion on most measures and several members noting support for the proposals. Bills advanced included loan forgiveness and reimbursement for attorneys serving Indigenous clients (S161A), a study of lithium-ion battery fires and prevention (S257), annual housing and zoning reporting to the Department of State (F919A), a temporary state pesticide commission (S1368), an emergency repair pilot program for hazardous building code violations (S1838), a searchable veterans resources database (S2070), Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution (S2587), expanded fraud and tax-fraud provisions (S32), a NYSERDA rebate program for lithium-ion batteries for mobility devices (S3560), directing certain fines and penalties to a conservation enforcement account (S4033B), Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day (S4152A), expansion of Fresh Connect to supermarkets and grocery stores (S4162), restrictions on executive-branch contracting during a hiring freeze (S473), real-property transfer documentation and forgery-related protections (S5177), changes to retirement beneficiary options after a beneficiary’s family offense conviction (S6750), and a deposit placement program for public monies (S8357). Several bills were described as addressing fraud, housing, veterans’ services, public safety, and commemorations, and members generally spoke in favor of the measures. A few bills drew more specific comments: supporters emphasized the importance of honoring Fred Korematsu and recognizing the injustice of Japanese American detention, and the fraud-related bill was framed as a response to white-collar tax fraud and government losses. The real-property bill was highlighted as a response to mortgage and deed fraud affecting homeowners. On the housing reporting bill, there were three negative votes, and on the pesticide commission bill there were two members without recommendation. The lithium-ion battery rebate bill also drew several negative votes, while most other measures passed with little or no opposition. By the end of the meeting, the committee had completed its agenda and announced it would resume more regular meetings, while noting that the state budget process would continue to affect scheduling.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Informal House Session 82 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:30 am

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The House bill designating Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties in the Commonwealth, House No. 3427.
  • Hilliger, firefighter of the town of Lancaster, House No. 2879; an act designating Fred Korematsu Day
  • An act designating Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties in the Commonwealth, House No. 3427.
Summary: The House first adopted a series of resolutions, including memorial square dedications in Stoneham, congratulations to IBEW Local 103 on its 125th anniversary, and a commendation recognizing Massachusetts School Administrators Association in honor of National Principals Month. It also adopted orders extending committee reporting deadlines for several Public Health and Public Safety and Homeland Security matters, and concurred in a joint rule suspension to allow consideration of a sick leave bank petition for a Chief Medical Examiner’s Office employee. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee then placed several bills on the calendar, and the House suspended Rule 7A to take them up. Those bills included measures on firefighter employment and retirement in Quincy, Bedford, and Lancaster; designation of Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties; a bill on obstructed views while driving; a disability pension for Lieutenant Deputy Sheriff Brian McPherson; and a cemetery matter in Norton. All were advanced to third reading. The House also considered and adopted amendments to charter bills for Cambridge and Medford, and later concurred in a Senate amendment to the Somerville charter bill. On final action, the House passed to be enacted the Cambridge, Medford, and Somerville charter bills. It also enacted sick leave bank legislation for Gregory Baker of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and Akita Jandara Patel of the Department of Corrections. Additional third-reading bills, including the Acton Memorial Library bill, an Air Library bill, and the John C. Murphy sick leave bank bill, were passed to be engrossed. The session included a moment of silence for the September 11 attacks and a special adjournment in memory of former Representative Robert F. Donovan before adjourning to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/26/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Marine Barracks Bombing Remembrance Day, Public Lands Day, Sandra Day O'Connor Civics Celebration Day, Fred
  • Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution Education Day, and Asian American and Pacific
  • Barracks Bombing, Remembrance Day, Public Lands Day, Sandra Day O'Connor, Civics Celebration Day, Fred
  • Barracks Bombing, Remembrance Day, Public Lands Day, Sandra Day O'Connor, Civics Celebration Day, Fred
  • Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution Education Day, and Asian American and Pacific
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026

Washington House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • in Auburn; a military veteran named Min Yasui; and a teenage, love-struck kid from California named Fred
  • Korematsu, as well as Mitsuye Endo.
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, the flags were escorted by the Nisei Veterans Committee Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Scout Alexander Bertelsen, and Reverend Masao Umoto delivered the invocation. The House then approved the previous day’s minutes and took up House Resolution 4692, recognizing the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and honoring Japanese Americans who were forcibly relocated and incarcerated during World War II. The resolution recounted the history of the incarceration, the service of Japanese American veterans, the findings of the 1982 commission that the policy was driven by racial prejudice and war hysteria, and the later federal apology and reparations. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and guests connected to the Japanese American community and remembrance observances were recognized. Several members spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing the constitutional failures of the wartime incarceration, the importance of remembrance, and the need to guard against fear-driven violations of civil liberties. Remarks also highlighted personal family histories, the experiences of camps such as Manzanar and Camp Harmony, and the service of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and other Japanese American units. After adoption, the House agreed to spread Representative Stonier’s remarks upon the journal. The House then considered a motion to re-refer Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 536 to the Community Safety Committee instead of the Environment and Energy Committee. Representative Abbarno argued the bill dealt primarily with criminal penalties and prosecutorial authority, while Representative Fitzgibbon opposed the change, saying the bill’s predominant subject matter remained environmental. The amendment failed on a voice vote. The House then adopted the motion to read and refer the day’s introductions to the designated committees, with SB 6066 sent to Transportation. Finally, the House returned HB 1065, HJM 1412, and ESHB 1819 to the Rules Committee, announced caucuses, and adjourned until 9:55 a.m. Friday, February 20.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jan 16th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • AAPI activist tradition, including leaders such as Grace Lee Boggs, Yuri Kochiyama, Larry Itliong, Fred
  • Korematsu, and many others, who carried forward the fight for equality and dignity.
Summary: The Assembly convened after an initial quorum call, then proceeded with prayer, the pledge, and routine motions. Members approved several procedural requests, including moving AB 362 to the inactive file and allowing the Natural Resources Committee to hear AB 34 on January 16. The chamber also recognized guests and paid tribute to retiring Republican caucus consultant Daryl Thomas, with remarks from multiple members praising his long service and legal analysis work. The main floor action centered on ACR 116, a resolution honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Members from several caucuses and both parties spoke in support, emphasizing King’s legacy of civil rights, economic justice, nonviolence, and unfinished work. After opening the roll for coauthors, the resolution received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly then took up ACR 118, recognizing Korean American Day; members highlighted Korean American history, community contributions, solidarity with other communities, and the significance of Koreatown and Korean American civic life. That resolution also received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The consent calendar was then adopted on a 64-0 vote, including ACR 115 on National Blood Donor Month. The chamber also held an adjournment in memory for former legislator David Kelly, with a tribute to his military service, agricultural background, and legislative work on water conservation and sustainable agriculture. The Assembly announced the upcoming Martin Luther King Day recess and adjourned until Tuesday, January 20 at 1 p.m.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jan 16th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • AAPI activist tradition, including leaders such as Grace Lee Boggs, Yuri Kochiyama, Larry Itliong, Fred
  • Korematsu, and many others, who carried forward the fight for equality and dignity.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Just like, you know, the Korematsu decision, you know, the Dred Scott decision, where people might...
  • Let's go back to Korematsu.
  • I thought it sounded to me like my friend Senator Durbin was defending the Korematsu decision, which
  • When we have a decision that is absolutely morally abhorrent, Korematsu, Dred Scott, we can go down the
  • You're pointing to some of the worst cases in our nation, like Korematsu.
Summary: The meeting covered important discussions surrounding key nominations in the Department of Justice, specifically for the roles of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and the Office of Legal Policy. Various committee members took turns to express their views on the nominees, emphasizing the implications of their potential confirmation on civil rights enforcement in the country. Alongside the committee discussion, the nominees provided insights into their professional backgrounds and how their experiences align with the responsibilities of the positions for which they have been nominated.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/26/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Marine Barracks Bombing Remembrance Day, Public Lands Day, Sandra Day O'Connor Civics Celebration Day, Fred
  • Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution Education Day, and Asian American and Pacific
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several personal privileges recognizing guests and proclamations, including a Coolidge centennial proclamation, a Pre-born Day of Rights proclamation, and a tribute to retired public servant Carmen Green Smith. The chamber also welcomed various guests and groups in the gallery, including Arizona Right to Life, Reproductive Freedom for All, a doctor of the day, schoolchildren, and community visitors. A motion to suspend the rules and immediately advance SB 1396 on contraception rights failed by a vote of 12 ayes to 16 nays. The Senate then considered House Concurrent Resolution 2053 honoring Brad Brower, adopted it unanimously, observed a moment of silence, and transmitted the resolution to the House. In Committee of the Whole, members considered HB 2072, HB 2307, and HB 2874. HB 2072, dealing with holidays and the César Chávez Day repeal/renaming debate, drew extensive floor debate over a Miranda amendment to rename the day for farm workers; that amendment failed 12-15, and the bill was ultimately advanced as amended by the committee’s striker/repeal language. HB 2307, concerning dangerous and incompetent defendants and a state facility process, received committee and floor amendments and was advanced as amended. HB 2874, relating to campaign committee termination statements and contributions, also received committee and technical floor amendments and was advanced as amended. On final third readings, HB 2874 passed 18-11 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House. HB 2307 passed 27-2 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House, with supporters emphasizing public safety and the emergency clause. HB 272 passed after a lengthy and contentious debate over whether to repeal or rename the holiday associated with César Chávez and the farm worker movement; supporters of repeal cited allegations against Chávez and the need for accountability, while opponents argued the holiday should preserve recognition of farm workers and the movement’s history. The Senate also adopted the Committee of the Whole report and assigned the bills accordingly.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Mar 3rd, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • made a bad decision, but until another case comes before us, we can't actually overturn it,' is the Korematsu
  • made a bad decision, but until another case comes before us, we can't actually overturn it, is the Korematsu
Committee: House State Affairs
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Korematsu case is still on the books. The Korematsu case is still on the books.
Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and pledge that reflected on Japanese American incarceration during World War II and recent storm-related losses in California. The chamber then handled routine procedural matters, guest introductions, and several consent and file items before moving to floor debate on a series of resolutions and budget measures. The main policy item was HR 82, declaring February 19, 2026, a day of remembrance for the incarceration of Japanese Americans. Members from both parties and several caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing the injustice of Executive Order 9066, the importance of remembering civil liberties failures, and the need to guard against similar abuses today. The resolution drew some criticism of its rhetoric toward federal law enforcement, but after debate the Assembly added 72 coauthors and adopted HR 82 by voice vote. The chamber also adopted ACR 128, a resolution recognizing solidarity with Ukraine, and later passed ACA 7, a constitutional amendment related to government preferences, after a partisan debate over whether it would restore or prohibit discrimination. The Assembly also took up two budget-related concurrence items. AB 107, described as technical and conforming changes to the 2025 Budget Act and adjustments related to Proposition 4 projects, passed concurrence 59-3 and was sent immediately to the Governor. AB 117 authorized the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to borrow up to $590 million from already awarded transit capital funds to support operating costs for BART, Muni, AC Transit, and Caltrain; supporters called it a bridge loan to stabilize transit, while opponents called it a bailout lacking accountability. The measure passed concurrence 52-16 and was also transmitted to the Governor. The session ended with adjournments in memory of former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, with members praising his leadership in city government, energy policy, and clean energy development. The Speaker then announced the bill introduction deadline and the next floor session date before adjourning the Assembly until Monday, February 23, 2026.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Korematsu case is still on the books. The Korematsu case is still on the books.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • sometimes failed, particularly failed Americans of Japanese ancestry, particularly in the now overruled Korematsu