Video & Transcript Research : 'state sovereignty'

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ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary Apr 2nd, 2025 at 02:30 pm

Judiciary

Bills: HB1455
Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up House Bill 1489, and Victoria Christian from Legislative Council reviewed the latest 3003 version. She explained that the bill was revised to clarify language about individuals who are or were in a dating relationship, to incorporate provisions from related Senate bills, and to narrow confidentiality and hearing provisions to domestic violence and sexual assault protection order cases. She also noted a clarification on page 12 regarding certification of certain individuals under Supreme Court rules rather than by the Supreme Court itself. Members discussed the consolidation of multiple related bills into one measure. Senator Myrdal moved Amendment 3.03 to engross House Bill 1489, and the motion passed. Senator Myrdal then moved a do pass recommendation on House Bill 1489 as amended, seconded by Senator Luick. The committee voted in favor of the amended bill by roll call, with all members present voting yes, and the motion carried. Chair Larson then asked for a member to carry the bill to the floor, and it was agreed that the bill would be carried. The committee also discussed its remaining workload and planned to clear the rest of its calendar the following week.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary Apr 2nd, 2025 at 09:00 am

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • State laws often have far-reaching implications on tribal communities.
  • It aligns with the federal recognition of tribal sovereignty.
  • The United States has long acknowledged... ...the federal recognition of tribal sovereignty.
  • of state government.
  • There's turnover in state government. Things could get lost in the shuffle.
Bills: HB1455
Summary: The Judiciary Committee first heard House Bill 1455, which would require the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications and conduct consultation with affected tribes. Rep. Collette Brown said the bill was intended to formalize and strengthen tribal consultation, and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe representative Ross Bell testified in support. Brad Hawk, executive director of the Indian Affairs Commission, testified neutrally, saying the office already does much of this work but that the bill would add structure; several senators raised concerns about duplication, possible future staffing costs, and whether the bill was necessary. The committee amended the bill to replace “each measure” with “all legislation,” then passed a do-not-pass recommendation on HB 1455 by recorded vote, with Sen. Luick designated as carrier. The committee then took up House Bill 1032, dealing with municipal courts, appeals, and judge qualifications. Legislative Council and court staff walked through proposed amendments, including making municipal courts courts of record on a delayed effective date, clarifying appeal procedures, and adding standards for municipal judges. Members discussed whether to use the term “ethical standards” or “judicial conduct”; after questions about definitions and enforcement, the committee settled on replacing the language with “judicial conduct” in the amended bill. The committee adopted the amendments and then passed HB 1032 as amended on a do-pass vote, with Sen. Cory to carry. Later, the committee heard House Bill 1263, which would make it easier for people with criminal records to seek sealing after a denial by allowing an appeal and reducing the waiting period for a new petition from three years to one year. Rep. Nels Christensen, Christopher Davis, Travis Fink, and Brad Peterson all supported the bill’s goal of giving people a better path to rehabilitation and employment. The main point of disagreement was whether to keep the statutory presumption that the benefit to the petitioner must outweigh the presumption of openness of criminal records; several witnesses urged removing that language, while others said it was part of the compromise that created the current law. The committee closed the hearing without taking final action and said it would review the House discussion before deciding later.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Education Policy Committee 3/3/26

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> different parts of the state. different parts of the state.
  • Article Six simply states that member... that map um some states where it's kind that map um some states
  • So there's lots of built-in guarantees of state sovereignty.
  • </c> and out of state teacher prep, the state and out of state teacher prep, the state should<01:35:24.880
  • . state. state.
Bills: HF3635, HF3638
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/20/25

State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> anti fraud package as you know the state anti fraud package as you know the state of<00:03:09.799
  • entities from receiving state funds.
  • finances and state workforce.
  • </c> cases and then provide feedback to State cases and then provide feedback to State agencies<00:09
  • </c><00:13:55.720><c> or</c><00:13:55.959><c> federal</c> against any state or federal against any state
Bills: HF1470, HF1310, HF1837
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CAA Public Hearing - Fri Feb 13, 2026 @ 9:15 AM HST

Culture & Arts

Transcript Highlights:
  • It designates Sovereignty Restoration Day as a state holiday in place of Statehood Day.
  • It designates Sovereignty Restoration Day as a state holiday in place of Statehood Day.
  • It designates Sovereignty Restoration Day as a state holiday in place of Statehood Day.
  • Voting on HB 2045 relating to state holidays, designating La Hoʻihoʻi Ea Sovereignty Restoration Day
  • </c> sovereignty restoration day as a state sovereignty restoration day as a state holiday<01:04:51.359
Bills: HB2045, HB1703, HB2461
Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts met on February 13 and heard testimony on HB 2045, which would designate La Hoʻihoʻi Ea Sovereignty Restoration Day as a state holiday in place of Statehood Day. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Naviʻoliʻoli Newi Foundation, and many individuals and students. Supporters said the bill would better reflect Hawaiian history, sovereignty, and self-determination, while a few agencies submitted comments. The committee recessed to allow more students to arrive and testify. After reconvening, additional student testimony continued in strong support of HB 2045. Students said the change would honor Native Hawaiian history and culture, recognize Hawaii as a sovereign nation, and provide a more historically grounded observance. Members thanked the students for traveling to testify and for sharing their perspectives. The committee then voted to pass HB 2045 with one amendment to defect the date; the motion passed unanimously with the chair, vice chair, and members voting aye, and one member excused. The committee also heard HB 1703 HD1, which authorizes rodeos and rodeo activities on lands zoned for agriculture or pastoral use. Testimony in support came from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, and the Iron Workers Stabilization Fund, with comments from the Hawaii Food and Policy group. Supporters described rodeos as cultural and social events that could boost local economies, create jobs, and provide youth and community engagement. The committee passed HB 1703 HD1 with technical amendments. Finally, the committee considered HB 2461, which would increase the ceiling for the works of art special fund and appropriate funds for preservation of the state’s public art collection and a collections manager position. After discussion, the chair said the measure would not move forward this year and recommended deferral; the committee deferred the bill and adjourned.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AEN-TRS, EDT-AEN, AEN DEFER, AEN Public Hearings 02-13-2026

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> invasive species coming into the state. invasive species coming into the state.
  • </c> multimodel uh projects within the state multimodel uh projects within the state and<00:19:07.280
  • So we do see that there was state.
  • State your name.
  • State your name. Please come forward. State your name.
Bills: SB2709, SB3154
Summary: The hearing began with SB 2709, which would require the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish rules to enforce the Okami arrival program and strengthen quarantine enforcement for plants, non-domestic animals, and microorganisms. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the bill, as did DAB, saying it would improve biosecurity and make some provisions mandatory rather than optional. Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines supported the goal but raised concerns about language changing inspections from “may” to “shall” for aircraft, warning of possible federal preemption and operational conflicts unless the bill is clarified to align with federal aviation safety, security, and operational requirements. Committee members questioned DAB about inspection timing, scope, and compliance; DAB said the measure is intended to increase enforcement, improve form completion rates toward a 90% goal, and expand beyond airlines to other entry modes, while also noting plans to restore detector dog use and improve software/AI tools for processing forms. Decision-making on SB 2709 was deferred to February 17 at 3:02 p.m. in Room CR229. The committees then took up SB 3154, an administration measure authorizing the Department of Transportation to assume certain National Environmental Policy Act responsibilities for highway, rail, public transportation, and multimodal projects, with the aim of streamlining environmental review. DOT supported the bill and explained that it would allow the department to work directly with federal resource agencies such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife and SHPO rather than routing everything through federal highways. After brief discussion, the Committee on Transportation voted to pass SB 3154 with technical amendments, and the AEN committee followed with the same recommendation; the measure was adopted with five votes in favor. A later portion of the transcript shifted to SB 2374 on the blue economy. DBED said it supported the concept but noted that it already sits on many working groups and would need resources if a new working group is created. DBED suggested the committee could instead request research through a letter or memo, and said agencies including ADC, HTDC, and Agriculture had already begun internal discussions. Testimony in support came from IMUA Alliance, Hawaii Food Policy, and others, emphasizing the potential for blue economy ventures to support survivors, align with climate and cultural goals, and create economic opportunity. No final vote on SB 2374 appears in the excerpt.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/09/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Transcript Highlights:
  • to defend the states from failing to do their duty of defending the states from... ...do their duty
  • of defending the states from this type of invasion.
  • So we as a state are not helpless.
  • And secondly, why do you think it's ambiguous that this is—I don't know—the state? ...the state?
  • If I have sovereignty in my home, then the state has sovereignty in the state.
Bills: HB2665, HB2904, HB2917
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Committee, February 18, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:09:14.399><c> Constitution,</c> in the United States Constitution, in the United States Constitution
  • That's where I wanted to point out that sovereignty. Our president of our United States.
  • . sovereignty. sovereignty. our<00:28:42.480><c> president</c><00:28:42.960><c> of</c><00:28:43.200><
  • </c> our president of our United States. our president of our United States.
  • </c><00:32:06.720><c> has</c> my biggest questions is our state has my biggest questions is our state
Bills: HB0120
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/04/2026 - House Appropriations

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • , but there's 20 states working on doing this this year.
  • Fifteen other states do a biennial budget.
  • I know that there are other states that do it this way.
  • Chair, there's about 15 states. I have the list; we can go through it.
  • I'm a state representative from LD 27.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Border Security May 15th, 2025

Border Security

Transcript Highlights:
  • , sponsored by Senator Hinojosa of Hidalgo, urging Congress to enhance coordination among federal, state
  • This concurrent resolution calls for greater intergovernmental cooperation among federal, state, and
  • Texas has the constitutional duty to protect its citizens and maintain sovereignty over our borders.
  • Direct communication and cooperation between the state and individual Mexican states could also streamline
  • Lastly, this bill also contains a legislative finding stating that any individual entering the state
Bills: HCR98, HB180
Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security met with a quorum present and first took up HCR 98, a resolution urging Congress to improve coordination among federal, state, and local authorities on counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) technology for border security. The author and sponsor described increasing drone activity along the border, saying unauthorized drones are used to track agents, identify weaknesses, and smuggle contraband, and argued for clearer procedures to detect, identify, and neutralize such aircraft. There was no public testimony, and the committee voted 4-0 to report HCR 98 favorably to the full Senate; the resolution was also ordered for local and uncontested calendar placement without objection. The committee then heard HB 180, sponsored by Chairman Birdwell, which would authorize the governor to coordinate directly with Mexican officials and individual Mexican states on border security agreements and appoint representatives to implement them. Birdwell said the bill would codify prior border-security cooperation efforts, improve responses to cross-border challenges such as drug and human trafficking, and include a finding that entrants from foreign countries must use a legal port of entry. No questions were asked, and there was no invited or public testimony. After the hearing, the committee left HB 180 pending. The meeting concluded with no further business and the committee standing in recess subject to the call of the chair.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • I am an EAC, and I'm a veteran in the United States Army.
  • Constitution recognizes three sovereigns in federal government, state government, state and Indian tribes
  • Sovereignty is the foundation of effective education in Indian Country.
  • of tribal nations and ultimately the success of the United States.
  • This is what I hear in my state.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on crucial issues facing tribal nations, particularly emphasizing the federal government's trust and treaty obligations. The discussions highlighted ongoing challenges such as disparities in healthcare, education, and public safety within Native communities. Chair Murkowski underscored the importance of listening to Native leaders and aligning congressional efforts with community needs, advocating for legislative actions that support tribal sovereignty and economic development. Various initiatives, including the Tax Parity Act and the PROTECT Act, aimed at addressing jurisdictional and financial disparities, were discussed in detail. A call for bipartisan support to alleviate the funding shortages affecting Indian Health Services was made several times during the meeting. Testimonies from tribal leaders and representatives emphasized the dire need for legislative support to enhance infrastructure, healthcare access, and public safety initiatives in tribal communities.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Sponsored by Senator Hinojosa of Hidalgo, urging Congress to enhance coordination among federal, state
  • This concurrent resolution calls for greater intergovernmental cooperation. among federal, state, and
  • It's the largest border state, and we carry the weight of defending not just our own communities but
  • Direct communication and cooperation is critical. ...between the state and individual Mexican states
  • Lastly, this bill also contains a legislative finding stating that any individual entering the state
Bills: HCR98, HB180, HB180
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Judiciary Feb 9th, 2026 at 01:36 pm

Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • cannabis and state law on cannabis.
  • So the struggle our state law enforcement has been having is because we don't even have a state crime
  • I'm a major with the United States Police.
  • If you look at State v.
  • If you look at State v.
Bills: SB40, SB104, SB136, SB164
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

State Affairs Apr 30th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • You said the ATF has ignored these similar state laws.
  • States don't get to preempt federal law.
  • The state, the state, the state does not have that authority.
  • It became an issue that the state has the has the right.
  • State fire marshals recently gave a presentation to our commissioner's court and stated when best malfunctions
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 30th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • will do it, as with state law.
  • like, so it varies from state to state. state to state, and it can be as simple as acknowledging that
  • Right now we're saying state employees. I don't think it covers—state, just state.
  • Government code, okay, just state. So, state, was it a state or local governmental entity?
  • under state law and are under state funding, commanded entirely by the governor.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 30th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Coming to the state of Texas, we're going to be adding exponential load growth here in the state of Texas
  • Because we have, for far too long, as a state and really as multiple states, allowed the federal government
  • States don't get to preempt federal law.
  • Article VI, Clause 2 of the United States Constitution states that laws made by Congress shall be the
  • State fire marshals recently gave a presentation to our Commissioners Court and stated that when BESS
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Insurance Committee Feb 11th, 2026

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, so this piece of legislation gives um individuals that are Oregon donors, especially state employees
  • individuals that are Oregon donors<00:03:48.959><c> u</c><00:03:49.120><c> especially</c><00:03:49.519><c> state
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee Apr 3rd, 2025

Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • Because there's no state law, that's what this bill aims to address. Motion, Senator...
  • There are many things that we can do together to improve the lives of the veterans in our state, and
  • It is really important for us to look at good programs in our state that we could then... programs in
  • our state that we could then replicate statewide for veterans.
  • April Turner, who is the state head injury coordinator for the Department of Rehabilitation Services,
Bills: SB241, HB304, HB295, HB361