Video & Transcript Research : 'garbage fees'
Page 108 of 437
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- just an aesthetic thing and the fees just an aesthetic thing and the fees were<01:04:31.760>
- fees be equivalent to regular plate fees fees be equivalent to regular plate fees >> if<01
- <01:09:02.159>
are correct that the lower fees are correct that the lower fees are associated - There are fees that use on the roads.
- I think they'll fee for this thing?
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 20th, 2026 at 04:07 pm
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- for passenger vehicles, requiring additional registration fees for electric and plug-in hybrid electric
- vehicles, and distributing the additional fees to the state.
- Road Fund, and adjusting certain formulaic distributions of motor vehicle fees.
- Increasing the weight distance tax for motor vehicles other than buses, increasing registration fees
- of motor vehicle fees.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- for passenger vehicles, requiring additional registration fees for electric and plug-in hybrid electric
- vehicles, and distributing the additional fees to the state. road fund, and adjusting certain formulaic
- distributions of motor vehicle fees.
- of motor vehicle fees.
- Allowing fees to be assessed upon breach of contract.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee - (3-11-25) - Upon Adjournment
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:10:29.959>
are 75% of the attorney fees are 75% of the attorney fees are reimbursable< - and implementation consulting fees over 10 years.
- <00:21:05.960>
um Consulting fees so the licensing fees um Consulting fees so the licensing - university so you say the license fees university so you say the license fees are<00:21:48.400><
- This contract is only for consulting fees.
Keywords:
This meeting will take place upon adjournment of both chambers today. There is not an exact time, there for the live stream has been created with a place holder time of 4:00 PM est., 958, all
Summary:
Chairman Hart called the meeting to order, confirmed a quorum, welcomed Representative Rachel Roarx, and the committee approved the February 11 minutes. The committee then moved through its agenda of PSC and related contract items, including a motion to consider the reviewed contracts without objection. One Department of Highways item was deferred when the virtual representatives were not yet available.
The committee first took up Kentucky Housing Corporation contracts. Members questioned outside legal services for foreclosures and bankruptcies, why the work was not handled entirely in-house, and how much of the workload and cost it represented. Witnesses said the agency’s need was largely geographic rather than a lack of expertise, that less than 1% of the loan portfolio is referred out for foreclosures, and that many fees are reimbursable through FHA. Both Kentucky Housing Corporation items were approved.
The committee then considered a Department for Community Based Services contract tied to a protest and a temporary renewal with PCG. Witnesses said the contract increase was needed to bridge the gap while the protest and RFP process were unresolved, and that the initial vendor received no funds. The committee approved the item, with Senator Douglas explaining his vote as a preference for straightforward answers.
The committee also heard a Northern Kentucky University contract for a Workday ERP replacement, including implementation consulting and separate license fees. University officials explained the move from SAP to Workday, the complexity of the systems, and the need for a consulting partner; they said the total effort would span 10 years and that the contract was priced below comparable institutions. After extensive questioning about cost, budget, and value, the vote ended 4-4 and the chair noted the contract would move forward through the Finance Committee if no disapproval motion was made. Finally, the Office of Inspector General presented a contract for culture change training in nursing facilities funded by civil monetary penalties; witnesses said the goal was to improve staff satisfaction, communication, and resident outcomes, and that the CMP fund balance was about $38 million. Discussion also covered survey backlogs and CMS restrictions on the funds, with the item still under review as the transcript ended.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (04/21/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- It relates to service fees and how service fees are treated under New Hampshire law.
- It relates to service fees and how service fees are treated under New Hampshire law.
- It relates to service fees and how service fees are treated under New Hampshire law.
- service fees. service fees.
- credit card fees?
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL-HWN-HOU Public Hearing 01-29-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:31:35.880>
of sewer fees of building permit fees of sewer fees of building permit fees - to have them collect the fees.
- to have them collect the fees.
- On the landowner assessment fee, I'm glad that OHA amended the bill to have them collect the fees.
- <02:38:02.800>
were you know the association fees were you know the association fees were
Summary:
The joint hearing of the Water and Land, Hawaiian Affairs, and Housing committees on January 29, 2025 focused on SB 534, with the chairs outlining hearing procedures, public testimony limits, and plans to allow extended presentations from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) before moving to other testifiers. The hearing was presented as a public, transparent discussion of OHA’s plans for Kakaʻako Makai, with committee members noting that decision-making would follow if time permitted.
OHA testified in strong support of SB 534. The chair of OHA’s Board of Trustees said the bill was a novel proposal for the legislature and emphasized that OHA was bringing together a broad coalition of partners and stakeholders, including representatives from construction, hospitality, education, law enforcement, civil service, and schools, as well as longtime community advocates who have opposed development in Kakaʻako Makai. OHA’s presentation reviewed the history of the area, the creation and role of HCDA, prior master plans, the 2012 land conveyance to OHA, and the argument that OHA has not been able to realize the full economic value of the lands because desired entitlements were not secured. OHA linked the bill to its constitutional mission to improve conditions for Native Hawaiians and argued that the state’s housing crisis makes additional development, including residential use, especially important.
A major theme of the testimony was housing. OHA argued that Hawaiʻi faces severe affordability pressures, out-migration, and workforce shortages, and said that residential development in Kakaʻako Makai would help address those needs while also supporting the value of the trust lands. The presentation described HCDA’s authority over zoning and development in Kakaʻako, the existing reserved housing requirements, and the need for a master plan that could move forward if SB 534 becomes law. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided; the discussion remained in the presentation and testimony phase.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Mar 12, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- They pay the $5 convenience fee.
- If it was a $5 fee to get a debit card, I could see that being a little more reasonable.
- What is the fee actually paying for here?
- What is the fee actually paying for here?
- <00:56:36.400>
uh argument that the attorney's fees uh argument that the attorney's fees uh
Summary:
The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills, with most measures drawing support from state boards, agencies, and industry groups. SB 102 (restaurants) had one supportive testifier and no questions. SB 1367 SD1 (installment loans) drew support from DCCA and other boards, but the chair raised concerns about a proposed $5 debit-card convenience fee, saying it seemed high and suggesting it might be amended downward; DCCA said it would check with industry on the likely impact. SB 1373 SD2 (administrative licensure action against sex offenders) received broad support from DCCA and multiple professional licensing boards, including psychology, physical therapy, naturopathic medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, massage therapy, nursing, optometry, barbering and cosmetology, the Hawaii Medical Board, and HPD.
The committee then heard SB 1142 SD1 (insurance proceeds), which was supported by DCCA, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, AARP, Hawaiʻi Realtors, and the Hawaiʻi Insurers Council, while State Farm offered comments and the Hawaii Bankers Association opposed. Testimony focused on insurance access after the Lahaina wildfires and the need to address underinsured homeowners. The committee also discussed SB 144 SD2 (stabilization of property insurance), with support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, AARP, Hawaiʻi Realtors, and the Hawaiʻi Insurers Council, and comments from the Attorney General and DCCA Insurance Division about revising the financing structure and correcting bill language. Opponents and reservationed supporters argued the bill may not help if applicants can still obtain coverage at very high prices, while supporters said it would expand market capacity and provide a safety net as climate-related losses continue.
Finally, SB 253 SD2 (condominium reserves) received support from Hawaiʻi Realtors, CI, and several individual testifiers. Supporters said it would enforce existing disclosure requirements under Act 199 and improve reserve funding transparency, while one individual argued stronger enforcement and an ombudsman-style office would be more effective. The chair reminded testifiers to stay on the bill at hand. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 2/6/25
Rules and Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- On line nine is the legal fee provision, which allows the House to cover legal fees in the incident of
- 14:47.079>
legal provider uh on line nine is the legal provider uh on line nine is the legal fee - <00:14:51.639>
of <00:14:51.759>a cover legal fees in the incident of a cover legal - expenses the committee to cover other expenses for<00:15:00.600>
legal for legal for legal fees - for the legal fees section if there<00:16:17.720>
have <00:16:17.880>been <00:16:18.040
Summary:
The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration met with a quorum present and began with member introductions, during which members identified their districts and, informally, their favorite restaurants. The committee then turned to a housekeeping resolution, 2025-P100, covering House policies and administrative procedures. The chair explained that the resolution consolidated routine rules updates prepared by House Research.
The committee adopted two amendments to the resolution. The A1 amendment gave members more flexibility in how they receive their postage and digital constituent communications allotment. The A2 amendment corrected titles in the resolution. Staff then reviewed the resolution’s contents, including service awards, donated leave, comp time and time cards, remote work, member business services payments, leadership compensation, expense reimbursement, stationery, postage and digital communications, member communication expenses, alcohol and drug policies, legal fee provisions, photographs and digital images, chaplain pay, the high school page program, and the undergraduate internship program.
Members asked several questions during discussion. Representative Long confirmed there were no changes to the legal-fee policy. Representative Hollins asked about the high school page stipend, and staff said it was proposed to increase from $10 to $15 per day. Representative Pursell asked about the 50-mile reimbursement threshold for members’ expenses; the chair said it is derived from IRS tax regulations. She also suggested reviewing how other states handle reimbursement. No members of the public testified.
After discussion, the committee renewed the motion and adopted the 2025 resolution as amended. The meeting then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board (8-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- . fees. fees.
- >> And who pays those fees? >> And who pays those fees?
- >> the tax or the fees. Who um >> the tax or the fees.
- Do we set what's Do y'all set the fees? Do we set the<00:23:56.320>
fees? - health centers have sliding fee skills. health centers have sliding fee skills.
Keywords:
1. Call to Order and Roll Call – 00:00:00
2. Approval of Minutes – 00:02:10
3. Discussion of State-Based Marketplaces and the Federally-Facilitated Marketplace – 00:02:31
4. Discussion of the Role of Kynectors and Navigators – 00:27:29
5. Discussion of Presumptive Eligibility – 01:11:57
6. Discussion of Medicaid Eligibility, Enrollment, and Redeterminations – 01:20:09
7. Update on Rural Health Transformation Program Application Process – 01:47:35
8. Public Comment – 01:59:57
9. Adjournment – 02:06:10, 958, all
Summary:
The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board met for its third meeting and approved the July 30 minutes. The chair outlined a full agenda covering the state-based marketplace versus the federally facilitated marketplace, connectors and navigators, presumptive eligibility, eligibility/enrollment/redetermination, and a rural health transformation update. Commissioner Lisa Lee and Assistant Director David Barry presented first on Kentucky’s state-based exchange, Connect, explaining that it is an integrated eligibility and enrollment system for Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, TANF, child care, and qualified health plans. They reviewed Kentucky’s move from a state-based exchange to healthcare.gov in 2017 and back to a state-based marketplace in 2021, and said the system helps route applicants to the correct program and allows families to move more easily between Medicaid and exchange coverage as circumstances change.
The presenters said the exchange is funded by carrier assessments on qualified health plans rather than general fund dollars, with costs allocated across programs based on use. They said Kentucky’s exchange fees are lower than the federal platform’s and that the state-based system provides local assistance through DCBS offices, connectors, and licensed agents in every county. Members asked about startup and operating costs, fee-setting, and whether any general fund dollars are used; the department said it would follow up with the CFO on fee details and said it was not aware of general fund support for exchange operations. Members also raised concerns about Medicaid eligibility verification and improper enrollment, while the department emphasized that the state system uses different questions than healthcare.gov and is designed to identify the correct coverage based on monthly Medicaid income and annual tax-credit income.
The board also discussed enrollment trends, including a COVID-era spike during the public health emergency when disenrollments were largely paused, and current qualified health plan enrollment of more than 97,000 people on Connect. Commissioner Lee explained presumptive eligibility as temporary Medicaid coverage, noting it applies to pregnant women and hospital-based cases, with hospitals able to grant it and certain providers able to grant it to pregnant women. She said full eligibility is still determined within 30 days and that presumptive eligibility ends when full Medicaid eligibility is determined or at the end of the following month. The meeting then shifted to connectors, with representatives from Community Action Kentucky and the Kentucky Primary Care Association describing their statewide outreach network, local offices, and role helping residents apply for Medicaid, renew coverage, report changes, and navigate benefits; they said connectors do not determine eligibility but assist with applications, recertifications, and outreach events across the Commonwealth.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Oct 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- In terms of the fees, the management fees that are being charged...
- But in general, those fees don't go down.
- But this isn't all the fees that are...
- and transaction fees?
- , after the management fees.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 28th, 2025
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
Transcript Highlights:
- It requires all courts in a county that hears CPS suits to create a specific fee schedule that covers
- The bill gives courts a deadline of January 1st, 2026 to adopt the fee schedule.
- HB 5551 would create a fee schedule for attorneys representing parents and children in CPS cases.
- The current law regarding fee schedules and rules for Attorneys who take these cases is unclear.
- It just creates narrowly tailored rules for fee schedules and CPS cases.
Bills:
HCR 10
Keywords:
balanced budget amendment, federal budget, deficit reduction, deficit spending, fiscal restraint, constitutional amendment, U.S. Constitution, Congress, PAYGO, Gramm-Rudman-Hollings, national debt, budget deficit, taxpayer dollars, balanced budget resolution, memorial resolution, Texas Legislature, federal spending, budget reform, fiscal conservatism
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the Panama Canal and its impact on U.S. trade and national security, focusing on fees and foreign influence. Jan 28th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Navy vessels pay additional fees that apply only to warships.
- Panama's government relies on these exploitative fees, with nearly one-tenth of its budget funded by
- As those fees cascade through the American economy in the federal fiscal system, the Chinese Communist
- You know, these exorbitant fees are there unless you're going to face delays at the canal.
- We've seen instances of waiving or forgiving detention demerge fees or even refunding go way up.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Transportation (2-18-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- material endorsement threat security assessment fee.
- So we pursued an emergency reg to make sure that the fee change was in place before the federal change
- <00:13:13.440>
in <00:13:13.560>the <00:13:13.720>federal <00:13:14.040>fee - result of a change in the federal fee result of a change in the federal fee through<00:13:14.600
- uh the reason it was assessment uh fee uh the reason it was an<00:13:21.639>
e- <00:13:22.160>
Keywords:
Roll Call 00:32
Approval of Minutes 01:38
HB 20 Discussion 02:08
HB 20 Vote 06:00
HB 188 Discussion 07:07
HB 188 Vote 10:10
Administrative Regs 11:09, 958, all
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved the previous meeting’s minutes, and heard two House bills plus several Transportation Cabinet regulations. House Bill 20, sponsored by Rep. Hodson, would restrict the retention and sale of automated license plate reader data, limit storage to 60 days, and prohibit nonconsensual tracking devices such as micro-trackers and subcutaneous trackers. Hodson said the bill was aimed at protecting citizens’ privacy and noted it had passed the House previously; members asked about enforcement and deletion responsibility, and one member suggested criminal penalties might be worth considering in the future. The committee voted to report HB 20 favorably.
House Bill 188, sponsored by Rep. Duvall, addressed driveaway plate businesses that transport vehicles for others. Duvall said Kentucky law had created confusion about how many vehicles could be on the road and had driven up insurance costs, hurting a Warren County business; the bill would let such companies purchase the exact number of plates needed, which he said would reduce exposure and premiums. He emphasized the bill would not affect dealer tags or trailer transport and said he was working on a floor amendment to make that clear. The committee reported HB 188 favorably as well.
The committee then reviewed five administrative regulations, including Transportation Cabinet rules allowing technology to be used in title examinations, extending an off-road vehicle pilot program to July 2026 and updating the definition of local government, aligning truck weight-mass rules with statute, adopting the MUTCD traffic control manual, and an emergency Kentucky State Police regulation adjusting a TSA-related hazardous materials endorsement fee because the federal change came too quickly for the normal regulatory process. Members asked whether the title rule covered rebuild titles, and staff said it applied to all titles. The committee noted the regulations had been reviewed and then adjourned, with the next meeting tentatively set for the following Tuesday.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V Feb 27th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V
Transcript Highlights:
- GRD 5173 is funded by revenues generated from forensic analyst licensing. testing fees, which occurs
- The Texas Forensic Science Commission, they're using a new license renewal fee collection model.
- generated through the collection of registration of test fees and test fees.
- has requested exemption from this right. submitters suggesting an increased reliance on professional fees
- The agency had indicated that they would consider raising these fees, but wanted to be careful not to
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/15/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The group agreed that the dental fee The group agreed that the dental fee schedule<00:02:55.720>
- stated, uh Minnesota's fee-for-service stated, uh Minnesota's fee-for-service dental<00:04:55.520
- dividing up simply the fee-for-service. dividing up simply the fee-for-service.
- language about newborn screening fee language about newborn screening fee exception. exception.
- . registration fee.
Keywords:
HF4401, Minnesota Medical Assistance, dental reimbursement, dental rates, critical access dental providers, Medicaid dental, MinnesotaCare, managed care plans, county-based purchasing plans, fee-for-service, oral health access, safety-net clinics, federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, Indian health services, state-operated dental clinics, low-income patients, children's dental care, provider reimbursement, dental access
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- When we talk about increasing user fees, user fees are capped to a certain amount because of Medicare
- It could cost them even more in fees and losses. It could cost them even more in fees and losses.
- Fees for everything. Will go up. Sales taxes, fees for everything, rents.
- The Children's Services Council can't assess fees. Who are you going to assess your fee on?
- The Children's Services Council can't assess fees. Who are you going to assess your fee on?
Summary:
The Committee on Appropriations took up SJR 2-F, the proposed constitutional amendment on property tax relief, which would reduce assessment growth on non-homestead property, expand homestead exemptions, create a new exemption for new homesteaders, and direct counties, cities, and school districts to use property tax revenues for specified core services. Senator Avila presented the measure as the governor’s plan to provide historic relief and argued that local governments should tighten budgets and prioritize core functions. Senators raised concerns about the lack of fiscal scoring, the breadth and ambiguity of the permitted uses, the effect on special districts and local services, and whether the proposal would shift costs to fees or other taxes. The committee adopted several amendments, including Avila’s amendment clarifying that ad valorem revenues could be used for county and municipal operations and administration and other expenditures not prohibited by law, and Trumbull’s amendment removing school board ad valorem taxes from the proposal. Other amendments failed, including proposals to allow user fees and non-ad valorem assessments, add a sunset, redirect tourism development taxes, narrow the small-business provision, and change the ballot title to reference local service reductions. Grall’s amendment removing the constitutional trust fund requirement was adopted, while the committee also rejected Berman’s title-change amendment and Smith’s sunset and tourism-tax amendments. The committee then returned to the bill as amended for questions, including extended debate over whether the proposal would affect noncitizen residents, the impact on local government finances, and whether local governments would respond with higher fees or special assessments. The meeting ended with the bill still under discussion after the final round of questions, with Avila saying he would continue working with the governor’s office on the language before the next vote.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I would call it a fee.
- I would call it a fee. This budget tax. I would call it a fee.
- conversations about the dedicated fees. conversations about the dedicated fees.
- <00:59:01.680>
fee appropriate to default to a fee fee appropriate to default to a fee fee - What it basically says is fees.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 04/02/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- inspection fees for grain buyers. inspection fees for grain buyers.
- Section 31 modifies grain storage fees. Section 31 modifies grain storage fees.
- Um, what's new is there's a higher fee.
- So, the current is there's a higher fee.
- , a new fine or a people pay a new fee, a new fine or a fee<01:12:50.960>
or <01:12:51.120>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration May 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- structure and implement fee increases needed to support ongoing operations.
- The backfill would allow those fee discussions to focus solely on what fee levels are required to support
- The idea is to lower the impact of the needed fee increase.
- So even without this litigation, the Bureau is in need of a fee increase and has been in need of a fee
- This would allow that fee increase. In need of a fee increase for several years.
Summary:
The subcommittee held a May Revision budget hearing on state administration and related issues, hearing presentations from multiple departments and agencies. Early items included the Public Employment Relations Board on funding for implementation of AB 1 and a reduced request tied to AB 288, the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement on a technical College Corps adjustment, and the Secretary of State on building security upgrades, election security grant matching funds, and payroll system readiness costs. The Department of Consumer Affairs presented a Board of Pharmacy modernization request and a General Fund backfill for the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education; the LAO raised no concerns on the pharmacy item but recommended rejecting the private postsecondary backfill and questioned interest-free loan language. The Employment Development Department outlined several large workload and benefit adjustments, including EDD Next document management funding, UI loan interest, DI/PFL benefit increases, WIOA adjustments, school employee benefits, an EMT training reappropriation, and a technical reversion correction; the LAO flagged the size of the DI/PFL increase and the expansion of the document management scope, while members asked about program impacts and timelines.
The California Workforce Development Board presented an April adjustment to reimbursement authority for an interagency agreement with Caltrans, which the LAO said raised no concerns. Public comment on that item and others included support for workforce and apprenticeship initiatives, including the Jails to Jobs proposal and renewal of the Apprenticeship Innovation Fund, though those were not part of the May Revision package. The Department of Industrial Relations then presented several proposals: reclassifying legal positions, continuing modernization of the workers’ compensation EAMS system, Cal/OSHA data modernization, creating a Cal/OSHA emerging technologies unit, reappropriating funds for the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship program, and trailer bill changes requiring electronic payment of employer assessments and adjusting the statutory treatment of the workers’ compensation administrative director’s salary. The LAO generally found the IT and salary proposals reasonable but urged close monitoring of the new emerging technologies unit.
Committee members, especially Assemblymember Ortega, pressed DIR on long vacancy rates, wage theft claim delays, low collection rates for Cal/OSHA fines, and whether new resources would improve outcomes; DIR said it was pursuing recruitment, classification reviews, and process modernization, while the LAO noted that staffing alone may not explain the delays. The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board also sought to make permanent a 2024 change to the 60-day reconsideration clock, saying it had reduced backlog and interim orders; the LAO had no concerns. Finally, the Department of Human Resources presented a statewide Employee Assistance Program contract consolidation that would lower costs compared with renewing separate contracts and requested one program manager position to oversee the contract and first responder services; the hearing continued with Finance’s response after the transcript ended.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 087 Apr 11th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, in the last couple of years, there was a new fee put on oil and gas.
- But those are additional new dollars placed on a fee on oil and gas.
- I was struggling though with the fact that we would be increasing fees.
- <00:57:26.120>
uh that it was increasing fees uh that it was increasing fees uh on<00:57:27.160 - that we would be increasing fees. that we would be increasing fees.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and then received committee reports advancing several bills, including House Bills 1262, 1183, 1184, 1331, 1332, and 1333, along with Senate Bills 2, 20, 80, 137, and 141. The chamber also removed House Bill 1331 and Senate Bill 80 from the consent calendar and later took up special orders for second reading. Senate Bills 20 and 137 were considered on the consent calendar, their committee reports were adopted, and both bills passed second reading and were placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. The Committee of the Whole report was then adopted by a 32-0 vote with 3 excused.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 1332, which concerns the legislative department cash fund. Sponsors and supporters described the bill as transferring $12 million to the general fund and capping the fund balance at $8 million to improve transparency and align spending with current needs. Senator Pelton offered amendment L4 to lower the cap to $5 million and remove automatic inflation adjustments, but the amendment failed on a voice vote. The bill itself was then adopted. House Bill 1333, dealing with payment of legislative department expenses, was also adopted after discussion of salary-related adjustments and cash fund transfers.
Senate Bill 141, which creates an optional $5 motor vehicle registration fee to fund wildlife crossings and related transportation improvements, drew the most debate. Supporters emphasized reduced vehicle-animal collisions, lower insurance costs, and the ability to leverage federal matching funds; several senators described personal or constituent experiences with wildlife crashes. Opponents argued existing bridge enterprise and wildlife cash funds should be used instead of creating a new fee, even if optional. Despite that opposition, the bill passed. Senate Bill 143, renaming the Colorado Youth Advisory Council review committee in honor of the late Senator Faith Winter, also passed unanimously. House Bill 1019 was laid over until April 27, and House Bill 1331, which modifies legislative interim activities and reduces an appropriation, passed after amendment L2 clarified that per diem and travel payments would not be made for meetings not actually held.