Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:54:46.680> and<00:54:46.800> accessibility infrastructure, and accessibility infrastructure
• And so that's the reason for the study, if you will, on page 13, subdivision 11.
• Uh, but first, the A15, as you see, adds on page 12 to subdivision nine, a section on accessibility,
• And then on subdivision 9 it says at all times an on-demand autonomous vehicle network, at all times,
• And<02:06:57.800> then<02:06:58.240> on<02:06:58.520> subdivision<02:06:59.120><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Mississippi Shoreline Tax Credit has spurred over $61 million in rail infrastructure investment in
• there are some challenges in making those sites ready for development, and a lot of it deals with infrastructure
• Again, all it does is allow them to help make the site ready for utility expenses and infrastructure
• Again, all it does is allow them to help make the site ready for utility expenses and infrastructure
• is sets that the state, anything charged to a member of the public by the state or a political subdivision

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 29 January, 2026; 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up a series of economic development, tax, retirement, alcohol, and property tax bills, with several members explaining that some measures were being extended through repealers or prepared as omnibus vehicles for later floor amendments. Early in the meeting, members discussed a bill extending the Healthcare Industry Zone Act repealer to 2028, noting MDA had requested additional language for a floor amendment and citing roughly $715 million in expected new investment and more than 3,000 jobs since 2012. The committee also passed SB 2832, extending the Mississippi Shoreline Tax Credit program to 2029 with an $8 million annual cap, and SB 2849, extending the SMART business research program repealer to 2028. SB 2843, changing eligible expenses for MDA site development and utility infrastructure readiness, SB 2847, rounding state and local cash charges to the nearest nickel, and SB 2865, a gaming-related tax credit for non-gaming capital projects at casino properties, were also explained and passed without opposition. The committee then considered SB 2882, which prohibits counties from requiring homestead exemption applicants to provide closing statements or disclosures, citing privacy concerns; it was passed. SB 2912, a PERS-requested bill allowing Roth contributions in the state deferred compensation plan and removing an earlier qualified domestic order provision, also passed. The committee next took up SB 2834 and SB 2838 as omnibus vehicles: SB 2834 was described as the Senate omnibus tag bill, and SB 2838 as the qualified resort status bill, which included an addition for a community college campus and golf course in western Mississippi. Both bills received reverse repealers and were reported out. A lengthy discussion centered on SB 2915, which makes technical changes to Mississippi’s native wine laws, removes a repealer, expands tasting room options, and addresses ABC pickup and delivery timing. Senator McMahon offered an amendment to strike the pickup language after consulting with the Commissioner of Revenue, saying the current warehouse setup did not support the option yet; the amendment passed. Senator Sparks raised concerns about ABC delivery delays, the impact on small retailers, and whether the bill could raise commerce clause issues by favoring in-state wineries, but the author said the language conforms to existing distillery provisions. After no further questions, the committee passed the committee substitute and then rose and reported, with the chair noting another meeting would likely be held the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate amendment merely explicitly gives the electricians board the power to set up subdivisions
• They could do this; it should be their authority to set up subdivisions, and we believe that every board
• > work<01:13:10.239> on<01:13:10.560> things<01:13:10.719> that up subdivisions
• to work on things that up subdivisions to work on things that are<01:13:11.120> wi<01:13:11.360
• infrastructure to support that<01:32:07.520> increased<01:32:07.920> density.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . infrastructure, and address a growing shortage of civil engineers, and computer science that will focus
• The first issue discusses the recommended funds for infrastructure support. inside Brazos County.
• These funds were calculated using the 26-27 Texas A&M University infrastructure rate and the agency's
• The 84th legislature. found a demonstrated need for transportation infrastructure renewal, and since
• The computational infrastructure we propose will be specifically optimized for the extremely high-end

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Your committee number seven, corporations, elections, and political subdivisions, to whom was referred
• c> political corporations, elections, and political corporations, elections, and political subdivisions
• subdivisions subdivisions to<00:01:25.439> whom<00:01:25.759> was<00:01:26.000> referred
• Neither the state nor any county, city, township, town, school district, or other political subdivision
• and I think warfare and infrastructure and I think it<02:31:20.240> puts<02:31:20.479> us<

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Money that should go to fund schools, public safety, and infrastructure will instead be going to pay
• This means housing projects, energy systems, water infrastructure, and business expansions could all
• This means housing projects, energy systems, water infrastructure, and business expansions could all
• Renewable energy and basic infrastructure.
• For someone in my position, looking towards a career in energy and infrastructure, this isn't just a

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that also allows for affordable housing infrastructure.
• I think it's a way that this project can actually support larger infrastructure.
• Destination Forward: $1.9 million will continue that infrastructure push.
• That is infrastructure money.
• It was a new program to have an infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Civil engineering that will focus on logistics, transportation, and infrastructure and address a growing
• These funds were calculated using the 26, 27 Texas A&M University infrastructure rate and the agency's
• Issue 4 details debt service costs for the Center for Infrastructure Renewal Facility at TS.
• Intelligent equipment and infrastructure, related expertise, and increased capacity to train the next
• The computational infrastructure we propose will be specifically optimized for the extremely high-end

Transcript Highlights:

• Like much of the aging infrastructure that we all know Minnesota has, copper wire was never meant to
• or subdivision two that starts<00:39:02.720> in So, um, clause 1.9.
• I think one of the strongest parts of this bill is if we look at the last page, uh, subdivision 4, the
• Subdivision four is on data practices, and subdivision five is on data sharing.
• Those are the two subdivisions that cause this to go to Judiciary. Thank you. So, Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of installing buyer upgrades without access to the funds, potentially driving buyers to other subdivisions
• 00:55:04.000> buyers<00:55:04.359> to<00:55:04.520> other<00:55:04.720> subdivisions
• driving buyers to other subdivisions driving buyers to other subdivisions that<00:55:05.559>
• So the answer to your question is yes. subdivisions and condominium projects so subdivisions and condominium
• them and went over to their property to look because he is friends with people in harbor and infrastructure

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are we going to be able to provide the infrastructure?
• Are we going to be able to provide the infrastructure? What are the impacts?
• Are we going to be able to provide the infrastructure?
• And I think if you're tying infrastructure dollars, for example, to a local community as a supplement
• We developed new subdivisions on 600 square miles of Florida, which is 1 percent, about 1% of our entire

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and first took up SB 122, which would repeal Chapter 205 governing local business taxes while allowing municipalities that already levy a gross-receipts-based business tax to continue doing so, with limits on changing the tax rate. The sponsor’s proxy and committee members discussed whether local business taxes fund identifiable services, with supporters saying the bill would reduce burdens on businesses and opponents arguing it would remove a capped home-rule revenue source used for general services, economic development, inspections, fire and police support, and business regulation. The Florida Association of Counties and the Florida League of Cities opposed the bill, citing a statewide revenue loss and concern that costs would shift to residential taxpayers, while one member noted the bill should be considered in the context of broader property tax changes. SB 122 was reported favorably by a roll call vote, with Senators Leek, Passidomo, Pizzo, Trumbull, and Chair McClain voting yes and Senator Sharief voting no. The committee then held an extended informational panel on Florida’s housing shortage and affordability challenges. Dr. Samuel Staley said Florida is in a housing crisis driven primarily by insufficient supply, arguing that the state needs far more units each year, that local comprehensive plans and zoning often fail to prioritize housing, and that the state should focus more on measurable impacts, density, accessory dwelling units, smaller lot sizes, and other ways to let the market respond. Ann Ray of the Shimberg Center presented data showing increased single-family and multifamily construction but limited condo growth, highly concentrated new development in a handful of counties, and continued high cost burdens for renters, especially lower-income and older households. Leslie Deutsch of John Burns Research and Consulting said the national housing market is slow, Florida prices are easing but remain well above pre-pandemic levels, and affordability problems are being driven by land, construction, financing, and insurance costs; she urged more product diversity, including build-to-rent, townhomes, manufactured housing, and higher-density redevelopment tailored to local demographics. Members questioned the panel about density, vertical development, impact fees, construction costs, and incentives for local governments. Several senators said local governments need clearer direction or incentives to approve more housing, while others emphasized preserving local character and avoiding overdevelopment. The panel generally agreed that no single policy will solve the problem, but that Florida needs more housing types, more density in appropriate places, updated zoning and building codes, and a more market-responsive regulatory framework. After the presentations and discussion, the committee adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• There have been changes for things like lot splitting, unit lots, subdivisions that provide different
• Cooperatives demand pride in ownership, resulting in infrastructure improvements and better living conditions
• By combining strong program infrastructure, a supportive legal framework, and committed financial resources
• housing, allowing, unlocking that opportunity that you have on the zoning side, is going to take infrastructure
• and counties and public utility districts and others are grappling with how do we finance the infrastructure

Summary: The committee met for work sessions on land banking/shared homeownership and on maximizing existing housing stock. Members first heard an overview from Commerce on alternative homeownership models, including community land trusts, limited equity cooperatives, condominiums, accessory dwelling units, middle housing, church land for housing, and public land transfers. The discussion focused on how these models can help households build equity while keeping housing permanently affordable. Committee members asked about statewide counts of co-ops and land trusts, and Commerce said it does not track all of those entities directly. Pierce County staff then described the Pierce County Community Development Corporation’s rapid acquisition fund and its role in acquiring, holding, and transferring public land for affordable housing. They said the county used general fund and affordable housing sales tax dollars to buy properties, preserve a manufactured home park through resident ownership, and create a pipeline of sites for future development. Members asked about the advantages of a public development authority, funding sources, the use of surplus and underutilized public property, and how the model works with housing authorities. Spokane land bank staff followed with testimony that land banks can reduce blight, preserve affordability, and help nonprofits acquire land quickly, but that holding costs and taxes can make the work harder without state support. They also described brownfield assessments, donated properties, and work on Black homeownership and public surplus properties. The committee then heard from the Northwest Cooperative Development Center on limited equity cooperatives, especially in manufactured housing communities. The witness said Washington now has about 43 limited equity co-ops and that recent subsidy funding and legislation have accelerated resident purchases of manufactured home communities. Members asked how residents benefit from capped equity, how values are affected, and whether the model improves access to lending; the witness said the model stabilizes costs, allows modest equity gains, and that a recent law allowing manufactured homes in co-ops to be titled as real property should improve access to traditional financing. The committee also discussed House Bill 1974 from the prior session and possible updates to land banking legislation. In the second work session on maximizing existing housing stock, Commerce reviewed recent housing laws and implementation timelines, including ADUs, middle housing, condo liability reform, SEPA changes, tiny homes, and co-living. Members raised concerns about the long implementation horizon, vacancy data, corporate ownership of homes, and the need for better support for small landlords and first-time ADU owners. Sightline then testified on mobile dwelling units, arguing that RVs, tiny houses on wheels, and similar units are a low-cost, quick-to-install housing option that is often blocked by zoning; the witness said many Washington residents already live in these units, often informally. Finally, AARP discussed housing options for older adults, including ADUs, missing middle, manufactured home communities, co-living, universal design, and village-style support models, emphasizing aging in place and the need for more accessible, affordable housing choices.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is really scratching the surface of our maintenance costs and infrastructure. needs.
• This is infrastructure for tourism-related projects.
• Then in Line 69 for the outdoor infrastructure grants. I was surprised, Mr.
• To help political subdivisions.
• Times in the document for infrastructure for new classrooms, new pre-K, whatever.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That infrastructure is not there in April.
• that the people that we elect on those very local levels can do the business of that political subdivision
• that the people that we elect on those very local levels can do the business of that political subdivision

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Children and Families heard public testimony on Senate Bill 1002, which would move St. Charles County school board elections and school levy/bond questions to the November general election, extend school board terms to four years, and allow candidates to voluntarily list party affiliation. The bill sponsor argued the change would increase turnout, broaden parent and taxpayer participation, and better align school board decisions with the broader electorate. Supporters echoed those points, saying April elections have low turnout, campaigning is difficult in winter, and November voting would give more residents a voice. Opponents, including school board members, parents, and the Missouri School Boards’ Association, argued the bill unnecessarily singles out St. Charles County, could politicize school board races, and might bury local issues on crowded November ballots. Several witnesses said school boards should remain nonpartisan and warned that four-year terms and the loss of staggered elections could reduce continuity and institutional knowledge. Others said limiting levy and bond questions to November could delay urgent district needs and reduce local flexibility. Some supporters and opponents also debated whether the bill should be statewide rather than county-specific. After testimony, the committee moved into executive session and voted Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1002 “do pass” by a vote of 10 aye, 5 no, and 1 present. The committee also voted Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1135 “do pass” by the same 10 aye, 5 no, and 1 present margin.

Transcript Highlights:

• Several years ago, we worked with the representative on an infrastructure issue in her district involving
• on these particular issues with regard to affordable housing and people who are living in these subdivisions
• ... ...and people who are living in these subdivisions.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Memorial 54, which would create a stakeholder working group to study utility-service problems in manufactured and mobile home parks and recommend solutions. The sponsor described repeated water and utility outages in large parks, said current law places maintenance responsibility on park owners, and argued that the state needs clearer standards and alternatives to costly attorney general lawsuits. Supporters from PNM and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty backed the memorial as a step toward better oversight and protections for residents. The committee asked about existing landlord obligations and whether rent withholding is available; the sponsor said current law does not clearly provide that remedy. HM 54 was reported out with a due pass. The committee then considered House Bill 166, which would create a statewide permitting framework for battery-charged electric fences used by commercial businesses while preserving local zoning authority. The sponsor and an industry witness said businesses face inconsistent local permitting, delays, and added costs, and that the bill would provide uniform standards and security options. Several members raised concerns that the bill appeared to favor a specific product type, could override local code differences, and might not address mixed-use areas, historic districts, or homeowners associations. After debate, the bill passed on a 4-3 vote, with one member explaining support but urging further work with local government experts before floor consideration. House Bill 20, a bipartisan measure, would allow Native American applicants to request a voluntary Native American designation on state driver’s licenses and ID cards, without naming a specific tribe, and with documentation requirements tied to tribal cards, certificates of Indian blood, or affidavits of birth. Supporters said it would recognize tribal political status, help with law enforcement and Turquoise Alert verification, and assist with education, health, and child welfare matters; tribal representatives and State Police testified in favor. Several members expressed concern about racial profiling, privacy, and possible unintended consequences of marking IDs, while others noted the designation is optional and tied to political status rather than race. Members also flagged drafting language that appeared to require multiple documents, and the sponsor agreed to clarify it. The bill ultimately passed, with some members explaining their votes and asking for continued discussion with tribes. The committee also approved Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would amend the state constitution to allow school bond and mill levy questions to appear on the general election ballot rather than being limited to separate school elections. Sponsors said the change would reduce special-election costs, increase turnout, and remove outdated language dating to 1910; school board and education groups supported it. Members asked about ballot crowding and local election timing, and sponsors emphasized that the measure gives school districts a choice rather than a mandate. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 295, which would create an Office of Accessibility to centralize reporting, provide technical assistance, and produce annual reports on accessibility of state buildings and websites. Disability advocates largely supported the bill as a way to improve compliance and consistency, while one webcast commenter opposed it, arguing that without enforcement authority it would not produce meaningful change. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 295, before final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• of infrastructure that are now located in the river.
• We then compared that to the infrastructure, the physical infrastructure in terms of road, rail, and
• So this is alternative future. and there's no change in infrastructure.
• We're here for the transportation infrastructure.
• to plug in, if that infrastructure is available on the shore side.

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Joint Transportation Committee study of transportation impacts if the Lower Snake River dams were removed. WSDOT and Jacobs described the study’s phases, including current work on geology, infrastructure risk, and a total logistics cost model. They explained that the study is examining how freight now moved by barge—especially wheat, fertilizer, and wood—could shift to rail and roads, and they outlined several scenarios ranging from no-dam future conditions to new unit-train terminals, short-line rail options, and a combined “many solutions” scenario. Members asked about irrigation, impacts in Idaho and Oregon, port capacity, emissions, competition, EV trucks, and whether the model could estimate transportation effects if grain volumes decline. The presenters said the study assumes current production levels continue, does not model irrigation changes or broader farm-economics impacts, but does account for transloading costs and can estimate transportation impacts under different volume assumptions. WSU’s independent review team said the model has improved substantially but still needed refinement, especially in routing, road data, and spatial detail, and that stakeholder engagement had been strong though delayed by model development. No votes were taken. The committee then received a presentation on the alternative sidewalk funding study. Staff and consultants said the study is exploring ways local governments could sustainably fund sidewalk maintenance, repair, and new construction, using a statewide survey, interviews, national research, and case studies in eight jurisdictions. They noted sidewalks are important for pedestrian safety and connectivity, but there is no dedicated funding source in Washington, and existing grants and local revenue tools are highly competitive or limited. The consultants highlighted sidewalk fees or utility-style charges as the most promising option to study, while a parcel tax was largely set aside because of state property-tax uniformity concerns. Members asked whether the study would duplicate existing funding or add to current taxes, and how a sidewalk fee would be collected; the consultants said the goal is to expand local options, not mandate adoption, and that fees would likely be billed through utilities rather than property taxes. A preliminary draft report is due December 15, with a final report due in mid-June. Next, staff gave a brief update on the ocean-going vessels study, which is examining shore power and emissions rules for vessels at berth. The presenter explained that federal Clean Air Act rules and California waiver authority create legal limits on how far Washington can go if it wants to adopt similar standards, and that deviations from California’s approach can increase litigation risk. The report will summarize stakeholder outreach and will be presented in draft form at the next JTC meeting. Finally, county engineers from Chelan and Douglas counties began a presentation on county transportation challenges, with the association’s director emphasizing collaboration with state agencies and local partners on issues such as fish passage barriers and infrastructure needs. The county presentation was only beginning when the transcript ended, and no committee action or votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• A new infrastructure planning and development division.
• We are requesting $2,000,000 to support infrastructure projects. Mr.
• I'm the Deputy Director in the Infrastructure Division. Division. Mr.
• I heard fantastic reviews about the infrastructure conference.
• And make a big dent in the state infrastructure needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• , to whom was referred subdivisions, to whom was referred Senate<00:03:24.560> file<00:03:25.200
• We have a lot of aging irrigation<00:43:39.680> infrastructure.
• We have a lot irrigation infrastructure.
• As we know, this infrastructure is aging. It's going to take a significant amount to replace it.
• critical infrastructure critical infrastructure land<02:37:52.160> and<02:37:52.399> other

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, that's the down payment to build out the behavioral health infrastructure.
• Of infrastructure. I think it's important to hear that feedback.
• There will also need to be some infrastructure done at that new location.
• This is just to continue developing the infrastructure throughout the state.
• Fund, and for Colonius projects to the Colonius Infrastructure Fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our safe infrastructure should reflect that shared responsibility.
• They still need funds, infrastructure, having a big problem with aqua water.
• We've invested almost half a billion dollars in flood mitigation infrastructure.
• He weighs out of all subdivisions. We require that in Travis County.
• One is the infrastructure, which is all the model and the system. self computer infrastructure and second

Keywords: 997, house, all