Video & Transcript Research : 'aquatic ecosystems'
Page 10 of 138
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Water, Parks and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- The authority's mission focuses on operation and maintenance, The ecosystem.
- And the nature and the ecosystem that exists in the waters safe as well.
- And there's tradeoffs between terrestrial and aquatic species.
- Sometimes having the river literally flush itself out—having the ecosystem, the ecosystem is used to
- So are those all, you know, opportunities, or aren't there some benefits for the ecosystem?
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE-WTL, TCA-WTL, WTL-AEN Public Hearings 02-12-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This will not only enhance the natural beauty of our beloved canal but also protect the ecosystem and
- ><00:03:12.040><c> the</c> beloved Canal but also protect the beloved Canal but also protect the ecosystem
- 13.519><c> health</c><00:03:14.400><c> as</c><00:03:14.519><c> a</c><00:03:14.680><c> social</c> ecosystem
- and public health as a social ecosystem and public health as a social Works<00:03:15.319><c> student
- They are damaging, as you said, Chair, to farms, to ranches, and to our fragile ecosystems.
Summary:
The joint committees first heard SB 1146, which would appropriate funds to the University of Hawaiʻi to develop an action plan and pre-engineering concept plan for debris management and water quality control in the Ala Wai Watershed. Testimony was largely supportive from DLNR, a UH student, and a special improvement district representative, while one speaker suggested the work should be coordinated with existing efforts to avoid duplication. Committee discussion focused on the multi-jurisdictional nature of the watershed, existing debris-trap work that captures only about 20 to 30 percent of debris, the role of the university in capstone projects and recommendations, and the relationship to the existing Geni project and other community efforts. Members also asked about costs, tracking progress, and the difference between water-quality improvements and the larger debris problem.
The committees then voted to pass SB 1146 with amendments, including blanking out the appropriation and deferring the effective date to July 31, 2050. The motion passed in both committees, with votes recorded in support and no opposition noted during the decision-making.
The committees also heard SB 321, which would deem certain fee simple privately owned lands transferred to adjacent property owners or community associations if specified conditions are met. Testimony was in support from several individuals, but members raised concerns about the lack of input from counties and the state, and about how the bill might affect roads already used by the public or maintained by local governments. After discussion, the committees voted to advance SB 321 unamended to the next committees, with the measure adopted in both committees despite one recorded no vote in the Water and Land committee.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- going to highlight a few here. important coastal resources providing food and critical habitat and ecosystem
- from being sustainable for both commercial harvesting and as habitat for the provisioning of those ecosystem
- Authority to properly reimburse employees for groceries as needed before work travel better manage aquatic
- Bridges or the next Miranda Lambert will get their start and a vital piece of our music ecosystem here
- We continue leading the way and working to support the commercial music ecosystem, and we welcome all
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Ways and Means Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And then you have the Aquatic Plant Control Fund, which is an annual fee of $3.25 for both trailer registration
- so this next slide is just some of the highlights of what we've done for our existing Louisiana ecosystem
- But I think that is showing that that ecosystem is being created, but our goal is to make sure we have
Summary:
The House Ways and Means Committee met on March 10, 2026, for a series of informational presentations rather than bill hearings. House Fiscal Division staff reviewed the state’s tax structure, the 2024 third special session tax reform package, and the Revenue Estimating Conference process. They explained the move to a 3% flat individual income tax, a 5.5% flat corporate income tax, the higher standard deduction and retirement-income exclusion, the repeal of several deductions and credits, the repeal of the corporate franchise tax, and the expansion of the sales tax base to certain digital goods. Staff also walked through tax exemption data, showing the size of exemptions relative to collections, and discussed forecasted revenue gaps in the out years, including the effect of the scheduled sales tax rate reduction and the return of transportation-related revenues to their prior dedication.
Members asked about declining mineral revenues, digital sales tax collections, corporate collections, and the impact of tax credits and exemptions. Division of Administration and Legislative Fiscal Office staff said lower oil and gas prices, long-term production declines, and the timing of corporate payments were major factors in revenue trends, and that it will take at least another year or two of tax returns to fully understand the reform’s effects. They emphasized that corporate collections are still below the $600 million threshold that affects the state general fund and Revenue Stabilization Fund, though the forecast remains $900 million. The committee also discussed surplus and excess revenues, the distinction between discretionary and non-discretionary spending, and how current-year and prior-year balances are allocated under the constitution.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the relationship between Ways and Means and Appropriations. Chairman McFarland stressed that new fiscal-note bills can force cuts elsewhere if revenue is not available, and urged members to coordinate early with fiscal staff before advancing costly legislation. Members also asked how pending constitutional amendments on teacher pay and inventory tax might affect the budget; staff said the teacher stipend proposal is not currently funded in the executive budget and that the inventory tax proposal would mainly affect local governments and any reimbursements from the Revenue Stabilization Fund if approved. The committee then heard from Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bouchoux, who reported strong results from recent reforms, including $92 billion in capital investment, 37,000 new jobs, a record year of announcements, a top-10 corporate tax climate ranking, and a pipeline of 189 active projects representing nearly 42,000 potential jobs and $280 billion in potential investment. Members praised LED’s work and discussed the need to pair economic development with workforce training, infrastructure, and predictable tax policy.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And then you have the Aquatic Plant Control Fund, which is an annual fee of $3.25 for both trailer registration
- So this next slide is just some of the highlights of what we've done for our existing Louisiana ecosystem
- But I think that is showing that that ecosystem is being created, but our goal is to make sure we have
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session: 2025 First Special Session - part 3 Jun 9th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Bakeberg [ID: member_13524] has the proposal regarding the STEM ecosystem, making sure
- geothermal, as well as Energy Alley, which is doing great work and seeks to create an innovation ecosystem
- We did make some cuts to aquatic invasive species aid.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Working Group on Omnibus Taxes Bill - Part 1 - 05/22/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Is it better to do, and not to touch PILT, not to touch the aquatic invasive species aid?
- Is it better to do, and not to touch PILT, not to touch the aquatic invasive species aid?
- </c><01:00:10.640><c> um</c><01:00:11.680><c> uh</c> aquatic invasive species aid. um uh aquatic invasive
- </c><01:00:38.160><c> invasive</c> waters um uh free of aquatic invasive waters um uh free of aquatic
- So, you know, we care a lot about aquatic invasive species on our side, too.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> ecosystems, and cultural resources. ecosystems, and cultural resources.
- of the ecosystem, if this project<03:14:55.520><c> was</c><03:14:55.720><c> ever</c> project was ever
- </c> To aquatic protection. Department of Land and Natural Resources in support.
- Charlie Taylor, I'm here with the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources.
- And so, the idea of having an ecosystem of services for our community makes sense.
Bills:
HB2459, HB1616, HB1799, HB1604, HB1732, HB1736, HB1931, HB772, HB2153, HB2122, HB2009, HB2012, HB1779, HB2296, HB2397, HB2398, HB1596, HB2233, HB1976, HB1563, HB815, HB1655, HB1851, HB1941, HB2037, HB1635, HB2201, HB1943, HB1163, HB2452, HB2429, HB2148, HB2306, HB2007, HB2049, HB2616
Keywords:
food innovation, agribusiness, food safety, market access, branding, economic diversification, performance indicators, agriculture, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, housing development, commercial projects, county authority, public works, construction standards, exemption, zoning, housing
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, it may be looked at by aquatic scientists, water quality modelers, permit reviewers, etc.
- Like most things as it relates to sort of energy and commodities, it's helped to build an ecosystem.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And the nature and the ecosystem that exists in the waters safe as well.
- And there's tradeoffs between terrestrial and aquatic species.
- ecosystem is used to having that?
- So are those all opportunities, or aren't there some benefits for the ecosystem?
- These lands are essential to our state's climate resilience, economy, and natural ecosystems.
Summary:
The committee heard several water, wildlife, and land-use bills. AB 2218 by Assembly Member Calóra would establish a state policy directing agencies to recognize and address water-related inequities affecting tribes; tribal supporters said it is a needed step toward restoring a voice at the table, while water agencies and local government groups opposed it as vague and potentially harmful to water supply reliability. The bill was amended in committee and moved forward on a vote, though it was left on call. AB 2032 by Assembly Member Ransom, the Golden Mussel Response Act, would speed agency response to the invasive golden mussel by streamlining permits and research; it drew broad support and no opposition, and passed the committee unanimously to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. AB 1712 by Assembly Member Pacheco would let Santa Fe Springs sell its small, contaminated water system through a protest process instead of a municipal election; supporters said it would avoid major rate hikes and improve reliability, and it was moved to Appropriations, though the vote was left on call.
The committee also considered AB 1722 by Assembly Member Hadwick, which would create a clearer self-defense exception under the California Endangered Species Act for people facing dangerous predators. The author and a sheriff described a fatal mountain lion attack and argued rural residents need certainty; Defenders of Wildlife withdrew opposition after committee amendments, and the bill advanced to Judiciary on a vote that was left on call. AB 1613 by Assembly Member Wilson would require an off-highway vehicle safety and stewardship certification course before operating OHVs on public lands starting in 2029. Supporters said it would reduce accidents and educate new riders, while Vice Chair Gonzalez raised concerns about fees, penalties, tourism, and impacts on low-income residents in his district; the bill passed on a split vote and was left on call.
Later, AB 1808 by Assembly Member Carrillo would expand local permitting authority for Western Joshua tree projects and reduce or waive some fees for homeowners and public works. Supporters framed it as a way to balance conservation with housing and infrastructure needs, while environmental groups opposed changes they said would weaken avoidance and mitigation protections; the bill passed to Natural Resources and was left on call. AB 1894 by Assembly Member Rubio would address imported water deliveries and groundwater recharge in the context of golden mussel restrictions, with supporters arguing for a statewide, science-based approach that preserves water reliability; it advanced to Appropriations with no opposition. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly emphasized the need to balance competing interests, especially around water reliability, tribal equity, public safety, and environmental protection.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> resources can reduce the risk of aquatic resources can reduce the risk of aquatic invasive<00:37
- I'm the aquatic invasive species specialist for Ottertale County.
- </c> Minnesota. 1100 of them have an aquatic Minnesota. 1100 of them have an aquatic invasive<00:44:18.160
- And doing for aquatic invasive species.
- </c><01:18:11.120><c> invasive</c> I can continue, reduce aquatic invasive I can continue, reduce aquatic
FL
Bills:
S2500, S2502, S2504, S7028, S2506, S2508, S2510, S2512, S2514, S2516, S2518, S0482, S0678, S0984, S1016, S1074, S1706, S7030
Keywords:
budget, appropriation, education funding, healthcare, environmental protection, infrastructure, local government, Appropriations Act, funding, education, rural development, economic assistance, collective bargaining, state employees, labor relations, impasse resolution, negotiations, retirement, elected officials, Deferred Retirement Option Program
Summary:
The committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2026-2027 budget, SPB 2500, with chairs outlining major spending in K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Highlights included a $115 billion overall budget, pay raises for state employees and public safety workers, major K-12 funding increases and enrollment supplements, higher education workforce and nursing investments, expanded Medicaid/KidCare and behavioral health funding, corrections and law enforcement operational funding, transportation and housing investments, and significant environmental and water quality spending. Members asked about civic education funding, declining enrollment, professor retention, APD waiver waitlists, cultural grant allocations, and other line items. Public testimony also addressed HIV/AIDS drug assistance funding and prison air conditioning. SPB 2500 was adopted as a committee bill after amendment consideration and a roll call vote.
The committee then took up implementing and related budget bills, including SPB 2502 (implementing the General Appropriations Act), SPB 2504 (state employee bargaining placeholder), SB 7028 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and related retirement changes), SPB 2506 (fuel tax distributions), SPB 2508 (state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge), SPB 2510 (termination of an unused court trust fund), SPB 2512 (new judgeships), SPB 2514 (K-12 conforming changes), SPB 2516 (higher education conforming changes), and SPB 2518 (health conforming changes). Most were explained as technical or conforming measures tied to the budget, and all were reported favorably as committee bills, with SB 7028 amended to direct a portion of increased contributions to disability and line-of-duty death benefits in the FRS investment plan.
The committee also heard and passed several member bills, including CS for SB 1074 on rounding rules for cash transactions in a world without pennies, CS for SB 678 restoring the alcohol loss deduction framework for distributors, and SB 964 on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention. SB 964 drew the most discussion, with questions about the one-year death-benefit window, the separate $25,000 cancer diagnosis payment, and whether the bill could create gaps in coverage for firefighters diagnosed or dying just outside the new time limits. Firefighter representatives testified in support, saying the bill would provide clearer protections for members and families. All of these measures were reported favorably.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, Brady began to work for Dive Guys, um, doing aquatic lakeweed removal.
- Joseph Anderson was 18 when he began working for your Lake Aquatic Plant Management, uh, just not even
- </c><00:01:10.240><c> It</c> doing uh aquatic lakeweed removal.
- It doing uh aquatic lakeweed removal.
- </c> began working for your Lake Aquatic began working for your Lake Aquatic Plant<00:01:28.159><c> Management
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- In doing so, the bill allows for minimum dredging and filling in the Biscayne Aquatic Preserve for the
- mangroves, this amendment restricts the dredging or filling of submerged lands within the Terra Ceia Aquatic
- dredge and fill restriction with those already in place, as the Senator outlined, for the Biscayne Aquatic
- strengthen coastal resilience using nature-based solutions that protect our communities and our ecosystems
Summary:
The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and a series of introductions recognizing guests, visiting groups, and special honorees in the galleries. The chamber then took up committee and executive appointment business, adopting a report confirming 42 gubernatorial appointments by a vote of 36-0.
The Senate next considered a long special-order calendar of bills, most of them passing with little or no opposition. Measures included public-records sunset reviews and trade secret/cybersecurity exemptions; a child-abuse reporting statute of limitations bill; commercial driving school oversight; human trafficking training for nurses; a new injunction for protection against serious violence and its related public-records exemption; nature-based coastal resiliency and mangrove protection; a chiropractic trust-funds cap repeal; specialty license plates; a waiver of late financial disclosure fines; public school personnel compensation; the Florida Farm Bill with multiple agriculture, biosolids, and enforcement provisions; homestead exemption clarification for long-term leases; disability presumption clarifications for first responders; reinsurance intermediary manager conformity; patriotic displays in public schools; ADS-B aviation fee restrictions; autism-related law enforcement training and the Blue Envelope program; campus safety reporting procedures for public postsecondary institutions; and veterinary prescription disclosure. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including local vessel restrictions, temporary critical-need practice certificates, and domestic animals.
The floor debate featured the most discussion on the farm bill, the HCSM/nonprofit religious organizations bill, the autism law-enforcement bill, and the school athletics bill. The HCSM bill drew extended debate over whether licensed insurance agents should be allowed to market faith-based health care sharing ministries, with supporters emphasizing consumer choice, free speech, and religious liberty, and opponents warning about unregulated products and commissions; it passed 32-5. The athletics bill, prompted by the Teddy Bridgewater/Miami Northwestern situation, would let coaches provide good-faith support to student-athletes while requiring reporting and FHSAA oversight; it passed 38-0. Most other measures passed overwhelmingly, including the autism bill 38-0, the campus safety bill 37-0, the public school patriotic displays bill 36-2, and the farm bill 38-0 after amendments addressing Everglades lands and biosolids timing were adopted.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- In doing so, the bill allows for minimum dredging and filling in the Biscayne Aquatic Preserve for the
- mangroves, this amendment restricts the dredging or filling of submerged lands within the Terra Ceia Aquatic
- dredge-and-fill restriction with those already in place, as the Senator outlined, for the Biscayne Aquatic
- strengthen coastal resilience using nature-based solutions that protect our communities and our ecosystems
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-19 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In doing so, the bill allows for minimum dredging and filling in the Biscayne Aquatic Preserve for the
- mangroves, this amendment restricts the dredging or filling of submerged lands within the Terra Ceia Aquatic
- dredge-and-fill restriction with those already in place, as the Senator outlined, for the Biscayne Aquatic
- strengthen coastal resilience using nature-based solutions that protect our communities and our ecosystems
Summary:
The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and a series of gallery introductions recognizing visitors, local officials, students, and public safety personnel. The chamber first took up a report from the Ethics and Elections Committee on 42 executive appointments; after Senator Gaetz explained that the committee had reviewed the appointees’ qualifications and suitability, the Senate adopted the report and confirmed the appointments by a 36-0 vote.
The Senate then moved through a long special-order calendar focused largely on open-government sunset reviews and other policy bills. It passed measures to continue or consolidate public records and meeting exemptions for aquaculture records, agency-held trade secrets, and cybersecurity information, with one technical amendment adopted on the cybersecurity bill. The chamber also approved bills extending the statute of limitations for failure to report child abuse, strengthening regulation of commercial driving schools, requiring human trafficking education for nursing graduates, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person, and making the related public-records exemption. Additional bills passed included a nature-based coastal resiliency measure with an amendment restricting dredge-and-fill in Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, a chiropractic trust-funds bill, specialty license plates, a one-time waiver of late financial disclosure fines, public school personnel compensation changes, the annual Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services “Farm Bill,” homestead exemption clarification for long-term leaseholders, disability-presumption clarifications for first responders, reinsurance intermediary manager changes, patriotic displays in public schools, ADS-B fee restrictions, autism-related law enforcement training and a Blue Envelope program, campus safety policy transparency at public colleges and universities, and veterinary prescription disclosure. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including local vessel restrictions, temporary certificates for practice, and domestic animals.
The Senate also debated and passed a bill allowing licensed insurance agents to market health care sharing ministries, despite concerns raised by Senator Polsky about consumer confusion, commissions, and the sale of non-insurance products; supporters argued it restored free speech, religious liberty, and consumer choice. The chamber approved the bill 32-5 after debate. Most other measures passed with strong bipartisan support, often by unanimous or near-unanimous votes, and several companion House bills were substituted in place of Senate bills before final passage.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (01/20/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- The fact that the neonics are damaging aquatic zooplankton that eat cyanobacteria suggests that one of
- uh zohop plankton damaging uh aquatic uh zohop plankton that<00:05:19.520><c> eat</c><00:05:19.840><
- If we are using a lot of neonicotinoids, it looks like that is a way of damaging both aquatic health
- </c> like this, you know, kind of ecosystem like this, you know, kind of ecosystem within<03:46:21.600
- ecosystem of the landfill?
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 4/10/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- spreadsheet and bill represent, and specifically today we were highlighting some work around our aquatic
- The bill also does not include water use fee increases as proposed or the aquatic invasive species, or
- invasive species prevention work aquatic invasive species prevention work and<00:07:08.000><c> uh</c
- </c> fee increases as proposed or the aquatic fee increases as proposed or the aquatic invasive<00:08
- </c> rivers, streams from the harm of aquatic rivers, streams from the harm of aquatic invasives.<00:
Bills:
HF2439
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Tribal and State Relations Committee May 13th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Tribal and State Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- animal operations that are affecting, or could potentially affect, the water quality within our ecosystems
- about the lake that has been adverse to taking on some of the zebra mussels or any type of those aquatic
- lake that has been that has been averse to taking on some of like zebra mussels or any type of those aquatic
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Tribal and State Relations Committee May 13th, 2026
Tribal and State Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- that involves large animal operations that could potentially affect the water quality within our ecosystems
- about the lake that has been adverse to taking on some of the zebra mussels or any type of those aquatic
- lake that has been that has been averse to taking on some of like zebra mussels or any type of those aquatic
Summary:
The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and heard an extended discussion with Spirit Lake tribal leaders and program directors about government-to-government relations with the state. Chairwoman Street and others outlined a number of concerns and requests, including taxation of tribal and trust lands, state school support for non-beneficiary students, homelessness services, Indian-managed health care, gaming/e-tabs, the Feather Alert system, industrial farming near waterways, tourism and cultural issues, and the need for more consistent tribal consultation. Committee members responded that many of these issues had previously been passed along without direct action, and several members emphasized the committee’s role in education, communication, and preparing possible legislation or resolutions for the next session. Tribal representatives also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to help legislators better understand tribal jurisdiction and billing issues.
A major portion of the meeting focused on Spirit Lake Fish and Wildlife concerns, especially jurisdictional “gray areas” around hunting and fishing on the reservation, recognition of tribal licenses, and the boundary of the reservation around Spirit Lake/Devils Lake. Tribal officials said they wanted a co-stewardship agreement or MOU with the state to clarify jurisdiction, improve cooperation, and address invasive species and aquatic nuisance species. Committee members discussed whether to draft legislation or a resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and they asked for further input from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at a future meeting. The committee also discussed county involvement in land status changes and trust land issues, with Spirit Lake leaders describing a past Benson County resolution that tried to block fee-to-trust transfers and saying it was later rescinded.
The committee then heard from Benson County tax equalization director Randy Thompson, who explained how the county values land and handles tax-exempt, inundated, and fee-to-trust parcels. Members asked about the impact of tax-exempt lands on county services and discussed prior legislation that helped counties with large tax-exempt bases. The committee also received a presentation from Dr. Steven Smith of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, including support for non-beneficiary students and workforce training. Members asked about expanding tribal college education into correctional settings, and Smith said the idea was worth exploring through the tribal college system. Finally, HHS interim medical services director Christoph Framing presented remotely on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion, explaining current state funding mechanisms for inpatient and residential behavioral health services and the bill draft directing HHS to pursue a waiver for IMD payments.