Video & Transcript Research : 'storm sewer'
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FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 4, 2026 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- In terms of the 100-year storm event, isn't it described that way?
- But what about categories of storms?
- A good amendment specifically speaking to the 100-year storm.
- It's more appropriately described as the one percent storm.
- But it's a it addresses more than just categories of storms.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- water, sewers, and all platted streets for 120 acres.
- water, sewers, and all platted streets for 120 acres.
- water, sewers, and all platted streets for 120 acres.
- water, sewers, and all platted streets for 120 acres.
- water, sewers, and all platted streets for 120 acres.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We did streets, water, sewer, and lights.
- We did streets, water, sewer, and lights.
- What it does include is water and sewer from a private...
- We had a storm last year.
- </c> knows what blae done with their sewer knows what blae done with their sewer rates<01:14:34.120><
Keywords:
education funding, unemployment aid, special education, Minnesota statutes, appropriations, housing, redevelopment, local government, trust funds, community development, HF1340, housing infrastructure bonds, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, MHFA, affordable housing, supportive housing, permanent housing, adaptive reuse, area median income, AMI
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
Transcript Highlights:
- So next we have private water and sewer reports.
- and Sewer Department, December 31, 2023 and 2022.
- On page 16, the next six reports are private water and sewer reports.
- "No, well, I mean, yeah, after the ice storm. I mean, after you...
- Dover Municipal Water and Sewer System. We received good responses. 97, 94,000.” “And sewer system.
Summary:
The committee began with prayer and approval of the January 8 minutes, then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. Staff reported that for the 2022 reports, 19 of 43 entities had had their turnback reinstated, while 24 remained in escrow; for the 2023 reports, 59 of 64 entities had filed, leaving five outstanding. The committee also filed a report on Adona, where staff said the city had made enough progress toward substantial compliance with municipal accounting laws to discontinue withholding turnback, and the committee adopted that recommendation.
The bulk of the meeting focused on municipal accounting noncompliance cases. Gum Springs and Denning were presented with extensive repeat findings involving budgets not adopted by ordinance or resolution, missing or incomplete bank reconciliations, inadequate receipts and disbursement records, payroll issues, and improper handling of Act 833 funds or other city money. Both cities’ mayors and recorders-treasurers testified about efforts to correct records, obtain training, and work with the Municipal League; the committee voted to start the 60-day turnback-withholding clock for both and then filed the reports. Fargo was deferred because no city representative was present.
Additional reports included Green Forest, Elaine, Strong, Brooklyn, Mineral Springs, Rondo, Waldo, Columbia County, and several private water and sewer entities. Strong drew significant concern over missing garbage-bag revenue, improper fund transfers, and deficit balances; the committee deferred that report to the March meeting. The committee also heard investigative or referred reports on the Faulkner County Fair Association, Brooklyn payroll direct-deposit fraud, and other entities with questionable disbursements or recordkeeping. In several cases, staff recommended filing the reports after responses were received; in others, the committee deferred action when responses were lacking or representatives were absent. The meeting ended with a motion to defer a Cross County Rural Water matter so the entity could appear at the next meeting.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Local Government (3-24-26)
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, next up, Senate Bill 312, Senator Brandon Storm.
- Senator Brandon Storm, 21st Senate District. Good morning.
- Senator Storm, thank you very much and welcome these two gentlemen.
- just</c><00:26:59.400><c> testified</c> Uh Senator Storm who just testified Uh Senator Storm who just
- And then we also added a regionalization study for water and sewer. Thank you.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:54
Roll Call 00:01:17
SB 192 Discussion 00:03:31
SB 192 Vote 00:05:41
SB 312 Discussion 00:07:17
SB 312 Vote 00:09:56
SB 27 Discussion 00:11:27
SB 27 Vote 00:15:51
SB 149 Discussion 00:16:55
SB 149 Vote 00:19:35
SB 133 Discussion 00:21:17
SB 133 Vote 00:23:41
SJR 62 Discussion 00:25:04
SJR 62 Vote 00:27:28
SJR 75 Discussion 00:28:31
SJR 75 Vote 00:31:56
Adjournment 00:34:30, 958, all
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 25th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator DiCeglie: ...which mentions storm debris and really it moved the storm debris responsibility
- Senator DiCeglie: Delete line 11 through 21 dealing with storm debris collection. Chair: Questions?
- As the midwife responsible for this neglect left the hospital, she stormed to the waiting room in front
- It strengthens Basin Management Action Plans by prohibiting new septic systems where sewer is available
- And requires on-site sewer treatment and disposal system remediation plans as part of BMAP when systems
Keywords:
funeral homes, cemetery law, cremation, embalmer, funeral director, preneed contract, preneed funeral, human remains, unclaimed cremated remains, disposition of remains, hospice, palliative care, end-of-life care, direct disposal, mortuary science, funeral service arts, licensure by endorsement, cemetery license, contiguous acres, consumer services
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Housing Committee Meeting - 2025-04-01
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Today, Beacon and our peers in the The unprofitable housing sector is experiencing a perfect storm.
- We also applied for a grant to build a storm shelter. We received $424 to do so.
- We now have a community center and a beautiful storm shelter that can withstand up to an F5, the first
- We had a storm last year, and the last trees to be taken care of were those controlled by neighboring
- I live in Blaine, and I know what Blaine's done with their sewer rates just in the last two years: 18%
Keywords:
education funding, unemployment aid, special education, Minnesota statutes, appropriations, housing, redevelopment, local government, trust funds, community development, HF1340, housing infrastructure bonds, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, MHFA, affordable housing, supportive housing, permanent housing, adaptive reuse, area median income, AMI
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 25th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- So that one deletes lines 11 through 21, which had a mention of storm debris.
- It moved the storm debris responsibility to the Department of Management Services.
- That deletes lines 11 through 21, which deals with the storm debris collection. Perfect.
- As the midwife responsible for this neglect left the hospital, she stormed through the waiting room in
- It strengthens basin management action plans by prohibiting new septic systems where sewer is available
Keywords:
funeral homes, cemetery law, cremation, embalmer, funeral director, preneed contract, preneed funeral, human remains, unclaimed cremated remains, disposition of remains, hospice, palliative care, end-of-life care, direct disposal, mortuary science, funeral service arts, licensure by endorsement, cemetery license, contiguous acres, consumer services
Summary:
The committee first took up appointments, recommending confirmation of James Patrick Grambling and Brian J. Aungst on a single favorable vote. It then heard and approved several committee bills, including CS/CS/SB 1260 on building code inspections, which directs the Department of Management Services to contract with private providers for plan review and inspections; CS/SB 1668 on NICA, which updates benefits, oversight, funding, and immunity language; SB 1300 on a workforce/CDL training program for selected nonviolent inmates; CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services; CS/SB 1580 on illegal gaming enforcement; CS/SB 934 on Florida Keys affordable housing tax exemptions; and CS/CS/SB 1452, an agency bill updating DFS programs and licensing rules. Each of those bills was reported favorably after committee debate and, in several cases, amendments were adopted.
The committee spent substantial time on CS/CS/SB 1510, the DEP package, which reorganizes environmental rulemaking and land acquisition authority, expands septic-to-sewer and nutrient-reduction requirements in sensitive areas, updates stormwater and resilience provisions, and revises related permitting and grant programs. Two amendments were adopted, including one adding solar-energy and stormwater-related provisions and another removing septic disclosure reporting language. Testimony included support from DEP and concerns from environmental advocates about septic timelines and implementation. The bill was ultimately reported favorably.
The committee also considered CS/CS/SB 1566 on local government budget transparency, requiring counties and municipalities to post budgets and related materials online for extended periods in a standardized format. The League of Cities opposed the bill as an unfunded mandate, while the sponsor argued it would improve taxpayer access and accountability; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 7034, a rule ratification for minimum flows and levels for the lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and priority springs, with testimony focused on the proposed Water First restoration strategy, conservation measures, and concerns about water quality, funding, and local opposition. The transcript ends during closing remarks on that ratification bill, before a final vote is shown.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Peter for replacing the water, sanitary, and storm sewer infrastructure to ensure clients and staff have
- :01.280><c> sewer</c><00:19:01.679><c> infrastructure</c> sanitary, and storm sewer infrastructure sanitary
- , and storm sewer infrastructure to<00:19:02.960><c> ensure</c><00:19:03.360><c> clients</c><00:19:03.679
- </c><01:47:53.679><c> system</c> for the water and sewer system for the water and sewer system replacement
- Uh the water and sewer systems bid out.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions - 01/20/2026
Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
Transcript Highlights:
- Law in relation to including stormwater in the definition of sewage for purposes of certain water, sewer
- This bill would clarify that certain water and sewer authorities can take actions, including the spending
- As 471A is an act to amend the public authorities law in relation to including storm water and the definition
- of sewage for purposes of certain water sewer sewer and watered sewer authorities.
- This field would clarify that certain water and sewer authorities can take actions including the spending
Summary:
The Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions met for its first convening of the 2026 session and confirmed quorum. The chair emphasized transparency in state agencies and utilities, particularly the Public Service Commission, and referenced prior work on utility affordability, nominations, and chaptered bills from the previous session.
The committee considered eight bills. It advanced S.373, which would bar confidentiality and nondisclosure provisions in certain state and municipal contracts; S.1336, creating a New York State Digital Equity Plan and ConnectAll Digital Equity Grant Program; and S.2324, requiring Attorney General and Comptroller review of certain state or public authority real property sales over $250,000. It also moved S.2459 to restore earlier Public Authorities Control Board oversight provisions, and S.3736 to increase information provided to PACB members before project funding votes.
Additional bills reported to the floor included S.4071A, clarifying that stormwater is included in the definition of sewage for certain water and sewer authorities; S.4576A, establishing a procedure for appointing a president or chairperson upon vacancy and correcting gendered language; and S.5551, requiring recording and public posting of certain Empire State Development public hearings. The bills were moved, seconded, and reported out, with several passing unanimously and at least one receiving a negative vote or abstention noted in the record.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- Recent studies note that the precipitation from extremely heavy storms has... In weather patterns.
- Recent studies note that the precipitation from extremely heavy storms has increased 70 percent since
- are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of flooding from heavy rainfall because of combined sewer
- outflows. ...to the consequences of flooding from heavy rainfall because of combined sewer outflows.
- ... ...soiled because at the same time the water was rising, our water and sewer infrastructure actually
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hearing on 25 tax and administrative bills, with opening remarks explaining the hearing process and noting that House-filed matters must be reported by December 6. The first major topic was funding for the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial and related support for families of fallen officers. Police representatives, memorial fund advocates, and family members gave emotional testimony urging favorable action on S. 1934 and related bills, emphasizing the need for a permanent revenue stream to maintain the memorial and honor officers killed in the line of duty. Committee members and legislators responded with personal remarks of support and appreciation for law enforcement families.
The committee then heard testimony on a proposed Commonwealth Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, including S. 1967 and related bills. Senator Peter Durant and later Dennis Porter argued that the state should be allowed to invest a limited share of stabilization or other funds in Bitcoin or other regulated digital assets as a hedge against inflation and fiscal risk, with strict caps, custody rules, and audits. They described the proposal as a forward-looking, non-mandatory framework for diversifying state reserves. No vote was taken during the hearing.
Another major topic was disaster resilience funding. Dr. Paul Biddinger of Mass General Brigham supported S. 1936/H. 3030, saying climate-driven flooding, drought, and wildfire risks are increasing and that the State Disaster Relief and Resiliency Trust Fund needs a dedicated revenue source. Senator Comerford also testified in favor, explaining that the fund was created in the prior session, that recent floods showed the need for quick state response, and that the bill would dedicate a portion of capital gains revenue to the fund. Committee members asked about how the fund would accrue and be used. The committee also heard testimony on PILOT and endowment-related bills: AICUM opposed H. 3122/S. 2013 and H. 3264/S. 2016, arguing that an endowment tax and mandatory PILOTs would harm private nonprofit colleges, students, and research; and a representative from Peru supported reform of PILOT formulas for state-owned land, saying rural towns need higher reimbursements and hold-harmless protections. The hearing concluded after testimony on the digital asset bills, with no recorded votes or final actions.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Peter for replacing the water, sanitary, and storm sewer infrastructure to ensure clients and staff have
- ><c> sewer</c><00:15:33.199><c> infrastructure</c> sanitary, and storm sewer infrastructure sanitary,
- and storm sewer infrastructure to<00:15:34.720><c> ensure</c><00:15:35.440><c> uh</c><00:15:35.600><
- </c><00:33:46.159><c> uh</c><00:33:46.480><c> line</c> uh also had a sanitary sewer uh line uh also had
- a sanitary sewer uh line break<00:33:47.600><c> uh</c><00:33:47.919><c> last</c><00:33:48.240><c> year
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 25th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to go ahead and start with tab number six, SB 1784, on sewer collection systems by Senator
- So if you're bringing new septic-to-sewer conversion, tapping it to the sewer, there should be a fee
- But are you saying, just for clarity, because I don't do those septic-to-sewer conversions...
- out a storm.
- I think that's... ...shippers have done for thousands of years to ride out a storm.
Summary:
The committee heard and acted on a long agenda of environmental and natural resources bills. It reported favorably SB 1784 on sewer collection systems, allowing municipal sewer revenues to be used for expansion; SB 1388 on vessels, which prohibits random vessel inspections without probable cause, creates a five-year safety decal, bars local fuel-type boat bans, and expands funding options for boat ramps and marinas; and SB 880, which designates the American flamingo as Florida’s state bird and the Florida scrub jay as the state songbird. SB 946, as amended, was also reported favorably; it restricts certain waste facilities and incinerators near the Everglades, with the amendment narrowing the focus to the Broward/Miami-Dade area near the C-9 impoundment project. SB 1792 on dry sandy beaches was reported favorably after amendment, creating a pilot and process to inventory beaches and explore voluntary public access or conservation arrangements with private owners. SB 866 on anchoring limitation areas was reported favorably despite opposition from cruisers and boaters who argued existing law should be used instead of new county-specific restrictions. SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands was reported favorably with amendments that removed language about the necessity of phosphate mining and clarified that landowners requesting a radiation study must pay for it. The committee also reported favorably SB 1326 on hurricane evacuation clearance times and permit allocations in the Keys, and SB 1580, after a delete-all amendment, which authorizes DEP to use public-private partnerships for coastal resiliency projects. Finally, SB 1300 on oil and gas drilling permits was introduced to require DEP to consider potential harm from accidents or blowouts to natural resources when reviewing drilling permits, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill. The committee also took up confirmations, temporarily postponing the vote on Rodney Barreto’s FWC reappointment after public criticism of his leadership, while recommending favorably the other listed appointments.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works Apr 13th, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Public Works
Transcript Highlights:
- We have the I-Storm team coming to New Orleans... ...to learn from us.
- We have the I-Storm team coming to New Orleans next month to have a powwow with ourselves, CPRA, and
- We have the I-Storm team coming to New Orleans next month to have a powwow with ourselves, CPR, and the
Bills:
HB345, HB502, HB511, HB655, HB667, HB713, HB714, HB730, HB743, HB777, HB803, HB836, HB871, HB1037, HB1167, HB1174, HB1175
Keywords:
rail infrastructure, ports, Class II railroads, Class III railroads, transportation, Caddo Parish, property taxes, abatement, payment in lieu of taxes, taxing entities, governmental approval, pursuit intervention, law enforcement, safety technology, GPS tracking, public safety, ferries, Department of Transportation, contracts, state legislation
Summary:
The committee heard several transportation and aviation measures. HB 1175, by Rep. Turner, updated aeronautics-related definitions and was reported favorably without objection. HB 655, by Rep. Brough, authorized DOTD to use cost-plus contracts for operation and maintenance of state ferry systems, with Secretary Glenn LaDay explaining it was intended to give DOTD flexibility for possible privatization or contracting of ferries such as Cameron; it was also reported favorably. HB 1037, by Chairman Borek, shifted certain DOTD operational responsibilities to a chief operating officer and was reported favorably, and HB 1174, also by Chairman Borek, recreated DOTD and was reported favorably as a cleanup measure. HB 714 and HB 502 were voluntarily deferred.
The committee then considered several port-related bills. HB 871, by Rep. Carver, would have added two St. Tammany Parish appointees to the Port of New Orleans board, but the author asked to voluntarily defer it, saying the timing was premature given ongoing work on the Louisiana International Terminal and related access projects. HB 345, by Rep. McMakin, expanded the Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program to include rail infrastructure at ports and was reported favorably. HB 713, by Rep. McCormick, would cap the Caddo-Bossier Port executive director’s compensation at the statewide average of the top ten port directors; after extensive debate and testimony from the port, the Port Association, and Caddo Parish opposing the bill, the committee voted 12-1 to involuntarily defer it. HB 667, also by Rep. McCormick, would change Caddo-Bossier Port commissioners from appointed to elected; witnesses argued it would politicize the board, create election costs, and conflict with the port’s current structure, and the committee again voted 12-1 to involuntarily defer the bill.
The committee also advanced local infrastructure and flood-protection measures. HB 743, by Rep. St. Blanc, creating the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport District in St. Mary Parish, was reported favorably after testimony that the district would help the parish manage the airport as an economic development asset. HB 836, by Rep. Hilferty, would reconfirm members of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East by Senate confirmation; after concerns that the original August 1 date could interfere with hurricane-season operations, the committee adopted an amendment moving the reconfirmation date to December 1, 2026, and then reported the bill favorably by substitute. Finally, HB 730, by Rep. Cruz, was presented to prohibit the use of ADS-B aircraft tracking data to assess taxes or fees on aircraft owners, with an amendment narrowing the bill to smaller aircraft; the discussion continued into questions about enforcement and exemptions for carrier airports.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 1123, a bill to be entitled an act relating to sewer collection systems.
- House Bill 1123, a bill to be entitled an act relating to sewer collection systems.
- Briefly, I want to thank Senator the President, Albritton, September of 23, following horrendous storms
- And they're doing what they can locally to go ahead and convert from septic to public sewer and taking
- What they can locally to go ahead and convert from septic to public sewer and take that initiative.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, then moved into a series of special-order bills and House messages. Early floor action included passage of a claim bill for Mandy Penny Lemon (HB 6503) and bills on sewer collection systems (HB 1123) and farm products (HB 211), all passing unanimously. The chamber also took up an ad valorem tax exemption resolution for agricultural tangible personal property (CS/HJR 1215), which passed 37-0. Several other measures were temporarily postponed before the Senate recessed and later returned to House messages and additional special orders.
The Senate then addressed multiple House amendments and conference-style motions. It concurred in amended versions of SB 994 on driver safety, SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, and HB 1609 on waste incineration/auxiliary containers after extended debate over hurricane recovery rules, local government restrictions, and plastic container preemption. The chamber also concurred in CS/HB 1205 on citizen initiative petitions, increasing the number of petitions a volunteer may carry from 2 to 25, and in CS/HB 733 on Brownfields. Other House amendments were rejected or sent back, including SB 234 on offenses against law enforcement, SB 116 on veterans policy, SB 168 on mental health, and HB 1101 on out-of-network provider referrals.
Later, the Senate approved CS/HB 1255 on education and CS/HB 875 on educator preparation, with discussion focused on school readiness, teacher training, and changes to certification and testing requirements. It also concurred in CS/HB 1427, a broad health care bill, after the House added a major nursing education amendment that tightened Board of Nursing oversight, required standardized evaluation and remediation, and imposed accountability measures tied to NCLEX pass rates and program performance. Several members raised concerns or praised negotiated compromises throughout the day, but the recorded actions were mainly concurrence motions, refusals to concur, and final passage votes on the bills considered.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- These investments strengthen Florida's ability to withstand storms today. Okay?
- These investments strengthen Florida's ability to withstand storms today while preparing our communities
- And that does include septic sewer when it's appropriate and available.
- And that does include subject to sewer when it's appropriate and available.
- Secretary Lambert: Part of it does, and it can when we do have a storm, but there is routine funding
Summary:
The committee convened with a quorum, welcomed new member Senator Ralph Massullo, and first took up confirmation of five appointees to water management district and basin board positions. Senator McLean moved favorable confirmation of Ted Everett, Jerome Pate, Michael Romano, Paul Bissfam, John Hall, and Virginia Johns, and the motion passed by roll call.
The main agenda item was the Governor’s Florida First budget presentation for the environmental agencies. Kim Kramer and DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert outlined proposed environmental funding of about $5.8 billion, including more than $1.4 billion for water resources, $810 million for Everglades restoration, $408 million for water quality, $202 million for Resilient Florida, $75 million for beach renourishment, $150 million for Florida Forever, $70 million for state park infrastructure, and $221 million for hazardous waste cleanup. They also highlighted proposed funding for FWC operations, manatee care, python removal, oyster reef restoration, forestry and wildfire equipment, and citrus research and disease response. Members asked about Florida Forever funding, state park wastewater and septic needs, a cut to the Florida Wildlife Research Institute, and how beach renourishment is handled after storms.
The committee then heard the general government budget presentation. Agencies highlighted included DBPR, Gaming Control, the Lottery, DMS, PERC, DFS, OIR, and Revenue. DBPR discussed funding for license processing, an animal abuse hotline, vehicle replacement, and IT recruitment; Gaming Control requested new law enforcement squads and a licensing/enforcement IT system; the Lottery emphasized marketing, retail engagement, IT, and retention funding; DMS proposed building, fleet, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and local government grant investments; PERC described workload growth after SB 256 and requested staffing, operations, and pay increases; OIR sought more staff for consumer protection and market oversight plus building renovations; DFS highlighted My Safe Florida Home funding, fire marshal and first responder support, financial investigations, and gold and silver legal tender implementation; and Revenue requested operational, IT, and fiscally constrained county funding. Members questioned DBPR about unfunded HOA fraud and condo transparency items, DMS about cybersecurity grants, and DFS about My Safe Florida Home funding levels, abandoned grants, and reduced program uptake. No further action was taken, and the committee adjourned without additional votes.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- These investments strengthen Florida's ability to withstand storms today. Okay?
- These investments strengthen Florida's ability to withstand storms today while preparing our communities
- And that does include septic sewer when it's appropriate and available.
- And that does include subject to sewer when it's appropriate and available.
- Secretary Lambert: Part of it does, and it can when we do have a storm, but there is routine funding
Summary:
The committee first took up confirmation of five water management district appointees: Ted Everett and Jerome Pate to the Northwest Florida Water Management District, Michael Romano to the Big Cypress Basin Board of the South Florida Water Management District, and Paul Bissfam, John Hall, and Virginia Johns to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Senator McClain moved confirmation, the roll was called, and the committee recommended all appointees favorably.
Members then received the Governor’s Florida First budget presentations for environmental agencies. The environmental package totaled about $5.8 billion and emphasized Everglades restoration, water quality, resilience, land conservation, state parks, hazardous waste cleanup, wildlife management, wildfire response, and citrus support. DEP highlighted more than $1.4 billion for water resources, including $810 million for Everglades restoration, $202 million for Resilient Florida, $150 million for Florida Forever, $70 million for state parks, and $221 million for contamination cleanup. FWC, Agriculture, and Citrus funding priorities were also outlined. Members asked about Florida Forever funding, state park wastewater and septic needs, a reduction at the Florida Wildlife Research Institute, and beach renourishment funding for storm damage.
The committee also heard the General Government portion of the budget, which totaled about $2.9 billion and covered DBPR, Lottery, Financial Services, Management Services, Revenue, PERC, and the Gaming Control Commission. DBPR requested funds for license processing, an animal abuse hotline, fleet replacement, and IT retention. FGCC sought new enforcement squads and an IT licensing/enforcement system. The Lottery proposed marketing, retail engagement, IT, and retention funding. DMS emphasized building modernization, fleet telematics, 911 and radio upgrades, cybersecurity, a local government cybersecurity grant program, and data interoperability. PERC described a sharp increase in labor cases and elections after SB 256 and requested staffing, election administration, and hearing officer pay increases. DFS highlighted My Safe Florida Home, fire marshal and first responder support, financial investigations, and gold and silver legal tender implementation. Revenue requested operational and IT funding and support for fiscally constrained counties. Questions focused on DBPR’s condo and HOA initiatives, cybersecurity grant reductions, and the My Safe Florida Home program’s abandoned grants and matching requirements. No additional votes were taken, and the committee adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- bills, sewer betterment, sewer assessment, sewer use fees.
- Sewer betterment, sewer assessment, sewer use fees. You might wonder why we're here.
- Well, we found out that these sewer...
- Our problem became a combined problem between sewer use fees and sewer betterment fees.
- About the sewer user fees, if I just have a moment, we struggled over sewer user fees and we found...
Summary:
The committee opened its hearing with procedural remarks, including a strict three-minute testimony limit, livestream instructions, and a July 1 deadline for written testimony. Chairs Lewis and Rauch then heard testimony on a wide range of municipal home rule petitions and related bills, with many local officials and advocates being taken out of order because of the large turnout.
A major topic was firefighter residency. Representatives of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and Sen. Keenan supported H. 2260/S. 1449, which would replace the current 15-mile residency rule for non-civil-service fire departments with a negotiable standard, generally allowing residency within 15 miles and permitting expansion through collective bargaining. Supporters said the change would improve recruitment and retention amid the housing crisis and create parity with civil-service departments. Acton Fire Chief Anita Arnhum and Sen. Senna also backed H. 4168 for Acton, making similar arguments about recruitment, paramedics, and the need for local flexibility.
The committee also heard strong support for charter overhaul petitions for Somerville and Lynn. Somerville officials, including Rep. Barber, Mayor Ballantyne, Councilor Jake Wilson, and charter committee member Beverly Schwartz, described a years-long public process to replace an 1890s-era charter with a modern document emphasizing transparency, public participation, clearer governance, and a possible change to the mayor’s term length. Lynn Mayor Nicholson similarly supported a charter update to modernize city operations and financial procedures. Cambridge-related charter and procurement reforms were also briefly endorsed by Rep. Cabral.
Other bills discussed included a proposal by Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Scarsdale to create a state grant program for municipal sustainability directors, and regional school finance bills supported by Rep. Lanatra and Jason Frazier to expand special education reserve funds and create a regional school assessment reserve fund. Acton witnesses also supported library governance changes and a checkout bag charge proposal. The committee heard sharply divided testimony on Quincy’s H. 3897, a 50-year lease extension for Quarry Hills/Granite Links: Quincy officials and business supporters praised the public-private partnership and future investment potential, while residents argued the lease was too long, should be competitively bid, and deserved more oversight and auditing. The hearing also included testimony on Boston trash truck noise restrictions and a PEG access/cable funds bill supported by Mass Access, as well as a Southwick petition to elect part of the Conservation Commission, which one select board member opposed as contrary to current law and good governance.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/11/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh storm water management uh street.
- </c> exacerbate storm runoff issues as well. exacerbate storm runoff issues as well.
- This allows cities to assess needs and abilities to accommodate parking, water, sewer, storm sewer infrastructure
- ,</c><00:27:42.320><c> storm</c> accommodate parking, water, sewer, storm accommodate parking, water,
- sewer, storm sewer<00:27:42.960><c> infrastructure,</c><00:27:43.600><c> as</c><00:27:43.760><c> well
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate DFL Press Conference 3/18/25
Transcript Highlights:
- opened up new manholes water our sewers opened up new manholes to<00:09:52.760><c> access</c><00:09:
- 53.120><c> the</c><00:09:53.360><c> sewers</c><00:09:53.959><c> added</c><00:09:54.279><c> fire</c><00
- :09:54.600><c> hydrants</c> to access the sewers added fire hydrants to access the sewers added fire
- In 2016, we built the storm shelter above ground, the first of its kind.
- The storm shelter above ground, the first of its kind, can withstand up to an F5.