Transcript Highlights:

• But on the surface, you can run it with an airboat, you can run over land, different grasses, things
• And today, with the modified surface drives, they are barely any louder.
• surface as it relates to invertebrate communities and fisheries habitats.
• Garrett, what the— I heard not much louder than the other traditional surface drives.
• and past property owners to make sure we do this right.

Bills: SCR54, SCR59, HCR5, HCR62, HCR78, HCR86, HB595, HB688, HB802, HB841, HB1161, HB1171, HB1189, HB1248, HB1258

Keywords: Mississippi River Basin, fishery commission, invasive species, sustainability, economic impact, red drum, fishing regulations, tournament permits, wildlife management, recreational fishing, flood management, FEMA, floodplain maps, environmental risks, Louisiana, flood insurance, risk assessment, community planning, seafood, commercial fishing

Transcript Highlights:

• Three to four of those members are environmental department staff in the Surface Water Quality Bureau
• in that, and I just want you to talk, just for the record, about how you can serve and protect the surface
• It appears in many cases, property owners either find it inconvenient or simply do not want to comply
• water is what is relied on, where we are relying on surface water infrastructure that may, for whatever
• Because by the time the river and the surface water gets to us, there's none left.

Transcript Highlights:

• a lot of issues I think in she surfaced a lot of issues I think in her<00:29:24.039> testimony
• Representative Gomez said that some issues were surfaced that, to her thinking, have not really been
• program and just surfaced questions that you<00:37:35.160> know<00:37:35.319> I<00:37:
• <00:37:45.880> that<00:37:46.000> to issues were surfaced that to issues were surfaced
• or the uh the new either the owner or the uh the new person<00:55:24.160> who<00:55:24.319>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• He's not just related to the bill owner, but he was speaking my San Antonio Military City USA language
• Yes, sir, about the same temperature as the surface of the sun.
• Not that much rock structure below the surface. This makes all the sense in the world, correct?
• Ed, you're here, president for the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association, TEPPRO
• In addition, the bill removes outdated statutory references to surface water discharge permits, which

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there are some good things in this bill, but the priority to mineral rights Owners, and we're
• This same bill elevates the interests of mineral rights owners, which our state's organized that way.
• , energy producer, and the surface rights producer.
• So this does address damages for the surface owners.
• owner.

Bills: HB3183, HB4316, HB4484, HB3469, HB3464, HB3173, HB3989

Keywords: electric utilities, grid congestion, transmission technology, advanced power flow controllers, dynamic line rating, energy efficiency, rural water service, district organization, emergency legislation, Oklahoma, water management, state vehicles, state-owned vehicles, state-leased vehicles, motor vehicle use, commuting use, personal use, fleet management, Corporation Commission, field inspectors

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, all surface water rights placed in the trust must be reviewed and approved Representative
• The bill Representative Romero: encourages voluntary transfer of surface water rights into the trust
• it was talking about generations of Representative Garcia: landowners and sometimes families have owners
• There are some surface water in periphery areas of that district, but it is not available on an economic
• But yet most of the dialogue has to do with owner utilities, water supply corporations and others.

Bills: HB 4530, HB 4931, HB 5559, HB 5560

Keywords: water rights, Texas Water Trust, water bank, environmental conservation, water quality, instream flows, aquifer, water injection, Edwards Aquifer, environmental regulation, groundwater, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water conservation, drought, utility regulation, water use restrictions, Public Utility Commission, civil penalties, drought contingency, environmental protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Sunrise is one of the largest owners, operators, and developers of senior housing.
• They are a pair of bills that reference artificial grass and turf surfaces.
• A franchisee is a small business owner in almost every aspect of the meaning.
• Franchisees are small business owners in almost every aspect of the meaning.
• Franchisee is a small business owner in almost every aspect of the meaning.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a heavily attended hybrid hearing focused primarily on plastics reduction bills, along with a few local and related waste-management measures. Chair Rauch and Chair Barber outlined strict testimony rules because of the large number of speakers. Before the plastics docket, the committee heard support for a local Sharon sewer-extension bill for a Sunrise Senior Living project, and the bill’s proponents said the project would help address senior housing needs and would still require MWRA and local approvals. The chairs also noted a separate local matter involving Sharon and the MWRA. A major portion of the hearing centered on the Plastics Reduction Act and related bills addressing single-use plastics, including plastic bags, polystyrene, black plastic, plastic beverage bottles, non-flushable wipes, skip-the-stuff provisions, and truth-in-labeling. Sponsors and supporters said the bills would reduce litter, microplastics, greenhouse gas emissions, and municipal waste costs, while creating statewide consistency and supporting environmental justice communities. Several speakers cited local bans already adopted by many Massachusetts cities and towns, and many urged the committee to advance comprehensive statewide action. The committee also heard testimony on a boat wrap recycling bill, a mattress recycling bill, and a bill to prohibit hotels from providing small plastic toiletries. Municipal officials and waste professionals supported extended producer responsibility for paint and labeling for non-flushable wipes, saying these measures would shift costs away from cities and towns and reduce strain on wastewater systems. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, Mayor Ruth Ann Fuller of Newton, and a Franklin County waste official all backed paint EPR and wipes labeling. Fire Chief Brian Nardelli testified for the Fire Chiefs Association in support of lithium-ion battery legislation, citing fire safety and disposal concerns. Other speakers, including environmental groups, local activists, and business representatives, supported bag and polystyrene bans, though the Retailers Association of Massachusetts urged any bag policy to be truly statewide and said any bag fee should be retained by retailers. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would take what's now considered waste and make it a value, not only to operators but also to surface
• owners as iodine is considered part of the surface state in Oklahoma and allow us to lead the world
• It will give value to the surface owner as a part of this process.
• rather than disposing of, because again, we're only gas industry, farmers, and ranchers, mineral owners

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hard data on this program's efficacy is missing: no well testing, no surface or groundwater testing,
• What's the answer to those questions and those issues that Miss Cox surfaced?
• a lot of issues I think in she surfaced a lot of issues I think in her<00:28:50.760> testimony
• know land owners that already receive<00:32:30.840> really<00:32:31.120> favorable<00:
• Of this program, and just surfaced questions that, you know, I mean, we have a tax committee, but if

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I'm the owner of Healing Hands Massage Institute.
• We use ATUs, uh, or advanced treatment units, uh, for, for surface discharge.
• Most states do not even allow surface discharge.
• Inside shell diameter of 16 inches or less, heating surfaces of 20 square feet or less, gross volume
• Yes, and, and some of the property owners, we've had some owners that you send them a notice they didn't

Transcript Highlights:

• A strategy to encourage people to use permeable surfaces.
• They have been authorized to issue discharge permits for surface discharge.
• Permitted opportunities such as irrigation or surface discharge. On slide.
• I mean, there are some owners that pay more because of the way that they operate.
• It has 180,000 surface acres, has a farm yield of over 2 million acre feet.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• free fuel to gasoline vehicle owners free fuel to gasoline vehicle owners gasoline<00:03:19.200>
• > high gasoline vehicle owners pay a high gasoline vehicle owners pay a high gasoline<00:03:21.920
• Streets are large outdoor hard surfaces.
• Streets are large outdoor hard surfaces.
• Streets are large outdoor hard surfaces.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1480 on transportation and road usage charging. Supporters included the Department of Transportation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, county representatives, and the Tax Foundation, while an automotive industry witness opposed the bill, arguing it would be unfair to rural drivers and those with longer commutes. Committee discussion focused on equity, rural impacts, and whether the measure should be tied to future rail funding. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1480 pass with amendments, including broadening allowable uses of funds, clarifying language on infrastructure and safety, addressing motor scooters, and striking a proposed new subaccount; the recommendation was adopted by both committees, with one no vote in TCA. For SB 970 on taxation, the Tax Foundation said the employer transit tax credit would be more efficient as a direct subsidy program, and the Department of Taxation recommended several changes, including a sunset date of December 31, 2030, anti-double-benefit language, deletion of certain reporting requirements, and an effective date of December 31, 2025. The department estimated the bill would reduce revenues by about $11.6 million over the four-year period it would be in effect. The committees moved SB 970 forward with amendments to include bike share in the credit and add a defective date, leaving the department’s suggested changes for later consideration; the recommendation was adopted. The committees also advanced SB 1008 on parking and SB 1088 on electric vehicle charging infrastructure without amendments. DCAB strongly supported SB 1008, saying it would help counties enforce accessible parking design requirements, and noted a related bill without the EV portion. SB 1088 drew broad support from the Public Utilities Commission, State Energy Office, county and advocacy groups, and individuals; one question raised whether the bill should sunset, but the response was that Hawaii still lacks sufficient EV charging infrastructure and the measure expands eligibility for affordable housing. Both bills were recommended to pass unamended and the recommendations were adopted. The Transportation and Culture and Arts committee then heard SB 1011 on the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program, with testimony in strong support from individuals and the State Archivist, who suggested preserving award recipients’ archives, photos, oral histories, and clippings. The committee also heard SB 441 on the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, with support from the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaii Theatre Center, musicians, and others emphasizing cultural value, workforce stability, and statewide access to the arts. The transcript then moved to SB 1581 on the Hawaii Japan Pacific Peace Monument and SB 1577 relating to the State Foundation on the Arts; on SB 1577, the Attorney General warned that using the Works of Special Art Fund for operating purposes could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of related bonds and recommended deleting section five, while also pointing to the Performing Arts Special Fund as an alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oil and gas is coming out of it, and it's compromising the land's ability, the surface right owner's
• right owners to remediate that land back into agricultural purposes.
• But the surface right owner lives with that surface right every day.
• Economy up, please do not ignore the sacrifice that landowners and surface owners have had to make in
• And the mineral right owner may or may not be an Oklahoman.

Bills: HB1427, SB1403, SB1448, SB1489, SB1546, SB1557, SB1614, SB1377, SB1990, SB1439, SB1630, SB1632, SB1696, SB1796, SB1824, SB1362, SB1849, SB2066, SB2071, SB2104, SB933, SB1633, SB1224, SB1246, SB1280, SB1303, SB1346

Keywords: tax credit, clean-burning fuel, hydrogen fuel cells, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, environmental impact, vehicle modification, renewable energy, job incentives, tax rebates, Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, employment growth, wage requirements, Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, deceptive practices, exemptions, statutory exemptions, Corporation Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• We have some hydrological features that do impact surface usage.
• The state only takes to the water surface elevation.
• The state only takes to the water surface elevation.
• or the surface separately from the minerals.
• Private owners own land above the ordinary high-water mark.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• water flows, Programs and projects to improve groundwater conservation, surface water flows, landscape
• provide advance notice of certain property inspections and provide inspection reports to property owners
• So this is asking if they notify an owner before they make their inspection, which allows the landowners
• to give them if they notify an owner before they make their inspection which allows the landowners to
• occupied home value with an additional owner occupied home value of 400,000 this bill has been removed

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The meeting covered a long list of House bills, mostly on third-read consent calendars, spanning appropriations, elections, education, public safety, water, taxation, and criminal law. Early discussion focused on HB 2148, which would give the legislature authority to appropriate non-custodial federal funds, described by the sponsor as a transparency measure. Other measures discussed included HB 2091 on insurance-related assessment limits, HB 2122 on reciprocity for BTR-related professions, HB 2138 clarifying firefighter workers’ compensation coverage, and HB 2008 barring public school libraries from using public money to pay library professional associations. HB 2110, removed from consent, would allow school governing body members to pray at meetings, with members noting Supreme Court precedent supporting such prayer. Several bills addressed school safety and parental rights. HB 2142 would create a School Safety Center at the Arizona Department of Education and allow up to 10% of school safety program funds for administration, with supporters citing an audit and lack of oversight. HB 2249 would expand the Parents’ Bill of Rights to require notice if a school employee facilitates social transitioning of a minor and to provide broader access to educational records, with penalties discussed for violations. HB 2074 would add mandatory reporting for anyone in a medical facility who knows a partial-birth abortion is occurring, and HB 2144 would allow child support calculations to begin during pregnancy based on a confirmed pregnancy test and related DNA testing provisions. The committee also took up election-related measures. HB 2022 would make permanent changes tied to the federal Electoral Count Act, including moving Arizona’s primary earlier to preserve military and overseas voting access, while keeping petition dates valid and preserving existing deadlines for candidates. HCM 2001 urged federal designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, and HCM 2002 supported a separate congressional effort involving CARE and related federal review and designation processes; members debated the distinction between direct designation and a request for federal investigation. HCR 2001 proposed a constitutional amendment to limit voting to U.S. citizens, require government ID to register, prohibit foreign contributions, and end early voting by the Friday before an election. Water, land use, and tax bills were also reviewed. Measures included HB 2024 on snowpack augmentation as a water supply development project, HB 2029 and HB 2030 tightening how Water Conservation Grant Fund money is used, HB 2053 appropriating $100,000 for updated stormwater recharge mapping, HB 2096 expanding revolving fund uses to address cesspools, HB 2097 capping groundwater withdrawal in irrigation non-expansion areas, and HB 2116 funding potential Colorado River litigation. On the tax side, HB 2016 would remove late-filing penalties when no tax is due, HB 2104 and HB 2105 would protect agricultural property owners from repeated reclassification and require notice of inspections, and HB 2289 would update truth-in-taxation examples to reflect higher home values. The committee also heard bills on criminal penalties and other matters, including HB 2043 on felony murder involving an unborn child, HB 2045 on discharging a weapon near a vehicle, HB 2131 and HB 2132 on weapons trafficking and fentanyl penalties, and HB 2062 authorizing a Buffalo Soldiers memorial in Wesley Bolin Plaza.

Transcript Highlights:

• of commission of these crimes in the Commonwealth, we believe we are still barely scratching the surface
• of commission of these crimes in the Commonwealth, we believe we are still barely scratching the surface
• of commission of these crimes in the Commonwealth, we believe we are still barely scratching the surface
• <00:25:47.039> or<00:25:47.279> owners<00:25:48.240> and trying to find its
• owner or owners and trying to find its owner or owners and pay<00:25:48.720> that<00:25:48.880

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:19 Auditor of Public Accounts 00:01:07 Office of Secretary of State 00:10:22 Kentucky State Treasury 00:17:51 Office of Attorney General 00:28:50, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met for its first meeting and heard budget-related presentations from the Auditor of Public Accounts and the Secretary of State, with the Treasurer beginning a presentation at the end of the transcript. Auditor Allison Ball reviewed her office’s 2024 and early 2025 work, including hundreds of county and state audits, several special examinations, and ongoing reviews such as the kinship care funding issue, the Kentucky Department of Education audit, and the Jefferson County Public Schools audit. She said her office is focused on waste, fraud, abuse, and legal compliance, and asked the committee to consider future budget changes, including aligning her appropriation with restricted funding and restoring a stronger performance-audit function. She also highlighted audits that exposed serious problems, including the Department of Juvenile Justice review, and said those reports are intended to serve as models for other entities to avoid similar failures. Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office is self-sustaining through fees and does not need tax dollars, but asked for greater access to its own revenues and more flexibility in using them. He highlighted the Safe at Home address confidentiality program, saying recent changes expanded protections for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, and that the program has grown rapidly while remaining funded by offender fines. Adams also urged lawmakers to again adjust county election funding for inflation, noting the current per-voter and per-precinct amounts were set decades ago. In questioning, Representative Hart asked whether the Safe at Home program was self-funding; Adams replied that it covers only about 10% of its operating cost and said the best solution would be to let the office use more of the revenue it already collects rather than rely on tax dollars. Treasurer Martin Medcafe, introduced with staff member Russell Weber, praised the General Assembly’s fiscal discipline and described the Treasury’s work in managing state funds. He reported strong results from the Unclaimed Property Fund, saying the office returned $35.5 million to Kentuckians in its first year and $3.8 million in the first month of the current year, and said the State Investments Commission generated $682 million in returns last year. He also highlighted financial literacy efforts through the Kentucky Financial Empowerment Commission and said the Treasury is helping manage opioid settlement funds, which are now earning up to $200,000 per month through investment. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we're providing, and that notice doesn't go to utility owner operators in an area.
• What our law provides is 30 days prior notice to the actual utility owner operators in the area.
• -day notice to the local governments and then our bill is going to be 30-day notice to the utility owner
• Owner-operators with facilities in that servitude have a right to access them, but before they dig they
• someone to call and someone from a department would show up to determine whether the excavator or owner-operator

Bills: HB1163, HB1168, HR252, HR253, HCR103, HCR108, SB80, SB131, SB251, SB254, SB279, SB384, SB414, SB468, SB469, SB496

Keywords: fireworks, retail sales, fire safety, legislation, holiday celebrations, construction standards, precast concrete, DOTD, building regulations, minimum requirements, public projects, private projects, consumer protection, credit card fees, cash transactions, rounding practices, transparency, low-income, economic impact, residential construction

Transcript Highlights:

• we can safely reduce administrative delays and lower project soft costs for homeowners and local owners
• we can safely reduce administrative delays and lower project soft costs for homeowners and local owners
• we can safely reduce administrative delays and lower project soft costs for homeowners and local owners
• I think the way is to open up more private housing to pet owners as well.
• private housing to pet owners as well. private housing to pet owners as well.

Bills: HB1984, HB1593, HB2423, HB1691, HB2283, HB2386, HB1824, HB1697, HB2164, HB2165

Keywords: renewable energy, solar energy, self-certification, building permits, environmental regulations, HB1593, affordable housing, pet-inclusive housing, pet friendly housing, rental housing, affordable rental housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, tenant pets, companion animals, dogs, cats, landlord-tenant law, security deposit, pet deposit

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support. The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified. Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• If an ag property owner did not qualify, we send that letter out.
• Some ag owners will reject seeing that certified mail.
• If an ad property owner did not qualify, we send that letter out.
• Some ag owners will reject seeing that certified mail.
• And I love our ag property owners. I love them.

Bills: SB1180, SB1215, SB1270, SB1290, SB1292, SB1294, SB1430, SCR1028

Keywords: income tax, conformity, Arizona Revised Statutes, taxpayer, federal regulations, firefighters, occupational disease, workers compensation, cancer presumption, police officers, hazardous duty, SB1270, Arizona retirement system, public safety personnel, defined contribution plan, correctional officers, corrections officers, retirement contributions, supplemental contributions, retention incentive

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee approved the January 26, 2026 minutes and then heard several bills dealing with tax, retirement, and property assessment issues. SB 1215, as amended, was described as a technical “comma bill” that reorganizes the list of firefighter cancer conditions presumed work-related and removes mistakenly included peace officer language; it passed 6-1. SB 1180 would codify Arizona Department of Revenue’s practice of assuming federal conformity for above-the-line income tax items when preparing forms, with supplemental instructions if the legislature later acts differently; it passed 7-0 after discussion about whether it would affect executive-ordered changes. SCR 1028, a voter-referral measure to narrow the statutory exception allowing agencies to set certain fees and assessments without a two-thirds vote, drew sharp debate over majority rule versus limits on delegated fee authority and passed 4-3. The committee also advanced SB 1292, which clarifies that the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System’s 5% ownership cap applies only to publicly traded corporations; PSPRS said the change would avoid compliance problems and unnecessary costs, and it passed 7-0. SB 1294, restoring county assessors’ authority to prorate property values for property destroyed in any manner while preserving a five-year classification benefit only for property destroyed by verifiable accident, passed 6-1. SB 1430, the annual tax corrections act, passed unanimously after DOR said it mainly removes redundant language, fixes a cross-reference, and codifies current practice. The committee then considered SB 1270, which would let CORP employers make optional supplemental retirement contributions of up to $5,000 to Tier 3 correctional officers and related employees at specified service intervals. Supporters from the FOP said it is a flexible retention tool for hard-to-staff correctional jobs, while some members worried it could add costs for counties and not solve the underlying retention problem; it passed 6-1. Finally, SB 1290, which requires advance notice and inspection reports for certain property inspections and bars repeat agricultural inspections for three years, drew strong support from farm groups and strong opposition from county assessors, who argued it would create costs, limit their ability to verify new construction, and interfere with annual valuation duties. The bill passed 4-2 with one member not voting, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, currently, the law requires Text to notify property owners and local officials when certain types
• However, Whether due to outdated addresses, absentee ownership, or mail delivery issues, some property owners
• notification process by requiring Text to make a reasonable effort to locate and notify property owners
• But the reality is, is that as a property owner, I'm sure you're a property owner yourself, correct?
• with robberies and other types of crimes, these cameras are there, but unbeknownst to the property owner

Bills: HB 2065, HB 2462, HB 2621, HB 3187, HB 3539, HB 3563, HB 3726, HB 4164, HB 4207, HB 4368, HB 4706, HB 4916, HB 4950, HB 4967, HB 5177, HB 4429, HB 5597

Keywords: commercial vehicles, parking regulations, residential areas, local governance, land use, traffic safety, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, regional transportation, mobility program, sales tax, public infrastructure, local government