Video & Transcript : 'Rigsby Road' :
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ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 23rd, 2026 at 08:30 am
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, the guy that pushes for township roads promoted that last session.
- Are you in favor of free lunch if we have to reduce teacher pay, or do we have to not pick your roads
- Are you in favor of free lunch if we have to reduce teacher pay, or do we have to not pick your roads
- As part of the road project, the neighboring parcels of land around the intersection are going to be
- The roads in order to accommodate the new underpass.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up second reading and final passage of several House bills related to the Rural Health Transformation Program and other matters. House Bill 1621, requiring the presidential fitness test in school physical education with exceptions and a delayed effective date, passed 43-3. House Bill 1623, appropriating federal rural health transformation grant funds and creating a related loan program and reporting structure, passed 46-0 after extensive debate about using the federal money for community health, infrastructure, and sustainability. House Bill 1622, joining the physician assistant licensure compact, also passed unanimously 46-0. House Bill 1625, authorizing the Ray Richards Golf Course land sale to support a Grand Forks transportation project and golf course improvements, passed 46-0. House Bill 1626, clarifying that the primary residence credit is applied after the early payment discount so taxpayers receive the full $1,600 benefit, passed 40-6.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Community Safety Jan 13th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Community Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- It’s just they were violating by being on a road. No, that person could still be liable.
- There’s probably more of a question for the staff, but separation from this to completely closed roads
- ’m going to use is on the east side, in my experience with fire evacuation notices, they close the road
- would be, though, is it a complete closure versus, like, oh, Water Canyon at 11th from the severe road
- Having the push bumper and looking like, like, every Explorer on the road looks like a law enforcement
Committee:
House Community Safety
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Reed Rubinstein, of Maryland, to be Legal Adviser, Mike Huckabee, of Arkansas, to be Ambassador to the State of Israel, and Kevin Cabrera, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, all of the Depar Mar 25th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Foreign Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Recent actions such as Panama's decision to exit the Belt and Road Initiative and audit the port concessions
- during these past 60 days in which we've seen Panama be the first country to enter the... the Belt and Road
- The kind of where the rubber hits the road, though, is when you're looking at the margin.
- President Trump have done with the concessions being sold at the port, with them exiting Belt and Road
- being the first country to enter Belt and Road and being the first country to exit it in Central America
Committee:
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Summary:
The committee meeting was focused on various key issues, including the implications of recent violence in the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy in relation to Israel and Panama. Members discussed the need for diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Israeli officials following the recent attack by Hamas. Governor Huckabee emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and reiterated the need for accountability for terrorist organizations involved in violent acts against civilians. Senators shared their concerns regarding the ramifications of U.S. actions in Panama and the presence of Chinese influence, highlighting the significance of the Panama Canal in terms of trade and security.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House lawmakers consider HF1007 3/25/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- at some point kind of getting to a little bit with maybe what Chair Pinto was saying too down the road
- at some point kind of getting to a little bit with maybe what Chair Pinto was saying too down the road
- at some point kind of getting to a little bit with maybe what Chair Pinto was saying too down the road
- </c><00:22:58.799><c> It's</c><00:22:59.039><c> still</c> was saying too down the road.
- It's still was saying too down the road. It's still a<00:22:59.360><c> big</c><00:22:59.520><c> ask.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 17th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- suggestions with you, but the suggestions from those studies, I believe, can be implemented down the road
- Senator Martin, why would we deal with it down the road?
- Why kick it down the road? Why not do it now? The recommendations are right here.
- Why kick it down the road? Why not do it now? The recommendations are right here.
- And that's down the road. Whether it's down the road a day, down the road.
Committee:
Senate Environment and Natural Resources
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and considered a series of environmental, water, waste, boating, and land-use bills. SB 834 on recreational fishing vessel licenses was briefly explained as aligning licensure rules for freshwater and saltwater captains and was reported favorably. SB 1208 on service lateral assessment and rehabilitation would require periodic CCTV inspections, a seven-year assessment cycle, and a long-term public database for sewer laterals; county representatives opposed it over private-property and cost concerns, but the bill was reported favorably. SB 978 on advanced wastewater treatments, as amended, would require DEP reports and a long-term prioritization plan for upgrading large wastewater facilities to advanced treatment; the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
The committee then took up SB 1822 on auxiliary containers, which would preempt local regulation of certain packaging and define the term in statute. The sponsor argued it would reduce a patchwork of local rules and help businesses, while opponents from environmental groups, local advocates, and some local governments warned it would weaken plastic and foam restrictions, including in parks and coastal communities. Despite substantial opposition and several senators expressing concern, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 384 on notice for annexation of state-owned lands, after a technical amendment requiring written or email notice to legislative delegations, and reported it favorably.
SB 1008 on waste incineration would bar new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within a half-mile of residential, commercial, or school property. The sponsor said the bill was aimed at preventing another fire-related incident like the Doral plant and clarified it was intended to apply only to new facilities, not existing ones; waste-to-energy and county representatives opposed it as too restrictive, while several senators sought clarifying changes. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a substitute amendment to CS for SB 594 on port channel and turning basin buffer zones, reducing the proposed anchoring setback from 5,000 feet to 2,500 feet and allowing ports to create buffer zones after public hearings and rulemaking; the bill was then reported favorably. Finally, SB 830 on lost or abandoned property, aimed at streamlining removal of migrant vessels that pose navigational and environmental hazards, was reported favorably after brief support testimony.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 06:00 pm
Massachusetts Joint Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And then we'll get the show on the road. I was thinking, you know, I've been in the business.
- We refused to kick the can down the road any longer. Why?
- Money for roads and bridges, high-speed internet and broadband, solar power, and so much more.
- And most important, most important, it wasn't respectful to the people who need to travel on our roads
- You'll see more funding in your town's budget to fix roads and sidewalks.
Summary:
The House and Senate met in joint convention for the Governor’s annual State of the Commonwealth address. Before the address, the chamber handled routine organizational motions, including recesses, the appointment of committees to escort the Lieutenant Governor, constitutional officers, and the Governor into the chamber, the posting of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, and an invocation and benediction. The joint convention then heard Governor Maura Healey’s address, followed by remarks from legislative leaders and a closing benediction.
In her speech, Governor Healey said the state is strong and highlighted accomplishments from the past session, including tax cuts, expanded child care support, the Affordable Homes Act, transportation improvements, federal funding gains, veterans’ services, and health care measures. She also emphasized ongoing priorities such as reducing housing costs, improving transit and infrastructure, expanding primary care and mental health services, supporting education and career pathways, strengthening clean energy and AI investment, and protecting reproductive health care. She called for abolishing tenant broker’s fees, creating a statewide graduation standards council after the MCAS requirement change, and continuing efforts to address the emergency shelter system and other cost pressures.
No roll call votes were taken on legislation during the address itself, but the convention adopted the various ceremonial orders and motions by voice vote. After the Governor’s remarks and the benediction, the joint convention adjourned, and the House later adjourned to meet the following Tuesday in informal session.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development May 7th, 2026
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- And now we're working on a road, a mile-long road, that I'll show you some pictures of, and we're excited
- And now we're working on a road, mile long road that I'll show you some pictures of and we're excited
- That's the mile-long road. We're excited.
Summary:
The House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development met with a quorum, adopted the minutes from its October 3, 2024 meeting, and Chairwoman Butler noted that HCR 82 would be voluntarily deferred in favor of continuing work on HCR 77 related to a pilot program for landscaping and crawfishing. The committee then considered HCR 205, which urges the USDA to use its Commodity Procurement Program to purchase domestic Louisiana shrimp. Representative Kerner and Commissioner Mike Strain described the shrimp industry’s low prices, full cold storage, and the need for urgent federal action to support shrimpers and move product into schools, nursing homes, and food banks. Members discussed domestic sourcing rules, enforcement against imported seafood, and marketing challenges; HCR 205 was reported favorably without objection.
The committee also took up HCR 188, which memorializes Congress to oppose any federal farm bill provision that could negatively affect the use of hunting dogs. Chairwoman Butler and Commissioner Strain explained that the concern centered on vague language in a farm bill section that could be interpreted to restrict hunting dogs used for tracking or field trials. Members agreed the language should be removed if it remained in the bill, and HCR 188 was reported favorably without objection.
The committee then heard a presentation from Orlando McMeans of the Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture, along with Dr. Calvin Walker. They outlined the center’s research, extension, and academic programs, including enrollment growth, dual-enrollment efforts, 1890 scholars, JAG Stars scholarships, beef cattle and aquaculture research, viticulture, precision nutrition, and food access initiatives. They also described major facility projects, including a high-tech meat processing facility, research labs, a vineyard, and a proposed disaster-safe shelter. Members asked about butcher training, cattle genetics, and the shelter’s potential uses, and the committee adjourned after the presentation.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations.(3-18-26)
Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations
Transcript Highlights:
- about kinship care, I really hope that through this the cabinet will stop kicking the can down the road
- about kinship care, I really hope that through this the cabinet will stop kicking the can down the road
- cabinet will stop kicking the can<00:14:45.600><c> down</c><00:14:45.760><c> the</c><00:14:45.880><c> road
- 00:14:46.280><c> and</c><00:14:46.440><c> actually</c><00:14:46.839><c> implement</c> can down the road
- and actually implement can down the road and actually implement um<00:14:48.320><c> the</c><00:14:48.440
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Feb 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- those things up, and add into this that we do have a commitment to both the ferry system and to our road
- those things up and add into this that we do have a commitment to both the ferry system and to our road
- system for preservation and maintenance and so. system and to our road system for preservation and maintenance
- Second, this proposal funds the County Road Administration Board's decision package, which will help
- the new local roads program you supported last session get up and going.
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee held public hearings on a proposed substitute for House Bill 2306, the 2026 transportation supplemental budget, and on proposed substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation resources bill. Staff described HB 2306 as revising the enacted 2025-27 transportation budget, increasing spending by about $1.1 billion to $16.5 billion, largely through reappropriations and new funding for preservation, maintenance, rail, transit, active transportation, ferries, licensing, and State Patrol needs. The chair and ranking member emphasized caution because of downward revenue forecasts, uncertainty around major project bids and future fish passage costs, and the decision to use existing bond authority without new bonding. Public testimony on HB 2306 generally supported preservation, maintenance, rail improvements, dredging, transit access, and local safety projects, while some witnesses urged more support for EV incentives and long-term transportation funding stability.
For HB 2711, staff explained that the bill responds to administrative issues in last year’s transportation resources law, including fuel tax inflation adjustments, luxury vehicle/aircraft/vessel taxes, the indigent tow reimbursement program, tire fee language, and other tax administration provisions. The proposed substitute would repeal the luxury aircraft tax, adjust peer-to-peer rental car tax administration, restore authority for the Transportation Commission to exempt transit buses from tolls, waive certain penalties and interest tied to early compliance with the luxury vehicle tax, allow lease payments to be taxed incrementally, add exemptions for tribal members and nonresidents, change transfer timing between accounts, and create a Preserve Washington Account for highway preservation and maintenance. Fiscal notes projected additional revenue from aligning use tax with sales tax and modest administrative costs, while delaying the tow reimbursement program reduced near-term expenditures.
Testimony on HB 2711 was mixed. RV dealers asked for a delay to the luxury vehicle tax, arguing the industry is already in decline and the tax could push sales out of state. WFSE supported the new Preserve Washington Account and urged higher bid limits for highway maintenance work. Committee members asked for clarification on the peer-to-peer rental car tax and the transit bus toll exemption. The chair announced that executive session on the bills, along with one other measure, would occur Wednesday, and members were told to submit amendment requests by the next day.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 14th, 2026 at 10:35 am
House Taxation & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- I think there's generally support so that folks know the rules of the road that they can choose whether
- So that folks know the rules of the road that they can choose whether to go an IRB route or not.
- Central Avenue right there is the second most dangerous road in America for pedestrians.
- Where are we going to get the other funds to pay for another set of bonds down the road if we need to
- development of improving that area and starting to bring that park down to Central, working on the roads
Committee:
House House Taxation & Revenue
Keywords:
general obligation bonds, GO bonds, capital projects, bond election, property tax levy, state debt, state finance, capital outlay, senior centers, senior citizen facilities, aging services, long-term services, libraries, library acquisitions, broadband for libraries, higher education, university capital projects, community colleges, tribal schools, special schools
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I think generally support so that folks know the rules of the road that they can choose whether to go
- an IRB route or not. ...so that folks know the rules of the road that they can choose whether to go
- Central Avenue right there is the second most dangerous road in America for pedestrians.
- Where are we going to get the other funds to pay for another set of bonds down the road if we need to
- development of improving that area and starting to bring that park down to Central, working on the roads
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 248, the general obligation bond bill, which would authorize about $392.5 million in bond capacity for senior centers, libraries, and higher education, special schools, and tribal school projects. The sponsor highlighted major projects including a new UNM School of Medicine, a multidisciplinary building at NMSU, renovations at New Mexico Tech, a technical innovation center at CNM, an agricultural science and arts building at ENMU, and library renovations at New Mexico Highlands. Public testimony was supportive, especially from the New Mexico Library Association, and members discussed how the bond process works, including application timing, readiness to spend funds, voter approval, and how unspent bond proceeds revert. The committee voted do pass on HB 248 without opposition.
The committee then considered House Bill 309, which would clarify property tax valuation rules for electric energy storage facilities by extending the existing special valuation method for electric generation, transmission, and distribution to battery storage and similar technologies. Supporters from PNM, InterWest Energy Alliance, and Inventergy said the bill would provide consistency and clarity as storage becomes more important to grid reliability and clean energy development. Members raised questions about depreciation, the 12-year schedule, the 20% floor on valuation, possible effects on local government revenues, whether the bill would apply to utilities and co-ops, industrial revenue bonds, and whether it covered microgrids or only battery systems. The committee approved HB 309 on an 8-3 vote.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 48, which would authorize $92 million in bonds for the State Fairgrounds District to support redevelopment of the southwest corner of the fairgrounds, including land acquisition, green space, water and sewer infrastructure, and traffic calming and pedestrian safety improvements near San Pedro and Central. Support came from neighborhood groups, housing advocates, the city of Albuquerque, the chamber of commerce, and others who described the project as a long-term investment in safety, infrastructure, and economic revitalization for the surrounding area. Members questioned the bond repayment structure, the 25-year term, the use of district gross receipts and gaming tax revenues, parking impacts, and future bonding needs. The committee voted do pass on SB 48 by a 10-2 margin.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- When we think a lot of our small roads across the state, that is kind of another, you know, you think
- I-70, the main roads; you think of a lot of our lettered or smaller roads that feed into that.
- As a reminder, changing an 'and' to an 'or' to ensure that off-road diesel qualifies, as originally intended
- factual information out there on the amount of trucks that just the short lines in our area take off the road
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Capital Budget Jan 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm going to talk now a little bit about the non-highway and off-road vehicle account.
- This concept was developed decades ago when realizing that a lot of gas was expended on roads that aren't
- Without going into great detail, if you imagine a Forest Service, a DNR, or other road that you can't
- , or other recreation site that you can't directly access from a state, county road, a state highway,
- I'll also add that, you know, in programs like the non-highway road program, we had gotten to the point
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on several capital-related bills. HB 2353 would raise the pre-design threshold for state-funded capital projects from $10 million to $15 million and index it to inflation beginning in 2027. The sponsor and a testifier said the change would reduce delays and save money on projects by avoiding costly pre-design work for mid-sized projects; staff noted the bill could reduce future capital budget costs. HB 2420 would increase the Small Works roster contract cap in stages from $350,000 to $650,000 by 2030, with a proposed substitute shifting the first increase from July 2026 to January 2027 to allow time for rulemaking. Testimony from universities, cities, ports, counties, and water/sewer districts supported the bill as a way to reduce administrative burden, speed projects, and help small and diverse contractors.
The committee also heard HB 2470, which would change how the School Construction Assistance Program treats school facilities on military bases. Staff explained the bill would exclude on-base instructional space from a district’s available-space calculation and adjust state assistance to account for federal funding, potentially increasing eligibility for affected districts such as Clover Park and Medical Lake. The sponsor and supporters said current rules unfairly reduce state support for districts serving military families; OSPI testified in support but said the bill would need amendment to avoid federal-law issues and was working on a revised approach that would increase the SCAP funding assistance percentage instead of directly referencing federal funds. Clover Park School District and the Veterans Legislative Coalition also supported the measure.
In executive session, the committee moved HB 2338, which expands the low-income weatherization program to include community-scaled projects, out of committee with a do-pass recommendation by a vote of 17 ayes and 2 excused. The committee then held a work session with the Recreation and Conservation Office on its competitive grant programs, including Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program accounts, youth athletic facilities, community forests, aquatic lands, boating, off-road vehicle, firearms and archery, and federal grant programs. Members asked about demand, ADA compliance, geographic distribution, and technical assistance; RCO said demand is high in several programs and that it uses scoring criteria, regional allocations, and outreach to improve access statewide.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- but that we must year over year fund, things like supporting public schools, things like paying for roads
- , Things like paying for roads, paying for the I-10 expansion, paying for all of the other road projects
- They looked for a way to cut $1.2 billion from education, from fixing our roads, from public safety,
- We take a big step in this bill by at least going to $6,000 and hopefully down the road we can go further
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We have to take the high road.
- One of the camps had something they referred to as maintenance road.
- that said you go there in the event, but they just knew they got the word out: head to maintenance road
- So everybody knew what the maintenance road was, so it's just not that difficult.
- Thank you for giving greater meaning to their memory by ensuring that no parent has to walk that road
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Jan 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- TORNADOES THAT OCCUR THROUGHOUT THE STATE SPECIFICALLY IN THE PENINSULA AND IT RANGED FROM AN EFC ROAD
- THERE IS SERVER, WE BOTH KNOW THERE IS WHAT YOU WANT AND WHAT YOU HAVE AND WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD
- TO SEE IF THERE'S A BEST PRACTICE OUT THERE BUT LOTS OF HOA'S AND PRIVATE COMMUNITIES AND PRIVATE ROADS
- PUSHED OUT OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND CAN BE CONSOLIDATED IN AN AREA WHERE IT IS THEN ADJACENT TO A PUBLIC ROAD
- INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION IS THE FOUNDATION OF EVERYTHING WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO DO AS WE BUILD THE ROAD
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- My whole goal was to give you the best view of what this bill is going to be down the road, that I'm
- My whole goal was to give you the best view of what this bill is going to be down the road, that I'm
- I'm going to go ahead and lay this bill over, and then we'll reevaluate it down the road.
- reevaluate it down the I'm going to go ahead and lay this bill over and then we'll reevaluate it down the road
Committee:
House Insurance
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 3794 and HB 3796, both Oklahoma Insurance Department request bills. Members adopted PCS drafts for each without objection, heard brief explanations that the measures cleaned up and clarified insurance licensing and other statutory provisions, and then advanced both bills on unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The committee then considered HB 3928, as amended, which would require optometrists to be reimbursed at Medicare/Medicaid levels and address payment parity for certain vision plans. Representative Tedford raised concerns about premium increases and interference with private contracts, while the author argued the bill would create a fairer level playing field and would not significantly raise consumer costs. The bill passed on a recorded vote and was recommended to the next committee. HB 2955, updating the Oklahoma Captive Insurance Company Act to make Oklahoma more competitive, also passed after OID confirmed a questioned travel reimbursement provision was current law and unchanged.
HB 4453 proposed creating an all-payers claims database board to analyze health care spending, use the health information exchange, and make recommendations to OID. The author described changes to board appointments and reporting language, and members asked about consumer representation, fiscal impact, and the board’s advisory role. The bill passed and was recommended onward. HB 4460, which would shift collection of copays, deductibles, and other cost-sharing from providers to insurers, drew extensive testimony from an emergency physician supporting the measure as a way to reduce medical debt and simplify billing, but members raised concerns about ERISA preemption, premium impacts, implementation, and broader market effects. After discussion, the author laid HB 4460 over for later consideration, and the meeting adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 19, 2025 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- It would have required a prospective owner-occupant, maybe five years, ten years down the road, to be
- potentially unsafe in their current state, who or what protects buyers or consumers from, down the road
- potentially unsafe in their current state, who are what protects buyers or consumers from the, down the road
- prospective buyer who's going to redevelop this land, but more of the families five, 10 years down the road
Summary:
The State Affairs Committee opened with a tribute to the late Representative Joe Casello, with remarks from the chair and Ranking Member Eskamani honoring his service, especially his advocacy for first responders, veterans, and working people. The committee then turned to its only bill, HB 167, which would remove strict liability for certain previously mined phosphate lands if the landowner notifies the county and requests a Department of Health radiation survey. The sponsor said the bill is intended to create a voluntary process, add data about the land, and provide notice through the public record and title process.
Members asked extensive questions about who pays for the surveys, how notice would reach future buyers, whether the bill affects renters or construction workers, and whether it would impact pending lawsuits. The sponsor said the landowner would pay for the survey needed to remove strict liability, plaintiffs would pay for surveys in litigation, the bill does not address OSHA or rental disclosures, and it would not apply retroactively to current cases because the complaint must include a survey. Supporters argued the bill simply replaces automatic liability with recorded notice and due diligence, while opponents said it could leave families and renters without adequate warning and should include stronger disclosure protections.
Public testimony was in support from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Florida, and one individual. After debate, the committee voted 18-8 to report HB 167 favorably.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EIG, EIG Public Hearings 04-10-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Pahu till the end of the road in Waianae.
- the</c><00:08:34.719><c> end</c><00:08:34.880><c> of</c><00:08:35.039><c> the</c><00:08:35.120><c> road
- </c><00:08:35.440><c> in</c><00:08:36.159><c> and</c> W Pahu till the end of the road in and W Pahu till
- the end of the road in and Macaha<00:08:37.039><c> there's</c><00:08:37.440><c> only</c><00:08:37.760
Summary:
The Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs heard HCR 58 HD1, which asks the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene a geothermal energy working group to review the regulatory and policy landscape for geothermal development in Hawaii. Testimony was generally supportive: the PUC, Consumer Advocates Office, and State Energy Office all said they stood on written testimony in support. In response to questions, a State Energy Office representative explained that geothermal exploration and permitting involve multiple agencies and depend on the land involved, and estimated that drilling an initial slim-hole test well could cost around $2.5 million or more, with additional work needed afterward to characterize the resource. The representative also noted that drilling can provide useful information about groundwater, geology, and temperature profiles. The committee discussed the importance of including community members and relevant energy stakeholders in the working group.
After discussion, the committee voted to recommend HCR 58 HD1 be passed unamended. The chair, vice chair, and Senator Richards voted yes, Senator Fevella was excused, and the recommendation was adopted.
Later in the same meeting, the committee heard HCR 68, which urges the City and County of Honolulu to create a dedicated animal education and training complex in the Kalai Loa Parklands, and HCR 72, which urges county ethics commissions to adopt standards similar to those applied to state elected officials and officers. Pacific Pet Alliance testified in support of HCR 68, citing the lack of animal-friendly facilities on the Leeward side and the high cost of renting space for shows and related events. No one testified on HCR 72. The committee then voted to pass both resolutions unamended, with Senator Fevella excused, and both recommendations were adopted before adjournment.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public land survey system monument grant program bill, HF1478, heard in committee 3/6/25
Transcript Highlights:
- It enables us to secure property transfers, reduces time and costs on development projects, road projects
- It enables us to secure property transfers, reduces time and costs on development projects, road projects
- costs on development projects road costs on development projects road projects<00:03:46.799><c> all</
Summary:
The committee took up House File 1478, a bill to continue and expand a grant program for locating Minnesota’s public land survey system (PLSS) monuments and survey corners. The author explained that many of the state’s 325,000 PLSS monuments have unknown locations, which contributes to boundary uncertainty, lawsuits, and inaccurate land records and taxation. The bill, as described, would add criteria for counties, allow tribes to access the program, and continue funding it. The committee also noted Senate authors and bipartisan support for the measure.
An A1 amendment was offered by Representative Fryberg to put the bill in the desired form, and it was adopted without objection. Testifiers from the Minnesota Society of Professional Surveyors and county surveying offices supported the bill, saying better monument location improves maps, property transfers, land management, and tax accuracy, while reducing disputes and lowering survey costs for landowners and public projects. One testifier said the work is important but often underappreciated; another emphasized that more monuments can make surveys much cheaper and more accurate.
Committee members expressed support for the bill’s goals, with several indicating they would sign on. The chair repeatedly referenced uncertainty around the budget forecast and said the committee would have to consider practical fiscal realities. In the end, Representative Fryberg renewed his motion, and House File 1478, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion.