Transcript Highlights:

• And it just wiped out this beautiful little diversion dam that this community had worked on for five
• We have 33.5 that goes to Navajo Dam, and we have 65.
• to need to do something different because we had an inability to develop our water rights in Navajo Dam
• deliver water that is apportioned to the lower Rio Grande for all of the uses below Elephant Butte Dam
• There was balance on either side because there was just such a push to dam the Gila.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then probably a good time—we've got a question, but also the dam.
• And that dam is under construction. The lake work, for all intents and purposes, is complete.
• Now we're replacing the water control structure on that dam to be able to better control high water,
• And he told me that there's a mechanism—the level mechanism—on the dam at that lake.

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police leadership about the agency’s role in federal immigration enforcement. Colonel Mike Hager said State Police has completed 287(g) training for all but 12 officers and is authorized to assist ICE in limited circumstances, but is not an immigration enforcement agency. He emphasized that troopers only make immigration-related notifications after lawful stops or arrests for other offenses, and that the agency uses discretion and chain-of-command approval for any planned operation. Members asked about how immigration status is determined, whether stops are tracked, whether local agencies are participating, and whether there are costs or reimbursement mechanisms; Hager said the agency began tracking encounters in September and had 48 detentions since then, most tied to other criminal violations such as DWIs or domestic violence. He also said there were no current planned immigration operations beyond assisting federal partners. The committee then received an update from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Director Doug Schoenrock on wildlife management areas, waterfowl habitat, and related infrastructure. He reported that most moist-soil units and green tree reservoirs were flooded or near normal, with one new pump not yet operational and a vandalized Ed Gordon/Point Remove pump back in service since December. He also said the Lake Conway dam and water-control work were progressing, with a public meeting scheduled at Mayflower High School. Questions followed about dock removal notices, maintenance on other water-control structures, and a recent fatal boating accident at Baumito WMA, which Schoenrock described as a high-speed collision in flooded timber and said the agency was working on a safety memorial effort with the victim’s widow. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on duck season, drought conditions, and criticism of the Flyway Federation’s push to restrict hunting over standing corn. Schoenrock said Arkansas remains the nation’s top duck-hunting destination, but drought and warm weather have reduced water availability and caused ducks to move north; he cited survey numbers showing 1.4 million ducks in the state at the end of December but a much lower January count. He argued that standing corn is legal and that federal habitat and water policy, not Arkansas law, drives long-term duck populations. Members raised concerns about changing migration patterns, the role of private clubs, federal regulation, and the possible effects of wind turbines and solar panels on waterfowl; Schoenrock and Commissioner Chris Caldwell said the commission is studying those issues, including a University of Arkansas at Monticello project on avoidance behavior, and that no immediate regulatory changes were announced. The committee took no formal vote and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, heard Speaker Dam mention that paid family medical leave is still an open item.
• specifically<00:01:31.600> heard<00:01:32.159> uh<00:01:32.560> Speaker<00:01:32.880> Dam
• specifically heard uh Speaker Dam specifically heard uh Speaker Dam mention<00:01:33.920> that

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean that's according to uh by law I mean that's according to uh representative<00:07:36.120> Dam
• speaker<00:07:36.759> dth<00:07:37.599> uh<00:07:37.720> they representative Dam
• speaker dth uh they representative Dam speaker dth uh they have<00:07:38.039> the<00:07:38.240

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senator Bobby Champion spoke after the Minnesota Senate’s opening day, emphasizing that the chamber was organized and ready to begin work for Minnesotans. He said the Senate had reached a good-faith power-sharing agreement with Republicans, describing the negotiations as respectful and focused on finding a workable outcome. He also noted that the Senate is in a temporary tie and that the chamber intends to use the early weeks of the session to prepare for the budget process ahead of the February forecast. Champion said the Senate will hear from state agencies about their budget priorities, listen to the governor’s priorities, and hold committee hearings as part of the budget session. Under the agreement, leadership and committees will be power-shared, with co-chairs and evenly split committees requiring bipartisan agreement to move bills forward. He said the Senate’s goal is to represent Minnesotans and work on “bread-and-butter” issues, while acknowledging that the House is dealing with its own separate disputes. He also discussed the Senate’s response to the death of Carrie Dick, saying members deeply felt her loss and that her legacy of courage and respect would guide the chamber moving forward. Champion contrasted the Senate’s agreement with the more contentious situation in the House, and said that if the House is properly constituted and passes bills by the required vote threshold, the Senate will work with it as required by law.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are also conducting a state high risk audit focusing on the safety and maintenance of dams and levees
• 'Two Middle Eastern-looking men taking photographs of Folsom Dam.'
• Another one: 'Suspicious photography of Folsom Dam by Chinese nationals.'
• 'Two Middle Eastern-looking men taking photographs of Folsom Dam.'
• Another one: 'Suspicious photography of Folsom Dam by Chinese nationals.'

Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee for much of the hearing because it initially lacked a quorum, then later established one and began taking votes. The state auditor gave a status update on ongoing audits, including several JALAC-requested audits in progress, other statutory audits, staffing growth in his office, and the number of new JALAC audits his office could start in the coming months. The committee also heard that one audit request on Prop. 28 was held, and another PUC-related request was moved off consent and heard on the regular calendar. Members then heard and discussed several audit requests. Senator Cervantes presented a request to audit California fusion centers, with witnesses from the FBI and ACLU supporting the need for transparency and oversight; opponents argued the request was politically motivated and could interfere with counterterrorism work. Senator Allen presented a request on CPUC enforcement of Rule 21 interconnection timelines for solar and storage projects, supported by industry and school representatives who described long delays and financial harm, while CPUC staff said the issue was being addressed through workshops and a formal proceeding. Senator Perez presented a request to audit Caltrans’ administration of the former SR 710 extension properties and affordable sales program, citing tenant complaints about maintenance, pricing, and transparency; Caltrans said it was working to complete sales and improve administration. Senator Umberg presented a request to audit the Orange County Board of Education over transparency, contracting, litigation spending, charter oversight, and whistleblower issues, while board representatives said there was no factual basis for an audit and that existing legal remedies had not been invoked. After quorum was established, the committee approved the consent-calendar DMV license revocation audit and then approved the PUC utility timeliness audit and the Caltrans SR 710 audit. The fusion center audit was left on call after a split vote, and the Orange County Board of Education audit continued with testimony from the board’s representatives after the committee had already moved on to other business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but we have 112 dams, flood protection dams that were built by NRCS that the soil and water conservation
• They have allowed um trailer parks, subdivisions, all kinds of stuff right below these dams.
• , I know it's a, it's an issue that Senator Campos brings up every year and tries to get money for dams
• Um, we do partner every year, these dams have to be inspected by the state engineer and uh NRCS.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lake in San Juan County, where we're dealing with infrastructure from the original development of the dam
• Leesburg Dam, we have three. So that's a total of five.
• We have 300 miles of canals, 350 miles of drains spanning from the Caballo Reservoir and Dam to the Texas
• We are currently diverting water based on that at the Mesilla Dam.
• Again, we have a partnership with the, ISC, which is providing funding to EBID for a dedicated dam and

Transcript Highlights:

• down, the Shoreland gets excavated, a foundation gets built, and these foundations essentially are dams
• Certainly, I know that a foundation put in certain soils is not going to be a dam for subsurface waters
• Down the Shoreland gets excavated, a foundation gets built, and these foundations essentially are dams
• Certainly, I know that a foundation put in certain soils is not going to be a dam for subsurface waters
• I know that a foundation put in certain soils is not going to be a dam for subsurface waters.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a push-up dam more or less and something that's more fish friendly.
• It's a push-up dam more or less and something that's more fish friendly.
• It's a push-up dam more or less and something that's more fish friendly.
• It's a push-up dam more or less and something that's more fish friendly.
• The dams you explain to me application.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and members, Senate Bill 18 relates to permit exemptions from TCEQ for certain dams or reservoirs
• Madam Chair and members, Senate Bill 18 relates to permit exemptions from TCEQ for certain dams or reservoirs

Bills: SB2, SB3, SB5, SB9, SB10, SB14, SB16, SB34, SB18

Keywords: flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, hemp regulation, consumable products

Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance met in the second special session and considered a series of bills, mostly related to flood response, water infrastructure, taxation, school accountability, property fraud, and legislative procedure. Senator Zaffirini presented SB 18 on TCEQ permit exemptions for certain erosion, floodwater, and sediment control dams or reservoirs; Senator Perry presented SB 2 on flood relief preparedness, SB 14 on credit impact fees and water supply/conservation incentives, and SB 5 on Hill Country relief funding; Senator Bettencourt presented SB 3 on early warning flood sirens, SB 9 on replacing STAAR with three annual tests and strengthening A-F accountability, and SB 10 on lowering the rollback tax rate from 3.5% to 2.5%; Senator West presented SB 16 on property transaction ID requirements and new real property theft/fraud offenses; and Chair Huffman laid out SB 34, which changes legislative witness immunity rules from transactional immunity to testimonial immunity consistent with federal law. The committee also heard brief explanations that several bills were the same as versions previously passed by the Senate or committee, and there was limited public testimony, with no witnesses on most bills and only position cards on SB 16. Senator West raised a concern on SB 10 about a possible carve-out for police pay raises, but Senator Bettencourt said no change would be made at that time. For SB 34, Chair Huffman explained the bill would still allow compelled testimony before the legislature but would no longer provide blanket immunity, while preserving the right to counsel. The committee voted favorably on all bills considered. SB 18, SB 2, SB 14, SB 3, SB 16, SB 5, and SB 34 were reported out unanimously or near-unanimously, while SB 9 passed 10-1 and SB 10 passed 8-3. At the end of the meeting, Senator West requested to be shown voting nay on SB 9, and the chair granted unanimous consent. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Center on the Island and River, or the oil terminals on Chelsea Creek, or the harbor tunnels, or the dams
• on the Charles and Mystic River... on Chelsea Creek or the harbor tunnels or the dams on the Charles
• communities and the Commonwealth are investing heavily in climate adaptation projects, from raising dams
• We sustained damage to roads, sidewalks, dams.
• Leominster has 12 dams; six of them are high hazard, the highest category of hazard for dams across the

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a broad set of climate, energy, and environmental justice proposals. Early testimony strongly supported the Climate Change Superfund or “Polluter Pays” bill (H.1014/S.58), which would assess the largest fossil fuel emitters for a one-time fee based on historic emissions to fund climate adaptation. Sponsors argued the bill is modeled on Superfund cleanup principles, would target only the largest multinational polluters, would not be passed on to consumers, and would direct a significant share of funds to environmental justice communities. Committee members asked about the number of companies covered, consumer impacts, and whether the bill would address other forms of environmental destruction; sponsors said it was limited to major fossil fuel companies with a Massachusetts footprint and did not cover other pollution sources. The committee also heard testimony on a fusion energy compact proposal (S.673) that would direct the administration to develop a framework for a New England regional compact to accelerate fusion research, workforce development, and supply-chain growth. Supporters from MIT and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities said fusion could become a major clean-energy and economic opportunity, but acknowledged the technology is not yet commercially viable and still has unresolved technical, cost, and waste-management questions. Members pressed on environmental impacts, siting, waste, costs, and whether the bill would create a compact or only a framework; sponsors said it would only create the framework and that the administration would need to negotiate with other states. Another major topic was a pilot program for nature-based climate solutions (H.971/S.??), backed by legislators, Boston Harbor Now, and UMass Boston’s Stone Living Lab. Witnesses said the bill would help speed permits for research and demonstration projects such as living shorelines, marsh restoration, and hybrid “green-to-gray” flood protections, while maintaining safeguards and protecting Indigenous and historic resources. Committee members asked how the proposal would interact with other permitting reforms and whether it could conflict with housing or wetland-related streamlining; supporters said it was complementary and aimed at making projects faster, more affordable, and more data-driven. The hearing also covered climate-safe buildings and climate adaptation funding bills. Supporters of H.1004/S.583 said current building codes do not adequately account for future flooding, heat, and wind, and the bill would add climate expertise to the building board, allow stretch resilience codes, expand floodplain standards, and create a retrofit program. Related testimony backed H.938/S.572, which would create a dedicated climate and community resilience fund financed by a small fee on property insurance premiums; advocates said it would provide stable long-term revenue for adaptation, especially in environmental justice communities, and help replace unreliable federal funding. One witness from CLF supported the climate-safe buildings and funding bills but opposed S.560/H.939 as too broad. The committee also heard testimony on airport air-quality legislation (H.997) calling for more monitoring and mitigation of ultra-fine particulate pollution around Logan Airport and Massport communities. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I think the co-chairs have those characteristics, and like Leader Dam said, they have been working
• those characteristics and and<00:10:14.079> like<00:10:14.240> Leader<00:10:14.480> Dam
• ,<00:10:15.040> they<00:10:15.200> have<00:10:15.279> been and like Leader Dam
• said, they have been and like Leader Dam said, they have been working<00:10:15.680> well<00:10

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the commission has also authorized low-head dam remediation projects out of the discretionary
• That's a picture of the dam and Garrison Dam, constructed and closed in 1953.
• That's a picture of the dam, Garrison Dam, constructed and closed in 1953.
• Over 500,000 CFS go by, three times the amount of water, just a year before they closed the dam.
• And low-head dams means you don't have a big lift; you can do a lot of irrigation, and they do.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met with a quorum and received updates from the Department of Water Resources and the State Water Commission, followed by presentations from Deloitte on two legislative studies required by House Bill 1020. Director Reese Haas reviewed major project and budget updates, including the Northwest Area Water Supply and Southwest Pipeline projects, Resources Trust Fund balances, carryover spending, project prioritization, bid conditions, regional water system coverage, and department process improvements. Members also discussed how the commission prioritizes projects, maintenance expectations, and the impact of limited municipal water supply funding. No formal committee action was taken during the DWR update; the commission’s municipal funding decisions were described as pending its April 8 meeting. Deloitte then presented the cost-share policy study, which found that under current policy and forecasted revenues, North Dakota faces an estimated $1.3 billion shortfall over 14 years, with a near-term gap of about $1.8 billion through 2031. The firm outlined seven recommended options, including tighter definitions and a 25% cost share for eligible replacement projects, caps and financing strategies for the Mouse River and Red River Valley projects, aligning cost share with commission priority guidance, delaying lower-priority projects, using available lines of credit, and adjusting reimbursement timing for revolving loan funds. Committee members questioned inflation assumptions, affordability, user fees, and the use of legacy fund earnings for bonding, but no decisions were made. In the governance and finance study, Deloitte said final recommendations are still being refined, with a final report due May 29. The study examined the Southwest Pipeline, NAWS, and Red River Valley systems using governance and finance criteria such as decision authority, transparency, affordability, risk, and access to funding. For Southwest, Deloitte outlined options ranging from improved state-authority coordination to transferring ownership to the Southwest Water Authority; for NAWS, options focused on strengthening the authority’s role and potentially transitioning operations and maintenance; and for Red River, options ranged from enhanced facilitation to formal state oversight or state ownership. Members asked follow-up questions about ownership transfer, capital repayment streams, and why NAWS was not considered for transfer, and Deloitte said NAWS’s limited organizational maturity made that option less viable in the near term.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the second of its kind and the first one at Lock and Dam 5.
• So, I think what we've tried to Dam 5.
• 5, that we still stay in Lock and Dam 5 to stop that from happening up here in Minnesota.
• We've already seen 3 feet of water backed up behind the dam that they put in.
• We've already seen 3 feet of water backed up behind the dam that they put in.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jerry Newton, for as many years as I've known Jerry, always wanted to have that dam go back to being
• Jerry Newton, for as many years as I've known Jerry, always wanted to have that dam go back to being
• Jerry Newton, for as many years as I've known Jerry, always wanted to have that dam go back to being
• know, and I think we should rename it the Jerry Newton section of the dam, I guess maybe.
• I think we should rename it the Jerry Newton section of the dam, I guess maybe. What do you think?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this was the one—this is for engineering, the dam safety program, or the dam safety grant, yeah.
• And on that property there are sometimes dams, and the landowner cannot take care of it.
• So this grant allows the landowner to apply for it and then hopefully upgrade the dam so that we can
• keep it. property there are sometimes dams and property there are sometimes dams and the<01:57:16.560
• Was with the dam safety program in the LNR, so we applied for a high hazard potential dam rehabilitation

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Too many streets were filled with potholes, sidewalks were cracked, broken dams, busted culverts, with
• towns broken dams, busted culverts, with towns vulnerable to flooding, and what's worse, there was no
• AI is going to help us identify where we need to build up those dams and shore up our coastline to deal

Keywords: 995, all

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amed Fight, I'm a water quality manager for the Grand River Dam Authority.
• The Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission was consolidated into the Grand River Dam Authority, and I'm no
• I mean, if there were big out-of-state hydropower dams coming on their and they're trying to do intimate

Bills: SB2122, SB330, SB2071, SB2169, SB2069, SB2095, SB2157

Keywords: poultry, agriculture, out-of-state processing, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, regulation, food safety, elk population, wildlife management, Oklahoma State University, veterinary medicine, ecosystem health, habitat assessment, milk, dairy, dairy farm, milk products, Grade A milk, pasteurization, raw milk, milk inspection

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:03:53.480> go<00:03:53.560> ahead<00:03:53.920> speaker<00:03:54.319> dam
• <00:03:54.840> is if you have them go ahead speaker dam is if you have them go ahead speaker
• dam is this<00:03:55.159> going<00:03:55.280> to<00:03:55.400> be<00:03:55.480>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Our second request is for state-owned dam repair, $21 million.
• The cabinet oversees 76 state-owned dams, each classified based on risk and condition.
• So, the dams included in this request are all classified as high hazard.
• Supply chain, labor, and dams are just inherently expensive to repair and upkeep. it's currently working
• are just chain um labor um and and dams are just inherently<00:46:00.880> expensive<00:46:01.480

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met for its first meeting of the year, confirmed a quorum, approved the prior year’s minutes, and welcomed new co-chairs and members. The board reviewed the capital planning timeline and a list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify. Members were reminded to keep presentations brief because of a packed agenda. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, infrastructure preservation, and preventive maintenance. Its requests included a $21 million maintenance pool, phase two funding for a new state public health laboratory, construction of an 18-bed children’s psychiatric hospital, and several projects at Western State Hospital and Western State Nursing Facility, including HVAC work, cooling tower repair or replacement, and chiller plant repiping. Additional projects covered elevator upgrades at Hazlewood and phased cottage renovations at Oakwood. Board members asked about vacant buildings, the cost per bed for the youth psychiatric facility, and the relationship between the CHFS youth facility and a separate DJJ facility; CHFS said the youth facility would serve DCBS-involved youth and be separate from the DJJ project. The Kentucky Department of Education then described its state-operated facilities, including the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. Its priorities included additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building, a rewrite of the SEEK education finance application system, renovation and repair of the FFA swimming pool, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size and cost of the swimming pool project, and construction cost assumptions; KDE said it tracks student outcomes through special education staff and that current estimates reflect higher post-COVID construction costs. The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system, renovation of the McDow Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and a new adult education and family literacy management information system. The cabinet said the labor exchange would connect job seekers and employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility faces safety and code concerns. The cabinet planned to continue through the remaining priorities and answer questions at the end of its presentation.