Transcript Highlights:

• including gas, water, and sewer. including gas, water, and sewer.
• loans for the clean water program water grant allocation requiring action and a line item water grant
• round two of the cleaner water program. round two of the cleaner water program.
• water grant requesting a reallocation. water grant requesting a reallocation. >> Okay.
• . development. development.

Keywords: Reuploaded tor restore the roll call and minutes approval 0:00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:20 Approval of Minutes 0:00:50 Information Items 0:01:39 Project Rpt from Eastern KY University 0:06:54 Lease Rpt from University of KY 0:11:33 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:18:50 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:29:33 OFM – KY Infrastructure Authority 0:38:27 OFM – Debt Issues 0:46:27 Louisville Arena Authority 1:24:30 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the November minutes and received information items on University of Kentucky medical and research equipment purchases, five school districts reporting upcoming bond issues with no additional tax levies needed, and a School Facilities Construction Commission list of prior debt issues for fiscal year 2026. It then considered an appropriation increase for a University of Kentucky project at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond. University officials said the project is 100% federally funded and will construct a terminal building tied to EKU’s airport operations and planned flight school. Members asked about the relationship to aviation expansion and whether the flight school would be publicly operated; the witnesses said EKU would operate it, public appropriations had already been applied, and student revenue would help offset costs. The committee approved the item by roll call vote. Next, the committee approved a University of Kentucky lease purchase for property at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead, Rowan County, for $6.4 million. UK said the property, which includes an 85,000-square-foot facility on 9.6 acres, is directly across from UK St. Clair and was offered by the Rowan County Board of Education after it moved to a new location. Members questioned why the payment schedule was structured as quarterly installments and why the price was below two appraisals; UK said the board requested the arrangement and did not want the full amount upfront, and there was no interest on the purchase price. The committee also approved this item. The deputy state budget director then reported three appropriation increases in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: a Ballard Wildlife Management Area pump station project, Lake Barkley State Resort Park emergency repairs, and Lake Barkley lodge wing exterior repairs. After questions, staff explained the Lake Barkley increases were mainly to cover construction contingencies because bids came in close to available funding. The committee approved the action items, then heard four no-action pool projects: HVAC upgrades at the FFA leadership training center in Hardinsburg, Kentucky School for the Blind’s McDaniel Scoggin building, KSD’s Brett Brady Hall, and a Kentucky State University Shanty Hall renovation for the School of Engineering Technology. Finally, the committee heard two real property items: a new CHFS lease in Wayne County and a Transportation Cabinet lease modification in Christian County. The Wayne County lease drew the most discussion, with members questioning the high per-square-foot cost and whether another county location could be used; CHFS said it maintains offices in every county seat, this lease would replace an existing 1977 office, and the new construction was negotiated down from a higher initial bid. The Christian County item was described as a replacement site for driver licensing space, with renovation costs partly absorbed by the lessor and the remainder amortized over the lease term.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:13:54.320> the economic development throughout the economic development throughout the state
• <00:16:25.759> I economic development through this. I economic development through this.
• According to the Solar development.
• :39:14.000> go that could damage the water to go that could damage the water to go through<00:
• <00:39:16.960> to cause things to fall into the water to cause things to fall into the water

Bills: HB542, HB566, SB270, HB618, HB617, HB542, HB566, SB270, HB618, HB617

Keywords: HB542, district attorney, prosecutor, supernumerary district attorney, Employees' Retirement System, ERS, Alabama retirement, public employee retirement, pension, retirement benefits, post-retirement employment, salary cap, dual participation, double dipping, District Attorneys' Plan, assistant district attorney, deputy district attorney, state pension, survivor benefits, Office of Prosecution Services

Transcript Highlights:

• We do not have a water authority.
• I can understand water projects, drinking water, wastewater are going to go to the Water Trust Board
• and water...
• Madam Chair, where we're changing out water meters and water infrastructure, I would think is water infrastructure
• waste water projects come through um i don't i've often seen uh water waste water projects come through

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2933, Groundwater; Natural Resources, Energy, and Water. HB 2934, Harkley and Energy and Water.
• is going to, especially the necessary use of those funds for the water.
• ; HB 2950, Tourism; Rural Economic Development; HB 2954, State Energy and Water; HB 2956, State Landfries
• ; HB 2975; Judiciary; HB 2985, Natural Resources, Energy, and Water; HB 2986, Department Under Water;
• resources energy and water 29 86 department under water 2989 family court judiciary 29 98 special place

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From water stewardship in shaping where our state is headed, from water stewardship and long-term sustainability
• That responsibility begins with water.
• have cared for these waters since time immemorial.
• And there was mention of water.
• Bitter Water on my father's side, we come from people that know water stories.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Arizona House and Senate held the joint protocol session for the 31st Annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day, opening with a tribal blessing, presentation of the colors, the national anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. House Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen welcomed tribal leaders, elders, and guests, emphasizing the importance of government-to-government collaboration, tribal sovereignty, and the role of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes in issues such as water, energy, infrastructure, public safety, and economic development. The tribal address was delivered by Fort Mojave Chairman Timothy Williams, who focused heavily on Colorado River water rights, drought, climate change, and the need to include tribes in any future river management framework as current guidelines expire. He also discussed tribal economic development, education, public safety, border security, and the importance of protecting culture, language, land, and water. Thana Autumn Nation Chairman Verlin Jose similarly stressed unity, tribal sovereignty, border issues, water stewardship, and the economic impact of tribal gaming, arguing that tribes should be full partners in state and federal policy discussions and opposing a fixed border wall. Dr. Laura Tohi of the Navajo Nation gave a poetry reading and spoke about her background, the importance of language and oral tradition, and her role as Arizona State Poet Laureate. Her poems centered on food, water, weaving, and homeland. The session concluded with closing remarks from legislative leaders thanking participants for their perspectives and contributions, and the joint protocol session was dissolved. No votes or formal legislative actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Accidents on the water don't just happen.
• You cannot drink excessively on the water.
• You cannot drink excessively on the water.
• the developer in completing the project.
• They're working with the developer through tax rebates and grants to develop that property.

Summary: The committee first heard CS/HB 69, which would preempt local land-use decisions for presidential libraries to the state. The sponsor said the bill was intended to make it easier to site a presidential library in Florida. Members asked about whether the bill could affect nontraditional uses such as hotels or casinos, and the sponsor said it only addressed land-use and development-order decisions. There was no public testimony, and the bill was reported favorably 16-7. The committee then took up CS/HB 289, “Lucy's Law,” on boating safety. The bill expands boating education requirements, aligns boating penalties more closely with driving offenses, prohibits false information in vessel accident reports, and requires certain nonresidents to obtain boating safety cards. An amendment requiring boating safety courses for those convicted of civil boating infractions was adopted. The committee heard emotional testimony from Lucy Fernandez’s mother, who described the fatal 2022 boating crash that inspired the bill, along with support from industry and local-government witnesses. Members from both parties spoke in favor, emphasizing accountability, education, and enforcement. The bill passed unanimously, 25-0. HB 7003, an open-government/sunshine bill, preserved a public-records exemption for sensitive business information submitted with applications to the Office of Financial Regulation’s financial technology sandbox. It drew no public testimony or debate and was reported favorably. HB 4007, a local bill for Martin County, capped reimbursement for inmate emergency health care at 110% of Medicare, mirroring the Department of Corrections standard; it also passed favorably after supportive public testimony. The longest discussion was on HB 991, which would prohibit creation of new community redevelopment agencies after July 1, 2025, bar current CRAs from starting new projects or issuing new debt after October 1, 2025, and sunset existing CRAs by 2045 or their charter date, whichever is earlier. The sponsor argued CRAs have become long-lived funding vehicles used beyond their original anti-blight purpose and said local governments have other tools. Many members from both parties objected that CRAs remain important for affordable housing, small business support, infrastructure, and redevelopment in blighted areas, and several said the bill would harm ongoing or multi-phase projects. Three amendments were offered: one defining “new project,” one striking the new-CRA prohibition, and one striking the new-debt/new-project language; all were defeated except the first, which was adopted. Public testimony was split, with redevelopment groups, cities, and the Florida League of Cities opposing the bill and Americans for Prosperity supporting it. The committee did not reach final disposition in the portion provided, but the debate showed substantial opposition and concern about the bill’s impact on local redevelopment efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Water and the surrounding Sai Valley. Water and the surrounding Sai Valley. Thanks. Thanks.
• Uh, it retains water. The water table's very high.
• Uh, it retains water. The water table's very high.
• Uh, it retains water. The water table's very high.
• Uh, it retains water. The water table's very high.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Clean Water Revolving Fund at no additional cost to water agencies, with the goal of stabilizing and
• This bill is supported by water agencies and has no opposition.
• Clean Water Revolving Fund at no additional cost to water agencies with the goal of stabilizing and
• This bill is supported by water agencies and has no opposition.
• Jamie Miner, on behalf of Eastern Municipal Water District as well as West Basin Municipal Water District

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , amending the Local Economic Development Act.
• It enacts the Strategic Water Supply Act, creating the Strategic Water Supply Program, authorizing the
• wells or re-completes existing wells to appropriate waters.
• House Commerce and Economic Development, Ranking Member. N.
• with colleagues to develop their collective expertise.

Transcript Highlights:

• And our expert, so what is happening with that water since that water is used as drinking, I think it's
• on that water.
• Water is to live for, yeah, water is life.
• And produced water spilled.
• So we do have active leases that um they have a right to develop and they are not developing.

Transcript Highlights:

• On how they can improve menu development.
• So, the Water Trust Board, which administers and awards funds from the Water Project Fund.
• They go out; this is for the Water Trust Board.
• The Water Trust Board does things correctly.
• Outlay development and reserve fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• waters.
• Clean Water Program.
• discharge, and water.
• were traditional navigable waters and not all waters.
• Surface water.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a state action by the Regional Water Board.
• Transit-oriented development is a transit use because any development we do on our own property increases
• So we partner with developers to build out development on our land.
• Despite ongoing efforts to develop affordable and mixed-income housing, developers still face regulatory
• These types of developments have multiple advantages.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're developing communications. They're developing all sorts of tools in a toolbox for them.
• our water already.
• This is the water body in Massachusetts.
• This is the water body in Massachusetts.
• Um, I heard these questions about water levels.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The chairs and members opened with thanks to UMass, university leadership, court officers, and legislative staff, and Chancellor Javier Reyes highlighted UMass Amherst’s research, workforce, sustainability, and transportation contributions, including energy research, transit operations, and partnerships with MassDOT. The hearing then moved to MassDOT and MBTA testimony on the administration’s transportation funding package, including House 2, the FY26 Fair Share supplemental, and a proposed four-year Chapter 90 authorization. MassDOT officials described the budget as part of a broader multi-year transportation investment strategy, citing funding for operations, snow and ice removal, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, the Merit Rating Board, sustainable aviation fuel credits, micro-transit and last-mile grants, unpaved road improvements, bridge and pavement work, and housing-related transportation infrastructure. They emphasized workforce expansion, capital delivery capacity, safety improvements, and local aid, including the new lane-mile-based Chapter 90 formula intended to benefit rural communities. Officials also discussed major projects and programs such as Grant Central, culvert and unpaved road grants, work zone speed cameras, congestion hotspot fixes, the Sagamore and Bourne Bridge projects, and MBTA operating support and safety upgrades. Testimony from the MBTA and rail/transit staff focused on improved ridership, service frequency, accessibility, and safety, including progress on the Green Line Train Protection System, reduced delays, expanded bus and commuter rail service, and the South Coast rail extension. Regional transit authorities reported increased ridership and described new fare-free, connectivity, and community transit grants. Aeronautics testimony covered airport capital work, drone and data programs, sustainable aviation fuel efforts, and workforce development in aviation maintenance. Committee members then asked questions, especially about Western Massachusetts priorities, Chapter 90 funding, bridge repairs, snow and ice costs, Cape Cod bridges, Buzzard’s Bay rail, and Compass Rail/West-East Rail. Officials said several federal rail grants were moving forward, that Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, and that the administration remained committed to pursuing federal funding and multi-year transportation investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• to those development areas all across the state of Oklahoma.
• Development as we get ready for Don's arrival in quarter two of 2027.
• Some of the key water wastewater infrastructure, our water tanks, our pump system, and our wastewater
• The number five in the top middle bullet is the elevated water tank, where we get our water pressure
• The water, the wastewater, the fiber, and the power, so on and so forth.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and it's a wasted water resource, which we can store, catch, and in turn create some very smart developments
• a wasted water and it's again a water a wasted water resource<02:20:36.800> which<02:20:37.120
• waters and still unsuccessfully. waters and still unsuccessfully.
• Thank you. this will be occurring in state waters. this will be occurring in state waters.
• Thank you, Madam Speaker." development special fund. I surveyed my development special fund.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the future of California's water.
• Water Project by 87% by 2040.
• Together, the State Water Contractors and public water agencies deliver water to about 27 million people
• Water District, in support.
• Did you get enough water agencies, sir? Not only water agencies, but environmentalists.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > many<00:01:52.880> other solar development like many other solar development like many
• we're getting water districts to that. we're getting water districts to that.
• <00:10:01.120> system utility I'm sorry adding water system utility I'm sorry adding water
• Mississippi Rural Water Oversight Mississippi Rural Water Oversight Committee.<00:14:04.399> It'll
• of the water capacity study of the water associations. associations. associations.

Keywords: Energy - Room 210, 2 February, 2026; 4:15 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several energy, utility, and infrastructure bills. Bill 2527 on solar decommissioning was presented as a landowner consumer-protection measure that would set statewide baseline requirements for solar lease agreements, preserve some freedom of contract, preempt duplicative local rules, and protect landowners from reclamation costs; after no questions, it was moved and passed. The committee also discussed changes to the Gulf Coast Regional Utility Act in HB 2058 and HB 2309, including new first-right-of-refusal language, prohibitions on unauthorized service, civil penalties and enforcement tools, and legislative intent language aimed at preventing duplication and protecting public investment; both were adopted as committee substitutes and passed. HB 2018 was amended to extend similar oversight to water systems, and it was reported after questions about the scope of the change. Several bills focused on water and wastewater oversight. SB 2311 and SB 2312 would create statewide A-to-F grading systems for drinking water and wastewater systems, require annual public reporting, and direct the health and environmental agencies to adopt objective scoring rules; both were passed. SB 2526 would create a Mississippi Rural Water Oversight Committee, require rate studies, capacity studies, and asset management plans for water associations, and provide staffing and funding support from existing revolving-fund resources; it was adopted as a committee substitute and reported, with supporters saying it would help identify and assist troubled associations. The committee also heard a bill creating the Metro Jackson Water Authority, allowing a lease of city system assets, special revenue bonds to refinance legacy debt, and supplemental revenue sources such as sanitation fees and possibly sales tax revenues; the sponsor said no general fund money would be used, and the bill was reported. The committee also advanced HB 2641, which was stripped down to a study committee on wind turbine facilities, grandfathered existing projects, and imposed a moratorium on new construction until the study is completed; members asked about existing projects and were told current projects under construction would not be penalized, and the committee substitute passed. SB 2783 would make targeted definition changes to BEAD-related broadband grant programs so remaining federal funds could support other state initiatives, including AI workforce training, and it was reported after questions about future federal guidance. Finally, HB 2787 would add propane to the school gas-leak testing statute; the sponsor said the inspections would not require additional state funding because propane dealers and the State Fire Marshal’s office already handle the checks, and the bill passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• reactors or boiling water reactors.
• So it's, you know, close to 20 times heavier than water, or more dense than water, I should say.
• We have no water.
• , with economic development.
• Pressurized water reactors, boiling water reactors.

Summary: The meeting opened with remarks about the value of public engagement and the quality of questions from the group, followed by a series of technical presentations from Idaho National Laboratory staff. Joe Renovitz described recent nuclear regulatory changes tied to presidential executive orders, including NRC Part 53 for advanced reactors, the forthcoming Part 57 for very small reactors, and DOE updates to reactor authorization standards. He emphasized efforts to align DOE and NRC processes, use risk-informed and performance-based licensing, support reactor deployment for AI/data centers and national security, and use AI to speed communications and crosswalks between DOE and NRC requirements. In response to questions, he said there was no plan to merge agencies, but rather to improve coordination and public outreach through groups like GAIN and NEI. David Tolman then discussed the nuclear fuel cycle, including uranium mining, conversion, enrichment, fuel fabrication, spent fuel storage, transportation, disposal, and reprocessing. He explained high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), why it is needed for advanced reactors, and DOE’s HALEU Availability Program and related investments in enrichment, transportation, deconversion, and supply chain development. He also covered spent fuel management, the possibility of centralized storage or a fuel-cycle campus, the Center for Used Fuel Research, and ongoing work on high-burnup cask testing and reprocessing technologies. Tolman described aqueous, pyrochemical, and fluoride-volatility reprocessing approaches, noting the advantages and waste characteristics of each, and said several companies are working with INL on these technologies. Ashley Shields presented INL’s AI and nuclear work, focusing on the Genesis initiative and the Prometheus effort to use AI to design, license, build, and operate reactors with far less human intervention. She described INL’s broad use of generative AI tools, the need to manage large volumes of legacy technical data, and applications in reactor design, materials discovery, autonomous laboratories, and digital twins. Shields said AI is being used to reduce the enormous documentation burden in nuclear licensing and to support autonomous or remotely operated reactor demonstrations, while stressing that humans remain in supervisory roles. In discussion, she addressed data security, model access, and the continued need for software engineers. The session then recessed briefly and resumed with Mitch Kerman beginning a presentation on critical minerals and materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• The operator subsection defines water testing requirements.
• is not a source of drinking water.
• We talk about this also in the Water Committee.
• A water contaminant or combination of water contaminants identified as a toxic pollutant by the Water
• It'll also help to provide jobs and economic development.