Transcript Highlights:

• Bem formerly served as the regional forestry for the Rocky Mountain region where I had the pleasure of
• They were collaboratively developed underneath...
• Insurers are doing our part to develop solutions.
• So during your tenure as regional forester of the Rocky Mountain region, did you feel like the Forest
• regions?

Bills: HB471

Keywords: forest management, wildfire prevention, public lands, Tribal jurisdiction, Fix Our Forests Act, wildfire, forest health, hazardous fuels reduction, fuels treatment, prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, mastication, fuel breaks, fire breaks, wildland-urban interface, WUI, fireshed, fireshed management area, fireshed registry, Fireshed Center

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, which aims to address the ongoing crisis of wildfires exacerbated by climate change and the need for updated forest management practices. Various committee members voiced concerns about past federal management failures and emphasized the necessity for collaborative approaches involving local communities and stakeholders in forest management. As discussions unfolded, there were varying perspectives on the implications of certain provisions in the bill, particularly around regulatory changes and their likely impacts on public participation and environmental reviews.

Transcript Highlights:

• They want to consider drinking water regionalization.
• But what does that regionalization look like? But Mr.
• To address this, we are supporting regional emergency planning committees.
• San Ildefonso Morendad Regional Well 3, Summer 3.
• What we do is we extract water from the regional groundwater aquifer.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that's something that's going to ultimately need to develop.
• The Labor and Workforce Development Agency has focused as you develop a strategic plan and have consultation
• The Labor and Workforce Development Agency has focused Just.
• The Labor and Workforce Development Agency has focused on deepening coordination at the regional level
• Patel is referring to the local economic development councils and the regions.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• continue to show and be able to develop continue to show and be able to develop that<00:24:49.960
• And so during this last year and developing the assessment process and developing the mitigation and
• And so during this last year and developing the assessment process and developing the mitigation and
• And so during this last year and developing the assessment process and developing the mitigation and
• > developing<00:37:24.760> the process and and developing the process and and developing

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But you have not ignored other regions and you have now provided grants for different regions.
• But you have not ignored other regions and you have now provided grants for different regions to help
• We've not ignored other regions, and you have now provided grants for different regions to help some
• feasibility study of the region.
• I'm the development director at...

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Why that specific region?
• over the next in the Seattle-Tacoma Bellevue region over the next 10 to 20 years why that specific region
• However, unfortunately, forecasts for regional inflation, long-term forecasts at least for regional inflation
• You know, I think the two bills that were both developed actually, yeah, three bills that were developed
• during the last session were all developed before... ...during the last session were all developed before

Summary: The committee approved the July minutes and then received an informational presentation from the Office of the State Actuary on the financial condition of the state retirement systems. The actuary reported that employer contribution rates are generally declining, helped by strong investment returns and reduced funding for PERS 1 and TERS 1, while funded ratios have continued to improve; on a combined basis the plans were reported at 100% funded in 2024, with open plans above 95% and legacy plans varying by system. The presentation also reviewed projected rates and funded ratios under current assumptions, noted that pension costs are taking a smaller share of the state general fund, and discussed risks from investment volatility, policy changes, and demographic experience. Committee members asked about savings from lower rates, deferred asset smoothing, and how Washington compares with other states. The committee then considered the state actuary’s recommendation on long-term economic assumptions and adopted all four recommendations by roll call votes: inflation at 3.0%, general salary growth at 3.5%, membership growth for Plan 1 funding at 1.0%, and investment rate of return at 7.25%. The actuaries explained that the inflation and salary growth increases were driven largely by higher long-term inflation expectations, while the investment return recommendation matched the current statutory assumption. Members discussed the timing of the Pension Funding Council’s decision, the effect of tariffs and inflation uncertainty, and how assumption changes would affect future contribution rates and budgets, particularly for open plans. Staff then gave an update on the LEOFF 1 study, explaining the difference between being “ahead of schedule” and truly overfunded, and summarizing responses received from DRS, the State Treasurer, and the State Investment Board on the merger and restatement proposals. DRS said both bills could be administered, though the merger bill’s COLA banking provision would be challenging until its new system is ready; the Treasurer urged caution, especially about the restatement bill and the use of one-time funds; and the Investment Board said removing assets from the trust would have some transaction costs but likely small impacts. The committee discussed whether to invite additional agencies and local government groups to testify, and staff said more responses, including from Ice Miller and the State Actuary, were expected for the October meeting. Finally, the committee heard a briefing on PERS 1/TERS 1 COLA policy and related bills from the last session. Staff reviewed the committee’s prior ongoing COLA recommendation, the SCPP-endorsed bills that would have created a one-time 3% COLA followed by an ongoing COLA, the Senate merger bill, and a separate ad hoc COLA bill. Public testimony largely supported Plan 1 COLAs and stable contribution rates, while several speakers urged caution about transferring LEOFF 1 surplus assets or merging legacy plans, and others raised concerns about climate risk and the pension fund’s investments. No further committee action was taken on the COLA item during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just as an example, I requested from the state budget $10 million for a renovation of a regional
• So the big region. I know, the Bay Area. I know.
• Basically, they encapsulated big parks and regions, and they had games, ...basically the encapsulated
• And our city and our region is in a really tough spot if we can't move on our freeways.
• In terms of workforce, we do have workforce development programs.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we've taken all those considerations into account to develop the system we're developing now.
• We did a competitive procurement to acquire a vendor, and after which we developed the full project development
• That includes developing an SOP and a process by which we will be reporting this information.
• That includes developing an SOP and a process by which we will be reporting this information.
• We have a workforce development component, and we're really trying to wrap our arms around it.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the hallmark of who Kentucky is and who our region is.
• That's the hallmark of who Kentucky is and who our region is.
• They see the need in the region. Community Trust Bank is in the region.
• They see the need in the region. Community Trust Bank is in the region.
• ,<00:28:42.960> people base of economic development, people base of economic development,

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force opened its sixth meeting by approving the minutes and then taking up a presentation from University of Pikeville representatives and local leaders on an Eastern Kentucky Disaster Relief Center at Bear Mountain in Pike County. Speakers included Greg May, Rep. Ashley Tacket Laferty, Lori Worth, and Laura Damron. They described repeated flooding and other disasters in eastern Kentucky, the lack of a single prepared relief location, and the need for a centralized, elevated site that could serve as a flood and broader natural-disaster hub. The presenters said the Bear Mountain property, about 530 acres and well above flood levels, could support a multi-use facility combining disaster response functions with university and community uses. Proposed features included a command and communications center, distribution space, emergency shelter, medical and clinic support, food service, restroom facilities, RV hookups, and an indoor track/distribution building. They emphasized that the project would help avoid disrupting existing venues such as the Pikeville Expo Center and Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, while also supporting tourism and economic recovery. Committee members asked about community and emergency-management support, annual operating costs, and resilience standards such as tornado-related building codes. In response, the presenters said local stakeholders, including Appalachian Wireless, Pikeville Medical Center, Community Trust Bank, the city of Pikeville, and emergency management officials, had expressed support. They said the university planned to absorb some operating costs through multiple uses of the facility, community camps, and budgeted maintenance, and that construction documents were nearly complete with plans to begin building within months. After the presentation, the chair thanked the presenters and moved the committee into its recommendations discussion, noting the broader fiscal and humanitarian importance of disaster preparedness and resiliency and indicating that future legislation would likely follow from the task force’s work.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the exciting part of the real estate development ...and real estate development.
• , not a land developer.
• My understanding is that development will nearly double the population in that region, and that the constituents
• My understanding is that development will nearly double the population in that region, and that the constituents
• My understanding is that development will nearly double the population in that region, and that the constituents

Summary: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first took up the appointment of Joshua Kellum to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellum described his background in diversified land, agricultural, materials, and real estate operations and said he views himself as a conservationist. Senators questioned him closely about his development background, the balance of perspectives on the commission, his vote supporting the black bear hunt, and the use of Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds for the “Yes on 2” campaign. Supporters argued he is primarily a land steward and conservation-minded landowner, while opponents said the commission is already dominated by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kellum’s confirmation, with Senator Smith voting no and the rest of the voting members in favor. The committee then received a presentation from FWC on implementation of recently enacted boating and vessel laws. Bill Holcomb outlined changes under SB 1388 (the Boater Freedom Act), including limits on vessel stops and boarding, a new Florida Freedom Boater Safety Inspection decal, and revised rules for Springs Protection Zones. He also reviewed SB 164 on derelict and at-risk vessels, including new enforcement tools, a long-term anchoring permit, and updated penalties; HB 289, Lucy’s Law, which strengthens boating safety penalties and education requirements; SB 830 on the disposition of migrant vessels; and HB 735 on water access facilities and boating infrastructure. Holcomb said FWC is in rulemaking, training officers, and updating forms and permitting systems to implement the laws. Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and whether penalties go back to the state, and about the Springs Protection Zone standard. Holcomb said the state can recover removal costs from responsible owners and that the new springs standard requires “significant harm” and that vessel activity be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make those determinations. He said Silver Glen Springs remains a proposed zone but was paused pending the new criteria and rulemaking. The committee took no further action on the presentation and adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to close the regulatory gap, strengthen conservation, protect regional water planning, and
• With new residents and development comes increasing pressure on our water infrastructure.
• I show you registered as Cole Ruiz on behalf of Yancey WSC and Medina County Regional Water Alliance
• Cole Ruiz: The project itself is in the regional Region L water plan.
• Board in the development of model DCPs and rules identifying quantified target goals for DCPs.

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:

• Part of our operations is also our regional support.
• So the reality is, when you talk about being a regional employment hub, we have to think regionally,
• Almost all of those parcels now are either developed or In by a private developer or are under a development
• or into a regional fund for regional capital support projects, or into our capital program as well.
• , and because of urban development.

Transcript Highlights:

• , to meet the workforce demands of our region and other regions across the state.
• Without a large population to draw from in our regions, regional universities are unable to grow enrollment
• and workforce development.
• and leadership development areas as well.
• and leadership development areas as well.

Summary: The committee heard several education bills, with most of the discussion focused on Senate Bill 1835, Senate Bill 784, Senate Bill 1049, Senate Bill 2942, and Senate Bill 2928. SB 1835 would raise from 5% to 20% the cap on nonresident students who can receive resident tuition and fees through competitive scholarships at certain regional universities in slower-growing workforce development areas, provided the schools have capacity as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Supporters, including West Texas A&M University, said the bill would help fill underused capacity, attract students who may stay and work in Texas, and support regional workforce needs. SB 784 would strengthen a prior law allowing peace officers’ children to transfer between public school districts for safety reasons by requiring both districts’ approval, making clear that districts of innovation are not exempt, and prohibiting tuition charges. SB 1049 would require districts and open-enrollment charters to excuse students, at a parent’s request, for religious release-time instruction for up to one hour per day and five hours per week; witnesses said the program is constitutional, voluntary, and already operating in other states and some Texas districts. Each of these bills was left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them. SB 2942 would expand and adjust the state’s adult charter high school pilot program. Senator Creighton said the bill is intended to help the estimated 7 million Texas adults without a high school diploma by removing barriers to expansion, aligning legal protections with ISDs, changing TEA’s disapproval window for expansion amendments to a 30-day period after receipt, and updating funding to reflect part-year attendance. A committee substitute kept the upper enrollment age at 50 and removed a proposed testing change. Testimony from New Heights students and leadership described the program as life-changing, emphasizing that it combines diplomas with career credentials, childcare, transportation, and other supports to help adults stabilize their families and enter better-paying work. TEA witnesses explained the expansion process and said adult charter schools are overseen by the commissioner rather than the SBOE. The committee substitute was adopted, public testimony closed, and the bill was left pending. SB 2928 would set a uniform school start date for public school districts at the third Wednesday in August, while preserving existing district-of-innovation flexibility for current DOI districts and allowing year-round systems to continue. Senator Creighton argued the bill would reduce the patchwork created by DOI exemptions, support students and families, and preserve summer employment and tourism revenue. A committee substitute was adopted. Testimony came largely from tourism, hospitality, and recreation interests, including hotel, water park, zoo, chamber of commerce, and camp representatives, who said later start dates would extend the summer travel season, improve staffing and revenue, and give students more opportunities for summer jobs and camps. Several witnesses cited large economic impacts from tourism and said early school starts reduce August business. Some senators raised concerns about charter schools being excluded and about year-round calendars, but the bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's ensuring a consistent pipeline of entry-level nurses for our regional employers.
• As you can see in Figure 6 on page 9, DOH divides the state into four public health regions.
• , which has benefits in terms of tailoring public health responses to different regions of the state,
• We're developing an evaluation plan in the Southwest region; we had surveys designed to measure clinical
• And that has been kind of true regionally.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we're going to help to fund the development of this software, Minnesota companies who utilize this
• If we could produce this regionally and locally, it would have a stabilizing effect.
• Most of our members are focused on developing community scale projects.
• They also develop utility scale projects, or at least some of them do.
• I'm also the vice president of project development at U.S.

Bills: HF2103, HF2793

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, community solar, energy policy, sustainability, solar garden program, regulation sunset

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the executive director of the Immigration Development Center.
• opportunities for everyone in our region opportunities for everyone in our region for<00:21:25.080
• Big-time development, and they've been very on that.
• , business planning, and farm development.
• director of the neighborhood Development director of the neighborhood Development Corporation<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had three development program reviews conducted and 18 development project reports received.
• We had three development program reviews conducted and 18 development project reports received.
• We had three development program reviews conducted and 18 development project reports received.
• We had three development program reviews conducted and 18 development project reports received.
• agriculture development county councils. agriculture development county councils.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:08 Approval of Minutes 00:43 KOAP Report 00:59 KY Office of Drug Control Policy 23:04, 958, all

Summary: The committee met on September 18, 2025, approved the July 10 minutes, and received Brandon Reid’s monthly report on Kentucky agriculture development and finance activity for July and August. Reid emphasized the long-running structure created under House Bill 611 and Senate Bill 28, the role of county agriculture development councils in all 120 counties, and the importance of the program as a national model for supporting Kentucky agriculture. He also introduced new staff and interns, including a new loan programs manager, Rachel Coward, and project manager Kylie Davis. For July, the development board reported $3.4 million invested in agriculture and the finance corporation reported $3.1 million in loans. Highlights included 11 county council meetings, site visits, program reviews, and 18 project reports. July approvals included county agriculture incentive programs, deceased farm animal removal programs, youth incentive programs, county/state projects, infrastructure loans, an agriculture processing loan, and beginning farmer loans. Staff also noted that all 120 counties had submitted their required five-year comprehensive plans on schedule. Bill McCloskey then highlighted several funded projects, including Dino’s Farm LLC in Jefferson County, which received support to purchase a meat processing facility and equipment, with the goal of creating market opportunities for goat, sheep, and cattle producers and establishing Kentucky’s first halal meat processing facility. Other projects included a veterinarian facility project to address large animal vet shortages and Grow Appalachia at Berea College, which provides technical assistance and market support for small-scale and eastern Kentucky producers. Members discussed the need for programs such as high tunnels and other small-scale opportunities in rural areas, and staff noted related resources such as CAPE and NRCS funding. For August, the board reported $500,000 in development board investments and just over $3 million in finance corporation loans, along with fewer staff activities than July but continued county council, site visit, and project review work. August approvals included county agriculture incentive programs, deceased animal removal programs, youth incentive programs, county/state projects, agriculture infrastructure loans, beginning farmer loans, and a horticulture incentives loan. Additional project updates included another veterinary equipment purchase, emergency safety equipment in Graves County, and a food safety and efficiency incentive for Jared Cornet.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1457 defines regional stormwater management systems and water quality enhancement areas. Rep.
• Gottlieb: line 26 and 27 it said a regional stormwater management system as defined in Rule 62-330.
• Gottlieb: And I looked it up and it doesn't seem to define regional stormwater systems.
• Overdorf: but what it does do is give an opportunity for a landowner or a developer or whatever it may
• I understand that there are developments that are in process and we are waiting on rulemaking for some

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, infrastructure development remains critical.
• And with us, we have Mark Mulliner, Northern California Regional Director...
• Does your sector have to, you know, develop the momentum first in the market demand?
• If you're a developer going to develop a project, you have to line up funding from the Air Resources
• What kinds of pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship trainings do we need to develop?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul region and increasingly across the state, where we partner with economic development entities from
• infrastructure and business development. infrastructure and business development.
• There's a development in upfront.
• businesses in the region and the state. businesses in the region and the state.
• Paul is a bigger region than St.

Bills: HF4862, HF4598

Keywords: apprenticeship, education, teacher training, grant program, labor and industry, workers' compensation, Minnesota workers' compensation, Workers' Compensation Advisory Council, reinsurance association, Workers' Compensation Reinsurance Association, WCRA, occupational disease, presumption, first responders, firefighter cancer, PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, police officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician