Transcript Highlights:

• usage, noise and light and usage, water usage, noise and light and water<02:45:36.560> pollution<
• going to pollute our land and our water going to pollute our land and our water and<02:46:49.359
• legislature adopts that new code.
• c><04:04:25.920> code.
• that new code. that new code.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The underlying bill basically says that we're not going to allow merchant code to be a little form of
• Representative Gutierrez, this bill would remove the merchant codes for certain firearms.
• Do you see any dangers with not having the merchant codes or any challenges for community members?
• As a former retail worker, the merchant codes and the codes that we use give us a lot of data.
• And so as a mom, as a former retail worker, I'm very concerned with removing the merchant codes.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to ensure that Mexico honors the 1944 Water Treaty.
• We all know that water is one of the main issues this session.
• I mean this is water that's that's owed to us.
• justice on the 1944 US-Mexico water treaty.
• Legally, any water in a Texas watercourse is the property of the state, including water that comes from

Transcript Highlights:

• The facility in Duluth was built in the 1950s, and they have some code issues.
• What impact do I have to be thinking about for habitat, recreation, water, etc.?
• The facility in Duluth was built in the 1950s, and they have some code issues.
• The facility in Duluth was built in the 1950s, and they have some code issues.
• The 1950s and they have some code issues.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• power, often disregarding that water impact and that water part of the equation.
• To evaluate how data center water use affects overall system costs, and tasking the State Water Resources
• water.
• When assessing the impacts of data centers on water infrastructure, both annual total water usage and
• heavy-use water users are.

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a long agenda of housing, water, and local finance bills, with the chair repeatedly reminding attendees about hearing rules and noting that several measures were being heard without a quorum at first. Early items included AB 407, which would broaden eligibility for state-run loan and financing programs to help small businesses fund environmental, seismic, and ADA upgrades, and AB 93, which would require data centers to estimate and report water use and follow state best practices. AB 93 drew support from water advocates and local government groups, while the Data Center Coalition opposed it, arguing the bill could be overly restrictive, difficult to retrofit, and raise trade secret or security concerns. The committee also heard AB 650 on housing element review, AB 1044 on creating a new Tulare County groundwater sustainability agency, and AB 523 on allowing proxy voting for single-representative member agencies on the Metropolitan Water District board; all drew broad support from local agencies and related stakeholders and no recorded opposition in the room. Several housing bills were presented as part of a broader fast-track housing package. AB 507 would streamline adaptive reuse of office buildings into housing, especially in downtowns with high vacancy; supporters said it would revive urban cores and help meet housing and climate goals, while the League of California Cities and a few cities opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about one-size-fits-all by-right approval and fee limitations. AB 1294 would create a universal housing application and limit early application requirements; it drew strong support from housing and business groups, with the American Planning Association and League of California Cities seeking more flexibility and input. AB 610 would require local governments to disclose housing constraints in their housing elements and limit new constraints after certification for three years unless disclosed; supporters said it would improve transparency and certainty, while opponents warned it could chill legitimate local policy choices and inclusionary housing requirements. Both AB 610 and AB 698, which would require analysis of the housing and property tax impacts of proposed transfer taxes, were moved out of committee on 7-0 votes after discussion and amendments. The committee also heard AB 1112, which would repeal an outdated Riverside County property tax provision affecting Rancho Mirage; the city argued it was the only qualifying no-low property tax city not receiving the standard minimum and sought equal treatment. After quorum was established, the bill was passed 6-0 with amendments and sent to Appropriations. AB 1021, heard later, would make it easier for school districts and other local education agencies to build employee housing, with the author citing teacher recruitment and retention problems and support from education stakeholders. Throughout the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized the need to balance housing production, local fiscal tools, and infrastructure needs, and several authors accepted committee amendments and committed to continued negotiations with opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• Aspects of code, I mean, building codes and other related regulatory items, so that they are considered
• Their infrastructure, the way that they still get water, is a wood flume.
• I mean, it is a wood flume that can burn down at any point that supplies water to over 50,000 people.
• I mean, it is a wood flume that can burn down at any point that supplies water to over 50,000 people.
• You know, I shouldn't be able to say that the Matterhorn is how my community gets water.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's changed what federal drinking water regulations might look like for public water districts, and
• Our public water system supplies water to more than 95% of our community, pulling from seven groundwater
• water we drink is clean and safe.
• water sources.
• But California looks at water districts and sees that PFAS in water districts across the state is zero

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a lengthy hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills related to environmental health, PFAS, medical device chemicals, food access, lead poisoning, air quality, oral health, and school food additives. Chair Driscoll and Chair Decker emphasized that the hearing was for testimony only, no decisions would be made that day, and that written testimony could still be submitted. They also noted the high volume of speakers and asked witnesses to keep remarks brief. A major portion of the hearing focused on PFAS-related legislation, including bills to restrict PFAS in products and food packaging and to create a PFAS remediation trust fund. Municipal officials and advocates described the high costs of PFAS cleanup, especially for drinking water systems, citing Easton’s multimillion-dollar treatment investments and rate increases. Testimony from legislators and advocates argued that Massachusetts should act despite federal uncertainty, and that the state should stop PFAS at the source rather than leaving municipalities and residents to pay for remediation. The committee also heard strong support for a bill banning DEHP in medical devices, with physicians, nurses, and a bill sponsor saying the chemical can leach from IV bags and tubing and that safer alternatives already exist. The committee also heard testimony on bills to establish statewide food truck permitting, with food truck owners and a senator describing the current system as costly, duplicative, and inconsistent across municipalities. Another set of witnesses supported the “Bean New Deal,” which would expand plant-based food options in public institutions, senior nutrition programs, and WIC, citing health, equity, and cost savings. On lead poisoning, housing advocates and a representative backed bills to expand lead-safe housing requirements to all rental units, arguing the current law contributes to discrimination against families with children and leaves too much pre-1978 housing uncertified. The committee also heard support for an outdoor air pollution bill that would create an advisory committee, identify pollution hotspots, expand monitoring, and set reduction targets, with testimony from environmental justice groups, pediatricians, and legislators describing disproportionate asthma and other health harms in overburdened communities. Later testimony addressed oral health bills to create dental therapists and allow dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide, with supporters saying the measures would expand access, reduce costs, and help underserved patients. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to prohibit harmful food dyes in competitive school foods, with parents describing behavioral and health concerns tied to synthetic dyes. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 84 creates a voluntary water conservation program for water users in Wyoming's portion of
• Projects cannot injure other water rights, promote interstate water marketing, or harm the public interest
• Is this coming out of Water 1, 2, 3?
• <00:14:09.080> water we're talking about irrigation water we're talking about irrigation water
• right holders in the area, all water right holders in the area, all water right<00:15:29.760>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be just people right next to the water be just people right next to the water getting<00:17:43.840
• c><00:21:17.880> but<00:21:18.080> also<00:21:18.400> the water or using the water
• but also the water or using the water but also the economy<00:21:19.039> in<00:21:19.320>
• bacteria blooms in the state water bacteria blooms in the state water bodies<00:24:15.600> so
• Ultimately, as far as that element of it, wherever the water goes, we're not going to focus on water

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 105, which would create a new conservation license plate and direct the added fee to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. The sponsor, Rep. Rosemarie Rung, said the bill would create a non-tax revenue source to help address toxic cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire lakes, ponds, and rivers. She described the public health, environmental, and economic harms from blooms, the high cost of watershed management plans and mitigation projects, and the limited current funding available through state and federal sources. She argued that a voluntary plate program could provide sustainable support and raise awareness. Supporters, including Reps. Katie Pell and McDonald, said the bill would help affected lake communities and tourism-dependent areas. New Hampshire DES testified neutrally but confirmed that blooms have increased sharply, that the agency has issued more than 120 warnings in the past two years, and that the existing mitigation fund is nearly depleted after one-time appropriations. DES said the proposed plate would not solve the entire funding need but could provide dedicated revenue for studies and implementation projects. DMV testified that the operational impact of adding a new plate would be minimal. New Hampshire Lakes also supported the bill and said survey results suggested some current Moose plate holders and new registrants would likely choose the Loon plate. Committee members asked about the health effects of cyanobacteria, the expected revenue from the plate, and whether the problem is natural or human-driven. Testimony said exposure can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal illness, and more serious liver or neurological effects, with pets and children at higher risk; one witness also cited research suggesting aerosolized toxins may affect people several kilometers from a bloom. DES explained that while lake sediments can release nutrients, the underlying problem is largely driven by watershed inputs and worsened over time. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair invited written testimony and additional questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Waters have been under threat for years. Waters have been under threat for years.
• This is about water. the security.
• waters. I canoe there. I fish there. waters. I canoe there. I fish there.
• We're not mining in the Boundary Waters. We're not mining in the Boundary Waters.
• Water in a that's how it works.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the top uh, as far as in the tax code the top uh, as far as in the tax code uh,<00:48:21.200>
• rightsize the tax code to our economy. rightsize the tax code to our economy.
• , the the safety of our food and water, the the safety of our food and water, and<01:15:52.960>
• And Oak Park in our water sources.
• ><02:47:01.920> sewer water, storm water, and sewer water, storm water, and sewer replacement<

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:51:12.119> no Senator mccon yes Senator Waters no Senator mccon yes Senator Waters no
• Architects to perform building code Architects to perform building code inspections<03:10:08.040
• Senator waters for the committee Senator Senator waters for the committee Senator Waters<03:17:29.279
• Senator Waters for the committee. Senator Waters: Thank you, Madam President.
• , drinking water, surface water, and whatnot.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The base budget supports operation and maintenance costs of water treatment facilities and water supply
• They protect our air, water, and land.
• And C-43 Reservoir water quality improvements.
• So there's $275 million for the Water Quality Improvement Grant Program.
• There's $275 million for the Water Quality Improvement Grant Program.

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee met to hear member-led presentations on agency budget requests after prior meetings with the agencies. Representative Barnaby summarized the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ fiscal year 2025-26 request, highlighting major funding for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, Florida Forest Service wildfire and land management needs, citrus disease and research efforts, a new Conner Complex facility and lab, agricultural water and BMP projects, agricultural law enforcement staffing and equipment, maintenance and vehicle needs, and federal grant-related spending. No vote was taken on the department’s request during the meeting. Representative Bartleman presented the Department of Environmental Protection request and said the subcommittee supported it fully. The request emphasized Everglades restoration, water quality grants, springs, harmful algal bloom and red tide response, alternate water supplies, resilience and flood prevention, beach and coral reef restoration, land acquisition and state parks, and cleanup of petroleum, dry cleaning, and hazardous waste sites. Representative Alvarez asked DEP to provide a list of the most contaminated lakes, along with estimated costs, so the committee could prioritize cleanup efforts. Representative Black summarized the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission request, which included additional law enforcement funding in high-demand areas, oyster and reef restoration, habitat restoration, heavy equipment for land management and prescribed burning, a water survival training center, and red snapper data research. Representative Salzman then presented the Department of Citrus request, describing a lean agency budget focused on operations, PALM readiness, marketing and consumer awareness, greening-resistant plant material, and building repairs; the workgroup recommended fully funding the request. The meeting ended with members thanking the chair and staff for the more member-driven budget process, and the subcommittee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE ARE SEEING PAINT PROBLEMS AND WATER INFILTRATION THROUGH THE ROOF AND PARAPET WALLS.
• AS A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER WE SIGN, WE HAVE A CODE OF ETHICS.
• WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A CODE VIOLATION.
• A MILESTONE INSPECTION DOES NOT REQUIRE THAT THE BUILDING BE BROUGHT UP TO CODE.
• WE ARE NOT GOING AND SAYING PUT IT IN BECAUSE THE NEW CODE REQUIRES YOU TO UPDATE. IS NOT IT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• its water quality standards.
• But when we look at the code of federal laws that cover environmental law, just for an idea, the water
• its water quality standards.
• But when we look at the code of federal laws that cover environmental law, just for an idea, the water
• on<01:09:24.440> water<01:09:25.159> but to focus on water but to focus on water but

Bills: HF276, HF413, HF411

Keywords: human services, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, long-term services and supports, LTSS, public assistance, application process, eligibility determination, customer service survey, wait times, form complexity, lead agencies, Department of Human Services, Department of Children Youth and Families, streamlining, administrative reform, case management, reassessment, intake system, adaptive eligibility form

Transcript Highlights:

• First, we choke them off of the water, choke the water off from our farms, and a lot of our lands go
• AB 2739 establishes the Water Affordability and System Stabilization Fund to support investments in water
• Clean Water Revolving Fund, at no additional cost to water agencies, with the goal of stabilizing and
• The golden mussels form dense colonies on critical water infrastructure, clogging and degrading our water
• This directly threatens our water systems that provide water to millions of Californians and millions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• waters.
• Clean Water Program.
• were traditional navigable waters and not all waters.
• Surface water.
• Conservation code.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, with sanitary water and sewer.
• and what the fire code requires.
• I would have to check the fire code on that, and I'm not a fire code expert.
• the fire code and what the fire code the fire code and what the fire code requires.<04:24:32.720
• or closed in place which the fire code or closed in place which the fire code offers<04:26:16.800

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environmental Policy Subcommittee took up HB 1621, which would require a baseline environmental impact study before development of certain manufacturing and storage facilities. Members said the concept had merit, but they could not resolve major drafting and implementation issues, including how to define covered facilities, what the study would require, and how enforcement would work at the municipal or county level. Several members expressed concern about unintended consequences and said the proposal was not ready; the subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend inexpedient to legislate (ITL), and the full committee later adopted that recommendation on a 16-0 roll call vote, placing the bill on consent. The committee then discussed HB 1053, involving electronically submitted pesticide use reports. Representative Comtois presented an amendment creating a department database and protecting confidential information, but said she still needed to check whether it was germane and to review administrative issues with the Department of Agriculture. After hearing from David Russo of the Division of Pesticide Control, the committee agreed to continue work on the amendment and took no action that day. The committee also reviewed HB 1186 on egg labeling and producer exemptions. Representative Comtois offered an amendment exempting small producers from most requirements except labeling, but Commissioner Sean Jasper asked for more time to review the impact and suggested the state might not need the existing egg law at all if federal USDA rules already cover the field. Members agreed to hold action until the following week. Finally, the committee began discussion of HB 1780 on penalties for violations involving seeds, plants, and nursery stock, focusing on labeling rules and germination-date requirements; testimony from industry and department representatives indicated they were working toward a compromise that would allow multiple relabelings, add production dates, and set a 36-month sale limit, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Code 233-904 by Senator Graal: delete lines 67 through 78 and insert amendment.
• the water bill of her neighbor across the street from her.
• totally different water plant than the water plant where she's receiving water.
• , should have a fair rate for their water.
• Article 12 of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and moments of silence, including tributes to those affected by the Florida State University shooting and recognition of Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, John Thrasher, student advocacy groups, conservation organizations, and visiting school groups. Members also adopted Senate Resolution 1878 honoring Coach Abdur-Rahim. The chamber then moved into special order business and considered a series of bills, many of them with House companions substituted in and passed by wide margins or unanimously. Among the measures passed were bills updating child care and early learning provider regulation, imposing costs on false swatting reports, extending protections against extraordinary hospital collection actions, expanding hazardous walking conditions for schoolchildren, creating young adult housing support for foster and homeless students, clarifying school choice disclosure requirements under the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, adjusting interest rules for trust accounts supporting legal aid, revising transportation and traffic enforcement provisions, expanding public records exemptions for certain judicial and health care investigators and appellate clerks, changing municipal water and sewer utility rates in Miami-Dade, strengthening motor vehicle offenses involving impersonation and obscured plates, increasing trespass penalties at certain law-enforcement-controlled sites and large ticketed events, requiring refunds of patient overpayments, authorizing certain stem cell therapies, allowing relatives and direct support professionals to administer insulin in group homes, addressing rideshare impersonation and transit funding rules, and updating the Uniform Commercial Code for digital assets and emerging technologies. Several bills drew notable debate. The trust fund interest bill prompted extended discussion over legal aid funding, bank participation, and whether the measure would reduce support for legal services; it ultimately passed 28-10. The transportation bill was heavily amended, including removal of speed-limit increases and changes to school bus camera enforcement and micromobility rules, and passed 37-0. The Miami-Dade water and sewer rate bill sparked debate over fairness, fiscal impact, and accusations of racism, but passed 36-2. Public records bills protecting agency investigators and JQC employees also drew questions about accountability and transparency before passing. Most other measures passed with little or no opposition, and a few bills were temporarily postponed or set aside.

Transcript Highlights:

• Strengthen your building code. Strengthen our building code.
• , the building codes for residences.
• , the fortified roof code?
• So there's a local code, but not a statewide mandated code for the entire state. Correct.
• We could update the codes to the 2024 codes for residential and commercial codes, which I believe would

Keywords: 1185, senate, all