Transcript Highlights:

• The original application to merge was declined, but they are going to reapply.
• The original application to merge was declined, but they are going to reapply.
• And as Madam Chair said, the initial application was rejected in January.
• Now, it is true that the STB could reject the second application.
• Now, it is true that the STB could reject the second application.

Summary: The committee opened its third interim meeting with roll call, approved the November 13, 2025 minutes, and the chair reviewed prior committee work, including a denied request for a fertilizer-capacity study and a planned later discussion of the Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger issue. Commissioner Doug Goring then presented Department of Agriculture updates on uncrewed aerial systems grants to detect noxious weeds, the state’s irrigation potential, the low-carbon fuels program for ethanol plants, the Environmental Impact Mitigation Fund, model zoning ordinances for animal feeding operations, and fertilizer production and supply in North Dakota. Members asked about funding sources, fertilizer storage and availability, natural gas and water needs for future fertilizer plants, and how the model zoning website would help counties and townships apply setback and odor tools. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Water Resources’ economic analysis tool for water conveyance and flood-related projects. Dr. Dwayne Poole explained that the department is proposing changes to better account for end-of-useful-life conditions and updated hydrologic data, while still limiting the model to direct, demonstrable costs and benefits. He said the goal is to make the analysis more realistic and consistent without changing statute, and he provided examples of how project benefits could change as drains age or as rainfall and flood data evolve. Committee members and water-user representatives generally supported continued work on the proposal, while raising concerns about downstream impacts, closed-basin projects, and whether the changes would meaningfully affect project approvals. The committee then heard from John Paskowski, state engineer, on Devil’s Lake, the West End and East End outlets, and the Tolna Coulee control structure. He reviewed lake history, outlet capacities, sulfate and downstream flow limits, and explained that the control structure is intended to prevent a catastrophic uncontrolled release by slowing erosion and head cutting. Members asked about water quality trends, the length of the downstream flow constraint, and whether the Tolna Coulee area had been studied for possible natural overflow or silt buildup. The discussion emphasized ongoing flooding concerns, mitigation for affected landowners, and the need to balance outlet operations with downstream water quality and infrastructure protection.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we currently support a little over 130 applications in the department across all of the different
• About six years ago, actually, our applications were closer to 200 applications that we supported, so
• we've actually reduced our application over the last six years.
• About six years ago, actually, our applications were closer to 200 applications that we supported, so
• we've actually reduced our application over the last six years.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee convened an informational Division 3 Finance hearing focused on DHHS programmatic issues rather than budget line items. The chair emphasized that members should avoid questions requiring dollar figures and noted that the coming budget cycle would likely be difficult because revenues are expected to be tighter. Commissioner Lori Weaver said the department wanted to use the session to explain its functions at a high level, with more detailed presentations to follow, and to collect questions for later responses. Weaver outlined DHHS’s mission of supporting optimal health for state residents and described the department’s three main responsibilities: protection and prevention, client service delivery, and regulatory oversight. She said DHHS has eight divisions, a $3.6 billion total budget, about $1.217 billion in general funds, roughly a quarter of state positions, and personnel costs that are less than 11% of the budget. She also noted a recent hiring freeze, explained that the department did not request new positions except where required by law, and said vacancy rates had improved from 22% to 14% over the last two years but could rise again because of attrition and the hiring freeze. Weaver and CFO Nathan White then discussed why the DHHS budget is complex, explaining that it is built from multiple funding sources and is shaped by assumptions made months before the fiscal year begins, actual service demand, and cost allocation rules used to draw down federal funds. White highlighted maintenance-of-effort requirements, including TANF, where state spending is needed to secure federal matching funds and shortfalls can trigger penalties. At the committee’s request, DHHS agreed to provide a simplified historical accounting of TANF contributions to show how the match is assembled across positions, contracts, and other factors. The department also reviewed its roadmap, which Weaver described as a framework developed with staff and stakeholders around three themes: culture, community, and customer service. She highlighted priorities such as Mission Zero to end emergency department boarding, expanding access to community-based and residential behavioral health services, reducing reliance on institutional care, improving contract management with nonprofit and provider partners, using data dashboards to guide decisions, and investing in workforce stability and culture. No votes were taken; the main action was DHHS’s commitment to provide additional follow-up materials, including the TANF contribution breakdown.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> if if if the the applicant fails the >> if if if the the applicant fails the road<04:16
• practice includes encouraging applicants practice includes encouraging applicants to<04:20:03.840
• amount of uh percentage of applicants amount of uh percentage of applicants fail<04:23:15.680>
• [clears throat] >> Representative Beu. the applicants failing three times and the applicants failing
• <04:27:15.680> there you've got [snorts] an applicant there you've got [snorts] an applicant

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we could target applications.
• Um, we could target applications.
• Um, we could target applications.
• Um, we could target applications.
• . applications. applications.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:02:06.880> Vice motor vehicle application system.
• Vice motor vehicle application system.
• My son tested number two out of over 800 applicants on his apprenticeship test.
• <01:36:49.600> for driver's license requires applicants for driver's license requires applicants
• I will take the language as put forth as well to make it applicable for all buses.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing. For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities. The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then if you look in 2024, we had 248 applicants, and you can see that qualified wages have grown
• were 71 applicants were 71 applicants >> made<00:47:21.920> do<00:47:22.000> we<
• and you can see that applicants and you can see that qualified<00:47:34.240> wages<00:47:34.800
• , growing wages, is it growing applicants, growing wages, is it growing applicants, is<00:52:35.440
• , meaning $7 million in applications, meaning there's<01:10:41.760> more<01:10:42.000> than

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met to review tax expenditures, elect a chair and clerk, and hear updates on two credits due for periodic review: the career and technical education (CTE) center tax credit and the research and development (R&D) tax credit. Members first organized the meeting, then heard from Jennifer Ramsey of DRA, who explained the purpose of the tax expenditure review process and summarized the CTE and R&D credits. She said the CTE credit allows donations to CTE centers for a credit against business profits tax, is capped at 25% of a taxpayer’s liability, has a $500,000 aggregate limit, and was extended in SB 98 to fiscal year 2031. She also noted DRA could not provide detailed financial data because of statistical disclosure limits when too few taxpayers claim the credit. Committee members pressed for more historical and aggregate information, arguing they needed numbers to judge whether the credit is effective and worth continuing. The committee then heard from Chrissy Vanderhook of the Department of Education on the CTE credit. She described New Hampshire’s CTE system as serving 26 secondary centers and seven post-secondary centers, with industry partners providing internships, work-based learning, equipment, employee time, and other in-kind support that can qualify for the credit. She said the department reports annually to legislative leaders and that fiscal year 2025 credit activity was down about 48% from FY24, partly due to staffing changes and outreach issues. Members asked whether the program extends to community college-level programs, and she said it can, though she was not sure how broadly it is used that way. The committee also discussed a new Granite Patron of the Arts credit, which DRA said went into effect July 1 and is included in the tax expenditure report even though it is not yet listed in the statute. For the R&D credit, Ramsey explained that it offsets business profits tax and can carry forward to business enterprise tax, is based on incremental research spending, and currently has a $7 million annual aggregate cap. She said the cap has not yet been reached but could require proration as early as fiscal year 2026 if not increased. She noted there were 271 taxpayers claiming the credit in fiscal 2024 and that a proposal last session to raise the cap to $10 million and increase the per-company limit did not advance. Mark Liberty of BEA said the credit is an important recruitment and retention tool, especially for life sciences, aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing, but acknowledged BEA does not track direct revenue return. Andrea Hchvaria of New Hampshire Life Sciences argued the R&D credit is critical for startups and cited growth in applicants from 71 in 2008 to 248 in 2024, with qualified wages rising substantially over that period. Committee members repeatedly asked for more objective economic-impact data, but DRA said it only tracks who claimed the credit and the amount claimed, not broader business outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm assuming that this would allow that to happen because that application of the burden as applied to
• application application of<00:47:51.760> the<00:47:51.880> burden<00:47:52.440> as<
• ,<00:48:52.200> let's<00:48:52.359> see,<00:48:52.800> the that application,
• let's see, the that application, let's see, the application<00:48:53.640> of<00:48:53.800>
• of the burden as applied to application of the burden as applied to the<00:48:54.960> parent<

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for the future many great applications for the future if<00:18:54.360> we'll<00:18:54.520>
• And then we go on to say the applicant shall be exempt from the education required in KRS 335.
• under KRS 335 to an applicant under KRS 335 to an applicant who<00:26:10.200> holds<00:26:10.480
• And then then we go on to say the applicant<00:26:20.440> shall<00:26:20.880> be<00:26:
• the applicant shall be exempt from the education<00:26:22.760> required<00:26:23.520> in

Keywords: The livestream event for this meeting cut off shortly after the meeting began. This is the complete copy pulled from back ups., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> It need to be one set of rules because there is evil application if you'll allow me to explain.
• >> May I whatever path that is is fine. >> It need to be one set of rules because there is evil application
• >> May I whatever path that is is fine. >> It need to be one set of rules because there is evil application
• >> May I whatever path that is is fine. >> It need to be one set of rules because there is evil application
• >> May I whatever path that is is fine. >> It need to be one set of rules because there is evil application

Bills: SB209, SB248, HB122, SB99, SB209, SB248, HB122, SB99

Keywords: sales tax exemption, Consumer Price Index, local government, clothing, school supplies, emergency preparedness, Alabama Administrative Procedure Act, APA, administrative law, judicial review, agency deference, Chevron deference, de novo review, contested case, state agency, regulatory power, individual liberty, statutory interpretation, rule interpretation, license revocation

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're on board with that and we're entertaining their application.
• Submitted an application; it took us a day and a half to approve it.
• And Santa Rosa filled out their application.
• The application took ten minutes to fill out. That was it.
• We'll start working in the background on this application.

Transcript Highlights:

• The applicant addresses the feedback, takes care of those concerns.
• > feedback, The applicant addresses the feedback, The applicant addresses the feedback, takes<
• can take time and requires the planning board to educate and work with applicants.
• can take time and requires the planning board to educate and work with applicants.
• Uh, and I'll use the words “as applicable” to reflect the requirements of this bill.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This proposed rule amendment sets forth the requirements for dealers, applicators, training, and record
• And also that the end date occurs when the full determination is made on the regular application for
• who is determined job ready to be required to complete some job search activities before the application
• Well, I can just, in general, at application and at recertification, we verify income.
• Well, I can just, in general, at application and at recertification, we verify income.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First Connections program, which includes maintaining, operating, and enhancing the child care applications
• Are we going to pay $1.114 million for the next year for this aerial application?
• Are we going to pay $1.114 million for the next year for this aerial application?
• I think I was looking at this in conjunction with Tommy's Flying Service, also aerial application at
• I'm just curious whether these were lumped together or these are separate aerial applications.

Summary: The committee met to review a supplemental agenda, procurement rule revisions, methods of finance, discretionary grants, contracts, and a member disclosure. The Office of State Procurement presented rule changes tied to 2025 legislative changes, including Act 782, with updates to sole-source definitions, unrealistic bids, protest requirements, debarment procedures, and recodification references; the committee voted to accept the supplemental agenda and approve the rules. Members also approved eight methods of finance covering university repairs, equipment replacement, property purchase, and capital projects, along with a large slate of discretionary grants for courts, health, DHS, historic preservation, and tobacco prevention programs. The committee then reviewed RFQs and six ratifications. The ratifications included a Workforce Connections payment to ACT WorkKeys, Department of Health costs from an ice-storm-related water leak, a large Department of Public Safety ratification for Motorola’s Arkansas Wireless Information Network upgrade, Veterans Affairs HVAC and medical-service payments, and a UA Little Rock painting contract. The Department of Public Safety ratification drew extended questioning about why the expired Motorola contract had not been renewed sooner and why the issue took months to reach the committee; agency officials said the project was bond-funded, had not been tracked in ASIS, and involved ongoing negotiations and system updates. Despite concerns, the committee approved the ratifications. Members also reviewed a long list of construction, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts, including numerous university, DHS, health, corrections, and state agency agreements. Several contracts were discussed in more detail, including an SAU custodial contract question about sales tax and transparency reporting, and Department of Corrections aerial application contracts for Tucker and Cummins farms, which officials said served separate facilities in different parts of the state. The committee approved the contract lists, reviewed reports, and accepted a disclosure from Representative Andrew Collins regarding his investment interest in a company leasing property to Arkansas Rehabilitation Services before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• reflects that, just saying that if they run out of money, the awards will be by each individual applicant
• reflects that, just saying that if they run out of money, the awards will be by each individual applicant
• reflects that, just saying that if they run out of money, the awards will be by each individual applicant
• <00:04:18.200> from<00:04:18.440> available each individual applicant from available
• each individual applicant from available sources. sources. sources.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the way that I'm reading the committee substitute is that the applicability would be at the time
• Declines to certify a discovery dispute, protesters and applicants are left without a procedural avenue
• This bill ensures that both the protesters and applicants have a clear and fair mechanism.
• Because the proposal allows for both protesters and applicants to request certification of questions,
• We agree that this legislation ensures that both protesters and applicants have a clear and reasonable

Bills: HB573, HB1499, HB1768, HB3071, HB3249, HB3866, HB4112

Keywords: environmental enforcement, legislative oversight, inspection, concrete plants, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental product declaration, grant program, ready-mixed concrete, manufacturers, sustainability, concrete plant, concrete batch plant, wet batching, dry batching, central mixing, standard permit, TCEQ, environmental regulation, air quality, construction permit

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's an off airport application.
• What we're seeing on some of those on airport applications.
• So lease type application, any other questions. >> All right.
• But also making sure again that FDOT has as resources to go through these applications, make sure the
• But in addition to, you know, some of the startup about happening on on airport applications.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 4161 by Munoz relating to the cost of living increases applicable to certain benefits paid under the
• On state affairs, HB 4163 by Gehan relating to the applicability of certain city requirements to agricultural
• Morales and Maverick relating to the policies and standards of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission applicable
• 4222 by Lauderback, relating to authorizing certain counties to impose a hotel occupancy tax, the applicability
• Or employee of political subdivision of this state from distributing certain voter registration application

Transcript Highlights:

• Applicants may pursue some of these permits concurrently, and TCEQ works with applicants to coordinate
• Permits must meet all applicable state and federal requirements.
• Expedited permitting requires applicants to provide additional information.
• right application.
• But also, we haven't received any permit applications yet. But we are prepared.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:05:35.599> eval forward a pre-application eval forward a pre-application eval evaluation
• employees to notify the commissioner of any potential applicant contact.
• employees to notify the commissioner of any potential applicant contact.
• employees to notify the commissioner of any potential applicant contact.
• Any potential applicant contact.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And the demonstration step is even more important in mission-critical applications like heating in a
• important in missionritical applications important in missionritical applications like<00:46:35.119
• But these products are ready for commercial application. Thank you, Senator Grunhagen. Mr.
• But these products are ready for commercial application. Thank you, Senator Weber. Thank you, Mr.
• . application. application.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all