Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a licensed professional engineer in Minnesota and serve as the lead service line replacement program
• <00:20:37.919> in I'm a licensed professional engineer in I'm a licensed professional engineer
• firms to assist water engineering firms to assist water systems<00:22:18.880> with<00:22:19.120
• I mentioned earlier the 18 engineering firms under contract with the Minnesota Department of Health to
• The Excel Energy Center arena complex is a critical economic engine for our city and for our state.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Other departments—engineering, fire, other departments in the inspections process.
• from training and say, you didn't engineer this right, you have to change it.
• if they're going to call the engineers if they're going to call the engineers from<00:36:32.720>
• 35.640> you<00:36:35.800> have<00:36:35.880> to<00:36:36.040> change engineer
• this right you have to change engineer this right you have to change it<00:36:36.560> so<00:36

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Labor Committee heard Senate File 560, a bill to require the Commissioner of Labor and Industry to establish a cost-per-square-foot valuation for residential building permits. Senator Dornink said the measure is intended to make permit fees more fair, reasonable, transparent, and predictable, and to reduce housing costs by limiting large differences in permit fees between municipalities. He said the bill would be sent to the Housing Committee without recommendation, and members discussed but did not act on a related amendment that would have shifted plan review and inspection fees to hourly and trip-based charges and made fee information publicly available. Testimony from Housing First Minnesota supported the bill’s goal, arguing that Minnesota’s housing shortage and high new-home prices make it important to reduce inefficiencies in the permitting system. The witness said permit valuations are often increased by cities, leading to higher costs for homebuyers, and cited examples of large fee differences between municipalities and claims of overcollection. He said some other states, including Texas and Wisconsin communities, use square-footage-based approaches. A League of Minnesota Cities representative opposed the amendment language and cautioned that trip charges and hourly billing would make fees less certain, could raise costs, and would be especially burdensome in Greater Minnesota; he said current valuation-based fees better reflect the actual cost and complexity of service and can be appealed if disputed. A representative of the Association of Minnesota Building Officials also raised concerns about the amendment, saying building departments provide consultations, inspections, plan review, and other services beyond a single trip, and that trip charges would not fit a responsive fee-for-service model. He said the current valuation system helps cover the full range of permitting work, though he acknowledged that a consistent square-foot valuation standard could improve transparency and reduce disputes over project value. Committee members asked about other states’ approaches and the scope of the bill, and the discussion emphasized that the proposal applies to one- and two-family dwellings.

Transcript Highlights:

• New Hampshire today, even with all the improvements we've made to some of the engineering portions of
• New Hampshire today, even with all the improvements we've made to some of the engineering portions of
• New Hampshire today, even with all the improvements we've made to some of the engineering portions of
• <02:11:00.719> looked minor but it just our Engineers looked minor but it just our Engineers
• I don't think you have to have an engineering degree to notice that the tank is overflowing.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And with me today is Matt Kremens, director of the California-Nevada Conference of Operating Engineers
• Matt Kremens here on behalf of the California-Nevada Conference of Operating Engineers.
• , but also outlines how they're to respond to public inquiries into their projects. of operating engineers
• Matt Kremens here on behalf of the California Nevada Conference of Operating Engineers.

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee met on March 19, 2025, adopted its rules, and approved the consent calendar before hearing several bills. AB 538, by Assemblymember Berman, would require awarding bodies on public works projects to make a timely attempt to obtain certified payroll records from contractors when the public requests them, rather than simply saying they do not have the records. Supporters said it would clarify existing prevailing wage enforcement; county, city, special district, and housing groups opposed it over workload, privacy, and potential funding risks. The bill passed the committee on a do-pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 485, authored by Chair Ortega, which would direct state agencies to deny or renew business licenses for employers with outstanding wage theft judgments unless the judgments are satisfied or bonded. Supporters, including labor groups and a caregiver who described delayed recovery of unpaid wages, said the bill would give workers meaningful leverage to collect judgments. The California Hospital Association opposed it, warning that license action could threaten patient access to care. The bill passed on a do-pass recommendation to Appropriations. AB 596, by Assemblymember McKinnor, would codify workers’ right to wear a face covering or respirator at work unless it creates a direct safety hazard. Supporters said the measure would protect workers from illness, wildfire smoke, and employer restrictions after prior Cal/OSHA protections expired; the Chamber of Commerce opposed it narrowly, asking for an exception where masks are infeasible for certain tasks. The committee supported the bill and sent it to Appropriations. The hearing concluded with the roll kept open for absent members and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• IS ROXANNE GROOVER AND I'M AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE FLORIDA ONSITE WASTE WATER ASSN AND ALSO ENGINEER
• ONE OF THE THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO SAY -- I AM AN ENGINEER BY TRAINING.
• IS THERE SOMETHING THAT THE STATE CAN DO AT SOME LEVEL. >> YOU ARE A BUILDER AND I AM AN ENGINEER AND
• ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER AT HEART.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• advances, collaborating with universities and companies, and performing multidisciplinary science and engineering
• And whereas laboratories foster a culture of collaboration, bringing together scientists engineers and
• educational programs and initiatives, inspiring and supporting the next generation of scientists and engineers
• Air Force officer since 1996, he holds a master's degree and a doctorate in material science and engineering

Transcript Highlights:

• MUNICIPAL UTILITIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT GENERATE THEIR OWN ENGINE ENTITY HAVE TO TAKE ACTIONS EVERYDAY
• COMMISSIONERS TO PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE AND STAFFING UNTIL THE PROJECT PLANNING DESIGN AND ENGINEERING
• WE ESTABLISHED A FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT THE PLANNING AND DESIGN ENGINEERING WHILE OVERSEEING COMMUNICATIONS
• THE BILL STATES WHEN A DESIGN PROFESSIONAL SUCH AS AN ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER SIGNS AND STEALS BUILDING
• DO IS IF A DESIGN PROFESSIONAL IS PUTTING THEIR LICENSE ON THE LINE AND DESIGN PROFESSIONALS, AND ENGINEER

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• JLG also has consultants: Architectural Plus, Higher Engineering, Interstate Engineering, and CMTA Engineering
• mechanical and plumbing adjustments, site and civil scope changes, and also some additional value-engineer
• Esfold, the architect of record, and Ackerman's consultants, which include Ackerman and Esfold Civil Engineering
• Structural, Martin Mechanical, and Prairie Engineering. OMB will lease spaces to HP and BCI.
• This facility will be constructed as a pre- This facility will be constructed as a pre-engineered metal

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes before hearing a series of informational updates. The Petroleum Council reported that North Dakota oil production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with activity shifting northward in the Bakken as technology improves and three- and four-mile laterals boost well performance. The presentation also discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, the importance of pipelines and other linear infrastructure, and enhanced oil recovery pilot projects supported by state and federal funding. Members asked questions about gas production taxes, natural gas liquids, and the outlook for drilling rigs and future production. The Office of State Tax Commissioner then reviewed the federal “big beautiful bill” and its estimated effect on North Dakota individual and business income tax collections. Staff explained that most of the individual income tax impact comes from the permanent increase in the standard deduction, while temporary provisions such as senior deductions, tip and overtime exclusions, and auto loan interest deductions have smaller or limited-term effects. They also noted that business tax changes, especially depreciation and expensing provisions, create a larger near-term cash impact, and that some FY25 collections likely reflected one-time oil field transactions that may have inflated the baseline used in earlier estimates. OMB provided updates on major capital projects and facility funding. For Capitol grounds improvements, officials described plans for 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding upgrades, public seating, lighting, tree management, and possible restroom and lobby reconfiguration, while also noting the governor’s residence security project and the discovery of human remains on the Capitol grounds. OMB and its consultants also reported on the state facility maintenance fund, including window replacement, boiler work, roof and foundation repairs, and a new facility conditions assessment covering more state buildings. Updates were also given on the new state hospital in Jamestown, the Minot state office building, and the use of federal state fiscal recovery funds, including possible future reallocations to the Department of Corrections. Finally, Legislative Council staff summarized the interim compliance report on legislative intent and trust fund activity, highlighting the status of lines of credit, Bank of North Dakota profit transfers, the statewide litigation pool, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, corrections planning, HHS program updates, and a likely future general fund request for the unemployment insurance modernization project. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational, with members asking clarifying questions throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• powering Texas, dollars and investments and infrastructure surrounding the economic engine powering
• We have Ben Wright, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Texas.
• I represent the members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen in Texas.
• So, Ben Wright, again, I represent the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.
• Army Corps of Engineers requirements.

Bills: SB39, SB2129, SB2141, SB2246, SB2323, SB2439, SB2722

Keywords: commercial motor vehicle, truck liability, motor carrier, trucking, civil liability, respondeat superior, negligent entrustment, negligent maintenance, negligent loading, negligent repair, bifurcated trial, exemplary damages, punitive damages, personal injury, collision, employer liability, vicarious liability, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas tort reform, commercial truck accident

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee reconvened on SB 2722, as substituted by Senator Bettencourt, which would redirect a portion of Harris County Toll Road Authority surplus revenues to the City of Houston and impose audit and tax-rate penalty provisions. Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz and Fire Chief Thomas Munoz testified in support, arguing that Houston bears a large share of toll-road public safety burdens, citing thousands of police and fire responses on toll-road property and the need for compensation for emergency services. Bill King, testifying neutrally, said the toll authority generates large excess revenues and urged stronger oversight and clearer controls on how the money is spent. Opponents, including Harris County officials, business and neighborhood representatives, and toll-road critics, argued the bill would divert transportation dollars, create a precedent for taking toll revenues for general municipal use, and could worsen project delivery and incentives; several also questioned the accuracy and interpretation of the revenue figures and the lack of comparable audit requirements for the city. The committee took extensive testimony but left SB 2722 pending without a vote. The committee then heard SB 2129, which would increase fines for motorists who disregard railroad crossing gates or flaggers, and SB 2323, which would redact railroad crew members’ personal information from public accident reports. Both bills were presented as safety measures, with railroad labor testimony in support, and both were left pending after brief public testimony. The committee also heard SB 2141, a Zaffirini bill concerning specialty license plates for judges, with the substitute aimed at reducing security risks by changing how judges are identified on plates; it too was left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2439, another Zaffirini bill, described as a TDLR cleanup measure related to ATV and off-highway vehicle safety certification. The bill would abolish the current training and certification program, which supporters said was burdensome and underused given the small number of approved instructors statewide. With no significant opposition on the record, the committee closed testimony and left SB 2439 pending as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• They become the teachers, nurses, engineers, and entrepreneurs who will build the Minnesota of tomorrow
• They become the teachers, nurses, engineers, and entrepreneurs who will build the Minnesota of tomorrow
• They become the teachers, nurses, engineers, and entrepreneurs who will build the Minnesota of tomorrow
• They become the teachers, nurses, engineers, and entrepreneurs who will build the Minnesota of tomorrow
• They become the teachers, nurses, engineers, and entrepreneurs who will build the Minnesota of tomorrow

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, the price tag on all the projects exceeds $1 billion in engineering and construction. destruction
• I'm the county engineer for Brazoria County.
• I'm the Carnes County Road and Bridge engineer, and I'm for this measure.
• All engineers are good engineers. All right, any questions?
• It's also social engineering.

Bills: HJR58, HJR63, HB263, HB542, HB905, HB 1288, HB1402, HB2003, HB2262, HB2323, HB2429, HB2876, HB3019, HB263

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, elderly, retirement, benefits, transit-oriented projects, constitutional amendment, state highway fund, funding allocation, voter approval, highway fund, funding, public transportation, transit projects, transportation, local transit, fund allocation, voting rights, election integrity, ballot access

Transcript Highlights:

• Dylan plans to pursue a career in civil engineering after high school.
• She plans to major in mechanical engineering.
• Or you go to New Mexico Tech, probably the best engineering school in the country.
• If you're a mechanical engineer, you're in a lot of business. You're in a lot of money.
• If you're a mechanical engineer, you're an electrical engineer, systems engineer, we need you.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We used to call it shovel-ready or on the shelf and ready to go and engineered and everything else.
• Probably equated to a 5% year over year, and it got really hard for our engineers to kind of align their
• Is it the cost of the engineering? Is it a cost of the—what the hell is it? Mr.
• And so those are projects that our district engineers identify as being on the frontiers of the STIP
• Chairman, that's because it's diesel engines. So, of the 75, where does the other 25 go, Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there additional soft costs for engineers, architects to design those things, and then how do those
• And then LHB is an architecture and engineering firm, a private company, that is on the team that does
• lhb is an architecture and engineering lhb is an architecture and engineering firm<00:58:11.520>
• <00:58:30.160> costs<00:58:30.480> architecture<00:58:31.079> costs engineering
• and I am not an architect or an engineer and I am not an architect or an engineer so<01:11:54.840

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Capital Investment Committee met on January 23 and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The main presentation was from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on its evaluation of Minnesota’s Sustainable Building guidelines, also referred to as B3. The auditors said the guidelines apply to certain new buildings and major renovations funded with general obligation bonds and are intended to improve energy efficiency, occupant health, and environmental quality. They described the program as involving the Departments of Administration and Commerce, the University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Building Research, and project teams, but found widespread confusion over who is responsible for administering and enforcing the program. The auditors reported that oversight and accountability are limited, compliance is not clearly tracked, and there is no agency assigned to ensure projects follow the guidelines or to require compliance data. They said many projects in a review of 2020 bonding projects had not begun tracking compliance, and that up-to-date data were often missing. They also found the law’s stated program objectives are outdated because the referenced energy-code provision was repealed in 2009, and that measurable goals have not been established for most of the guideline categories. The office recommended that the legislature designate a responsible agency, clarify duties in statute, require compliance monitoring and data collection, update the program’s stated goals, and direct systematic evaluation of cost and sustainability outcomes. Members asked about consequences for noncompliance, funding, and whether cost impacts should be studied first. The auditor said the requirements are legal obligations, but no real enforcement consequences have been used so far, and any consequences discussed have been mostly theoretical. She said the Departments of Administration and Commerce were receiving about $1 million combined to support the contract with the Center for Sustainable Building Research, while other state agencies were not receiving dedicated funding for oversight. In response to questions about costs, she said the overall effect of the guidelines on project costs and sustainability is still unknown, but that the legislature could direct an analysis of cost impacts before taking further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• want them to use the name Tire Engineers in their business.
• Board of Engineers and Surveyors sued Board of Engineers and Surveyors sued Jiffy<02:27:20.640> Lube
• <02:27:34.280> And<02:27:34.520> the Engineers in their business.
• And the Engineers in their business.
• <02:27:42.880> and um being that the Board of Engineers and um being that the Board of Engineers

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 11 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with an invocation by Reverend Anthony Phillips, and dispensed with the reading of the journal and committee reports. The chamber also recognized several guests in the galleries, including family members of senators, medical professionals for Early Childhood Day, and advocates and local officials. After introductions, the Senate moved into the calendar and began considering bills and motions. Among the measures taken up, the Senate passed House Bill 1393 to create the Mississippi Energy Infrastructure Fund, with the sponsor explaining it would allow MDA to support energy projects and require compliance with state procurement laws. The Senate also passed House Bill 420, which provides a full homestead ad valorem tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans age 85 or older and allows an unremarried surviving spouse to keep the exemption; senators asked about eligibility, age limits, and safeguards against improper exemptions. Another bill passed was House Bill 1941 on the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund, which would allow funding through bonds or other means in addition to direct appropriation and raise the DFA processing cap from 2% to 3%; several senators raised concerns about state debt and the funding mechanism. The Senate concurred in Senate Bill 2906, which gives the Secretary of State additional time to establish minimum cybersecurity standards for county election systems. It also adopted motions to table reconsideration on several House bills, including House Bill 908 on absentee ballot receipt dates, House Bill 525 on mandatory minimum penalties for sexual battery, and House Bill 538 on sanctuary policies and immigration enforcement. The chamber voted to reconsider and then again pass House Bill 1613, described as a bill on aggravated trafficking weight and pill counts that also included a chemical abortion ban, after some senators who were absent earlier asked to go on record. For House Bill 2409, dealing with a comprehensive mitigation program for retrofitting insurable homes, the Senate voted not to concur and invited conference. The Senate also passed and retained numerous other items as it worked through the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• <04:09:17.680> and authorize licensed engineers and authorize licensed engineers and architects
• There is absolutely no one in our town qualified to engineer that building or inspect it or know what
• that building or inspect it to engineer that building or inspect it or<04:11:13.520> know<04:
• Do they require any type of licensed engineer or licensed architect or anything for that matter?
• licensed engineers and licensed licensed engineers and licensed architects<04:12:50.399> could

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tim Corby, city engineer, but also the past president for the state's engineering society, ACEC.
• I've been doing this for 40 years as city engineer.
• And personally, again, as the state's past president for engineers and doing city engineering, I've never
• I'm a registered professional engineer I'm a registered professional engineer at<00:35:26.079>
• vital economic engine driving St. Paul. vital economic engine driving St. Paul.

Bills: HF2080, HF356, HF1968, HF228, HF569, HF603, HF692, HF1455, HF2224, HF1361

Keywords: contamination, water supply, municipal bonds, environmental mitigation, city funding, Sauk Rapids, PFAS contamination, drinking water, pollution control, bond issuance, Cokato, capital investment, school infrastructure, state bonds, HF228, Lakes Area Police Commission, Lindstrom, Chisago City, regional training facility, public safety facility

Transcript Highlights:

• here, non-compete agreements negatively impact innovation because engineers are prevented from moving
• in the technology field in engineer in the technology field in Minnesota<00:14:40.040> wrote<
• are prevented from moving to Engineers are prevented from moving to new<00:14:48.800> teams<00
• One of the things when I was talking to workers who hire engineers, folks who would meet that $120,000
• One of the things when I was talking to workers who hire engineers, folks who would meet that $120,000

Bills: HF1355, HF1469, HF1768

Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF1469, Minnesota, workforce development, job training, job skills training, reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, ex-offenders, inmates, recently released inmates, felony conviction, felony-level offense, corrections, prison release

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a little bit of background for me: you know, I am an engineer.
• I've worked at the mpca for uh engineer I've worked at the mpca for uh for<00:40:12.760> a<00
• We're asking for a group of permit writers and permit engineers that would essentially be a SWAT team
• I'm a consultant, a consulting engineer. Commissioner Kessler is an engineer.
• I'm a consultant, a consulting engineer. Commissioner Kessler is an engineer.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're going to have to go through the Army Corps of Engineers and a few other places, but the current
• Corps<00:03:12.720> of to go through the Army Corps of to go through the Army Corps of Engineers
• 14.519> a<00:03:14.600> few<00:03:14.840> other<00:03:15.040> places, Engineers
• and and a few other places, Engineers and and a few other places, but<00:03:16.000> the<00:03

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House took up the Committee of Conference report on House Bill 944, the fiscal year 2027 transportation program and related transportation law changes. The Speaker first suspended the rules to consider the report immediately. A member from Swanton then outlined the conference committee’s main agreements, saying the House Transportation Committee was pleased with the result. The report’s major provisions included a mileage-based user fee for battery electric vehicles beginning January 1, 2027, at 1.4 cents per mile, with multiple payment options and a directive for the Agency of Transportation to return with recommendations on eventually adding plug-in hybrid vehicles. The member also highlighted shifting $1.7 million from town highway aid to state paving, an additional $300,000 from the general fund for volunteer driver and mobility programs, a recommendation to study bonding as a way to advance transportation projects, consumer-protection style rules for EV charging price transparency, and changes to dates related to the Caledonia airport sale. The member noted the conference committee accepted the Senate’s position on making obsolete Connecticut River log-drive rules obsolete. After brief remarks, the House voted on the conference report. The chair called for a voice vote, the ayes appeared to have it, and the report of the committee of conference was adopted. The House then noted that additional Senate bills might come over later and recessed until 4:00 p.m.