Transcript Highlights:

• </c> program we work with the Board of Water program we work with the Board of Water soil<00:24:28.799
• </c> our ators and protect clean water our ators and protect clean water through<00:26:00.279><c> native
• about they can't drink the water, they have to drink bottled water, and that could have its own issues
• bottled water, which has its own issues.
• ><c> have</c> drink bottled water and that could have drink bottled water and that could have its<01:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> systems, protecting our soil and water systems, protecting our soil and water during<00:18:42.880
• </c> nitrates from leeching into our waters. nitrates from leeching into our waters.
• water quality in<00:25:55.520><c> Minnesota.
• ,</c> stewardship of Minnesota's soil, water, stewardship of Minnesota's soil, water, and<00:26:08.159
• </c> though they keep the lights on, water though they keep the lights on, water flowing,<00:35:10.160

Bills: HF1669, HF4709, HF3531, HF4048

Keywords: tax credits, sustainable aviation fuel, environmental policy, corporate franchise, Minnesota taxation, electricity generation, property tax exemption, renewable energy, incentives, economic development, fuel delivery, tax exemption, retail transactions, diesel exhaust fluid, fuel lubricants, healthcare tax, gross receipts tax, hospitals, chiropractors, healthcare providers

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Waters. Second by Senator Okay. Senator Waters.
• </c> Senator Waters. Yeah. Thank you, uh, Mr. Senator Waters. Yeah. Thank you, uh, Mr.
• Senator Waters, request for roll call. Senator Waters, no. no. no.
• Senator Senator Waters. second on it? Senator Senator Waters.
• Senator Waters, yes. right. Senator Waters, yes.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul Regional Water Services to rehab their Mississippi River pump station.
• This provides water for over 450,000 customers in 14 different communities.
• Uh, and such a vital resource, one being talked about around the country, uh, of water resource.
• And here in uh, of water resource.
• </c><00:37:55.440><c> is</c> the reliable access to river water is the reliable access to river water

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The North Carver Water District was established in 2008 as a mechanism for managing a water supply system
• The district has been using water provided by the Town of Middleborough since approximately 2023.
• The North Carver Water District was established in 2008 as a mechanism for managing a water supply system
• The district has been using water provided by the Town of Middleborough since approximately 2023.
• drinking water contaminants like PFAS, and more.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a lengthy hybrid hearing of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, with testimony spanning local board training, animal welfare and enforcement, municipal charters, water district dissolution, and other home rule matters. Chairs Rausch and Lewis set strict time limits because of the large number of speakers and explained that written testimony would also be accepted. Members heard from local officials, advocates, municipal employees, and residents, with many bills receiving broad support from municipal and advocacy witnesses. Several speakers supported bills requiring or expanding training for local boards and commissions, including pre-service training for planning, zoning, and other land use boards. Supporters said training would help volunteers understand complex laws, improve consistency, reduce legal challenges, and speed up housing and development decisions. Related testimony also backed a bill to modernize historic district commissions and another to allow associate planning board members to serve more broadly when needed to maintain quorums. A major portion of the hearing focused on animal legislation. Witnesses supported bills to expand citations for cruel conditions beyond dogs, update dangerous dog procedures, improve animal health inspections and breeder oversight, strengthen tethering rules, and protect pet consumers. Animal control officers, humane organizations, and some victims of dog attacks described enforcement gaps and the need for clearer standards, while several dog trainers and the American Kennel Club opposed parts of the dangerous dog bill and tethering restrictions, arguing they would limit humane training tools and professional discretion. The committee also heard strong support for a bill to create a statewide pet shop and consumer protection framework. The committee also heard testimony on several local home rule petitions. Medford officials and residents strongly supported a new city charter that would replace the current at-large council with ward-based representation and periodic charter review. Wayland representatives supported a bill to preserve the library’s Millennium Fund as intended, Cambridge officials backed creation of an employment and job training trust, and Carver officials supported dissolving the North Carver Water District due to compliance and financial problems. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair repeatedly invited written testimony and follow-up materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> aquatic invasive species and water aquatic invasive species and water protection<00:09:44.240><c
• This $4.4 million proposal increases water-use permit and application fees and water-use fee rates and
• </c> water and agricultural irrigation needs. water and agricultural irrigation needs.
• > fund</c> management, the DNR's clean water fund management, the DNR's clean water fund budget<00:24
• </c> partners plan for and implement water partners plan for and implement water quality<00:24:10.720

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been involved with the solar hot water mandate for many, many years.
• , which is to make sure that the most efficient water heating technology is installed as standard for
• I'm dressed up as a heat pump hot water heater.
• </c><00:48:52.400><c> heating</c> is requested um that water heating is requested um that water heating
• </c> dressed up as a heat pop hot water dressed up as a heat pop hot water heater<00:50:55.119><c> I<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 117 on condominiums. Testifiers were split: reserve-study professionals and the Community Associations Institute opposed tying reserve requirements to assessed value, arguing reserve studies should be based on actual components and costs and that the bill could lead to over- or under-collection. Condominium owners and advocates supported the bill, saying some associations are not completing reserve studies or are failing to provide audits and adequate funding, and urging stronger fiduciary accountability. A member later asked about compliance rates, and a witness said he was not aware of any association that had failed to do a reserve study, estimating compliance at well over 95 percent, likely close to 100 percent. The committee then took testimony on HB 544 on pet insurance, which drew support from the Attorney General’s office and the Insurance Division with comments about contract-impairment issues, as well as support from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Testifiers said the bill would help consumers understand and use pet insurance as veterinary costs rise. HB 983 on certified public accountants also drew mostly support, with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants offering conditional support and proposed amendments. Public accountants said the bill could help address a shortage of CPAs and expand pathways into the profession, while some speakers cautioned that the language needed clarification and that public accounting experience should be tied to CPA-firm work. An instructor from UH West Oahu said students cannot afford the extra credits currently required and would benefit from a more accessible pathway. The committee also heard HB 1050 on Title 24, with DCCA supporting the measure and no opposition or questions. The discussion then moved to HB 256 HD1 on environmental protection and incinerator emissions. The Department of Health offered comments, while Energy Justice Network and Climate Protectors Hawaii supported strengthening the bill, warning that it could weaken existing standards at H-Power unless amended to preserve stricter state rules and require modern pollution controls. A member questioned the Department of Health about H-Power’s permits and whether additional controls would be required if federal rules change; the department said permits are reviewed every five years and that the facility currently meets state and federal requirements, while EPA rules remain in a public comment process. Finally, the committee heard HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, with support from the Consumer Advocate, State Energy Office, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaii Energy. The committee then heard HB 350 HD1 on energy, where the State Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray Corporation offered conditional comments urging any new mandated water-heating technology to meet the same efficiency level as existing solar thermal systems, and the Kauai Climate Action Coalition testified in support. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we will go to the water management district bill and I will pass the gavel over to our vice chair
• And members, this is the water management district bill that we have been talking about with so many
• So the bill requires South Florida Water Management District to provide additional details on project
• resources and our drinking waters.
• So I just want to say thank you for making an effort to strengthen our water supply with this.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 932, which would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging under state-regulated insurance policies. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce delays in follow-up testing after abnormal mammograms and noted support from medical and cancer advocacy groups. Senators Arrington and Sharief spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered CS for SB 160 on CPA licensure. The sponsor said the bill adds additional pathways to licensure in Florida without lowering standards and is similar to measures being considered in other states. The Florida Institute of CPAs supported the bill, and it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up a water management district bill, described as a comprehensive measure to increase transparency in planning, funding, budgeting, reporting, and business practices while making historic investments in Everglades restoration. Senators asked about the role of the Legislative Budget Commission and whether the bill would affect the Lake Okeechobee system operating manual; the sponsor said those issues were still being worked through and that the bill was focused on accountability and transparency. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 50 on coastal resiliency and mangroves. The bill promotes nature-based solutions such as mangroves, living seawalls, and oyster reefs, and requires DEP to establish related rules and study effects on flood risk and insurance premiums. An amendment providing $250,000 from the Resilient Florida Trust Fund for a feasibility study was adopted without objection. The bill drew broad support from environmental and coastal groups and was reported favorably. SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification was temporarily postponed and not heard, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 601 Allen, Nexus Water, that's a two-year bill.
• SB 31, McNerney, recycled water, do pass out on an A roll call.
• SB 473, Padilla, water corporations, held in committee.
• The chair will take a sip of water before going through the rest of Senator Wiener's bills.
• The chair will take a sip of water before going through the rest of Senator Wiener's bills.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held its August 29, 2025 suspense hearing on Senate bills, with the chair emphasizing the state’s ongoing budget constraints and the need to make difficult choices among 261 bills on the suspense file. After establishing a quorum, the committee began taking action bill by bill, with many measures receiving do pass or do pass with amendments recommendations, while others were held in committee or designated as two-year bills. The chair noted the agenda was organized alphabetically by author and that results would be posted later on the committee website. The hearing covered a wide range of topics, including insurance and claims data, wildfire relief and prevention, water planning, energy and utility regulation, housing and land use, health care, labor and employment, criminal justice, education, environmental policy, and election-related measures. Several bills were amended before passage, often to narrow scope, remove sections, adjust definitions, delay implementation, or clarify funding and enforcement provisions. Some notable actions included moving bills on AI regulation, transit-oriented housing, paid family leave, wildfire mapping, chemical hair relaxers, and pharmacy benefit managers, while other bills on subjects such as controlled substances, high-speed rail, and certain education or housing proposals were held. The committee also took formal roll-call votes on selected bills, with some passing on A roll calls and others on B roll calls; a number of measures were advanced with Republicans not voting. One highlighted vote was SB 79 by Senator Wiener, which passed after amendments and a recorded roll call. At the end of the hearing, the committee reported that 190 bills were moved to the Assembly Floor, either as do pass or do pass with amendments, concluding the suspense hearing for the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gage gave the ultimate sacrifice in January of last year when he selflessly dove into swelling waters
• He just jumped into the water to save his fallen teammate.
• Without hesitation, Gage leapt into the water in an attempt to save his teammate's life.
• Gage Ingram's outstretched hand as he identifies Chris in the water.
• It's his last act before he jumps in the water and attempts to save the life of his teammate.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're so rich, and we've been carrying their water on the border and other places for years.
• I mean, I personally would have loved to see. us do something similar for the Water Fund using these
• We're talking about when it comes to water specifically. This is the water session, right?
• There's water, drainage, and if we're not smart with the money that we have, we're going to let those
• So whether it's energy, agriculture, or water, we face those challenges.

Bills: SJR4, SJR 4

Keywords: economic stabilization fund, state finance, constitutional amendment, budget management, financial security, term limits, state offices, governor, lieutenant governor, election reform, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of early child... ...around water and, of course, the benefits of early childhood swimming lessons,
• And this is Florida, where water is everywhere.
• Watching a child go from fear of the water to confidence in joining the pool is incredibly powerful.
• No child in Florida should grow up surrounded by water and afraid of it.
• For the autism community, water safety is not optional. It's vital and urgent.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the water meter bill, making explicitly clear how the water meter, the water charges, and sewer
• This is the water meter bill, making explicitly clear as to how the water meter, the water charges and
• The problem with the bill at the time was, you know, the water At the time was, you know, the water consolidation
• I understand a lot of these water districts do need to merge.
• without water.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fund</c> water fund.
• The clean water fund water fund.
• </c> dollars transferred from clean water dollars transferred from clean water fund<01:04:26.760><c>
• That Clean Water Fund also has a clean water surcharge and the property transfer tax interest income
• fund also has a clean water clean water fund also has a clean water surcharge<01:04:56.040><c> and</

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our number one priority is water and good-quality water.
• </c> Alternatives in our drinking water Alternatives in our drinking water source<00:23:50.200><c> Management
• </c> Water supplies in southwest Minnesota are hard to find good-quality water sources, and so we want
• to protect water sources.
• </c> carbon at scale and protect our water carbon at scale and protect our water next<00:51:15.079><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• quality improvements, a pure and water quality improvements, a pure extension<00:08:52.240><c> of</c
• </c><00:10:53.360><c> in</c> is the ninth largest body of water in is the ninth largest body of water
• I mean, the walkway that kind of floats out on the water really helps kind of expand the space that's
• Plus, you know, a lot of that shoreline is marshy and they want to keep it that way for water quality
• Um so it is it water quality purposes.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is the traditional, uh, water cooling, uh, reactor.
• You still use some water.
• of energy to, to, to help solve the water issue.
• Release radiation into the air and water.
• Remember, water.

Bills: HB 14, HB 106, HB 146, HB 267, HB 274, HB 1127, HB 1359, HB 1393, HB 1584, HB 1640, HB 1710, HB 2152, HCR 101, HJR 8, HR 51

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund

Transcript Highlights:

• This project will help inform decision-making, improve land and water quality, restore and sustain fish
• This project will help inform decision-making, improve land and water quality, restore and sustain fish
• It's also to restore lands and waters following removal of invasive species.
• Subdivision eight is methods to protect, restore land, water, and habitat.
• My name is John Waters, the Government Relations Unit Supervisor with the DNR.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is a constitutional amendment that is required and being brought at the request of the Sewerage and Water
• we won't be able to replace the lead pipes because it has to be done both on the public side of the water
• meter as well as the private side of the water meter.
• I ran the Sewerage and Water Board back in 2017 for about 100 days, and I've been involved with it since
• But the Sewerage and Water Board is a very solvent organization, so there's no issues there.

Bills: HR307, SB228

Keywords: expropriation, redevelopment, New Orleans East, blighted properties, task force, urban development, environmental remediation, property rights, community engagement, economic development, 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That USDA grant that I mentioned includes water buffalo and just about any other mammal.
• We obviously can't have a discussion about energy unless we're talking about water.
• Water.
• Very little maintenance costs, very little water. We're talking about five gallons of water a day.
• Thousands of gallons of water to try to get there in electricity.

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its October 27 meeting and then heard testimony on the economic and regulatory effects of Arkansas’s raw milk law, Act 698. Clinton Ballard of Milk and Honey Hill Farm said the law helped his family farm expand from 8 to 12 cows and from serving about 75 families to about 150, increasing sales by roughly $50,000 and allowing about $10,000 in raw cheese sales through retail outlets. He argued the law supports small-farm income, food security, and local processing, but said state health agencies still do not inspect raw milk producers unless they sell to a commercial buyer, which he said limits access to USDA grants and other opportunities. He and members discussed safety practices, including rapid chilling, sick-animal removal, sanitation, customer education, and whether any optional state certification or inspection program should be created without adding burdensome regulation. Members asked about herd management, bee production, market channels, and whether raw milk producers should receive training or certification. Ballard said his farm uses Jerseys, removes sick cows from production, sells on-farm and through retail locations, and relies on best-practice guidance from groups such as the Weston A. Price Foundation and the Raw Milk Institute. Several members expressed support for consumer choice but also raised concerns about food safety, especially for children and pregnant women, and about possible “mission creep” if the state creates a voluntary inspection or training system. The discussion ended without any vote or formal action on the raw milk issue. The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from Terrence Bolden of TLB Enterprises on hydroponic and container-based farming as a response to food insecurity, food deserts, and workforce needs. Bolden described a three-year career and technical education model using retrofitted shipping containers to grow food year-round with low water and energy use, paired with training in drones, robotics, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship. He said pilot projects are underway or planned with UAPB, the Little Rock School District, and other partners, and projected that five regional hubs could create significant economic impact and multiple jobs per container. Members asked about costs, target communities, school partnerships, food desert locations, and whether the model could include aquaponics or protein production; Bolden said the program is intended as a public-private partnership and that the committee could tour a container site once it is operational. The meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.