Transcript Highlights:

• Witness: The USDA grant that I mentioned includes water buffalo and just about any other mammal.
• The USDA grant that I mentioned includes water buffalo and just about any other mammal.
• a discussion about food unless we're talking about energy and water and the cost thereof.
• Very little maintenance costs, very little water—we’re talking about five gallons of water a day—you.
• Very little maintenance costs, very little water. We’re talking about five gallons of water a day.

Committee: All AGRICULTURE- HOUSE SMALL BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEV. SUBCOM.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't... it's kind of muddying the waters if you transfer it somewhere else.
• Julia Hall with the Association of California Water Agencies.
• Members, Beth Olasso on behalf of Water Wreaths California. I echo the comments of Ms.
• As you know, there's a robust water recycling funding program.
• Thank you, Chair Bennett, Mateo Kushner with the Community Water Center.

Keywords: 988, house, 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

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The two projects include the west side water expansion planning and construction project and the water
• Because of these limitations, the recommended approach is to expand the existing water plant, drill a
• All work will occur at the existing water plant near the intersection of Plainview Road and Down Road
• All right, item four is review and approval of Water Sector Commission recommendations.
• The Commission recommended $5.5 million in additional water sector funding for the Tensas Water District

Summary: The committee first adopted the fiscal status statement and five-year baseline summary after a brief discussion about how the baseline percentages are calculated and why projected expenditures exceed revenues in later years, with staff explaining that inflation assumptions drive much of the increase. The Office of Facility Planning and Control then received approval for several items: adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects, approving a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, reporting four smaller change orders for information, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into one expanded water plant/well and distribution plan. The committee also approved a two-year extension for UL Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting contract and approved additional Water Sector Commission funding of $5.5 million for the Tensas Water District Association, with a $100,000 local commitment noted. The most extensive discussion centered on a proposed tax increment financing package for a new 1,000-room Omni headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Project representatives said the hotel would require about $550 million in private investment, with the authority contributing land and $80 million, and that the package would dedicate state and local tax increments for 45 years after opening. Senators and representatives questioned the structure, the length of the incentive, the expected return to the state, possible cannibalization of existing hotel tax revenue, and why the convention center would receive a 1% stream for so long. Several members said they wanted more information on projected annual revenues and the overall return before voting, and the committee deferred the item to the next month. Later, Louisiana Economic Development requested one-year extensions for two marketing-related contracts with Zender Communications and Graham Group, and the Department of Education sought an amendment to the Odyssey contract for the Louisiana Gator program. The education discussion focused on the per-student cost of $143.50, the use of current enrollment and appropriation levels to set the contract ceiling, the fact that startup costs were no longer included, and the need for continuity before the current contract expires June 30. Members asked for an RFP to be considered for future years and for more information on student outcomes and actual spending. The committee took no vote on the education item during the discussion, and the meeting adjourned after the final exchanges.

Transcript Highlights:

• The two projects include the west side water expansion planning and construction project and the water
• Because of these limitations, the recommended approach is to expand the existing water plant, drill a
• All work will occur at the existing water plant near the intersection of Plan View Road and Down Road
• All right, Item 4 is review and approval of Water Sector Commission recommendations.
• The Commission recommended $5.5 million in additional water sector funding for the Tencel Water District

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first received a fiscal status statement and five-year baseline budget update from the Office of Planning and Budget. Members were told there were no changes to the baseline, but several current-year items now require appropriations, including Hurricane Katrina closeout costs under GOSEP, projected Department of Corrections shortfalls for offender medical care and overtime, and a reduction in the minimum foundation program tied to February 1 student counts. After questions about how the five-year percentages and inflation assumptions were calculated, the committee adopted the fiscal status statement. The committee then approved several Facility Planning and Control items, including adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects to the approved list under Act 751, a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, a report of four other change orders for informational purposes, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into a single expanded water plant and distribution project. It also approved a two-year extension of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting agreement and approved Water Sector Commission recommendations for an additional $5.5 million for the Tencel Water District Association, which included a $100,000 local commitment. A major portion of the meeting focused on a proposed tax increment financing package for a 1,000-room headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Witnesses described the project as a $550 million private investment supported by state and local tax dedications, with projected benefits including more convention business and improved competitiveness. Members raised concerns about the 45-year term, the use of a 1% state tax dedication, possible cannibalization of existing hotel revenue, and the return on the public incentive. After extensive questioning, the committee deferred the proposal to the next month for further review and requested additional projections. Finally, the committee reviewed contract extensions for Louisiana Economic Development’s marketing vendors and a Department of Education amendment for the Odyssey platform used in the Louisiana Gator program. The education officials explained the contract is based on a per-student amount of $143.50 and that the current amendment is needed to avoid a lapse when the existing term ends June 30. Members discussed whether an RFP should be started for future years to seek a better price, and the department said it would be able to provide academic outcome data after the current testing cycle. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• with the Snake River water pipeline project through our partnership with the Idaho Water Resource Board
• The construction of the water conveyance infrastructure is complete, thanks to the Idaho Water Resource
• Currently, we are building the water treatment plant to process the water, which is scheduled for completion
• supplies within Elmore County are limited and presently inadequate to meet the long-term needs of water
• Berlin, that would have testified, they've had water issues where the water has become undrinkable, and

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• already was served by one water meter.
• He could get some water meters for each property and they could have built their, their home.
• Uh, get water or electric services or anything else to go through the planning requirements.
• You don't have to go through the permitting process, but now you can go ahead and get water.
• You can get water without having to contribute to the future development.

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Transcript Highlights:

• And then when it rains, that goes into our water system, our storm drain system.
• So has the water resources agency weighed in on this issue?
• And then when it rains, that goes into our water system, our storing grain system.
• And so has the water resources agency weighed in on this issue?
• The motion is do pass with the Committee on Natural Resources and Water.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several measures, with most of the agenda taken up by AB 1944, AB 2453, and SJR 16 after a consent calendar of eight items was approved. AB 1944 by Assembly Member Alex Lee would delay the schedule for reducing the allowable axle weight limits for zero-emission buses while keeping the final cap in place, to give transit agencies and manufacturers more time to develop lighter buses with sufficient range. Supporters, including the California Transit Association and several transit districts, said the bill would help agencies comply with zero-emission bus mandates. Opponents, led by the League of California Cities, argued heavier buses would accelerate pavement damage and increase local maintenance costs. Senators raised concerns about infrastructure impacts and environmental tradeoffs, while others supported the bill as a practical adjustment to technology timelines. The bill passed on a 10-3 vote, with the roll left open and later completed. AB 2453 by Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez would clarify authority for first responders and peace officers to use off-highway vehicles in official duties, including limited travel on public roads to reach remote areas. The author and supporters, including the Carlsbad Fire Department and the City of Ontario, said the bill would improve response times for beaches, trails, deserts, and special events and reduce burdensome workarounds. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee approved the bill unanimously and sent it to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water. SJR 16 by Senator Caballero urged Congress to act on federal actions affecting California commercial truck drivers after a fatal crash and subsequent federal scrutiny of California’s commercial licensing practices, including English-language proficiency standards and rescinded credentials. The author and Teamsters California said the federal response had unfairly harmed experienced drivers and the supply chain. No opposition was presented. The resolution passed on a 9-3 vote, with the roll also left open and later completed. The consent calendar items were adopted 13-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• So has the water resources agency weighed in on this issue?
• And then when it rains, that goes into our water system, our storing grain system.
• And so has the water resources agency weighed in on this issue?
• The motion is due pass with the Committee on Natural Resources and Water. Senators Cortese, aye.
• The motion is due pass to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water. The current vote is 9-0.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, item agenda number seven is a review and approval of Water Sector Commission.
• Review and approval of Water Sector Commission. Representatives are ready to present.
• The commission recommended $2.8 million in additional water sector funding for four ongoing water and
• For four ongoing water and sewer projects.
• Representatives Arraying to approve Water Sector Commission recommendations.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget met on February 19, 2026, and first received an unchanged fiscal status statement and five-year baseline projection from the Office of Planning and Budget. Members approved the fiscal status statement, and the baseline budget was noted as unchanged from the prior month. The committee also approved Facility Planning and Control’s request to add five higher education deferred maintenance projects to the Act 751 eligible list, and reviewed four change orders over $50,000 for informational purposes. The committee then approved the Louisiana Lottery Corporation’s fiscal year 2026-2027 operating budget. Lottery officials reported $610 million in projected gross revenue, emphasized 29 consecutive years without legislative auditor findings or management comments, and noted the corporation’s long-running transfers to the MFP and State General Fund. Members also approved the 2026-2027 operating budgets for LASERS, TRSL, the School Employees’ Retirement System, and the State Police Retirement System en bloc. The retirement systems described modest budget increases or decreases, strong investment performance, and continued progress in reducing unfunded liabilities; members discussed COLA prospects, UAL paydown, and the impact of surplus dollars on retirement debt reduction. The committee approved prior-year deputy sheriff supplemental pay expenditures of $20,262.32 and then approved several legislative intent clarifications for prior appropriations, including items for Tangipahoa Parish, Harahan, Allen Parish, Morgan City, and DeSoto Parish. It also approved the Water Sector Commission’s recommendation for an additional $2.8 million for four ongoing water and sewer projects. Several contract items were reviewed without action, including DEQ’s extension with RTI International, Tourism’s marketing contract amendments, and the Office of Risk Management’s Sedgwick claims administration amendment. The meeting concluded with adjournment after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, item, agenda number seven, is a review and approval of Water Sector Commission.
• The commission recommended $2.8 million in additional water sector funding for four ongoing water and
• For four ongoing water and sewer projects.
• Representative Arang to approve Water Sector Commission recommendations.
• Representatives Arraying to approve Water Sector Commission recommendations.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget met on February 19, 2026, and first received unchanged fiscal status and five-year baseline budget reports from the Office of Planning and Budget; the fiscal status statement was approved without objection, and the baseline budget required no action. The committee then approved a request from Facility Planning and Control to add five higher education deferred maintenance projects to the eligible list under Act 751, and reviewed four change orders over $50,000 for informational purposes only. Members approved the Louisiana Lottery Corporation’s fiscal year 2026-2027 operating budget after testimony highlighted projected gross revenue of $610 million, 29 years without legislative auditor findings, and continued support for the MFP. The committee also approved, en bloc, the operating budgets for LASERS, the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana, the School Employees’ Retirement System, and the State Police Retirement System. Retirement officials described modest budget increases or decreases, strong investment performance, and ongoing efforts to reduce unfunded liabilities; members discussed the impact of surplus payments toward UAL debt and the possibility of future COLAs, including a 2% COLA if the legislature reaches the required two-thirds vote. The committee approved payment of $20,262.32 in prior-year deputy sheriff supplemental pay expenditures from the current-year budget. It also approved several legislative intent clarifications for prior appropriations, including changes involving Tangipahoa Parish, Harahan, Allen Parish, Morgan City, and DeSoto Parish School System-related funding. In addition, the Water Sector Commission’s recommendation for $2.8 million in additional funding for four ongoing water and sewer projects was approved. The remaining items were reviewed without action: an RTI International contract extension for DEQ air-quality filter weighing, amendments to four Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism marketing contracts to extend and supplement funding, and the fifth-year amendment to the Office of Risk Management’s Sedgwick claims administration contract, valued at $21.1 million. The meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amy Walen, John Braun, Kevin Waters, Sharon Wylie, Alex Ybarra, Janice Zahn. Madam Speaker, Mr.
• Using EPA data, they estimate that it would take about 60 residents in order to exceed average water
• A lot of people don't like water meters.
• A lot of people don't like water meters.
• I am concerned about the water-metering part of it.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Water MUD. That's MUD. That's MUD, and that's Driftwood and Dripping Springs.
• It creates Fort Bend County Water Control and Improvement District Number 12 and proposes the addition
• of road powers to the existing Fort Bend County Water Control and Improvement District Number 12 to
• The bill provides for the standard powers of financing for water, sewage, drainage, and infrastructure
• It proposes the creation of a Montgomery County Water Control and Improvement District.

Bills: HB103

Committee: Senate Local Government

Summary: The Senate Local Government Committee met to hear and act on a series of municipal utility district and municipal management district bills, most of them presented as template or cleanup measures. The committee first heard HB 5672, which redefined the boundaries of the Driftwood Conservation District in Hays County to match acreage added through landowner petitions; no one testified, and the bill was reported favorably and placed on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then took up HB 5696 for the Reserve Municipal Management District in Mansfield, where Senator Birdwell explained a committee substitute that conformed the bill to the standard MMD template; the bill was left pending subject to call of the chair. Similar template or technical bills followed, including HB 5680 (Bayou Bell No. 1 MMD in Liberty County), HB 5654 (Montgomery County MUD No. 263), HB 5662 (Fort Bend County WCID No. 12 with road powers), HB 5658 (Craver Ranch MMD in Denton County), HB 5661 (Fort Bend County MUD No. 286), HB 5699 (an exclusion/contract provision for Harris County MUD No. 405), HB 5679 (Hills of Walnut Creek MUD in Parker County), HB 5437 (validation language for Austin County MUD No. 1), HB 5665 (Waller County MUD No. 70), HB 5656 (Fort Bend County MUD No. 263), HB 5670 (Montgomery County MUD No. 259), HB 5651 (Montgomery County WCID with drainage powers), HB 5682 (Comina Ranch MMD No. 1 in McKinney), HB 5320 (merging Starr County drainage-related districts), HB 5677 (Pura Vida MMD No. 1), and HB 5666 (Fencey Road MUD in Harris County). In each case, the sponsor described the district, acreage, location, and powers, and committee substitutes were often used to align the bills with the chamber’s standard template language or correct drafting errors. Public testimony was repeatedly opened and closed with no witnesses appearing for or against the bills. The committee consistently adopted committee substitutes when offered, then voted to report the measures favorably, usually with recommendations that they do pass and be printed, and to place them on the local and uncontested calendar. Most roll calls showed 4 or 5 ayes and 0 nays, with some members absent or not voting. HB 5680 and HB 5682 were reported with committee substitutes in lieu of the filed versions; HB 5658 was reported with a do-not-pass recommendation on the filed bill but do-pass on the substitute; HB 5677 was handled similarly as a companion/template cleanup measure. The committee also noted a few procedural issues, including quorum concerns early in the meeting and a mislabeled bill number that required clarification. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted several motions in writing and then recessed to reconvene 15 minutes after adjournment of the floor, anticipating possible additional bills later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• So anyway, what it does, it just provides certainty for everybody's water rights across the basin, and
• And then it also creates a water bank, which has been used in the Lemhi Basin as well.
• And then it also creates a water bank, which has been used in the Lemhi Basin as well.
• It creates a water bank, which has been used in the Lemhi Basin as well.
• So they will be able to rent water. There's set fees for rent and water anyway.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To his community through service on the Johnson County MHMR Board, the Bethany Water Supply Corporation
• Profile water profiteer. Yesterday, the Senate discussed the most important part of this bill.
• This isn't just about water; this is about trust, right?
• I'm gonna go back to those individuals and to the cities and to those water purveyors.
• And then we heard the developer of the potential project talk about the amount of water reduction.

Bills: SB 1 , HCR 20 , HR 131 , HR 133 , HR 135 , HR 136 , HR 137 , HR 144 , HR 145 , HR 146 , HR 149 , HR 150 , HR 151 , HR 152 , HR 158 , HR 161 , HR 162 , HR 163 , HR 165 , HR 166 , HR 168 , HR 169 , HR 170 , HR 175 , HR 178 , HR 127 , HR 129 , HR 130 , HR 132 , HR 134 , HR 138 , HR 139 , HR 140 , HR 141 , HR 142 , HR 143 , HR 153 , HR 154 , HR 155 , HR 156 , HR 159 , HR 160 , HR 164 , HR 167 , HR 172 , HR 173 , HR 176 , SB 1 , HB 8 , HB 15 , HB 27 , SB 5

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, memorial, remembrance, legacy, condolences, community, higher education, university merger, research, public health, economic impact, healthcare, insurance, affordability, medical coverage, state regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• resources they need for the water resources they need for cooling. cooling. cooling.
• And it turns out water and air don't know the boundaries of the Xcel territory.
• Ecosystems, wildlife, local communities depend on clean water. This can be important.
• Chair. communities depend on clean water. Uh, communities depend on clean water.
• If we leaned into this to water.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh emergency services,<00:46:40.080><c> water,</c><00:46:40.800><c> sewer,</c><00:46:41.960><c> um</c
• > services, water, sewer, um services, water, sewer, um infrastructure<00:46:43.600><c> that</c><00:46
• If that helps you with just water infrastructure. Yeah. >> Mr. Chairman. >> Mr.
• That was the infrastructure water study.
• And so can you talk a little bit about the federal mandate versus a failing water system?

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the tax exemption for residential water services was enacted in 1979.
• And then the tax exemption for residential water services was enacted in 1979.
• And then the tax exemption for residential water services was enacted in 1979.
• And then the tax exemption for residential water services was enacted in 1979.
• </c> hot water and then the one for water hot water and then the one for water services<00:15:50.000>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• A holistic system of farming practices aimed at improving soil health, water retention, and water quality
• This prevents the rain from directly hitting the soil, allows absorption of that water, and again, I
• Invest in solutions that restore soil, conserve water, and empower producers. Thank you.
• Reduces water use. Improves drought resilience.
• So, we have to figure out how to conserve water as Texas farmers. countermeasure to drought.

Bills: HB3032 , HB3434 , HB3574 , HB5339 , HB5646

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: nursing education, clinical sites, health facilities, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, legislative study, healthcare training, tuition, financial assistance, higher education, public institutions, student support, nonresident students, Texas Education Code, resident tuition, scholarships, regenerative agriculture, grants, sustainable farming, soil health, bioremediation

Transcript Highlights:

• So they'll come out to do a water sample, and a lot of times particular groups will come out after a
• heavy rain and they'll do their water samples in the area because it's going to come back.
• sample and a lot of times water sample and a lot of times particular<00:15:46.199><c> groups</c><00:
• </c> heavy rain and they'll do their water heavy rain and they'll do their water samples<00:15:50.319
• </c> leaning in and using data both are water leaning in and using data both are water samples<00:16:

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:44 Introduction of Guests 01:21 HB 137 Discussion 02:11 HB 137 Roll Call Vote 25:35 HB 346 Discussion 26:15 HB 346 Roll Call Vote 27:24, 958, all

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee met with prayer and the Pledge, approved the prior minutes, and recognized visiting guests, including representatives from Nucor Steel and students from Eastern Kentucky University. The main business was House Bill 137, which would require air-pollution enforcement actions by the Energy and Environment Cabinet and Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District to rely on EPA-approved monitoring methods or scientifically defensible, quality-assured data. The sponsor and industry supporters argued the bill would ensure reliable evidence and protect manufacturers from enforcement based on questionable data. Opponents, including the Kentucky Resources Council, the West Jefferson County Community Task Force, and a former cabinet employee, argued the bill would conflict with the Clean Air Act’s allowance for “any credible evidence,” could exclude community air-monitoring data and citizen complaints, and might weaken enforcement by limiting the use of lower-cost sensors, photos, video, and other nontraditional evidence. Committee members questioned how credible evidence and the Daubert standard would apply, and supporters and opponents debated whether the bill would simply set evidentiary rules or improperly narrow enforcement authority. One member also raised concerns that the bill’s title and scope could be read as affecting the broader air program. House Bill 137 was ultimately approved favorably by roll call vote, with Senator Webb’s aye vote later clarified for the record. The committee then took up House Bill 346, as amended by a subcommittee. The bill was described as helping about 708 companies and carving out emergency generators used for safety purposes in distilleries, with support from the Kentucky Chamber. The subcommittee amendment was adopted, and the bill passed the committee favorably by roll call vote. The meeting ended with an attempted adjournment and a brief record correction on the vote for House Bill 137.