Video & Transcript : 'regulated waters' :

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CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jun 10th, 2026

Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • We do receive quite a lot of pushback to our data requests from utilities regulated by the CPUC.
  • A lot of pushback to our data requests from utilities regulated by the CPUC.
  • So it also included water utilities, telephone corporations, broadband companies who are regulated by
  • Roland Revis, Gilt Free Hot Water, in support. Environment California, strong support.
  • Roland Revis, Gilt Free Hot Water, in support. Environment, California, strong support.
Keywords: 988, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/26/25

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> childcare regulation childcare regulation modernization<00:16:01.839><c> um</c><00:16:02.040><c>
  • So if a provider has municipal water source already testing, a requirement to test for the water source
  • And I can tell you putting more regulations on them is not going to do that.
  • And I can tell you putting more regulations on them is not going to do that.
  • </c><01:40:54.480><c> over</c> change that the over regulate over change that the over regulate over
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-11 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • They are regulated by the state of Florida.
  • Committee Substitute for House Bill 4093, a bill to be entitled an act relating to Phil's Mayor Water
  • Committee Substitute for House Bill 4103, a bill to be entitled an act relating to Apalachicola Water
  • Committee Substitute for House Bill 4103, a bill to be entitled an act relating to Apalachicola Water
  • A bill to be entitled an act relating to Apalachicola Water and Sewer District, Franklin County.
Keywords: 998, house, all
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing guests, interns, public safety officials, and a doctor of the day. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and took up several bills, with some measures temporarily postponed and others substituted with House companions before final passage. No committee reports, governor messages, or House messages were on the desk at the start of the regular order of business. The first major bill passed was CS/CS/HB 355 on health care patient protection, which requires hospitals with emergency departments to have evidence-based pediatric emergency care policies, training, pediatric equipment, a designated pediatric emergency care coordinator, and participation in the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment. Senators also passed CS/CS/HB 1113 on public records, clarifying confidentiality protections for victims and for law enforcement officers who become victims in the course of duty, though that bill drew questions about access to information in misconduct cases and received four no votes. The Senate then passed CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, creating a Florida Digital Service-administered program to help local governments obtain cybersecurity services and grants, with amendments shifting the grant-award deadline and rejecting House differences such as locating the program at USF and adding a sunset date. The chamber also passed CS/CS/HB 925 on clerks of court, allowing clerks to retain all revenue above Article V projections and revising related fee distributions, despite concerns from some senators and municipalities about revenue shifts. Additional bills passed included CS/CS/HB 679 modernizing trademark registration, and CS/CS/CS/HB 589 on septic system permits, which addresses long permit delays and clarifies liability if construction begins before a permit is issued. Several other bills were taken up, including elections legislation (SB 1334/HB 991) that generated extensive debate and multiple failed amendments on voter ID, citizenship verification, student and senior IDs, and implementation timing; the transcript ends while that bill is still under consideration, after the Senate adopted one amendment and rejected several others.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Tue Feb 11, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • Next up, we have House Bill 914, House Draft 1, relating to water carriers.
  • </c> 914 house draft 1 relating to water 914 house draft 1 relating to water carriers<00:18:35.600><c
  • </c> authority to establish this water authority to establish this water inflationary<00:25:30.399><c
  • </c><00:39:53.520><c> to</c> compliance with the TNC regulations to compliance with the TNC regulations
  • It's hard to remove without state-specific regulations.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committees heard testimony on several transportation and consumer-related bills. HB 496, relating to mamaki tea labeling, drew support from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Weights and Measures, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, which said the bill would help protect a culturally important crop and the Hawaii brand. Members questioned Agriculture about staffing and whether the bill was being used to reopen a package-labeling inspection branch; the department said it currently has no Oahu inspectors for that function but has a place for an additional inspector. No opposition was registered on the measure. HB 978, relating to electric utilities, and HB 1316, relating to DLNR/park reservations, were also heard. HB 1316 received support from State Parks, and members discussed where reservation fees would go and whether the statewide reservation system for three parks would cover its costs; the committee indicated a change would be made so fees go to the special fund. HB 914, relating to water carriers, drew support or comments from the PUC, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbor Users Group. The main discussion focused on the proposed automatic rate-adjustment mechanism tied to the GDP price index, with members asking for alternative index ideas and questioning whether the PUC already had authority to adopt such a mechanism. Young Brothers said the measure would provide clarity and help recover inflationary costs, while the chair raised concerns about repeated rate increases and asked for further testimony on possible alternative indices. HB 1161, relating to transportation and road usage charges, received support from the Insurance Division, DOT, and the State Energy Office, with comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Hawaii Food Industry Association. Members asked whether counties need state authorization to adopt mileage-based charges and why the bill included funding for implementation; DOT said it is helping counties build the data collection and billing system and that Honolulu is handling much of the collection work. A question was also raised about whether plug-in hybrids would be covered, and DOT said vehicles under the federal electric-vehicle definition would be included. HB 1301, relating to transportation network companies, drew opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, Lyft, and Uber, all arguing that classifying TNCs as common carriers and changing liability rules would raise costs, reduce access, and disrupt the current statewide framework. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Investment Committee 2/27/25

Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> an engineering firm to conduct a water an engineering firm to conduct a water and<00:20:38.679><
  • </c> recommended replacement of the water recommended replacement of the water main<00:20:46.480><c>
  • <00:50:44.400><c> treatment</c> water treatment water treatment facilities<00:50:46.599><c> we</c><00
  • I go to the grocery store and I'm in the water aisle, and are you drinking bottled water because it's
  • The conversation continues: Is it safe to drink our water? Do you drink the water?
Bills: HF919, HF1192, HF212, HF214
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:48:08.079><c> it</c> intelligence and trying to regulate it intelligence and trying to regulate
  • ,</c> which is the near new sheer water, which is the near new sheer water, excuse<00:56:59.760><c> me
  • Um, we've needed stronger regulations for invasive plants for some time now, and this bill would regulate
  • ><01:46:18.000><c> for</c> needed stronger regulations uh for needed stronger regulations uh for invasive
  • </c><01:46:22.880><c> their</c> this bill um would regulate their this bill um would regulate their movement
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Mar 25th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Title 51, Regulation of Certain Broadband Services, provides for administrative fees, reimbursement of
  • Senate Bill 163 by Senator Reese, to repeal prior acts of the Legislature relative to license regulation
  • Senate Bill 253 by Senator McMath, peptides, regulation of peptides by licensing boards, compounding
  • House Bill 930 by Representative Coats, cosmetic products regulation for cottage cosmetic facilities,
  • House Bill 930 by Representative Coats, cosmetic products regulation for cottage cosmetic facilities,
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the morning on personal privileges recognizing guests and honoring individuals and organizations. Recognitions included the Zachary High School girls’ and boys’ basketball teams for back-to-back state championships, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity for Blue and White Day, visitors from Natchitoches Parish, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, the Parish Presidents Association, Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans, student parents pursuing higher education, and a delegation from Alexandria honoring the late Dr. Joe S. Green. The House also adopted or laid over several condolence and commendation resolutions, including tributes to former Northwestern State football coach Sam Goodwin, Michael B. Jordan, Richard Williams, and others. The chamber received a large batch of Senate bills and House bills for referral, covering topics such as retirement systems, highway memorial designations, criminal justice, education, health and welfare, municipal governance, insurance, natural resources, and tax policy. Committee reports were read across multiple committees, with many bills reported favorably or with amendments, and several measures advanced to third reading or were recommitted to other committees. Among the actions taken, the House adopted resolutions honoring community figures and organizations, concurred in several Senate resolutions, and moved a number of bills forward, including measures on criminal penalties, school policy, environmental regulation, insurance, and public retirement. Near the end of the session, the Speaker outlined plans for the next day’s floor debate, noting 54 bills scheduled and explaining that questions on bills would send them to the bottom of the list rather than removing them. The House then recessed until 3:30 p.m., with members instructed to return for regular order and continued debate on the calendar.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • So House Bill 2157 is the bill relating to regulating high-risk AI, and there is a proposed substitute
  • Next bill we will consider is House Bill 2225 concerning regulation of artificial intelligence companion
  • We're trying to align so that this isn't a patchwork quilt of regulations.
  • Representative Waters votes nay, do not pass.
  • Representative Waters votes, nay, do not pass.
Summary: The committee first met in executive session on several technology and economic development bills. Staff briefed proposed substitutes and amendments for House Bill 2157 on high-risk AI, House Bill 2225 on AI companion chatbots, House Bill 2351 on emergency responder protections, and House Bill 2186 on federal fund acquisition for economic development. Members discussed the competing approaches in the two proposed substitutes for HB 2225, including enforcement, disclosures, minor protections, and crisis-response requirements. The committee then voted to adopt the proposed substitute for HB 2225 and report it out with a due pass recommendation, with a 7-3 vote and three excused. It also passed HB 2186 out of committee with a unanimous due pass recommendation after discussion about reducing fiscal impact. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2397, which would require timely reimbursement within 60 days for state agencies and local jurisdictions mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services mobilization plan. Fire officials and fire finance staff testified in support, describing reimbursement delays of six to ten months that strain local budgets and can discourage participation in wildfire deployments. Testifiers said the bill would improve cash flow and staffing stability, while also noting the need for technical clarification on when the 60-day clock starts and possible staffing needs at the State Patrol. No one testified in opposition. The final public hearing was on House Bill 2417, which would add victim-rights protections to the Washington Code of Military Justice, aligning state military justice procedures with the federal Uniform Code of Military Justice. The prime sponsor and military legal experts testified that the bill closes a gap so victims serving in the Washington National Guard receive the same notice, participation, and fairness protections regardless of whether they are in state or federal status. Veterans’ advocates also supported the bill, saying it would improve trust, reporting, and accountability. The bill was scheduled for future executive action, and the meeting adjourned after the hearings.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Apr 27th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And our access to the water has been walled off by uses that have been permitted along our bay.
  • kid from San Diego who actually never really went to the beach because there was no access to the water
  • To this day, we see that we have kids who have no access to the water and the bay, or the beach, excuse
  • All they do is look at regulation and restriction and mandate.
  • How about we apply this bill to all CARB regulations? California Air Resources Board.
Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the early session on guest introductions recognizing students, interns, advocacy groups, sorority members, and other visitors. Members also noted Assembly Member Castillo’s birthday and announced a later floor photo for members wearing denim. The chamber then moved to the Daily File and took up a series of bills and resolutions. Among the major actions, AB 2323 by Assembly Member McKinnor, on modernizing public notice while preserving transparency and due process, passed 57-0. ACR 149 by Assembly Member Hart, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act and the Coastal Conservancy, drew extensive debate both in support and opposition before being adopted by voice vote, with 46 co-authors added. AB 2011 by Assembly Member Hart, codifying mental health parity standards, was also taken up, and AB 2691 by Assembly Member Addis, expanding disqualifying felony convictions for elected office to include sexual assault and human trafficking, passed 53-0. The Assembly also adopted HR 31 on Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month after lengthy testimony from members describing personal experiences and the need to support survivors. The body then approved several policy bills with broad support, including AB 1621 on housing permitting timelines (64-0), AB 1704 on studying the cost of low-embodied-carbon building materials and pausing standards if cost parity is not reached (58-0), AB 1916 updating the definition of certified interpreter to include ASL interpreters (59-2), AB 2559 on returning construction and demolition permit deposits when compliance is documented (61-0), AB 2663 as an urgency sunset extension for alcoholic beverage law (64-0 on urgency and measure), and AB 2731 expanding on-sale general alcohol licenses in Santa Cruz County (63-0). The Senate consent calendar was also adopted. The session ended with an adjournment in memory of Josado Dado Banatao, honoring his life, engineering achievements, and philanthropy, followed by a motion to adjourn until April 30 at 9 a.m.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

October 8, 2025 - 08:30 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • the storm hits, once a life and limb is secure, I know with respect to Supervisor Valenti, we had water
  • So whether it's the power's out and we need to surge generators or electrical crews, if it's water, we
  • So whether it's the power's out and we need to surge generators or electrical crews, if it's water, we
  • so as not regulations put in place as to when your office could report results so as not to influence
  • that along the coast the damage was visible, while inland counties had more flooding and standing water
Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met to hear a lengthy presentation from Secretary of State Cord Byrd on Florida election administration, with a focus on how elections are handled during natural disasters, election security, and preparations for the 2026 cycle. Byrd described Florida’s response to hurricanes in 2022 and 2024, saying the state works directly with county supervisors of elections to tailor executive orders to local conditions, add or relocate polling sites, extend deadlines, and help displaced voters and emergency workers cast ballots. Members from affected areas echoed that local supervisors had managed storm disruptions well and that turnout remained strong despite major damage. A large portion of the meeting covered election integrity and security. Byrd emphasized Florida’s use of paper ballots, pre-election logic and accuracy testing, post-election audits, public canvassing, standardized voter-intent rules, and strict vote-by-mail request and signature-match requirements. He said the Department of State’s Office of Election Crimes and Security investigates complaints and refers matters to law enforcement, and that Florida has expanded access to the federal SAVE database to verify citizenship. Members asked about threats to election workers, staffing vacancies, cybersecurity, ballot design, vote-by-mail address changes, and how the state coordinates with county supervisors, emergency management, and other agencies. Several members raised questions about voter eligibility and returning citizens, and Byrd said the department provides free information to help people determine whether their rights have been restored, while noting that court and clerk reporting practices still create challenges. He also said the department is considering additional legislative proposals, including more safeguards tied to driver’s license and citizenship verification and a possible statewide 100% audit of races before certification. The meeting ended with the chair encouraging members to visit supervisors of elections offices and submit specific ideas for future elections legislation; no votes were taken and the committee adjourned.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • essential in ensuring the department remains focused on the mission and compliance with laws and regulations
  • Implementing key provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill and leading the development of critical regulations
  • And so it will allow me to keep in mind. that when we're considering rules and regulations, these are
  • Do you feel that water conservation would be in violation of any of the executive orders that you're
  • And water conservation is obviously an issue that we need to pay particular attention to if the West
Summary: The meeting focused on the nominations of Judge Stephen Alexander Vaden for Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Mr. Tyler Clarkson for General Counsel at the USDA. Members expressed concerns regarding the challenges farmers and ranchers face, especially in navigating the impacts of recent tariffs imposed by the President. Significant attention was given to how these nominations could influence agriculture policy and support rural communities amidst economic uncertainty. The committee emphasized the necessity for strong leadership in the USDA to advocate for farmer needs and ensure the proper implementation of assistance programs.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Commerce (02/20/2025)

Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> with reducing some of the regulation with reducing some of the regulation that<01:20:34.120><c>
  • That's a very large amount of square footage and would kind of water down the safety requirements.
  • That's a very large amount of square footage and would kind of water down the safety requirements.
  • and Sewer uh we estate taxes City Water and Sewer uh we often<02:00:42.520><c> have</c><02:00:42.639
  • It doesn't consider any other cost that they must consider in their budgets: real estate taxes, water
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Consumer Protection & Business Jan 21st, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Consumer Protection & Business

Transcript Highlights:
  • I would be happy to look at specific instances, but for my understanding, if we're able to regulate,
  • But from my understanding, if we're able to regulate, provide these layout plans to the LCB, it does
  • And so we would like to ease the business regulation and help him grow his business.
  • And so we would like to ease the business regulation and help him grow his business.
  • . restaurants and operations don't have to operate on multiple different types of regulations.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Mark Fenstermaker for Sonoma Water.
  • And we'll all be better off for it, because there's nothing like fresh water and keeping fresh water
  • right permit or to take off water.
  • Capturing water while it's raining.
  • I do agree we need to capture this water.
Summary: The committee heard three water- and environment-related bills. AB 1663, by Assembly Member Wallace, would provide relief for high desert homeowners by allowing permits without mitigation fees for removing or trimming up to 10 Western Joshua trees for health and safety needs, including defensible space. Support came from the California Association of Realtors and the Community Water Systems Alliance, and members discussed balancing conservation with property maintenance. The bill was moved out of committee on a do-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations. AB 1772, by Assembly Member Papin, sought to create a statewide framework to prevent the spread of golden mussels through watercraft decontamination standards, reciprocity for certifications, and long-term funding. Testimony in support highlighted Lake Tahoe’s invasive species prevention program as a model, while Recreational Boaters of California expressed caution about funding fairness, reciprocity, and how the system would work if infestations become widespread. After discussion about mandatory decontamination standards and funding, the bill was also passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 2521, also by Assembly Member Papin, would use a watershed-wide water availability analysis from the California Council of Science and Technology to help streamline groundwater recharge permitting and reduce applicant costs. Members raised concerns about protecting existing water rights and ensuring stakeholder input, and the author emphasized the study would be informational rather than binding. The bill passed to Appropriations, and the committee later took add-on votes confirming passage of AB 1663, AB 1772, and AB 2521.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Feb 12th, 2026

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Outside Kingsland Rural Water Association, ending December 31, 2023; Quinn Water Association, ending
  • March 31, 2025; Strong Water and Sewer Fund, December 31, 2023; and Wheelon Springs Water System, December
  • And then we have five more: Fulton Water Department, December 31, 2023; McRae Municipal Water and Sewer
  • System, December 31, 2024; Montrose Water and Sewer Department, December 31, 2024; and Wilmer Water
  • , '24; Fulton Water Department for December 31, '24; Mora Water and Sewer Department for December 24,
Summary: The committee began with approval of the prior meeting minutes and then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. Staff reported that 19 of 43 original entities for the 2022 reporting year had had turnback reinstated, while 24 remained in escrow; for the 2023 reporting year, 59 of 64 entities had filed, leaving five still outstanding. The committee also heard that Adona had come into substantial compliance with municipal accounting law, and it voted to file that report and discontinue withholding turnback. It then voted to start the 60-day clock and file the report for Gum Springs after hearing repeated findings involving budgeting, disbursements, payroll, and Act 833 funds, with city officials saying they had begun correcting records and were seeking help from the Municipal League and a city attorney. Fargo was deferred because the mayor was absent due to illness. The committee next considered Denning, where staff described repeated and serious accounting problems over 2022-2024, including unauthorized payments, missing documentation, weak payroll controls, and improper handling of funds. The mayor and recorder-treasurer said prior records were disorganized and that they were now working with an attorney, CPA help, and new software; the committee voted to start the 60-day clock and file the report. Green Forest’s report, involving a fixed-asset listing issue after the mayor’s death, was filed. Several private water and sewer reports were either filed or deferred depending on whether responses had been received, and the committee announced its March meeting would be held in Room 149 because of renovations. The committee then reviewed a series of referred reports involving alleged financial irregularities. In Elaine, the fire chief’s questionable purchases were referred and filed. In Strong, staff described undeposited garbage-bag receipts, improper payments for private dumpster service and other expenditures, payroll tax penalties, and deficit fund balances; the mayor said controls had been improved, but the committee deferred the report to March. The Faulkner County Fair Association report found undocumented cash withdrawals, questionable disbursements, and inadequately documented cash payments to a carnival vendor; the committee filed it. Brooklyn’s report involved a fraudulent direct-deposit change, and Mineral Springs’ report involved transfers from the cemetery fund, employee loans, overpayments, and travel reimbursement issues; both were filed. Additional reports included Rondo, where the recorder-treasurer explained missing computers and fuel purchases tied to personal vehicles, and the committee filed the report; Waldo, where the mayor had been overpaid due to extra biweekly payments, which was filed; Columbia County, where a floodplain management contract lacked an authorizing ordinance, which was filed; and several private water-system reports, some filed and others deferred for lack of responses. Carlisle’s report showed large but improving misstatements in financial records, and the committee filed it after hearing that new software and training had reduced prior problems. Caddo Valley’s report prompted a lengthy discussion about CDs and interest recognition; staff explained that principal balances should be reflected as city assets and interest should be recorded when earned or reported by the bank, and the report was filed. Prairie County’s budget overrun and road-fund issues were discussed at length, with the judge explaining equipment and weather-related costs and staff clarifying the distinction between road funds and locally approved sales-tax uses; the report was filed. Finally, the committee deferred a Cross County Rural Water Association matter after learning it had not filed with Legislative Audit since 2002-2003 despite receiving significant state funding, and members expressed concern about the long gap in filings.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Apr 20th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • 441 by Representative Freeman to repeal certain acts of the Legislature relative to the Sewerage and Water
  • House Bill 573 by Representative Halford, relative to the City of New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board
  • 441 by Representative Freeman to repeal certain acts of the Legislature relative to the Sewerage and Water
  • 441 by Representative Freeman to repeal certain acts of the Legislature relative to the Sewerage and Water
  • House Bill 573 by Representative Halfordi provides relative to the city of New Orleans, sewage water
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the pledge, adopted the journal, and granted several members leave. The chamber also recognized visiting groups and honored individuals and organizations, including Livingston Parish Day at the Capitol, the Denham Springs High School robotics team, Principal Justin Wax, and the Louisiana Primary Care Association. Multiple House and Senate resolutions were introduced, adopted, or referred, including commendations, memorials, and study requests on topics such as TOPS, workforce outcomes, health issues, and transportation. In regular order, the House considered and passed several measures. HB 27, a constitutional amendment on applying state monies to retirement system unfunded liabilities, passed 87-0. HB 71, extending civil liability protection to licensed armed private security officers when use of force is deemed justified, drew extensive debate over training standards, criminal versus civil liability, and the role of prosecutors and law enforcement before passing 70-28. HB 214, a constitutional amendment on ad valorem tax exemptions for certain property, passed 82-10. HB 241, a technical correction to bank records disclosure law, passed 91-0. HB 244, clarifying constitutional convention ballot language and delegate/vote requirements, passed 77-16. The House also passed HB 345 to add port rail infrastructure to the Class 2 and Class 3 Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program, HB 446 to change when local bond and tax elections may be held, HB 511 to create a grant program for pursuit intervention safety technology after the death of Sgt. Grant Candies, HB 514 to expand the ad valorem tax exemption for seniors age 65 and older, and HB 65 to allow DOTD more contracting options for ferry operation and maintenance. HB 730, which would bar use of ADS-B aircraft tracking data to levy fees or taxes, prompted lengthy discussion about aviation safety, privacy, airport revenue, and alleged misuse of tracking data before the bill was presented for final action near the end of the transcript.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Apr 29th, 2026 at 09:00 am

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Oklahoma Water Resources Board. Senator Murdock, Mr.
  • that the Senate do advise and consent to the nomination of Russell Isaacs of Turpin to the Oklahoma Water
  • No other district does this apply to as far as the rules and the regulations and to the people that live
  • This gives rulemaking authority to what has the definition of regulating authority in the bill.
  • Yes, there's a definition of a regulating authority at the beginning of the bill, and then here on page
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • As you all are likely now familiar, DNR regulates surface mine reclamation.
  • As you all are likely now familiar, DNR regulates surface mine reclamation.
  • As you all are likely now familiar, DNR regulates surface mine reclamation.
  • One thing I really want to address is this... ...still falls under county regulation.
  • So this would still be extremely regulated, just not as heavily regulated through the DNR process if
Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on three bills. HB 2104 would make permanent the Aviation Assurance Funding Program, which lets DNR provide aerial wildfire response resources to local fire departments during initial attack. The prime sponsor, Rep. Tom Dent, said the program helps small rural districts avoid costly state mobilization and keeps fires small; DNR and local fire officials testified in strong support, citing rapid response times, major property protection, and even a rescue of a trapped civilian. No opposition testimony was heard, and the sign-in record showed 215 pro and one con. HB 2348, a DNR request bill, would streamline timber and land sale procedures by allowing more online notice, changing where sales may be held, permitting re-offering of no-bid sales, and clarifying appraisal and fair-market-value standards for certain land transfers. DNR said the bill would improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden, while the American Forest Resource Council and Washington Forest Protection Association supported it as a modernization measure that preserves fiduciary protections for trust lands. Committee members asked about the scope of the trust-land language and potential savings; the sign-in record showed 43 pro and one con. HB 2454 would raise the surface mine reclamation threshold from three acres to seven acres of disturbed area, reducing the number of small gravel and aggregate operations subject to DNR permitting. Rep. Andrew Engel argued the change would help small rural producers compete against larger corporations and lower burdens on local material suppliers. DNR opposed the bill, saying acreage alone does not determine environmental risk and that the permit process provides important review, technical assistance, and reclamation planning; the agency said it was open to discussing alternative approaches. A remote industry witness supported the bill, saying it would help small sources remain viable while county regulation would still apply. The sign-in record showed 143 pro and three con. After the hearings, the committee adjourned without taking votes on the bills.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 25th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • We do regulate activities such as mining activities, and we enforce the Lake Protection Act and the Idaho
  • It may or may not have water accessible; a lot of times it’ll be a faucet someplace that somebody can
  • And so the first one you'll see is a basic campsite may or may not have water accessible a lot of times
  • It's near Yellowstone, and we've replaced the 100-year-old sewer and water system.
  • So we have access to water.
Summary: The Conservation Committee approved the February 5 and February 17 minutes, then heard House Bill 678, which would allow wolf trappers to use remote cameras on traps and rely on a video-based check in place of the current 72-hour in-person trap-check requirement when the camera is functioning. The sponsor and supporters, including the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Wildlife Federation, and Idaho Farm Bureau, said the bill would make trapping more humane and efficient and help with wolf management. The Idaho Conservation League opposed the bill, warning it could leave incidentally captured protected wildlife in traps longer than current law allows and could create enforcement problems. The committee voted to send HB 678 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee then received the annual update from the Idaho Department of Lands. Director Dustin Miller reported on endowment land management, timber harvest and revenue, fire suppression, recruitment challenges in the fire program, and the department’s shared stewardship and Good Neighbor Authority work with federal partners. Members asked about firefighter pay, mineral permitting, federal timber capacity, road access, and whether the GNA program can sustain staffing through program income; the director said the program is self-sustaining and aimed to expand federal-land restoration and timber output. Next, the committee considered Parks and Recreation pending rules for Docket 26-1-20-2501. Director Susan Buxton explained proposed fee increases for park entry, annual passes, commercial entry, group camps, boating access, and moorage, but asked the committee to reject the proposed changes to Section 075 and Section 250, with the basic campsite fee section to be revisited next year. The committee approved the docket with those exceptions. Buxton then gave the department’s annual update, highlighting ARPA-funded park improvements, new campsites and docks, trail and recreation partnerships, staffing and retention issues, and major projects at parks including Farragut, Ponderosa, Priest Lake, Eagle Island, and others. The meeting ended after a question about the Eagle Island zip line, which Buxton said would have to be removed because the concessionaire could not maintain it safely.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 16th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • The stakes are huge, and the company and its critics say regulations need to catch up.
  • Currently, they get over 1,240,000 acre-feet of water from cloud seeding.
  • Also, cloud seeding in Idaho is one of the cheapest sources of water.
  • Chairman, Representative, we could use some of that water this year, and no, this does not affect the
  • Chairman, Representative, we could use some of that water this year, and no, this does not affect the
Summary: The House Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes from February 4, and then considered two request-to-introduce measures. First, Representative VanderWaal presented RS 33323, which would consolidate the old hazardous waste facility siting process into the Hazardous Waste Management Act and shift siting/public notice responsibilities to DEQ if the process is needed again. The committee had no questions and voted to introduce the RS. Next, Representative Hostetler presented RS 33167C1, a memorial urging Congress to prohibit unauthorized geoengineering over Idaho, especially solar geoengineering such as solar radiation modification and stratospheric aerosol injection. He argued the issue raises environmental and sovereignty concerns and cited federal research documents and media reports; he also emphasized that the memorial is not intended to affect cloud seeding for agriculture. Members asked several questions about that distinction, and Hostetler reiterated that cloud seeding is separate and already addressed in other legislation. After discussion, the committee voted to introduce RS 33167C1 as well. No other substantive actions were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the two introductions.