Video & Transcript : 'nonpotable water' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 26th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Even a sip of thickened water would cause aspiration.
- The Crescenta Valley Water District was originally formed in 1950 by If you'll indulge me.
- The Crescenta Valley Water District was originally formed in 1950 by a vote of local residents.
- The agency provides water distribution and wastewater collection to the unincorporated communities of
- Their work reflects the efforts of the broader water, wastewater, energy, fire, law enforcement, and
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a largely ceremonial floor session with multiple guest introductions and recognitions. Members honored the retirement of long-serving committee secretary Marisa Lancaster, recognized Assemblymember Rubio’s parents on her mother’s 80th birthday, welcomed school and agency guests, and celebrated Crescenta Valley Water District’s 75th anniversary. The body also adopted several resolutions recognizing Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day and California FFA, with strong bipartisan support and co-author additions.
The main policy item was AJR 27, a resolution urging federal disaster aid for Los Angeles-area wildfire recovery, especially the Palisades and Eaton fires. Supporters from both parties emphasized the need for immediate, unconditional federal assistance for displaced residents, businesses, and communities still rebuilding, while some Republicans argued the state and local governments should move faster on permitting, recovery, and mitigation and criticized state spending priorities. After debate, the resolution was opened for co-authors and then adopted on a 68-0 roll call vote.
The Assembly also adopted ACR 133 on Girl Day by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added, ACR 138 honoring FFA with 73 co-authors and voice adoption, and ACR 136 on Engineers Week with 69 co-authors and unanimous consent on the consent calendar. The chamber then heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for Juan Antonio Pacheco and Paul L. McAiley, and adjourned until Monday, March 2, at 1 p.m.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Natural Resources, Energy and Water and Appropriations. Public Safety and Law Enforcement.
- Natural Energy and Water. All House measures which have been first read or referred for printing.
- Natural Resources, Energy and Water, and Appropriations.
- HCR 257, Supported Natural Energy and Water.
- I want you to know that water conservation is something that the...
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation recognizing February 2026 as American Heart Month, with Representative Willoughby emphasizing CPR and AED readiness. Members also welcomed students and guests from Wilcox Christian School, the Arizona State Fair Association, and other visitors. The chamber then handled routine business including attendance, journal approval, committee assignments, and first and second readings of numerous bills.
The Committee of the Whole considered several measures, including HB 2016, HB 2133, HB 2223, HB 2459, HB 2501, and HB 2785. Most received do-pass recommendations after brief explanations and amendments. HB 2785, a major tax conformity bill, drew the most debate: supporters said it would align Arizona law with federal tax changes, prevent taxpayers from having to amend returns, and provide certainty during filing season, while opponents argued it would create a large revenue loss and benefit corporations and the wealthy without a clear funding plan. The committee adopted the Ways and Means amendment to HB 2785 by a 31-22 division vote, and the bill ultimately received a do-pass recommendation.
Back on the floor, the House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and sent HB 2016, HB 2133, HB 2123, HB 2459, HB 2501, and HB 2785 to engrossing. In third reading, HB 2029, HB 2120, HB 2126, and HB 2131 passed, while HB 2045 failed on a 19-36 vote and then failed again on a reconsideration motion by 25-27. Members then made several personal privilege remarks about legislative process, representation, and Black History Month, and the House adjourned until the following Wednesday afternoon.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 016 Jan 30th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members of the Water Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority effective October 2, 2025
- </c> >> Members [clears throat] of the Water >> Members [clears throat] of the Water Colorado
- Power</c> Colorado Water Resources and Power Colorado Water Resources and Power Development<00:36:20.240
- </c><00:36:32.160><c> Karen</c><00:36:32.480><c> Wglin</c> water projects reappointed.
- Karen Wglin water projects reappointed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 14th, 2026
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 2260, Connolly, small restoration, use water, right restoration.
- AB 2260, Connolly, small restoration, use water right registration.
- AB 2469, Pappen, data centers water use, do pass out on a B roll call.
- AB 2728, Soria, water data, do pass. That's out on an A roll call.
- AB 2739, Soria, water affordability and system stabilization, do pass.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Land Grant Oct 7th, 2025
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't know if it was horsepower or water mill powered, but he had a molino there in San Guijuelas,
- But my biggest fight right now is to protect the water.
- And I'm going to continue to focus and put brand new water systems in eight of our 10 water systems,
- I recently was at a soil and water conservation district annual meeting that was using a combination
- And actually, there are some Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Mar 25, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 39
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They stood on the weather deck to look out for people in the water with zero visibility conditions.
- </c><00:28:54.720><c> with</c><00:28:55.039><c> zero</c><00:28:55.440><c> visibility</c> in the water
- They were there working diligently to safely restore our harbors and protect our water.
- </c><00:35:40.560><c> They</c><00:35:40.880><c> literally</c> and protect our water.
- They literally and protect our water.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And so the first one you'll see is a basic campsite may or may not have water accessible.
- when we look at what they really want, they really want places to go camping, places to go to the water
- So then we rebuilt this whole section here and added a bunch of day-use parking and access to the water
- So we have access to water.
- We have some LWCF grants that we just need, and Land and Water Conservation Fund has been in place for
Summary:
The committee approved the February 5 and February 17 minutes, then heard House Bill 678 from Vice Chair Shepherd. The bill would allow wolf trappers to use remote cameras on traps so they can monitor them without the current 72-hour in-person check requirement, with Fish and Game left to set details by rule. Supporters included the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Wildlife Federation, and Idaho Farm Bureau, who said the bill would improve humane trap checks and predator management. The Idaho Conservation League opposed the bill, arguing it could extend the time an animal remains trapped and create enforcement and constitutional concerns. The committee voted to send HB 678 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then received the annual update from the Idaho Department of Lands. Director Dustin Miller reviewed the agency’s management of endowment lands and mineral estate, FY25 revenue and distributions to beneficiaries, timber harvest and reforestation, fire suppression performance, recruitment challenges in the fire program, and the new shared stewardship agreement with the U.S. Forest Service. Members asked about firefighter pay, Good Neighbor Authority capacity, federal timber targets, and mineral permitting; Miller said the agency is working to expand self-funded capacity and sees increased interest in mining.
Next, the committee took up pending rules from the Department of Parks and Recreation. Director Susan Buxton explained fee and administrative updates, including increases to park entry, annual passes, commercial entry, camping, group campsite reservations, boating, and moorage fees, while asking the committee to reject two sections dealing with park manager authority and basic campsite fees. The committee approved the docket with those two sections excepted. Buxton then gave the department’s annual update, highlighting deferred maintenance projects, new campsites and docks, recreation grants, a new Good Neighbor Authority agreement for trail work, staffing and retention issues, and major park improvements statewide. In response to a question, she said the Eagle Island zip line will be removed because the concessionaire could not maintain it safely.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The same will apply to our water systems, and that's just one example.
- The same will apply to our water systems, and that's just one example.
- The same will apply to our water systems, and that's just one example.
- If you have no sewer and water connection ability, you have no...
- If you have no sewer and water connection ability, you have no ability to build.
Summary:
The Senate Commerce Committee approved the February 10, 2026 minutes and then took up several housing bills from Senator Taves. SB 1277 would have required statewide allowance of accessory dwelling units and limited local restrictions; testimony was split between supporters who said ADUs can expand attainable housing and help families, and opponents who raised concerns about infrastructure, parking, height limits, short-term rentals, HOA/covenant issues, and local control. Senator Taves said he was willing to amend the bill to address height limits, HOA language, and a private cause of action, but the committee ultimately voted 5-4 to hold SB 1277 in committee.
The committee then heard SB 1279, which would have promoted smaller starter-home subdivisions and allowed incentives for smaller lots and setbacks. Supporters argued it would help first-time buyers and give builders more flexibility, while opponents said the bill was too broad, too fast, and could create density and infrastructure problems. After testimony and discussion, the committee voted 5-4 to hold SB 1279 in committee as well.
Next, SB 1280 proposed allowing duplexes and twin homes in single-family residential areas. Testimony again centered on housing supply versus local infrastructure, with county and city officials warning about septic, water, and retroactive covenant issues, while real estate testimony supported more lower-cost housing options. Senator Taves said he was open to amendments, but the committee voted 5-4 to hold SB 1280 in committee. Finally, SB 1276, which would remove the sunset on a PERSI provision allowing retired teachers and other retirees to return to work, received supportive testimony from the sponsor and PERSI’s director, who said there would be no negative impact on the retirement system; the committee voted to send SB 1276 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The meeting ended with an informational presentation on PERSI COLA concerns from retired public employees, followed by adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- They can clog water systems, contaminate. when it grazing lands.
- And then you try to clean them up and then they disintegrate and then they get in the water.
- situation where there is no timeline on the water permits currently in statute.
- Those can take up to, there are for air permits, but not for water permits.
- How many gallons of water can you get through a small garden hose versus a six-inch water main?
Keywords:
solid waste management, exclusive contracts, public agency, contract amendment, notification requirements, Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, TERP, air quality, emissions reduction, clean fleet, alternative fuel, natural gas vehicles, hydrogen fuel, hydrogen infrastructure, diesel replacement, fleet grants, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, clean school buses
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 25, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there water sewer? I mean, it's just very difficult to do. Gas? Is there water sewer?
- We have seen in my seven years here many attempts through water grants, programs.
- Water grants, programs. I'm not making a political statement, just making an observation.
- system, our water, clean water, all of those issues that are important.
- can cause a lot of health issues, sewage contamination of the water system, spread of diseases, and
Summary:
The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee heard several transportation and infrastructure bills. HB 1239, Energy Infrastructure Investment, would let the Public Service Commission create a mechanism for utilities to recover costs for renewable natural gas infrastructure; supporters said it could diversify energy supply and help agriculture, while members raised concerns about consumer rates and asked whether savings from RIN credits should be passed to customers. The bill drew supportive public testimony and was reported favorably after debate, with members noting the PSC would set costs and that the sponsor was open to further discussion on consumer protections.
The committee then took up HB 313, which exempts Purple Heart recipients from paying Florida tolls. With no questions or opposition, it passed unanimously. The committee also considered HB 567, a broad transportation omnibus/strike-all bill covering EV tax revenue for roads, airport and MPO changes, workforce funding, traffic signal modernization, speed limits, and a pilot to streamline airport permitting. A major amendment added utility right-of-way notice, response, and incentive/penalty provisions, and another amendment authorized local governments to set age and ID rules for e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices after testimony about a fatal crash. The bill was reported favorably after extensive debate and public testimony from transportation and utility stakeholders.
HB 112, dealing with municipal sewer collection systems, would allow cities to use sewer revenues to expand wastewater infrastructure. Sponsors said it was aimed at helping cities like Hollywood reduce septic use and improve water quality; testimony supported the measure as a way to unlock funding for sewer expansion, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also approved HB 7009, preserving public records and meeting exemptions for 911 and public safety radio communications systems and expanding them to next-generation 911. Finally, PCS for HB 1397, a large transportation package addressing airport, seaport, spaceport, and workforce issues, was amended and passed 14-1 after questions about federal testing notifications, removal of certain business preference language, and a provision redirecting some transit funds to highway projects if not timely used.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> a water body. a water body.
- </c> storm water issues. storm water issues.
- </c><00:19:48.960><c> quality,</c> uh deteriorated water quality, uh deteriorated water quality, uh uh
- The witness said it adds nothing and does no harm, but it certainly waters down or actually eliminates
- down or actually eliminates waters down or actually eliminates the<00:21:17.160><c> intent</c><00:21
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Facilitates partnerships between institutions and local soil and water conservation districts.
- This prevents the rain from directly hitting the soil, allows absorption of that water, and again, I
- It aims to help farmers and ranchers of all sizes improve soil health, retain water, reduce reliance
- So we have to figure out how to conserve water as Texas farmers. So I like to use the term.
- Also, as previously touched on, water capture is something that is struggling right now, um, in Texas
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- He serves as a board member for the Brazos River Regional Water Planning Group and is a lifetime member
- The flood of '16, you were having to, the BRA's having to staircase water from upper basin and lower
- I believe 75 of the streams that run into the Brazos are considered impaired by the TCEQ and the Water
- It's not just the water in the middle of the stream; it's those boundaries.
- It's not just the water in the middle of the stream.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Nominations met to consider several gubernatorial nominees and first approved a slate of nominees left pending from the March 31 agenda. The committee voted 5-0 to favorably report those nominees to the full Senate for confirmation. Public testimony was then opened and later closed, with some listed witnesses not appearing.
The committee heard testimony on Jerry K. Weldon II for the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors. Senators focused on stewardship of the Brazos River, the authority’s relationship to the legislature and the public, Sunset review, water quality and nutrient runoff, impaired waterways, and possible uses of constructed wetlands for aggregate mine reclamation. Weldon emphasized collaboration, transparency, and keeping the citizens of Texas as the authority’s primary customer.
Commissioner Robert Vaughn was considered for reappointment to the Texas Transportation Commission. Discussion centered on TxDOT’s management, rural funding, population growth, project delivery, and the commissioner’s role on the audit committee. Doug McCreakin was considered for the Texas Tech University Board of Regents, with questions about legislative priorities, compliance with DEI-related state law, workforce development, rural medical education, and university partnerships. Jody Giles was considered for reappointment to the University of Texas Board of Regents, and Bernadette Carrasco Coleman for reappointment to the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents; both discussed higher education priorities, PUF funding, compliance with state law, and student support programs. John Rutherford was considered for reappointment to the Teachers Retirement System Board of Trustees, with questions about fiduciary oversight, investment understanding, and keeping the retirement system solvent. Brigadier General Michael Boyd was also considered for appointment to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, where discussion focused on military retention, child care, spouse licensing, base infrastructure, and grant funding for Texas installations. The committee did not take final votes on these later nominees during the hearing and left them pending subject to the call of the chair.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- high-voltage infrastructure proposed in densely populated residential neighborhoods near sensitive water
- So the only water supply for Cape Cod is located there.
- these substations, one has already been built and others are proposed, are on top of our drinking water
- We have shallow waters that are ideal for turbine installation, and we have high energy demand along
- The influx and outflux of the water does incredible damage and it needs to stop.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a wide range of energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on offshore wind, battery storage, solar, nuclear study proposals, and a bill to redefine clean energy. Several Barnstable-area legislators and witnesses raised concerns about offshore wind transmission infrastructure near neighborhoods, beaches, and drinking water supplies, and supported bills to create a special commission and increase local input and oversight. In contrast, environmental, consumer, labor, and clean energy groups strongly backed offshore wind expansion bills, arguing that offshore wind lowers long-term costs, improves winter reliability, reduces fossil fuel dependence, supports jobs and local supply chains, and should include wildlife protections, labor standards, and community benefits. Some witnesses and committee members noted that parts of the offshore wind legislation overlap with the Governor’s energy affordability bill, and asked for clarification on which provisions were new versus duplicative.
The committee also heard testimony on battery storage and solar legislation. Two student witnesses and several industry representatives supported a bill to study grid battery storage, saying storage can reduce outages, lower peak prices, and improve grid resilience during extreme weather. Witnesses from solar and storage companies supported a broader clean energy transition bill that would expand storage procurement, create a retail-style storage program for distributed batteries, set a 10-gigawatt solar target by 2035, and streamline siting and interconnection. Committee members pressed witnesses on whether these provisions were already included in the Governor’s affordability bill and asked for a section-by-section breakdown of what was new. One witness also urged allowing developers to bond interconnection payments to reduce financing costs.
Another major topic was a bill defining clean energy, especially whether existing pumped-storage hydropower should qualify for subsidies or be excluded. Supporters of the bill argued that existing pumped storage should not receive additional ratepayer subsidies because it is already built, can have environmental impacts on rivers and ecosystems, and could cost ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Opponents said pumped storage is an important reliability resource and should remain eligible. The committee also heard testimony on nuclear-energy study bills: some witnesses supported creating a commission to examine nuclear power as a reliable, carbon-free option, while others opposed nuclear study bills and argued that nuclear is costly, unsafe, and inconsistent with the state’s clean energy goals. No votes were taken during the hearing.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Under the RLTA, these duties include providing facilities adequate to supply heat, water, and hot water
- Under the RLTA, these duties include providing facilities adequate to supply heat, water, and hot water
- I'm sorry, I could use water.
- This bill specifically is addressing the connection fees for water and sewer.” Chair: “All right.
- Deferred collection of water and sewer utility connection charges is a practical, targeted tool.
Keywords:
SB 6091, Washington real estate, real estate broker, residential property, home listings, exclusive listing, limited marketing, open marketing, fair housing, brokerage law, consumer protection, housing access, MLS, seller disclosure, buyer representation, dual agency, designated broker, managing broker, short sale, real estate pamphlet
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 21st, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This includes TDEM, DPS, Water Development Board, and many others who will set the terms of the plan
- And that's the regular floodway, where you have to discharge the water from the floodplain back into
- minimum standards need to be that the camp has a safe egress where they don't have to cross a low-water
- We certainly heard stories from these floods of folks being stuck behind low-water crossings and trapped
- One of the recommendations that was included in the Texas Water Development Board's 2024 state flood
Keywords:
youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license
Summary:
The House convened in special session with a gubernatorial proclamation adding subjects related to penalties for legislators who absent themselves, ivermectin access, and groundwater study authority. The chamber also handled routine motions, committee scheduling, and first-reading referrals before moving to the main floor calendar focused largely on disaster response and public safety legislation. The central theme throughout the day was the July 4 flooding and related tragedies, with repeated references to families of victims and the need for stronger preparedness and prevention measures.
House Bill 1, on youth camp emergency plans and preparedness, was the most emotional and heavily amended measure. Members adopted changes requiring annual emergency plans for resident youth camps, staff training, parent notification, evacuation maps, floodplain-related disclosures, restrictions on sleeping quarters in flood-prone areas, and funding for enforcement. One proposed amendment to require air conditioning or heat in sleeping quarters failed, while another amendment on floodplain restrictions passed after debate over floodplain versus floodway language. HB 1 ultimately passed the House 136-1 on second reading and later 135-1 on final passage.
Senate Bill 2 / House Bill 2 on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery also advanced after extensive discussion. The bill creates training for justices of the peace in mass-fatality events, establishes an emergency manager licensing system, sets local succession procedures, creates a statewide volunteer management system, authorizes drone interdiction in disaster zones, expands disaster loan eligibility, and adds review and planning provisions for certain infrastructure and weather-related issues. Members debated the scope of the training, drone impacts on press coverage, volunteer registration, and infrastructure-related amendments; some proposals were adopted and others tabled or withdrawn. SB 2 passed the House 130-4 on third reading and later 132-4 on final passage.
The House also passed House Bill 3 creating the Texas Interoperability Council and a grant program for emergency communications equipment, House Bill 20 addressing disaster-related scams and fraudulent charitable solicitations, House Bill 22 expanding allowable uses of the broadband infrastructure fund for emergency communications, and Senate Bill 5 providing supplemental appropriations for disaster relief, including funds for local warning systems and weather monitoring. Each of these bills passed overwhelmingly, with only one or a few dissenting votes, and members repeatedly emphasized the need to improve coordination, communications, funding, and fraud prevention in the wake of recent disasters.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Capital Project Overview Committee (02/24/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:06:45.000><c> representative</c> I've got Senator Waters representative I've got Senator Waters
- Senator Waters, please. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- Senator Waters, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- Senator Waters, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- Senator Waters, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Summary:
The Capital Project Overview Committee held an organizational meeting. Members elected Rep. Miltz as chair and later nominated Sen. Mark McConkey as vice chair, but that appointment was carried over because he was not present to accept it. Mike Edgar was nominated and accepted as clerk. The committee also adopted its procedures and guidelines, which set deadlines for agencies to submit capital project materials and establish reporting thresholds intended to keep small projects out of the quarterly report.
The main discussion centered on the Department of Administrative Services’ quarterly capital budget project report for the quarter ending December 31, 2024. Staff explained that the report compiles statewide capital projects under the committee’s guidelines and includes new projects plus large DOT projects. Several members raised concerns about projects listed as on hold or lacking updates, including the Big E agricultural building rebid, a prison woodworking facility, Pease pier projects, the General Sullivan Bridge removal, Sunapee State Beach parking lot work, and a closed-loop referral contract. Members asked for better status updates, especially on projects with no agency response, and the chair said agencies could be asked to appear before the committee if needed.
Members also discussed the governor’s proposal in HB 2 to change the report from quarterly to annual. Several members opposed the change, saying quarterly reporting is more useful for oversight, and suggested the committee ask Finance to remove that section or consider raising the reporting threshold instead. There was also discussion of toll credits, with staff explaining that any other use of toll credits requires committee approval, and of the Department of Corrections’ prison planning funds, including $50 million currently available for site feasibility and design work. The committee agreed to schedule its next meeting for April 14, with June 23 to be revisited later, and then adjourned by voice vote.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, June 5, 2026
Minerals, Business & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- drinking water, wastewater, and storm water infrastructure.
- drinking water, wastewater, and storm water infrastructure.
- , and storm water water, wastewater, and storm water infrastructure.<03:17:37.359><c> You</c><03:17:37.680
- </c><03:17:44.160><c> water</c> to come about from that study. water to come about from that study. water
- ><c> mineral</c> clean water, drinking water, uh, mineral clean water, drinking water, uh, mineral royalty
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Protection (9-17-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- And, you know, there's a lot of water and sewer projects out there.
- </c><00:29:20.480><c> and</c> you know, there's a lot of water and you know, there's a lot of water and
- You've got to get it out of the water. >> Yeah. We've got...
- </c><00:31:12.720><c> You've</c> got to get it out of the water.
- You've got to get it out of the water.
Summary:
The Budget Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Protection received a detailed update from Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Meyer on capital projects funded through HJR 76, HJR 56, and House Bill 6. He said the department is making steady progress on a large portfolio of park improvements, with regular quarterly reporting to the legislature and ongoing coordination with the Finance Cabinet, the Energy and Environment Cabinet, the Commonwealth Office of Technology, and local utilities and governments. He emphasized that ADA accessibility is a priority across projects and noted that many completed items, including campground bathhouse renovations, broadband upgrades, life safety improvements, playground replacements, and some furniture and mattress upgrades, are already drawing positive feedback.
The presentation focused heavily on campground, utility, and infrastructure work. Meyer described $40 million in campground upgrades split between western and eastern Kentucky, including projects at Ken Lake, Carter Caves, My Old Kentucky Home, Cumberland Falls, and others. He also outlined $20 million in utility improvements, including a federal matching grant for grid resiliency at Ken Lake and Kentucky Dam Village, plus wastewater and electrical infrastructure work at parks such as Dale Hollow, Blue Licks, Natural Bridge, and Cumberland Falls. Additional categories included building systems, life safety, structural repairs, accommodations and hospitality upgrades, pool and beach work, dam safety, playgrounds, and golf course improvements.
Members asked about the status of Lake Barkley utilities, the possibility of transferring upgraded utility infrastructure to local providers after repairs, and how park repair priorities are set. Meyer said park managers report issues through regional directors and that projects are prioritized through a running capital list, similar to a long-range transportation plan. He said the department has already spent the current $20 million allocation and is requesting $40 million in the next budget cycle, adding that the department believes it could spend and complete projects if that amount is appropriated. The commissioner also said the department is managing 284 additional capital projects outside the main funding streams, totaling nearly $70 million.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 14th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- However, when I saw asset sales and water district, it's alarming.
- In the coming weeks, my office will raise issues about the outrageous sale of water.
- wants to sell our water to other states, wants to sell our water to Mexico, and MET refuses to buy the
- water.
- And this water district participates in the MET program, I believe.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after initially lacking a quorum, then completed the prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, journal motions, and a long series of procedural actions, including suspending rules to move bills and approve a large Appropriations Committee hearing list. Members also made several guest introductions, including Shannon Lee, district staff from Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez’s office, and later guests tied to agritourism and education recognitions.
The floor debate centered heavily on AJR 31, a resolution urging Congress to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Supporters argued that recent Supreme Court decisions and redistricting efforts in other states were weakening Black and other minority representation and that California should take a clear stand for voting rights. Opponents argued the measure promoted racial division, conflicted with equal protection principles, and that districts should be drawn based on place or communities of interest rather than race. After a contentious debate with repeated parliamentary warnings over decorum, the Assembly suspended the rules to take up the resolution, added coauthors, and passed AJR 31 by a vote of 58-8.
The Assembly then moved through a series of bills and resolutions, generally approving them with little or no opposition. These included AB 2341 clarifying emergency language translation rules for local agencies; AB 1816 extending court supervision for certain sex-offender rehabilitation programs; AB 2561 protecting consumer privacy settings on phones and digital devices; ACR 167 recognizing World Agritourism Day; ACR 190 recognizing California Day of the Teacher; AB 1581 improving identification of Native American students in public schools; AB 1586 requiring opioid overdose prevention training for school resource officers and safety planning; AB 1665 requiring mental health training for school coaches; AB 1693 streamlining retail tenant-improvement permitting; AB 1768 authorizing a local tax measure related to health funding; AB 1712 facilitating a water-system sale for Santa Fe Springs; AB 1792 addressing sexually exploitive AI imagery in health education; and AB 1822 prioritizing school projects that address extreme heat. Most measures passed overwhelmingly, several unanimously, and the resolution on agritourism and the teacher day were adopted by voice vote.