Transcript Highlights:

• It appears that we're inserting one word from landscape architecture to landscape architecture engineering
• So inserting the word engineering, the words landscape architecture. Okay.
• And then on four through five, inserting after the word engineering, the words landscape architecture
• You know, you have engineering and then landscape architecture would be different. Would be. Okay.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we continue to conduct multi-source surveillance for silicosis, with an emphasis on engineered and
• So we continue to conduct multi-source surveillance for silicosis, with an emphasis on engineered and
• As of February 19th, we have confirmed 515 cases of engineered stone silicosis, including 29 deaths and
• in February 2025, Cal/OSHA permanently amended its silica standard and prohibits dry cutting of engineered

Summary: The hearing began with an overview of the California Health and Human Services Agency, which described its 2026-27 budget, major departments, and strategic priorities, including behavioral health, housing and human services integration, children and youth, and aging/disability services. The agency also explained a technical CalHHS/CalHires budget adjustment tied to HR1 compliance and eligibility system work. No LAO concerns were raised on that item. The committee then heard from the Office of Youth and Community Restoration on its budget, its SB 823 realignment report, and related issues. OYCR said county-based realignment has generally succeeded but outcomes and readiness vary widely, and it recommended more climate surveys, youth advisory councils, stronger behavioral management, better programming, improved transition planning, and integrated longitudinal data systems. Members pressed OYCR on “net widening,” county-by-county trends, and the gap between the detailed recommendations discussed in hearing and the more general recommendations in the public report. OYCR also described problems with federal Title II grant timing and a pending $14 million administrative funding adjustment, and discussed implementation of the juvenile justice realignment block grant formula. The Ombudsperson division separately requested two new positions due to rising complaints, site visits, and records-access disputes with counties; LAO noted the proposal would create ongoing General Fund costs. Several other departments presented budget change proposals. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities requested $730,000 General Fund ongoing to cover an interagency administrative support gap with DSS; LAO had no concerns. EMSA presented its department overview, said its AB 716 ambulance-rate report has been delayed after resources were reduced, and requested funding for disaster-response vehicle replacement, IT security assessment work, and additional HR/legal staff; members questioned delays, compliance, and the ongoing General Fund impact. The Department of Community Services and Development sought reappropriation of LIWIP funds and explained a new Proposition 4 process for continuing the farmworker housing component. The Department of Rehabilitation requested authority for $60 million in additional federal funds and 54 positions to meet growing vocational rehabilitation demand, with no General Fund impact. The Department of Child Support Services presented its budget and a supplemental report on full pass-through of child support collections. Members questioned why local agency funding was being restored despite declining caseloads, and staff explained that staffing costs have risen faster than caseload declines and that additional funding is needed to maintain service levels. The supplemental report estimated full pass-through would cost about $150 million General Fund annually, or about $80 million for a state-and-county portion, with $3 million to $5 million in automation costs. Finally, the Department of Public Health gave a broad overview of its $5.1 billion budget and its State of Public Health report, highlighting improved mortality and life expectancy, declining overdose deaths and STI rates, persistent racial and regional disparities, and increasing public health emergency demands. CDPH also warned that federal funding threats and policy changes are creating major uncertainty for state and local public health systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• With these contaminant levels, DEP has historically required extensive disposal-site engineering that
• With these contaminant levels, DEP has historically required extensive disposal site engineering that
• could become cost-prohibitive for any port. extensive disposal site engineering that could become cost
• This is a really good bill that has a lot of incentives for economic engines.

Summary: The committee took up a long agenda of land use, public records, infrastructure, and local-government bills. The most debated measures were CS for CS for HB 399 and CS for HB 979, both sponsored by Rep. Borrero, which sought to streamline development approvals and reduce local-government barriers. HB 399 would require simple-majority approval for certain land development applications, mandate local definitions of compatibility, and add provisions affecting destination resorts, manufactured housing, historic properties, and a study of urban development boundaries. HB 979 would allow administrative rezoning of environmentally damaged five-acre-or-larger parcels in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties for residential use if adjacent to neighborhoods. Supporters argued both bills would increase housing supply, encourage cleanup of contaminated land, and lower costs; opponents argued they preempt local decision-making, weaken voter-approved growth controls, and do not guarantee affordability. Both bills were amended and then reported favorably, with HB 399 passing 16-10 and HB 979 passing after debate. The committee also approved CS for HB 437, a public records bill by Rep. Andrade, on a 25-0 vote. The bill requires agencies to respond to public records requests within three days by producing the records, citing why they cannot, or giving a good-faith estimate of time and cost; it also limits agencies from later relying on exemptions not previously raised. Proponents said the measure addresses long delays and nonresponses by agencies, while school district representatives warned the timeline could be difficult for large, complex requests. The committee adopted the bill and sent it favorably. Several local and special district bills were also approved. CS for CS for HB 1103 would help local governments coordinate with FWC on derelict vessels and anchoring issues and passed unanimously. CS for HB 1245, dealing with biosolids regulation, also passed unanimously. CS for HB 4081 to expand the East Point Water and Sewer District passed 25-0. CS for HB 4103, creating a state special district for the Apalachicola water and sewer system, passed 25-1 after testimony from city officials who argued the city had improved its water system and should retain a role. CS for HB 4105, expanding the Port St. Joe Port Authority into a multi-county regional board, passed 23-3 despite opposition from residents concerned about infrastructure, environmental impacts, and local control. The committee also began consideration of PCS for CS for HB 433, an agriculture-related bill with changes to surplus lands and other provisions, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Representative Stahl Hamilton, the stakeholders include the engineering community.
• Chair, follow-up: so your engineers and your construction folks, can you specifically name names?
• I'm talking about consensus in all of those groups: the association, the consulting engineers, the procurement
• Because the design engineer, the contractor, and the owner can get together and solve those issues ahead

Summary: The committee heard several appropriations and policy bills, beginning with HB 263, which would appropriate $1.5 million to fund the Independent Correctional Oversight Office. Representative Blackman argued the office is needed to address serious problems in the Department of Corrections, including lawsuits, staffing shortages, injuries, and safety concerns, and said he was open to shifting existing dollars to cover the cost. A supportive witness from Justice Action Network said the funding would make the oversight office operational and is a small investment compared with the department’s overall budget. The bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 17-1 vote. The committee then considered HB 2993, as amended, which would let the Department of Public Safety spend money on legal services independent of the Attorney General and move $5 million from the Consumer Protection/Consumer Fraud Revolving Fund to the Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission Fund. Speaker Montenegro said the bill was intended to support law enforcement and shift resources toward frontline public safety work. The amendment changed the destination of the $5 million from the Peace Officers Training Fund to GITEM, and the bill passed 11-7. HB 2271 followed, dealing with firefighter cancer insurance reimbursement and rate deviations for insurers. Witnesses described it as a technical, unfinished consensus measure meant to bring fire districts into the existing cancer reimbursement structure without changing claim handling for firefighters. Members repeatedly noted more work was needed, but the bill still received a do-pass recommendation on a 16-1-1 vote. HB 2416 appropriated $20 million to DPS for local border support, including law enforcement positions, prosecution and detention costs, and equipment. Sheriffs and the Arizona Sheriffs Association testified in support, saying the funding has been used for drug interdiction, fentanyl seizures, and joint task forces, while opponents argued the money should go elsewhere. The bill passed 11-6-1. HB 2692, a procurement bill, would create or revise rules for construction delivery methods, including one-step competition and progressive design-build for federally funded public infrastructure projects. Construction and procurement stakeholders said it was a long-negotiated consensus measure, while some members worried about taxpayer risk and wanted more information; it passed 10-7-1. The committee also amended and passed HB 2478, which creates the Arizona Commission on Student Outcomes and funds it with Classroom Site Fund dollars to study K-12 accountability, standards, graduation requirements, early childhood education, and a possible trade pathways diploma. Supporters said Arizona needs a broader conversation about student outcomes and school accountability, while opponents questioned the funding source and whether the work should instead be done by existing education agencies. The amended bill passed 11-7. Finally, HB 4044 was introduced to create a Public Safety Parity Fund for DPS and Corrections salaries using proceeds from forfeited digital assets and interest from the Budget Stabilization Fund; the sponsor and a troopers association witness said it would help address long-standing pay parity and vacancy problems, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ernie Lauo, manager and chief engineer for the Honolulu Board of Water Supply.
• 00:02:24.560><c> manager</c><00:02:24.800><c> and</c><00:02:25.040><c> chief</c><00:02:25.280><c> engineer
• </c><00:02:25.599><c> for</c> Ernie Lao manager and chief engineer for Ernie Lao manager and chief engineer

Bills: SB2093, SB2095, SB2046, SB2096, SB2127, SB2155, SB2243

Keywords: fuel tank, environmental impact, groundwater, health and safety, military facilities, local communication, advisory committee, Hawaii legislation, PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, forever chemicals, toxic chemicals, environmental contamination, water pollution, drinking water, surface water, soil contamination, fish consumption, food safety, public health

Summary: The joint Senate Agriculture and Environment and Health and Human Services hearing opened with SB 2093, which would require the fuel tank advisory committee to meet at least quarterly and provide funding. The Department of Health offered written testimony, and multiple supporters, including the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Sierra Club, and a public member of the advisory committee, said more frequent meetings were needed to keep Red Hill cleanup, water testing, and public engagement front and center. Senators asked about public participation and whether the bill should also require meetings outside business hours; testifiers urged at least one evening or weekend meeting to improve access. No vote was taken during the discussion shown. The committee then heard SB 2095, creating a PFAS working group within the Department of Health to study PFAS and related chemicals and report to the Legislature. DOH supported the concept but requested amendments and funding, while the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity deferred to DOH. The Board of Water Supply supported the measure and asked to be included in the working group. Members asked about the bill’s reference to “other residuals,” and DOH explained it could refer to remaining PFAS components in soil, water, or other media. The discussion emphasized the widespread and long-lasting nature of PFAS contamination. Next, the committee considered SB 2046 on underground storage tanks and Red Hill-related cleanup. DOH and the Board of Water Supply testified, and a long list of community and environmental groups supported the bill. Testifiers argued the Navy caused the problem and should be held accountable for cleanup, while one witness said the bill was necessary because the Navy had delayed meaningful remediation. Senators asked whether the bill’s “large landowner” language could include the state or counties under existing statutes; DOH said it would check and later explained that cleanup responsibility generally falls first on the responsible party, then on large landowners if no responsible party exists, with the Navy currently understood to own Red Hill. The hearing then moved to SB 2096 on wastewater management, which the Department of Land and Natural Resources supported, noting PFAS can harm marine resources, and DOH’s wastewater branch offered comments. SB 2127 on water pollution drew support from Agra Business Development Corporation and opposition from the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others. The main debate centered on runoff, NPDES permitting, and whether the bill could unfairly affect agricultural and public entities; senators and witnesses discussed how heavy rainfall, cesspools, and mixed land uses complicate responsibility and compliance. The transcript ends with the committee still in discussion on SB 2127, with no final votes or actions shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe Representative Callaway, with her relationship with the engineers and land surveyors, I think
• Callaway with her relationship<00:41:21.520><c> with</c><00:41:21.640><c> the</c><00:41:21.720><c> engineers
• </c><00:41:22.240><c> and</c><00:41:22.320><c> land</c> relationship with the engineers and land relationship
• with the engineers and land surveyors,<00:41:23.120><c> I</c><00:41:23.200><c> think</c><00:41:23.400

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the October 23 meeting minutes and then heard testimony on a planned 2026 bill to modernize Kentucky’s audiology practice act. Witnesses from the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and a Kentucky audiologist said the proposal would largely codify existing authority and add new powers to order certain imaging and lab tests related to auditory and vestibular conditions, as well as prescribe topical ear medications. They argued the changes would reduce delays, especially in rural areas, improve access to hearing and balance care, and help address provider shortages. Committee members asked about evidence for the expansion, responsibility for reviewing imaging results and incidental findings, and whether the changes might affect referrals or scope of practice. The witnesses said they could provide evidence, that the audiologist would be responsible for obtaining and reviewing radiology reports and following up with patients and primary care providers, and that the goal was to speed treatment and streamline referrals when needed. The committee then heard a separate proposal to update the Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy statutes by licensing MRI technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers, who are not currently required to be licensed in Kentucky. The bill would create a transition period through January 1, 2028 for current practitioners, require national credentialing for new applicants after that date, expand the board from 9 to 11 members, and clarify scope and enforcement provisions. Supporters said the measure would improve patient safety, align Kentucky with most other states, and recognize national credentials. Members questioned how many workers would be affected, whether the state currently meets national standards, the cost of licensure, and whether the bill could worsen staffing shortages, especially in rural areas. The witnesses said about 800 MRI technologists and 1,600 sonographers in Kentucky are currently certified, initial licensure would cost $100, and existing licensees would not pay an additional fee. They also said the board viewed the change as a safety measure and noted increasing portability of MRI services across state lines. Finally, the committee began hearing a respiratory care interstate compact proposal. The sponsor and respiratory care representatives described the compact as a way to allow licensed respiratory therapists from member states to practice across state lines. They outlined the profession’s role in hospitals, emergency departments, home care, pulmonary labs, long-term care, and telehealth, and said the compact would help with workforce flexibility and access to care. The transcript cuts off before the discussion concluded or any action was taken on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• Corps of Engineers project pricing guidelines, account for current market conditions regarding construction
• 00:12:32.560><c> of</c> footage cost to meet the US Corps of footage cost to meet the US Corps of Engineers
• <00:12:33.200><c> project</c><00:12:33.519><c> pricing</c><00:12:34.000><c> guidelines,</c> Engineers
• project pricing guidelines, Engineers project pricing guidelines, account<00:12:35.519><c> for</c><00

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:49 Approval of Minutes 01:05 Information Items 02:39 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 23:40 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 26:30 OFM Rpt – KY Infrastructure Authority 36:07 OFM Rpt – Econ Dev Cabinet 43:40 Office of Financial Mgmt 50:18 Remaining 2025 Mtg Dates 50:50 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including approval of the June meeting minutes and receipt of several correspondence and information reports. Those reports covered quarterly capital project status updates from state agencies and postsecondary institutions, lease modifications, asset preservation projects, school district debt issuances, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority budget history materials. Members also raised questions about a long-open stream mitigation account and were told the funds are fee-in-lieu stream mitigation monies administered through Fish and Wildlife, with staff promising to follow up on the specific project. The committee then reviewed and approved several capital project actions. These included a new Camp Oralis dining hall project for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, explained as a reauthorization because the funding split changed to 64% federal and 36% agency funds; an appropriation increase for the Shelbyville armory addition due to higher construction costs and security requirements; and emergency repair projects for Fort Boonesboro flood remediation and the Kentucky State Police Supply Branch fire damage. Members also approved a tenant improvement fund request for parking garage safety improvements at the Mayo Underwood Building. The Office of Financial Management presented three Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items and one Cleaner Water Program reallocation. The loans included a Shepherdsville sewer/drainage project and two Auburn water and lead service line projects; the grant reallocation involved unused Cleaner Water Program funds, with staff emphasizing that all ARPA-funded cleaner water dollars must be spent by December 31, 2026 or returned. After discussion, the committee approved the package. The committee also approved six Economic Development Fund grants, and the Cabinet for Economic Development began presenting the first six KPDI projects, though the transcript cuts off before those project details were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Natural and Cultural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation, for the purpose of obtaining engineering
• purpose of parks and recreation for the purpose of<01:48:57.840><c> obtaining</c><01:48:58.239><c> engineering
• </c><01:48:59.360><c> studies</c><01:49:00.000><c> and</c> of obtaining engineering studies and of obtaining
• engineering studies and ongoing.<01:49:00.800><c> So</c><01:49:00.960><c> again</c><01:49:01.280><c>

Keywords: 9:30am HB 557 11am HB 71, 928, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference first discussed House Bill 557, which concerns information on the school budget ballot. The main issue was how to define and calculate the “average cost per pupil.” House members favored a simple calculation dividing the operating budget by enrollment, arguing that it is clearer to the public and matches how taxpayers think about school costs. Senate members preferred the existing RSA-based definition for consistency across statutes and noted that the current definition was about to take effect. Members also debated whether the ballot language should specify the figure as being for the “preceding year,” and some House members ultimately agreed to that clarification while one member did not. After discussion, the Senate declined to move off its position on the calculation method, but agreed to a compromise amendment adding “for the preceding year” to the Senate language so it would align with the rest of the ballot information. The committee then agreed to draft the report with that amendment. The committee then turned to House Bill 71, dealing with restrictions on using public school and higher education facilities to shelter certain migrants, along with a Senate-added provision requiring DHHS contracts to comply with the patient bill of rights. Members generally said they supported the base policy of the bill, but Representative Noble raised a drafting concern about a repeal section that appeared to undo the new contract requirement; the group discussed removing that repeal language and adjusting effective dates. The committee also reviewed Senate-added language creating a donation fund for a proposed accessible pier at Hampton Beach. Supporters said the project would be privately funded through donations, with the state park division managing the fund and any remaining balance eventually transferring to an existing state park donations account if the pier is not built. Members questioned maintenance costs, fundraising responsibility, and whether the account was necessary, but the Senate explained the fund was intended to provide a mechanism for private fundraising and future maintenance support.

Transcript Highlights:

• have a lot of work to do to just integrate and clean up our data so that before we can point an AI engine
• data so that before we can point<00:18:27.120><c> an</c><00:18:27.280><c> AI</c><00:18:27.760><c> engine
• ><c> it,</c><00:18:29.440><c> I</c><00:18:29.679><c> want</c><00:18:29.760><c> to</c> point an AI engine
• against it, I want to point an AI engine against it, I want to ask<00:18:30.080><c> about</c><00:18:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• expense, acquisition costs, including commissions and lead generation, loss control and safety engineering
• And that was an engineer who had built to the flash fortified standard. That's great.
• You have to use a certified fortified inspector, which, you know, our windstorm engineers are certified
• engineers as well, and they have their own inspectors.
• We acquire easements, secure rights of way, obtain permits, perform engineering studies, maintain local

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I find that hard to understand as a civil engineer and a construction manager, and I think, you know,
• </c><00:39:25.960><c> and</c><00:39:26.120><c> a</c><00:39:26.160><c> construction</c> civil engineer
• and a construction civil engineer and a construction manager,<00:39:27.920><c> and</c> manager, and
• I've dropped a lot of civil engineering self-promotion in this hearing, but I just want to say that..
• </c> I've dropped a lot of civil engineering I've dropped a lot of civil engineering self-promo-<00:55

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A covered platform is a social media platform or a search engine that had a gross income of $5 million
• These platforms have long done... ...excise tax on internet search engines and social media platforms
• The rapid growth of artificial intelligence has only deepened this imbalance, with search engines now
• Kirkland's mixed-use urban centers and neighborhood centers are the economic engines of the city.
• This may include independent design, engineering, and performance evaluations.

Bills: SB6294, SB6211, SB5650, SB6033, SB6297, SB6343, SB6067, SB6082, SB6323, SB6324, SB5862, SB5923, SB6151

Keywords: local government finance, Washington state, RCW, real estate excise tax, REET, sales and use tax, property tax levy, county tax, city tax, affordable housing, housing services, behavioral health, mental health, developmental disabilities, children and families services, youth services, utility tax, low-income utility assistance, veterans assistance, homelessness

Transcript Highlights:

• I would say it's akin to maybe MD when it comes to engineers or nursing when it comes to nurses.
• You've got a ton of nurses or a ton of engineers in this case, a ton of attorneys.
• </c><00:36:40.400><c> it</c><00:36:40.480><c> comes</c><00:36:40.640><c> to</c><00:36:40.800><c> engineers
• </c> maybe MD dot when it comes to engineers maybe MD dot when it comes to engineers or<00:36:41.599>
• in this case, a ton of engineers in this case, a ton of attorneys.<00:36:48.320><c> And</c><00:36:48.480

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 13 January, 2026; 1:45 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, John Paul with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49, representing the Minnesota
• Uh, John Paul with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49, representing the Minnesota
• Uh, John Paul with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49, representing the Minnesota
• Uh, John Paul with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49, representing the Minnesota
• pay toward the use gas in their engines pay toward the roads. roads. roads.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The working group approved the prior meeting minutes with one correction to reflect Laura Ziggler’s attendance. Staff then outlined the report due February 13, 2026, which must summarize the group’s activities and include findings and recommendations adopted by the group; the report will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. The chair emphasized that the group’s charge is broad and includes analyzing electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, developing policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding, and reviewing other states’ laws and policies. Discussion focused heavily on how to replace declining gas tax revenue as more vehicles become electric. The chair framed the issue as a fairness and implementation challenge, noting that EVs are a growing share of the fleet and that the group should consider both policy and funding, not just one or the other. Members and guests raised several ideas already submitted, including a road user charge, changes to the EV charging tax, ending or modifying the EV surcharge, broadening the tax to publicly owned charging stations, reducing the charging level threshold to level 2, ending sales tax on electricity, addressing off-road use, and expanding the definition of auto parts to include charging equipment. Representative Elkins argued that charging based on electricity used at home is impractical for most vehicles, that public charging is already much more expensive than home charging, and that the current sales tax plus surcharge amounts to double taxation for public-charging users. He said a mileage-based user charge modeled on Utah’s approach is workable, could be phased in, and could preserve privacy by allowing a voluntary or alternative method for home charging estimates. Senator Howe responded that home electricity use can be estimated similarly to mileage deductions on taxes and said the state should tax all electricity used as fuel, regardless of charger level, if it can be identified. Other speakers echoed that all road users should pay a fair share and that the main challenge is implementation. Tony Kis of Quick Trip asked that a late letter be included in the record and urged clarification of the sales, use, excise tax, and collection rules to avoid double taxation and reduce administrative burden, noting the current monthly collection date and suggesting the group should streamline collection methods. No final policy decisions or votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• But by January of 2022, the Division of Engineering and Contract Administration, or DECA, was talking
• 00:13:42.399><c> the</c><00:13:42.639><c> Division</c><00:13:42.880><c> of</c><00:13:43.120><c> Engineering
• </c><00:13:43.519><c> and</c> of 2022, the Division of Engineering and of 2022, the Division of Engineering
• <01:25:31.760><c> and</c><01:25:32.000><c> contract</c><01:25:32.400><c> administration</c> engineering
• and contract administration engineering and contract administration and<01:25:33.360><c> they</c><01

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:01 Staff Report on Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System- 00:01:09 Kentucky State Police and Finance and Administration Cabinet Response to Staff Report- 00:48:37 Adjournment-01:34:512, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard a staff report on Kentucky’s statewide emergency responder voice system (SERVS), a multi-phase project intended to improve interoperable radio communications for first responders. Staff said Kentucky State Police did not appear to have violated statutes or regulations, but the project lacked an overall master plan, clear milestones, and consistent documentation, which contributed to delays, spending issues, and deployment problems. The report recommended updating the Kentucky Field Operations Guide to reflect SERVS and noted that the project has been funded in phases since 2018, with appropriations totaling roughly $216 million across 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024, while about $109 million had been spent by the end of fiscal year 2025. The report raised concerns about project sequencing and oversight. Staff said most spending was concentrated in special mobile equipment, with Motorola accounting for about two-thirds of all SERVS expenditures and the top four vendors making up 81 percent of spending. They also said a sample of Motorola payments suggested possible late payments, though they could not confirm whether interest was paid. Staff criticized the use of master agreements for a project of this size, the lack of a centralized ledger, and the absence of a documented timeline or risk mitigation plan. They recommended stronger procurement and planning requirements, including possible legislative changes requiring approved master plans for large capital projects and additional funding conditions tied to SERVS master agreements. Land acquisition and deployment progress were identified as major bottlenecks, especially in Eastern Kentucky. Staff said the project began in western Kentucky using existing tower sites, but the remaining work is concentrated in harder-to-acquire areas, with more than 95 percent of new towers still incomplete. They said the Division of Real Properties did not begin formal contract work on acquisition until October 2024, despite earlier coordination, and recommended earlier consultation on future projects. Staff also noted that the Kentucky Wireless Interoperability Executive Committee had not been active in oversight, and survey results showed limited awareness and involvement among first responders. Committee members agreed that the lack of an initial implementation plan and the continuing need for funding reflected broader planning problems, and they discussed the need for a clearer end-to-end game plan rather than continuing to fund the project without a defined completion path.

Transcript Highlights:

• that we track is, um, often it will go back to the applicant and the applicant has to go to their engineer
• </c><00:36:26.400><c> go</c><00:36:26.480><c> to</c><00:36:26.640><c> their</c><00:36:26.880><c> engineer
• ,</c> applicant has to go to their engineer, applicant has to go to their engineer, get<00:36:27.839>
• I do have an amendment that I would like to offer.” the design and engineering work on um a the design
• and engineering work on um a Hampton<01:05:30.799><c> Beach</c><01:05:31.440><c> State</c><01:05:32.079

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 74, which would require agencies issuing certain real-property-related permits to track and report how many permits they issue and how long the process takes. Representative Carol McGuire introduced the bill and said the goal is to gather data on permit timing and fees, especially for DES and DOT permits involving wetlands, alteration of terrain, driveway permits, and similar approvals. Supporters argued the state needs better visibility into permitting delays and whether statutory deadlines are realistic; they also noted the bill had passed the House on a voice vote with no debate. Adam Crapo of the Department of Environmental Services said DES is generally supportive of the reporting concept but warned that the agency’s data are spread across many separate, partly manual databases. He said DES can already do this for some land resources permits through its new system, but not across all of its more than 90 permit types without additional help. DES estimated it would need two part-time positions to compile the reports, especially for waste management and water programs, and said otherwise existing permitting staff would have to do the work, potentially slowing permit processing. He also said the agency is already working to simplify rules and move more permits onto a new online platform, but could not meet the bill’s 2026 reporting deadline with current staffing and systems. Committee members questioned whether delays are often caused by incomplete applications rather than agency inaction, and Crapo said that is frequently the case. He said DES already tracks timelines to some extent for management and statutory compliance, but not at the individual-permit detail the bill would require. He also said some letters and records are captured in One Stop, but not all are. Members expressed support for the bill’s transparency goals while also worrying about added workload and possible slowdowns. The discussion then moved to DOT, where Susan Clawson said DOT is neutral on the bill because it recently implemented Salesforce and now has good data for reporting; DOT’s fiscal note reflects software-related costs, but the agency can already track the required information in its system.

Transcript Highlights:

• With the cost difference narrowing between internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles,
• is time to increase this fee to be comparable to what people are paying with internal combustion engine
• With the cost difference narrowing between internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles,
• is time to increase this fee to be comparable to what people are paying with internal combustion engine
• With the cost difference narrowing between internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota talented youth mathematics program, which was previously a part of the College of Science and Engineering
• <00:24:47.919><c> of</c><00:24:48.080><c> Science</c><00:24:48.320><c> and</c><00:24:48.559><c> Engineering
• </c> College of Science and Engineering College of Science and Engineering appropriation<00:24:50.080
• college of previously a part of the college of science<00:25:32.720><c> and</c><00:25:33.039><c> engineering
• </c> science and engineering science and engineering appropriation<00:25:35.440><c> is</c> appropriation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm not an engineer, but the quality of the water from the well in the community had really degraded
• so</c><00:15:57.000><c> I'm</c><00:15:57.120><c> not</c><00:15:57.240><c> an</c><00:15:57.399><c> engineer
• </c><00:15:58.360><c> but</c><00:15:58.600><c> the</c> um so I'm not an engineer but the um so I'm not
• an engineer but the quality<00:15:59.519><c> of</c><00:15:59.680><c> the</c><00:15:59.839><c> water<
• </c><01:37:36.000><c> school</c> Society of civil engineers school Society of civil engineers school

Bills: HF2148, HF2693, HF2542, HF1141, HF1770, HF1489, HF1709, HF244, HF1266, HF807, HF2619, HF1340

Keywords: affordable housing, local control, revolving loan fund, community partnerships, Minnesota housing policy, housing, locally controlled housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, housing infrastructure bonds, state bonds, bonding bill, supportive housing, permanent supportive housing, homelessness, veterans housing, senior housing, manufactured home parks, community land trust, single-family housing, multifamily housing

Transcript Highlights:

• those of the members that are not from the seven-county metro area: this week I met with county engineers
• But the challenge, especially for those engineers in the Greater Minnesota area, is when we don't fund
• </c><01:05:08.839><c> from</c><01:05:09.079><c> rural</c> with County Engineers from rural with County
• </c><01:05:35.240><c> in</c><01:05:35.559><c> the</c> especially for those um engineers in the especially
• for those um engineers in the Greater<01:05:36.160><c> Minnesota</c><01:05:36.799><c> area</c><01:05

Keywords: 1187, senate, all