Transcript Highlights:

• It also standardizes regulations, reducing the complexity and cost for homeowners and developers who
• And I plan to put an exemption for communities that are over 85% capacity on water or sewer infrastructure
• Several of our small communities are dealing with aging and expensive wastewater and drinking water systems
• And I guess we do have some ADU regulation already on the books, and this would update some of that,
• And I think there's one element where you can utilize this bill to loosen some regulations, to at least

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Buildings Advisory Committee, which will function under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• tax credit application process under the purview of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• And I asked that question in terms of if you're going to be gardening or, you know, your water comes
• Phosphates is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the state, and we are held to the most
• address a few of the good questions that were asked in this legislation that... ...amends the Florida Water

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met for its first meeting of session and heard four bills. HB 209, the State Parks Preservation Act, would limit development in state parks and require stronger public notice and participation for land management plan changes. Members discussed protections for cabins and existing lodging, and an amendment aligned the bill with the Senate and clarified conservation-based recreational uses. Support came from Audubon Florida, Nature Conservancy, and others, and the bill was reported favorably with committee substitute after a unanimous roll call. HB 143 would create a Florida Resilient Buildings Tax Credit for new construction and retrofits that meet LEED-based resiliency standards, with a new advisory committee under DBPR to help administer the program. An amendment moved the process under DBPR, added UCF and FIU to the advisory council, and made technical conforming changes. The bill drew supportive testimony from a Boca Raton city council member and was reported favorably with committee substitute, with one no vote. HB 295 would direct DEP to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan based on its 2020 recycling report, including education, market development, and recommendations for statutory changes. Testimony emphasized that the plan would be voluntary and would not impose costs or mandates on homeowners or businesses. The bill passed without amendments and was reported favorably. HB 585 would let owners of former phosphate mining lands record notice and obtain a Department of Health radiation survey to support a narrow defense against strict liability claims; an amendment clarified the notice content and limited the definition to mined lands, not gyp stacks. The bill drew extensive questions about notice, radiation thresholds, disclosure to buyers, and liability scope, but supporters from Mosaic, the Florida Chamber, and a health physicist argued it would improve transparency and help redevelop lands. It was reported favorably with committee substitute, with one soft yes and one no vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The witness responds that the land has good soil and good water and is former pineapple land.
• DBEDT may not be the best agency to be regulated by for this operation in our state.
• ><c> and</c> regulation regulating the operation and regulation regulating the operation and increasing
• </c> economic development agency to regulate economic development agency to regulate and<00:54:51.119
• </c> may not be the best to be regulated may not be the best to be regulated an<00:54:57.280><c> agency

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures on agriculture, energy, stadium governance, and hotel consumer protections. On SB 448 relating to agriculture, Agra Business Development Corporation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in support of a proposed conservation easement acquisition in Central Oahu; the chair asked follow-up questions about the exact location, cost, and agricultural potential of the land, and the witness said the parcel had good soil and water and was former pineapple land, with cost still to be provided. On SB 827 relating to meat processing, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism said the state needs more meat-processing capacity and that any grant program should complement, not compete with, existing efforts; the Attorney General’s office warned the bill lacked legally sufficient standards for grants of public money under the state constitution and offered draft standards. Several industry and chamber witnesses supported the measure, while discussion focused on the need for brick-and-mortar or modular facilities, infrastructure costs, federal inspection needs, and access for hunters and neighbor islands. The committee then took up SB 1269 relating to geothermal resources, which drew broad support from county officials, energy consultants, utility representatives, and community advocates, with one witness opposing it. Supporters described geothermal as a viable, indigenous, firm baseload energy source that could help reduce Hawaii’s high electricity costs and support clean energy goals; one witness emphasized prior work in New Zealand and another urged the state to move forward with exploration. A DBEDT representative explained that the department is coordinating geothermal-related work with the Hawaii Technology Development Corp., the University of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Energy Office, noting a prior $3 million appropriation, phase-one community engagement work, and plans to seek a contractor for geoscience and exploration in phase two. Members pressed DBEDT to explain how this bill fits with other geothermal measures moving through different committees, and the chair asked the department to review SB 993 and better coordinate the package of geothermal bills. On SB 1337 relating to the Stadium Authority, the stadium manager testified in support of clarifying quorum rules, explaining that the authority currently has eight seated voting members out of nine possible voting seats and that the bill would help ensure voting members are counted for quorum; he said meetings have not been delayed. Finally, on SB 883 relating to hotels, the Attorney General’s office raised First Amendment and contract-law concerns and recommended adding a purpose statement and a non-impairment savings clause. Unite Here Local 5 and other supporters said guests should be notified of hotel service disruptions such as construction, closures, or labor disputes, while opponents questioned who would enforce the law, what penalties would apply, and whether the measure could require hotels to pay damages even without a complaint. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I was testifying this morning in the Senate Water Committee on the water bill.
• Water is a huge challenge for our industry going forward.
• You could have, let's say you have one water plant.
• What we see most common is water production, both water and wastewater, whether it be listing the MGD
• , the flow of the water. or the taps they have for wastewater.

Bills: SB 32, SB 464, SB 996, SB 1163, SB 1173, SB 1277, SB 1452, SB 1453, SB 1548, SB 1882, SB 1883, SB 2016

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, tax exemption, franchise tax credit, income production, personal property, SB 464, school buffer zone, tobacco retailer, vape shop, e-cigarette, vaping, nicotine, tobacco products, retail permit, comptroller, Class A misdemeanor, school proximity, youth access, public school, private school

Transcript Highlights:

• President, and promote clean water. Mr.
• </c> cannot be trusted to regulate cannot be trusted to regulate themselves.<02:13:58.000><c> And</c>
• </c><02:27:17.120><c> media</c> We need to regulate social media We need to regulate social media companies
• </c> regulate themselves. regulate themselves.
• </c><02:56:12.800><c> out</c> can drown if you fall in the water out can drown if you fall in the water

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Steering, Policy and Scheduling reports recommending that House Bill 4101, relative to the Dracut Water
• Second reading of the bill: An act relative to the Dracut Water Supply District, House Bill 4101.
• House Bill 1646, an act relative to violation of regulations regarding hot work process, is now before

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and procedural motions. It adopted a resolution commending Bill Spain on his retirement from the Castle Island Association and his work preserving Fort Independence. The House also concurred in a Senate petition concerning improved public access and climate resiliency on the Mystic River and referred it to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. In addition, the House suspended Joint Rule 12 for two petitions: one establishing a sick leave bank for a Massachusetts Department of Transportation employee and another creating a Legion of Merit motor vehicle license plate. The chamber then advanced House Bill 4101, relative to the Dracut Water Supply District, suspending Rule 7A, taking a second reading, and ordering it to a third reading. On third reading, House Bill 5034, waiving the maximum age requirement for Boston police officers for Matthew Cummings, was passed to be engrossed. House Bill 1338, allowing fair compensation of Massachusetts credit union directors, was amended to add an emergency preamble and strike Section 2, then passed to be engrossed as amended. Later, the House recessed and then returned to final passage on House Bill 1646, concerning violations of regulations regarding the hot work process, and House Bill 5511, concerning teacher preparation and student literacy; both were passed to be enacted. The House also adopted an order to adjourn to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Steering and Policy and Scheduling reports recommending that House Bill 4101, relative to the Dracut Water
• Second reading of the bill: An act relative to the Dracut Water Supply District, House Bill 4101.
• House is now before the House on final passage of Senate Bill 1646, an act relative to violation of regulations

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we'll get started with the Water Group.
• So we're looking at the water spreadsheet that looks suspiciously like the water. At it.
• given you, but it says workgroup water on it.
• I didn't until about a month ago, but they do a lot of good work around water law, water research.
• Jonas Armstrong, Water Protection Division Director.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> water right should have been water water right should have been water rights<03:01:54.160><c> should
• issue of water rights beforehand. water rights or whether you let the water rights or whether you let
• </c> of the water rights. of the water rights.
• lose our water.
• That water right then that water right. That water right then goes<03:23:07.120><c> away.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Typically, They need a fund as part of their federal drinking water programs.
• The water authority is ABC at this point.
• We're adopting rules rather than eliminating them or establishing regulations.
• With water projects, we have this problem: we're going to invest in this infrastructure.
• Well, water doesn't take a year to invest; it takes a year just to do planning.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's reading about all the water. You don't want to know what you're going to have to do.
• Whereas the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department requires supplemental funding to ensure it
• can continue to properly regulate businesses and professionals across the state.
• Appropriating funds to supplement the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department's budget. 10.
• The Regulation and Licensing Department for a supplemental request and implementation of an interstate

Transcript Highlights:

• WOULD LIKE TO OPEN UP THE FLOOR TO COMMENTS FROM OTHER New Yorkers face high taxes, burdensome regulations
• freeze property taxes, reduce housing construction costs, and streamline some of those unnecessary regulations
• NEW YORKERS, HIGH TAXES, BURDENSOME REGULATIONS AND RISING HOUSING, ENERGY AND INSURANCE COSTS CONTINUE
• After that, $750 million for clean water infrastructure, investment construction continues to rise dramatically

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on General Government and Local Assistance held its first meeting on the 2026/2027 state budget, with opening remarks from Senate Co-Chair Senator James Skoufis and Assembly Co-Chair Assembly Member Michaelle Solages. They introduced members, designated secretaries, and identified the agencies and budget areas under the subcommittee’s purview, including tax and finance, the Division of Budget, ethics and lobbying, financial services, general services, state charges, inspector general, state, audit and control, tax appeals, IT services, aid to localities, statewide financial systems, the Board of Elections, alcohol beverage control, and miscellaneous general government. Discussion focused on affordability, local government aid, and the strain on municipalities from rising costs, aging infrastructure, and state mandates. Senator Walczyk emphasized lowering taxes, reducing regulations, and increasing support for local governments, including AIM and CHIPS funding, while criticizing high housing, energy, and insurance costs. Assembly Minority members echoed concerns about the 2 percent property tax cap, utility bills, mandated costs, and the need for more permanent aid rather than temporary assistance. Assembly Member Ari Brown argued that the proposals did not provide enough long-term certainty, noting differences among the Governor’s, Assembly’s, and Senate’s funding levels for municipal aid and related programs. Assembly Member Burdick also supported stronger funding for municipalities, drawing on his local government experience. The co-chairs noted that no table target had yet been received and that negotiations would continue on open issues in general government. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after brief closing remarks about ongoing budget talks among the Senate, Assembly, and Governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Water.
• and water availability.
• water for a year.
• of water.
• And then storage Y at the bottom that stores water for water supply.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 2473, water; HB 2480, waste program; HB 2485, plant resources, energy and water; HB 2513, water; HB 2514
• , adequate water supplies, energy and water; HB 2515, state land, natural resources, energy and water
• , energy and water; HB 2538, state waters rules, energy and water; HB 2543, land act, cultural and rule
• and water; HB 2548, energy and water; HB 2549, groundwater resources, energy and water; HB 2551, Office
• 2545, multi-family property and water; HB 2547, well drilling and water; HB 2548, energy and water;

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of Dr. Pamela Murphy as Doctor of the Day. Members also introduced a number of guests, including Deacon Ernie Gonzalez, local Prescott officials, Arizona Game and Fish commissioners, and advocates from the Alzheimer’s Association. A proclamation was read designating January 26, 2026, as Arizona Aviation Day, with remarks highlighting the aviation industry’s economic impact and the presence of airport and aviation representatives in the gallery. The clerk then read a long list of bills that had been first read or referred for printing, and a second-reading calendar covering measures on water and energy, education, elections, taxes, housing, veterans, public safety, and other topics. No floor votes on those bills were taken during this segment. Representative Gress also read a resolution recognizing National School Choice Week and praising Arizona’s school choice programs, including charters and ESAs. Much of the remainder of the session consisted of members’ personal privilege remarks responding to violence and immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota and elsewhere. Speakers from both parties and several senators and representatives condemned ICE tactics, described constituent fear and family separations, and called for constitutional rights, due process, and accountability. Representative Sandoval requested and the House observed a moment of respectful silence in memory of Alex Pretty and Renee Good. The House then received committee and caucus announcements and adjourned until 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Dams, like for holding back water. >> Dams, D-A-M. >> The dams.
• First Senator Gray and Senator Waters. Then President Carson.
• Thank you. >> Senator Waters. >> Thank you, Mr.
• Senator Rosenwald and Senator Waters. >> Thank you.
• I agree with Senator Waters. I think we need to follow up with this.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee opened by approving the May 15 minutes and then recognized Pam Ellis for her long service with the Legislative Budget Assistant’s office and upcoming retirement. The committee adopted the consent calendar with two items removed for separate consideration, then approved transfers for the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Department of Environmental Services after questions about court benefit costs and dam project funding. The Department of Health and Human Services also received approval for a general fund transfer item. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Youth Development Center settlement fund. New administrator Jared Boyle, joined by the Attorney General, described the fund’s remaining caseload, the payment matrix, and the need for additional funding to begin hearings in August. Members raised concerns about administrative costs, attorneys’ fees, payday loans, structured settlements, and the long-term fiscal impact on the state. Boyle requested $55 million, but the committee ultimately approved a reduced appropriation of $20 million, with members noting the possibility of returning for more funding later depending on revenues and the October revenue review. The Department of Corrections then received approval for a smaller shortfall transfer and a larger overtime-related transfer, with officials citing a 52% corrections officer vacancy rate, ongoing recruitment, academy classes, and efforts to use civilian staff in some non-security roles. A late item from the Veterans Home was also approved to cover overtime, holiday pay, and indirect cost shortfalls within its existing budget. The committee then heard an informational presentation on implementation of Senate Bill 134 and the new federal Medicaid work-requirement rule. DHHS said it plans to submit a state plan amendment, seek approval for hardship exceptions, start with one eligibility check cycle, and use existing federal grant funding to make system changes. Finally, the committee received a performance audit of the Doorway opioid treatment program, which found weak written procedures, incomplete data use, reimbursement delays, and problems with the Governor’s Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention. Members discussed follow-up reporting, and the next Fiscal Committee meeting was scheduled for August 21 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 895 deals with a very specific section of water usage as we're talking about data centers.
• But essentially, what we're looking at is maximizing, if water is going to be used in a data center,
• from a municipality or other water user in order to ensure that they are not pulling from the system
• House Bill 895 deals with a very specific section of water usage as we're talking about data centers.
• from a municipality or other water user in order to ensure that they are not pulling from the system

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 895, which would require data centers using water for cooling to use non-consumptive closed-loop systems or secure water from a municipality or other water user so they do not draw more from the system than can be sustained. Representative Raybould presented the bill, and Representative Mickelsen moved it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee approved that motion by voice vote. The bulk of the meeting focused on Idaho Fish and Game’s advanced hunting technology rule package, including restrictions on transmitting trail cameras, thermal optics, night vision, drones, and related technologies. Fish and Game staff and Director Jim Frederick described a lengthy public process, survey results showing broad hunter opposition to many technologies, and the commission’s effort to balance hunter opportunity, fair chase concerns, and enforceability. Several committee members objected to the rule package, arguing it conflicted with state law, changed substantially from the original proposal, and should have been handled by legislation rather than rulemaking. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to hold the docket until an odd-numbered day the following week, effectively delaying action. The committee then heard House Bill 910, which would create a statutory framework for the Department of Lands and Parks and Recreation to jointly manage recreation opportunities on endowment lands while protecting existing uses and maximizing revenue to the endowment. The bill drew questions about approval authority, existing MOUs, impacts on grazing and other current uses, and whether it would expand recreation development. Supporters said it would streamline management and generate revenue; opponents worried it would promote more recreation on endowment lands and create conflicts. The committee approved the bill on a 9-6 roll call vote. It also sent Senate Bill 1303, updating renewable energy language in a state fund statute, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 124, recognizing wildlife crossing projects, to the floor with due pass recommendations. House Bill 878, dealing with firefighter pay and fire suppression fund issues, was sent to House General Orders. Finally, the committee heard Senate Joint Memorial 111 on protecting federal public lands from disposal; after testimony and debate over public access, fragmented parcels, and federal land management, the committee had not yet reached a final disposition in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• About water and wastewater treatment facilities, gallons per day is a fairly easy usage to determine
• Uh, but what I can say is potable water.
• There are rules and regulations of the planning board, for example, and the zoning board.
• </c><01:56:46.560><c> of</c> There are um rules and regulations of There are um rules and regulations
• </c><06:03:22.160><c> that</c> know the law and the regulations that know the law and the regulations

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't regulate the housing market or the development market.
• the housing market or the regulate the housing market or the development<00:10:07.720><c> Market</c>
• , so not only do they have to buy water to drink, but it's actually rusting out their appliances and
• uh so not only undrinkable brown Water uh so not only do<01:20:02.840><c> they</c><01:20:02.920><c>
• have</c><01:20:03.040><c> to</c><01:20:03.480><c> buy</c><01:20:03.800><c> water</c><01:20:04.040><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• With me today is Adam Van de Water, executive director of the Transbay Joint Powers Authority.
• My name is Adam Van der Water. I'm the executive director of the Transbay Joint Powers Authority.
• We are very proud of this water park.
• Obviously, water is essential for any development.
• But again, when a water intention of providing water to development is there from a water agency, that

Summary: The committee heard several local government-related bills, with testimony focused on permitting, transportation funding, EV infrastructure, and commercial revitalization. AB 1578 by Assembly Member Jackson would require elected local and state officials to take anti-hate speech training through existing sexual harassment training. Supporters said elected officials should understand the impact of their words on hate and democracy; opponents argued the bill lacked a definition of hate speech and could chill protected speech, especially around sex-based issues. AB 2083, also by Jackson, would authorize a regional child care special district serving Moreno Valley and Paris to expand child care facilities and programs for five years. The California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions opposed the bill’s mechanism but said it was working with the author. AB 1693 by Assembly Member Suber would streamline retail tenant improvement permits by extending a process similar to a prior restaurant permitting law, with qualified professional certification and tighter local review timelines. It drew broad support from retail, business, and property groups and no opposition. Assembly Member Gonzalez presented AB 1679, which would create a temporary commercial activation permit for pop-up businesses to operate in vacant storefronts for up to 120 days. Supporters said it would help fill vacancies and lower barriers for small businesses; there was no opposition, and the bill advanced. Gonzalez also presented AB 2418, which would set timelines for nonresidential plan checks and inspections and allow private plan checkers after excessive delay. Business groups supported it as a way to reduce costly delays, while local government groups had no position but continued discussions with the author; the bill advanced with amendments. Assembly Member Shevlin presented AB 1820, which would cap local permit fees for EV charging installations and create a statewide fee schedule. Supporters said fees vary too widely and can deter charger deployment, while cities and counties argued existing law already requires reasonable cost recovery and that the bill could undercut local budgets and public safety review. Assembly Member DeMaio presented AB 1783, which would prohibit state and local mileage taxes or road user charges. Supporters framed it as a defense against a new tax burden, while opponents said studying road user charges is necessary to address declining gas tax revenue and future transportation funding needs. AB 1693, AB 1679, and AB 2418 were moved forward with motions and roll calls; AB 1783 was taken up with a motion and roll call left open, and AB 1820 remained under discussion at the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Oakland and the Southern Nevada water Oakland and the Southern Nevada water Authority's<00:09:47.360
• on the New Hampshire regulation on the New Hampshire construction<00:10:30.240><c> industry</c><00:10
• The expansion should not cause new penetrations of the water by any added columns, etc., etc.
• </c><02:03:28.119><c> the</c> new penetrations of the water the new penetrations of the water the expansion
• This was a bill from Senator Waters. This was a bill from Senator Waters.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all