Video & Transcript Research : 'Class II railroads'

Page 19 of 433
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • led his troop of Army Rangers up the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc during the D-Day invasion in World War II
  • First, I just want to recognize the master class of presenting in front of the Finance Committee that
  • You look at Rice University, a world-class university research R1, and they're doing some really good
  • And potentially, again, we have some world-class universities that are private that really don't cost
  • you recall, that was a complicated debt issuance process that we had to work carefully with the Railroad
Bills: SB 1
Summary: The committee first heard the Legislative Budget Board and Secretary of State Jane Nelson on the Secretary of State budget. LBB said the recommendation would reduce the agency’s appropriation by about $40.3 million overall, with major changes including removing federal HAVA funding and one-time business system replacement money, adjusting the agency’s base request, deleting an outdated Interstate Crosscheck rider, and directing HAVA funds to be drawn down first. Secretary Nelson and staff defended the agency’s needs, emphasizing election security, business filings, international protocol, and the Texas Register, and requested additional staff, a new website, digitization of records, IT and cybersecurity upgrades, and renovation of the Rudder Building. Senators discussed voter-roll maintenance, cross-checking data, call-center response times, and the need for online voter registration and more efficient election administration. No votes were taken. The committee then took up the Office of the Governor and trustee programs. LBB outlined a $2.4 million decrease for the office proper and a much larger decrease in trustee programs, driven by unexpended balances and the removal of one-time federal and border-security items, while noting continued funding for disaster response, victim assistance, and $2.9 billion for border security at roughly the prior level. Governor’s staff said Texas remains focused on border security, economic development, and public safety, and discussed efforts to seek federal reimbursement for prior border spending. Members asked about the National Guard’s status, possible federal assumption of border costs, the music incubator program, the Semiconductor Innovation Consortium, the Governor’s University Research Initiative, defense economic adjustment grants, and a new $5 million nonprofit security grant proposal. Staff said the semiconductor program has 12 approved projects totaling about 948 jobs and $17 billion in capital investment, and that the nonprofit security request was added late to address threats to houses of worship and other nonprofits. No formal action was taken. Finally, the committee heard the Texas Facilities Commission and lease-payment recommendations. LBB said the Facilities Commission recommendation would reduce appropriations by about $2.0 billion, mainly by removing border wall construction funding and capital complex bond funding, while adding money for higher utility costs, Rudder Building refurbishment, and additional staff. The lease-payment recommendation would decrease general revenue by $9.3 million. LBB also noted new riders related to completing the State Library and Archives building, tenant communication during disruptions, and a space-utilization report. In agency testimony, members asked about border wall maintenance responsibility, total facilities-related debt, and the status of capital complex construction. The Rudder Building renovation and related security needs were repeatedly discussed as important one-time infrastructure investments.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Feb 10th, 2026 at 12:22 pm

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • during this transportation era, first through the connection of the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad
  • Railroad and the El Paso Northern Railway on December 26, 1901, and then 25 years later, when Route 66
  • Well, in World War II, we had six million Jews exterminated. Since Roe v.
Keywords: 996, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I know the railroad commission took it in four or five phases. Yes.
  • , is coordination with the railroads themselves.
  • The railroads have significant responsibilities and rights over their right-of-way.
  • And so local agencies and local officials working with those railroads who, you know, the railroads have
  • After class that's been passed last session.
Bills: SB1, SB 1
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • And that railroad railroad crossing.
  • Transportation and the Federal Railroad Transportation and the Federal Railroad Association.<01:
  • <01:20:43.920> crossings, lines of sight at railroad crossings, lines of sight at railroad
  • specifically for Kentucky railroad specifically for Kentucky railroad safety. safety. safety.
  • money on the railroads, additional money on<01:27:16.400> the<01:27:16.560> railroads<
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Kentucky Aviation Association on the importance of general aviation airports in Kentucky and their economic and public-safety role. Witnesses said the state has more than 50 general aviation airports that support jobs, agriculture, tourism, medical transport, disaster response, and law enforcement, and they urged continued support for aviation infrastructure and workforce development. They asked the legislature to again provide $200,000 per general aviation airport for operating and basic infrastructure costs, to route the money through the Kentucky Department of Aviation for accountability, to revisit a special-purpose governmental entity audit requirement they said is too costly for small airports, to create a long-term appropriations process for the roughly $100 million in unmet capital needs, and to fund the Arrow Act for aviation education and scholarships. Members asked about a dedicated aviation fuel tax and about local training partnerships, simulators, and school or community college programs; the witnesses said they preferred an appropriations-based solution and offered to help connect interested communities with aviation education resources. The committee then took up “Troy’s Law,” sponsored by Representatives White and Flannery, which would allow tow trucks to use blue lights while stationary and actively removing vehicles or debris from highways. Sponsors and tow operators said the bill is intended to improve worker safety after the deaths of tow operators Troy Cwell and Hubert Mosley in highway hit-and-run incidents, and they emphasized that tow operators often work in dangerous conditions at night, in bad weather, and near fast-moving traffic. They said the proposal would not apply while driving or towing and noted that other states have adopted similar measures. Witnesses from the towing industry, including Bubba Johnson and Barbara Maguire, supported the bill as an added layer of protection and described tow operators as first responders who help motorists in emergencies. Representative Flannery and other members expressed support for the safety goal and invited further discussion, but no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Working Group on Omnibus Transportation Bill - 06/06/25

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • which is a county, a regional railroad which is a county, a regional railroad authority<00:42:19.040
  • assessment that is imposed on railroads assessment that is imposed on railroads and<00:49:55.680
  • <00:50:26.319> versus assessment goes to railroads versus assessment goes to railroads versus
  • <00:51:28.760> authority um regional railroad authority um regional railroad authority entities
  • <01:08:35.839> multimmoal champion for a world-class multimmoal champion for a world-class
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Taxes Committee 3/25/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, railroading is a capital-intensive Minnesota shortline railroads across the state collectively have
  • <00:03:33.159> Association Minnesota Regional railroads Association Minnesota Regional railroads
  • And so we've already seriously taxed the middle class in the 2023 bill, and we promised middle-class
  • And so we've already seriously taxed the middle class in the 2023 bill, and we promised middle-class
  • And so we've already seriously taxed the middle class in the 2023 bill, and we promised middle-class
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 093 Apr 17th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The dedicated employees of the railroad The dedicated employees of the railroad industry,<00:22:
  • The safety of railroad nationwide.
  • among state regulatory bodies, railroad among state regulatory bodies, railroad companies<00:23:
  • There's not this owner class and worker class. We have farmers.
  • owner class and worker class. owner class and worker class.
Keywords: 981, all
Summary: The House convened with 58 members present and seven excused, establishing a quorum, and approved the April 15, 2026 journal as corrected. The chamber then moved through announcements recognizing visiting railroad workers, LIUNA Local 720, Colorado West Christian Schools, Religious Freedom Day, and several school and community groups, along with birthday acknowledgments and committee schedule notices. The House also adopted a motion to remove House Bill 1245 from special orders and returned it to the general orders second reading calendar, and set House Bills 1290, 1312, and 1321 as special orders. The House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 18, recognizing Nowruz and expressing support for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people, including the Women, Life, Freedom movement. Supporters described Nowruz as a holiday of renewal and resilience and tied the resolution to solidarity with Iranian communities. Representative Zokaie also spoke at length about the personal impact of war on Iranian families and urged a vote. The resolution passed 59-2 with four excused. The chamber then considered several bills in committee report. House Bill 1290, concerning assault and clarifying sentencing, was amended in Judiciary to remove the medical professional provision and passed after testimony emphasizing strangulation as a serious warning sign in domestic violence cases; it then passed the House. House Bill 1312, dealing with peace officer participation, POST Board composition, academy training, and related grants, was amended for clarity and passed the Judiciary report and then the bill. House Bill 1321, modifying the School Security Disbursement Program, had the Education Committee report defeated, but amendments were adopted to broaden eligible service providers and adjust funding language; the bill then passed as amended.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/18/2025)

Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • After 10 years on the railroad, I got a job as a federal safety inspector with the Federal Railroad Administration
  • <00:41:14.000> Administration Federal Railroad Administration Federal Railroad Administration
  • 16.920> systems inspecting on railroads signal systems inspecting on railroads signal systems
  • but fatalities of Highway railroad so but fatalities of Highway railroad grade<00:42:08.880> Crossings
  • with class six roads, so, as an abutter, if the town of Springfield decided to open up that class six
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Session (02/13/2025)

New Hampshire House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • success does not come without new challenges, like increasing our housing supply or having a best-in-class
  • ever before education than ever before [Applause] This budget also begins the overhaul of the Group II
  • a while since I was a Crusader at Manchester Memorial High School, graduating in the top 400 of my class
  • a while since I was a Crusader at Manchester Memorial High School, graduating in the top 400 of my class
  • <04:26:32.399> he know the Illinois Central Railroad he know the Illinois Central Railroad
Keywords: 1189, house, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 3rd, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • The federal government, the Federal Railroad Administration owns the regulation for railroads.
  • Railroads do contribute.
  • Railroad crossings at grade are common features across the United States where roads intersect with railroad
  • and railroad employees safer.
  • A railroad flagger is the person who directs traffic through railroad crossings.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • , the Great Migration, and many, Railroad, the Great Migration, and many, many<00:10:22.040> more.
  • From the Underground Railroad movement.
  • From the Underground Railroad to<00:31:54.840> the<00:31:54.920> Civil<00:31:55.280>
  • were directly linked to Hart classes were directly linked to Hart County's<00:37:40.680> cultural
  • Moreover, these gatherings and<00:37:46.520> classes<00:37:47.800> were<00:37:47.880>
Summary: The committee met for an interim update from the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, with presentations from the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Arts Council. Secretary Lindy Casebier reported that Kentucky tourism has posted record growth for four straight years, with $14.6 billion in economic impact, 97,000 tourism-related jobs, and 81 million travelers spending more than $10.4 billion in 2025. He said the Historical Society and Arts Council help create visitor experiences that support those tourism gains. The Kentucky Historical Society focused on America 250, the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Staff described a community-driven approach built around themes such as “Revolutionary Experiment,” “We the People,” “Power of Place,” “Crossroads in Kentucky,” and “Doing History,” organized under heritage tourism, education, signature events, and legacy projects. They said the effort has included Liberty Tree plantings in nearly every county, partnerships with local organizations and KET, grants to cabinet agencies and historic sites, and preservation projects in 19 counties. They highlighted Harrodsburg 250 as an early kickoff, along with grant-supported events, exhibits, and educational programs across the state. The Historical Society also described public engagement events tied to the commemoration, including Two Lights for Tomorrow, a food drive in Franklin County, a July 8 historic reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old State Capitol, and planned participation at the Kentucky State Fair. They said the General Assembly’s support enabled a grant program that has funded 250 events and programs in 43 counties, totaling more than $720,000, and that the work is intended to build a lasting legacy beyond 2026. The Kentucky Arts Council said it received America 250 grant funds to support artists, arts organizations, communities, and nonprofits for public art, artwork creation, and related programs. The council reported 55 funded projects and $466,000 awarded statewide, with examples including a Burkesville summer arts and history camp and a Fayette County community singing project. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Election Law (03/07/2025)

Election Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • I was profoundly taken back by that, and it led to his invitation to teach a constitutional law class
  • to his entire legal staff uh cour class to his entire legal staff uh cour including<01:03:52.119>
  • <02:14:06.679> of 14th amendment created two class of 14th amendment created two class of
  • Number three created a Department of Railroad. Number four created a Department of Education.
  • of voters, and we need to kind of bring everything in a line to one class.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee Jun 23rd, 2026 at 10:00 am

Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • system right now that are probably qualifying for this because we were on a decline from the World War II
  • Centrally assessed property are pipelines, railroads, wind farms, electric and gas companies, and air
  • So, Shelly, as we look at all of these different classes of property, I think it's important for people
  • something similar to our primary residence tax credit and applying that primary designation to other classes
  • of real estate or other class of property.
Keywords: 908, all
ND
Transcript Highlights:
  • system right now that are probably qualifying for this because we were on a decline from the World War II
  • Centrally assessed property are pipelines, railroads, wind farms, electric and gas companies, and air
  • So, Shelly, as we look at all of these different classes of property, I think it's important for people
  • something similar to our primary residence tax credit and applying that primary designation to other classes
  • of real estate or other classes of property.
Summary: The Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee met with a quorum, approved the March 17, 2026 minutes, and heard a lengthy update from Tax Commissioner Brian Croshys on property tax relief programs. He reviewed the Homestead Property Tax Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Primary Residence Credit, noting increased relief after House Bill 1158 and House Bill 1176, but also discussing how some households “income adjust out” of eligibility over time. Members asked about indexing income thresholds, expanding eligibility by age alone, simplifying administration, county-level notices, and whether the county and state systems could be streamlined. Croshys said the programs are heavily used, largely administered at the county level, and that the department is still refining compliance and reporting; he also said there were no material findings or overarching concerns in the latest review. The committee agreed more detailed PRC information would likely come back in a September meeting, and the chair announced an afternoon recess for lunch before later reconvening. Shelly Myers then presented the statewide property tax increase report, the zero-growth report, and a statistical report on property values and tax levies by class. She explained how county auditors report levy and valuation data, how increases and decreases are counted, and identified counties and cities with the largest percentage changes in growth or decline. She also summarized recent trends: agricultural values remain relatively flat, while residential, commercial, and centrally assessed values have risen over the last five years; in 2025, residential property accounted for the largest share of statewide property tax levies, followed by commercial, agriculture, and centrally assessed property. Committee members asked about unusual zero-growth figures, the effect of annexation and land-use changes, and whether the 3% levy cap was forcing political subdivisions to use reserves or defer spending. Myers said many counties complied by using reserves, delaying capital projects, or limiting increases, and that some counties had not used their full cap. The committee then moved to the stripper oil extraction tax exemption. Commissioner Croshys reviewed the state’s oil tax structure and estimated the revenue impact of keeping stripper wells exempt from extraction tax while still paying production tax. He said the exemption saves operators hundreds of millions of dollars over a biennium, while the state still collects production tax on those wells. He also discussed projected impacts if the exemption were changed for future wells and noted that future outcomes depend on oil prices, production declines, and technology such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery. Nathan Anderson of the Department of Mineral Resources briefly explained the historical difference between the 35-barrel and 30-barrel thresholds for certain wells, citing differences in completion costs and lateral lengths. The committee then heard from EERC CEO Charles Gorecki, who presented an analysis of oil well life cycles and said most oil is produced before wells reach stripper status, but that refracturing or other reinvestment can significantly extend production and keep wells above the threshold for years.
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee Jun 23rd, 2026

Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • system right now that are probably qualifying for this because we were on a decline from the World War II
  • Centrally assessed property are pipelines, railroads, wind farms, electric and gas companies, and air
  • So, Shelly, as we look at all of these different classes of property, I think it's important for people
  • applying that... ...to our primary residence tax credit and applying that primary designation to other classes
  • of real estate or other class of property.
Summary: The committee met to receive updates from the Tax Commissioner’s office on property tax relief programs and related compliance work. Commissioner Brian Croshys reviewed the Homestead Property Tax Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Primary Residence Credit, noting that the Homestead program expanded significantly after HB 1158, that some households are “adjusting out” of eligibility as incomes rise, and that the committee may want to consider indexing income thresholds. Members asked for additional data on bracket breakdowns, possible costs of eliminating income limits for seniors, and how many households are zeroed out by the combined programs. Croshys also discussed the simpler administration of the disabled veteran credit, the growth in participation, and the heavy workload and auditing safeguards built into the new primary residence credit system. He said the department found no material compliance findings and that the program is designed to be digital-first, with county auditors and the Tax Commissioner’s office both involved in review and notification. The committee recessed for lunch and later reconvened, with the chair noting that more detailed PRC information would likely be available at a September meeting. Shelly Myers then presented the statewide property tax increase, or “zero growth,” report and the 2025 statistical report. She explained how county auditors report levy and valuation data, how increases and decreases are counted, and which jurisdictions showed the largest percentage changes in countywide, citywide, school district, and park district levies. In the statistical report, she summarized recent trends in assessed values: agricultural values remained relatively flat, while residential, commercial, and centrally assessed property values increased over the past five years. She also reviewed statewide tax levies by property class and clarified that centrally assessed growth figures were annual averages. Members discussed how shifts in land use and annexation can make it appear that tax burdens are moving from ag to residential/commercial property. Myers then summarized the interim study on the 3% levy limitation under HB 1176, saying most counties complied without budget changes, while some used hiring freezes, deferred purchases, or reserve funds; 23% of counties had to reduce levies, and the affected funds were mainly general, road and bridge, and weed control. She said 12 counties reported zero new growth in the data and that 35 counties reported not using all of their cap. The committee also received an oil tax presentation from Croshys on the stripper well extraction tax exemption. He outlined the number of active stripper wells, the production and revenue implications of the exemption, and projections for future biennia under different tax scenarios. He said the exemption represents substantial savings to operators but also corresponds to production tax revenue that would otherwise be collected, and he emphasized that future outcomes depend on oil prices, well counts, and technology such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery. Nathan Anderson of the Department of Mineral Resources briefly answered a question about why Red River wells have a different production threshold than Bakken wells, explaining it was tied to completion costs and lateral length. The committee then heard from Charlie Gorecki of the EERC, who presented an analysis of typical Bakken well decline curves and argued that most oil is produced before a well reaches stripper status, but that keeping wells open and investing in refracturing or other interventions can recover additional production. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting; the main actions were receiving reports, asking for follow-up data, and scheduling further discussion for a later meeting.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 24th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • the clerk read the bill HB number 1285 by Guerin relating to inspections and examinations by the Railroad
  • HB number 1238 by Guillen relating to the inspection of the location of a perpetrator. class 1 injection
  • Members, HB 1238 allows TCEQ to accept inspection reports from licensed engineers or scientists for class
  • clarifies that if the virtual inspection indicates that an in-person inspection is needed, that Railroad
  • That expert is not certified or licensed for Class C misdemeanor proceedings other than jury trials.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Criminal Justice Apr 1st, 2025

Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • The unit will work in collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement as well as the Railroad
  • Other bills that some of you may have heard in different committees related to the Railroad Commission's
  • If passed, it's first time driving while intoxicated offense currently a class B misdemeanor would be
  • bumped up to a Class A, driving while intoxicated with an open container, which is currently a Class
  • A. class B would be bumped up to a class A, driving while intoxicated with sobriety of analysis of 0.15
Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to address pressing issues surrounding oil field crime and safety on Texas highways. The meeting was initiated by Chair Flores, who emphasized the need for improved tools to combat repeat offenders having committed intoxicated driving, alongside tackling oil field theft that has escalated due to organized criminal activities. The committee heard public testimonies and engaged with various stakeholders, including law enforcement and industry representatives, who highlighted the complexities and dangers associated with these crimes. Notably, a significant focus was placed on Senate Bill 1320, which aims to establish a dedicated unit within the Department of Public Safety to investigate and address thefts specific to the oil and gas industry. This initiative seeks to strengthen coordination among various law enforcement agencies and improve training for local officers to combat these sophisticated theft operations more effectively.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 7th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • HB 5186 by Zuehner relates to the information relied upon by the Railroad Commission of Texas for the
  • HB 5186 by Zuehner relates to the information relied upon by the Railroad Commission of Texas for the
  • HB 5186 by Zuehner relates to the information relied upon by the Railroad Commission of Texas for the
  • Ram Shaddad, the school welcomed its inaugural class during the fall of 2024.
  • HB5385 by Talarico relates to class...
Keywords: 1184, house, all