Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:51.120> the marketers who own and operate the marketers who own and operate the majority
• They've been operating for 15 years. This law has also been placed in 24 other states.
• They've been operating<00:30:12.720> for<00:30:12.960> 15<00:30:13.279> years.
• This law has operating for 15 years.
• operations here with the federal agents. operations here with the federal agents.

Bills: HF3298, SF3832, HF3528, HF3516, HF3972, HF4118

Keywords: underground storage tanks, petroleum, reimbursement program, environmental regulation, pollution control, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, dentistry, licensure, registration

Transcript Highlights:

• So, section three permits—section three would allow MPCA to issue separate permits for operation and
• MPCA to issue separate permits for operation and construction.
• <00:25:13.360> plan<00:25:14.080> and years to develop an operating plan and years
• All have separate operating and construction permits, as you can see.
• Wisconsin all have uh separate operating Wisconsin all have uh separate operating construction<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard House File 8, which was moved for referral to the Labor and Workforce Development Committee. The bill’s author described it as a permitting and environmental review reform measure intended to maintain environmental standards while making permitting more predictable and timely for businesses, municipalities, and agricultural projects. He walked through nine sections, including limiting Wetland Conservation Act extension requests, requiring the MPCA to issue permitting efficiency reports twice a year, separating municipal and industrial permit data, allowing judicial review when the MPCA misses a 150-day two-tier permit goal, requiring quicker notice of incomplete applications, allowing separate construction and operation permits, creating a business permitting ombudsman at DEED, eliminating duplicative scoping EA requirements for projects already requiring a mandatory EIS, and adding an intent statement that the bill does not relax standards. The author and supporters emphasized that the bill is meant to reduce delays and duplication rather than weaken protections. He cited letters of support from groups including Building Trades, Mining Minnesota, pork producers, the Minnesota Biofuels Association, Apex, and the Red River Watershed, while noting that some groups opposed the bill. Testimony in support came from the Minnesota Pork Producers Association, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the Red River Watershed Management Board, and Minnesota Milk, all of whom said permitting delays and inconsistent processes add significant cost and uncertainty. They argued the bill would help farmers, watershed projects, and businesses invest and expand in Minnesota while preserving environmental standards. Supporters also provided examples of the costs of current permitting processes, including long delays for air permits, repeated extensions, and large sums spent on environmental review before projects are halted or delayed. The Red River Watershed Management Board said its projects have spent millions on permitting and review, with some projects taking years and involving many permits from state, local, and federal agencies. Minnesota Milk said the bill and amendment would let farmers and responsible governmental units sequence applications more efficiently. No vote was taken in the portion provided beyond the motion to recommend re-referral, and the committee proceeded to public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• you'll see in the governor's operating you'll see in the governor's operating budget<01:13:36.760
• collect there to offset the operations collect there to offset the operations at<01:19:09.280>
• The B for the state to continue operating that.
• primarily related to the operational primarily related to the operational cost<01:24:56.360>
• Tomorrow we’ll be covering the Office of the Commissioner operations.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began as a Division 3 work session on HB 71, but much of the early discussion focused on whether a previously discussed non-germane amendment could be considered or voted on that day. Members and the chair debated process and notice requirements, and the clerk’s guidance was that the amendment needed a separate public hearing before the full Finance Committee. The amendment was described as requiring DHHS contracts and addenda to include compliance with the Patient Bill of Rights, with a repeal date so the requirement would expire on November 30, 2026. The motion to move OTP on HB 71 with the amendment was withdrawn, and the committee agreed the amendment would be scheduled for a future full Finance hearing instead. The committee then turned to HB 71 itself and heard testimony from DHHS representatives John Williams and Jenny O’Higgins on the fiscal note and policy implications. Members questioned the estimate that the bill could put $12 million to $18 million per year in federal funding at risk, including HUD and Office of Refugee Resettlement funds. DHHS explained that the estimate was based on a broad reading of the bill’s term “specified alien,” which they said was not clearly defined in the bill, so they analyzed it using the federal definition of “alien” and assumed the bill could affect lawfully present non-citizens as well as undocumented individuals. They said the figure represented a worst-case scenario and that they were not claiming the loss was certain. Members also pressed DHHS on whether the bill could affect emergency sheltering in schools, public academies, or institutions of higher learning during disasters. DHHS said the language could create conflicts with federal funding conditions because emergency shelter programs generally cannot impose barriers on who may be sheltered, and they warned that excluding certain people could affect refugee-related and HUD funding. Questions were raised about whether the bill’s language would apply to private institutions as well as public ones, and whether the state could still use schools in short-term emergencies. DHHS said the language was broad, that they could not answer every legal question definitively, and that they would need input from public health and legal staff. No final vote on HB 71 was taken in the portion provided; the committee remained in discussion/work session mode after the amendment motion was withdrawn.

Transcript Highlights:

• And he's vice president of the International Union of Operating Engineers.
• Not when it's operational? Correct.
• Do you have operations for that, or is that a different group of people that do that?
• The numbers I gave were the generators actually in operation at peak decibel.
• I would think it would be significantly less than when the generators are operating.

Summary: The Committee on Utilities held an informational hearing on data centers in Missouri, with the chair explaining that the goal was to hear from three speakers with different perspectives and allow committee questions, but no public testimony. The first witness, Matt Edelow of the International Union of Operating Engineers and Columbia-Jefferson City Area Building Trades Council, spoke in support of data center development for its construction jobs, long-term employment, tax revenue, and local economic benefits. He said the Montgomery County projects had already put about 200 Missourians to work, described the facilities as using closed-loop water systems and generator noise levels that he said would be limited by setbacks and acoustics, and urged local hire and apprenticeship requirements. Committee members asked about water use, noise, cybersecurity, labor, and tax revenue, and he said one project could generate about $13.1 million annually at full buildout. The second witness, Rob Dixon of Ameren Missouri, testified that Senate Bill 4 and the Public Service Commission’s large-load tariff provide strong protections for existing customers. He said large data center customers must sign long-term contracts, pay 100% of interconnection costs, post collateral, pay at least 80% of contracted demand, and face exit and reduction fees, with load-shedding rules applying to them like other customers. Dixon said Ameren’s planning process includes engineering reviews and MISO review before projects proceed, and that the utility’s integrated resource plan calls for 5.3 gigawatts of new generation by 2030, with 2.2 gigawatts of signed large-load agreements already in place. He also said large customers can help spread fixed grid costs and put downward pressure on rates, and noted that the protections apply to investor-owned utilities, not co-ops or municipal utilities. The final witness, John Kaufman of the Consumers Council of Missouri, argued that the current protections are not strong enough and that data centers could raise rates through construction work in progress, stranded generation costs, and other risks if projects change or technology shifts. He urged greater consumer protections, including more upfront financial security from data centers, reconsideration of construction work in progress policies, and possibly requiring data centers to bring their own power in some cases. Committee members debated his claims about SB 4, QIP, and rate impacts, with some members saying the law already contains clawbacks and consumer-benefit requirements, while others echoed concerns about transparency and public understanding. The hearing ended without any votes or formal action, and the chair said the committee would continue the discussion in future meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't want board members interfering with the day-to-day operations of the schools.
• , and a school board and a superintendent ought to operate.
• in the sunshine and operating in an accountable...
• Operating in the sunshine, and operating in an accountable fashion.
• You know, nothing operates outside of the bubble here.

Bills: S0824, S1170, S1620, S1738, S7036

Keywords: school district, real property, inventory, land use, education, video monitoring, safety, special education, parental rights, public education, school board rights, transparency, employment conditions, nondisclosure agreements, educational facilities, student safety, teacher accountability, physical plant, school design, construction standards

Summary: The Education Pre-K-12 Committee considered several K-12 bills and resolutions. SJR 1104, by Senator Massullo, would place on the ballot a proposed constitutional amendment protecting voluntary religious expression in public schools; supporters said it simply codifies existing law and protects student and employee rights, while opponents warned it could entrench religious pressure and exclusion. The resolution was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 1738, by Senator Yarborough, on educational facilities; an amendment removed crime-prevention-through-environmental-design language and adjusted transparency/safe-space provisions, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. SB 824, by Senator Truenow, was amended into a transparency measure requiring districts to submit annual reports on unimproved land holdings to DOE, and it was reported favorably. Appointments in tabs 7 and 8 were recommended for confirmation. The committee then took up SPB 7036, a comprehensive education package by Chair Simon. The bill would expand educational emergency triggers, adjust Title I withholding uses, align charter school rules with school improvement processes, update safety and early learning provisions, expand literacy and math interventions, and revise educator pipeline policies. Members raised concerns about a provision that could allow the state to develop instructional materials; Simon said that section was still being considered and would need guardrails. The committee adopted a motion to submit the bill as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably. SB 1620, by Senator Leak, proposed a “school board members’ bill of rights” giving board members direct access to district documents and staff, limiting district attorneys’ dual representation, strengthening nepotism rules, and prohibiting nondisclosure agreements. Volusia County school board members and others testified both for and against the bill, with supporters citing transparency and accountability and opponents warning about confidentiality, staff pressure, and undermining the superintendent’s authority. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1170, by Senator Calatayud, as amended, would allow parents of students in self-contained ESE classrooms to request cameras, with district policies governing review, notice, timelines, and appeals. Parents, advocates, and educators testified strongly in support, while one witness opposed it as an unfunded mandate. The committee reported the bill favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the dust bowl and has continued to exist for nearly a century. and while the programs that we operate
• The agency only has so many dollars to operate these programs, and when we look at the child, yes, it
• The program, as it operated at The end of September cost roughly $285 million.
• It would allow us to Continue to operate the program and serve forty thousand children.
• I mean, are we operating with QR codes now?

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And under the statute, if an operator fails to plug the well...
• I think this is a different type of operation and different source of funds.
• And one final comment, I was looking at the operator responsibility...
• I think this is a different type of operation and different source of funds.
• And one final comment, I was looking at the operator responsibility.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, it does not include general operations and maintenance.
• , wastewater operators.
• They're not operating and maintaining their systems as they should. So thank you.
• It's just like they don't know they can be a water operator, start with a level one.
• I don't even know if they still operate the Solid Waste Facility Grant Fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• is actually our third round of grants for local and state cybersecurity. for $605,000 in state operations
• Those will improve. operational efficiencies within CDCR.
• And then the third issue related to San Quentin. that the budget provides custody staffing to operate
• We'll start with the Department of Justice. of Fiscal Operations with the Department of Justice.
• Sure, so in 2023 the county was operating two juvenile halls in the county.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have the biofuel refineries, they have the feedlots, they have the poultry operations, they have
• <00:10:36.760> to<00:10:36.920> have points on our grain operations to have points
• on our grain operations to have opportunities<00:10:37.720> for<00:10:37.839> our<00:10
• He has rental properties, and those all subsidize his farming operation, just like Senator Carpenter
• especially in our beef cattle operations especially in our beef cattle operations that<00:15:58.160

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard extended testimony from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and several senators about using agriculture economic development funds to make Kentucky farms more profitable and attract related businesses. Discussion focused on expanding markets for corn, soybeans, beef, dairy, and other products through biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, feedlots, processing plants, transportation, and other infrastructure that would keep more value in-state. Members also discussed the profitability pressures on farmers, high land prices, and the need for small-farm support and aggregation programs such as Kentucky Proud, BCAL, KOAP, CAP, food-is-medicine efforts, LFPA, and farm-to-school initiatives. Senators raised specific ideas and concerns, including raw milk and food-freedom innovation, support for 5-acre and other small farms, and the possibility of a beef processing plant in Kentucky. Shell said raw milk testing is not currently a department function but could be explored with legislative direction, and he emphasized that Kentucky must first prove it can feed cattle at scale before a processor is likely to locate here. He also argued that changing conditions in the West and Midwest, including water limits, workforce shortages, and regulatory pressure, could make Kentucky increasingly competitive for beef processing and feedlot operations. Several senators shared personal farming experiences to underscore the difficulty of making a living in agriculture and the need for off-farm income or value-added businesses. They cited examples such as grain storage, dairy products, chicken and hog operations, and restaurant or rental income supporting farm operations. Commissioner Shell said the fund is intended to fill gaps and attract businesses that need Kentucky agricultural products, creating premium markets and more local jobs. After questions concluded, the committee took up the bill, with a motion by Senator Richardson and a second by Senator Nunn. The roll call was taken, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are we not allowed to accept bingo equipment to operate these things as it, as it is today?
• HB 2820 would relieve financial strain on charitable bingo organizations by increasing the operating
• Expenses to operate a bingo hall for one week exceed $22,000.
• This is especially beneficial for startup brewers and small operations grow, looking to grow without
• Um, Um, I own and operate St. Elmo Brewing Company here in Austin, Texas. I started St.

Transcript Highlights:

• And to this day, there are over 60 active ongoing operations with the Hurricane Debbie footprint.
• So all of these projects At a school location concurrent with the school being in operation.
• The more we make those other states operate with the efficiency and the focus on our business...
• So Port Canaveral really is our home for the offload and recovery operations of New Glenn.
• It's quite tall, so you certainly won't miss our operations ongoing there.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting of the session, with members introducing themselves and expressing support for veterans, military families, first responders, space industry growth, and domestic security. The first presentation was from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and recovery efforts. Officials described response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, including sheltering, meals, water, tarps, power restoration, flood control, debris removal, and public assistance funding. They emphasized that recovery is ongoing, that mitigation and resiliency investments are critical, and that Florida’s shelter space remains in deficit in many counties, especially for special needs populations. Senators asked about improving logistics capacity, technology for grant processing, HOA/private property debris issues, drainage and culvert maintenance, and ways to expand shelter capacity; the witness said more technology, better local coordination, and county-by-county planning would help, while noting limits on state authority over private property and county emergency manager qualifications. Committee members praised FDEM’s response and asked how the Legislature could help, including whether more logistical hubs, pumps, and flood-control equipment were needed. The witness said technology investments could reduce fatigue and improve grant and recovery processing, but that manpower would still be necessary. The committee also discussed the statewide emergency shelter plan, the use of schools as shelters, and the need to identify vacant commercial space and other facilities for future sheltering and special-needs needs. The witness said FDEM works with counties and commerce partners to identify available space and uses legislative funding for shelter retrofits and new construction when needed. The second presentation was from Blue Origin on its Florida operations. The company outlined its work in New Glenn, New Shepard, Blue Ring, lunar landers, and engine production, highlighting its Space Coast presence, more than 3,600 Florida employees, and over $3 billion invested in facilities. Blue Origin also described partnerships with Space Florida, public school Space Academies, internships, SkillBridge, and STEM outreach through Club for the Future. Members asked about the upcoming New Glenn launch window, which the company said was targeted for later that week, and the committee expressed interest in Blue Origin’s role in Florida’s space economy. The meeting ended with no further business and a motion to adjourn, which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have a lot of desires to be seen as a national hub for UAS operations, testing, and activities,
• these drones for homeland security as well as a downrange operational portfolios.
• So, these test cells are for those vehicles to ensure those vehicles can be operational so that when
• And so that means us unmanned aircraft operators have to really focus on that.
• My understanding is they have since shut down that operation.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Colorado Airport Operators Association legislative reception is tonight.
• The Colorado Airport<00:25:11.279> Operators<00:25:12.000> Association Airport Operators
• operators from all across the state. operators from all across the state. learn<00:25:24.720>
• obstructing law enforcement operations. obstructing law enforcement operations.
• policy or operation. policy or operation.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with 55 members present and 10 excused, established a quorum, and approved the journal of Monday, January 26, 2026, as corrected. The chamber then took up Senate Joint Resolution 5, designating Colorado 4-H Day. Representatives Johnson and McCormick spoke in support, noting the visit from 4-H members and reciting the 4-H pledge. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 59-0, with six excused. The remainder of the meeting consisted largely of announcements and recognitions. Members highlighted upcoming legislative receptions for the Colorado Airport Operators Association and livestock groups, committee meetings including SMART Act hearings, Judiciary Committee items, Transportation/Housing/Local Government business, and a House Finance Committee meeting. Several members also recognized visiting groups and constituents, including behavioral health providers, Aurora Mental Health and Recovery, Heritage Heights Academy students, and House District 6 community leaders. A significant portion of the floor time was devoted to a personal privilege statement by Minority Leader Caldwell, who responded to concerns about immigration enforcement, emphasized the rule of law and due process, and criticized rhetoric he said endangered law enforcement and others. The House then moved into recess later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• LORENA, YOU ARE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS PROGRAMS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.
• APD IS ABLE TO OPERATE A DENTAL PROGRAM AND SO WE OFFER DENTAL SERVICES THROUGH SEVERAL MECHANISMS.
• ONE IS THE ODD BUDGET WAIVER WHICH IS ONE OF THE MEDICAID PROGRAMS ARE AGENCY OPERATES.
• THE MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR THIS IS EXTREMELY LOW AND THE FACILITY FEE FOR AN OPERATING ROOM
• SEVEN YEARS YOU CAN SEE WHAT A 2 TO 3 PERCENT INCREASE IN OPERATING BUDGET HAS BROUGHT US.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He served as major, chief deputy, and in the Criminal Justice Operations Bureau until he was appointed
• up to 10% of the revenue into their general revenue for government operations.
• So right now, if you are operating a water utility outside of your municipal boundary, you can charge
• They can operate beyond their municipal boundary.
• So when you're operating beyond the municipal boundary— Make it more fair and equitable.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered five bills. The first, PCS for HB 987, was an honorary transportation facility designation bill naming several roads and an overpass for fallen officers, a military service member, and first responders. An amendment added the Sheriff Gary S. Borders Memorial Highway designation in Lake County. Members offered supportive remarks, and the bill passed 17-0. The committee then heard HB 703, which would require authorities such as FDOT or local governments to pay the costs when they require telecom providers to relocate infrastructure from public rights-of-way. Support came from Charter Communications, Associated Industries of Florida, and Florida Internet and Television, with discussion focused on the communication services tax and the cost burden of relocations. The bill passed unanimously 18-0. HB 1523 followed, addressing municipal utilities serving customers outside their boundaries by requiring public meetings, annual reporting, limits on transfers to general revenue, and reduced or eliminated surcharges for outside-boundary customers. Municipal utility representatives opposed parts of the bill, citing rural impacts, debt obligations, and the need for a glide path, while supporters argued for transparency and fairness to ratepayers outside municipal boundaries. An amendment changed a reporting date to January 31, 2026, and the bill passed 14-4. HB 867 established a legal framework for commuter rail operations along Florida’s coastal corridor, including insurance and indemnification arrangements for Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties using the Florida East Coast Railway right-of-way. An amendment clarified that Florida East Coast Railway and Brightline are not state entities and do not have sovereign immunity unless expressly provided by law. The bill passed 18-0. Finally, HB 1137 clarified a prior energy preemption law by adding boards, agencies, commissions, and authorities of counties and municipal corporations to the entities covered, aimed at preventing discriminatory energy-source practices by an appointed board. Public testimony included support from the Florida Natural Gas Association and the Florida Home Builders Association and opposition from Florida Student Power. Members noted the bill was a cleanup measure, and it passed favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• looking at utilizing the advanced technology to actually do real-world revenue-generating type operations
• so, yeah, we have our work cut out for us, and we're really looking toward beginning our first operations
• We have a 90-day operational window that they want first operations.
• So as it applies to Lift Off Louisiana in the operations that we're conceiving of under that program,
• They're going to be operating, or conceived to be operating, in that environment, and they don't have

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Louisiana Advanced Aviation and Drones Advisory Committee met and was told this would likely be its final meeting because the committee sunsets after the 2026 regular session unless legislation reconstitutes it. Members discussed the need to reduce the committee’s size and adjust quorum rules so it can function more reliably, and they later adopted a motion supporting reconstitution of LADAC with a smaller membership and new appointments effective July 1, 2027. The committee also approved the June 2025 minutes and added a legislative briefing item to the agenda. Under subcommittee and project updates, members heard about the new counter-drone effort tied to House Bill 940 and the “Let’s Go” initiative, which would create a joint task force of State Police, sheriffs, and municipal police chiefs to develop training standards and equipment standards for counter-UAS work. The committee also received a briefing on the state’s advanced air mobility work from newly named Advanced Aeronautics Director Josh Deplanis, including Louisiana’s selection for the FAA’s eVTOL/AAM Integration Pilot Program, branded “Lift Off Louisiana,” and the development of a statewide strategic plan covering airspace integration, vertiport infrastructure, charging networks, economic development, education, and community engagement. Deplanis and members emphasized that Louisiana is among a small number of national EIPP sites and that the state’s proposal is notable for also addressing international airspace and “high seas” operations beyond 12 miles offshore, which could help inform FAA and ICAO policy. Members praised the state’s leadership, the work of DOTD, OMC, GOSEP, State Police, and legislative partners, and noted the potential economic importance for oil and gas logistics and other advanced aviation uses. No public testimony was offered, and the meeting adjourned after the committee’s votes and updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bridge is currently operating at maximum capacity.
• House Bill 2455 amends the Transportation Code regulating the maximum weight of vehicles operating at
• This has fueled growth in the illegal sales of untitled vehicles at locations operated by unlicensed
• by unlicensed and unregulated operators.
• These illegal operators do not report to the state or federal government.

Bills: HB2026, HB2427, HB2455, HB2560, HB3510, HB3966, HB3986, HB4429, HB5436, SB3062

Keywords: memorial highway, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, Archer County, highway designation, vehicle weight, ports of entry, Texas Transportation Code, truck regulations, load limits, Adopt-a-County Road, funding, road maintenance, county partnership, public recognition, memorial designation, highway, Sergeant Mark Butler, transportation, Brazos County

Transcript Highlights:

• Half of our parks operating budget is used to fund our over 1,000 FTE and over 500 OPS employees.
• So for 2026-27, it went down in the operating allocations. Can you tell me why? **Mr.
• So the operating, you see the difference in the operating from fiscal year 25, 26?
• So the operating is down, so I was wondering why the recommendation is to go down on that?
• And it gives our concessionaires a chance to operate some different services within the park.

Transcript Highlights:

• Belongs to our operator, not this does this facility belong to the state of Florida.
• We have seven contract operators.
• Finally, consistency in our state's operating rooms can only be...
• Safety in the operating room must be equitable.
• And Will McKinley with the Association of Operating Room Registered Nurses, waving in support.