Transcript Highlights:

• We regulate electric, natural gas, and water and wastewater utilities.
• Some basic power plant types: You'll hear some natural gas-fired combustion turbines.
• Then we have, in the last 15 or so years, natural gas-fired combined cycle units have come in.
• And basically, a natural gas combined cycle unit is a combustion turbine.
• And there's various models to predict what it should be and things of that nature.

Summary: The committee heard introductory remarks from Chair LaMarca and members, then received presentations on electric utility planning, transportation infrastructure, and broadband deployment. Public Service Commission staff explained how Florida’s utilities plan for reliability and cost through 10-year site plans, demand forecasting, and economic dispatch. The presentation emphasized Florida’s residential-heavy load, growing EV demand, expanding solar and battery storage, continued reliance on natural gas combined-cycle plants, and the role of nuclear power. Members asked about energy efficiency, rates, renewable options beyond solar, cybersecurity, grid resilience, data centers, and small modular nuclear reactors; the witness said efficiency programs are reviewed every five years, utilities must balance reliability and affordability, and large new loads like data centers generally must pay for their own infrastructure needs. Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue described FDOT’s five-year work program, decentralized district structure, and funding mix, noting that the agency is predominantly state-funded and prioritizes maintenance and preservation before expansion. He highlighted record investment levels, major congestion-relief projects, toll-road revenues, seaport and airport partnerships, spaceport investments, workforce and equipment needs, and emerging technology such as advanced air mobility. Members asked about project timing, MPO planning, rail and ferry funding, airport governance, winter storm preparedness, and flooding/sea-level rise; Perdue said faster delivery depends on resources, local governments lead transit operations with FDOT as a capital partner, and coastal and drainage projects are designed around storm surge and resiliency. The Office of Broadband reported on six grant programs supporting infrastructure, community facilities, digital connectivity, and future digital capacity and broadband expansion. Director Leo Garcia said the office has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars across most counties, leveraged significant private investment, and focused heavily on rural areas. He noted that broadband efforts are intended to support telehealth, education, workforce development, and economic growth, and said the state has reduced the number of unserved locations from more than 400,000 to a projected 170,000 after current awards are completed. He also said the office needs additional budget authority for the upcoming digital capacity program and that the larger federal/state broadband deployment program will be used to reach remaining unserved and underserved areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you ask me what I'm on, I am on a natural high, on nature.
• And this is a working aquifer, so we're able to store water, and this is a naturally occurring aquifer
• We live in harmony with nature, and a lot of our song and dances are sung with ancient language that
• mimics nature, that reflects on nature, that speaks of the things that we speak of the things that we
• Language that mimics nature, that reflects on nature, that speaks of the things that we are given by

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee began with a series of presentations highlighting tribal communities as part of rural economic development. Representative Mae Peshlakai described Legislative District 6, emphasizing its large geographic size, the eight tribal nations within it, and the cultural and scenic importance of the Navajo Nation and other tribes. Governor Stephen Roe Lewis then presented on the Gila River Indian Community, focusing on its history, Hohokam heritage, water rights, the MAR-5 aquifer recharge project, cultural traditions, and the importance of collaboration with state lawmakers. Members praised the presentations and noted the need for greater attention to tribal issues in the legislature. The committee then took up SB 1016, with a strike-everything amendment that moved the property-owner petition requirement earlier in the process for municipal improvement districts and allowed certain notice and protest requirements to be waived. Supporters, including the mayors of Camp Verde and Clarkdale, said the change would improve transparency, reduce financial risk for small towns, and help rural communities build needed infrastructure such as wastewater systems, water lines, and housing-related improvements. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and passed SB 1016 on a 5-0 vote, with one member present and one absent. Next, the committee considered SB 1401, the Workforce Housing Accelerator Act, using a strike-everything amendment that would allow municipalities to create expedited plan review and permitting for qualified workforce housing projects and exempt project proceeds from the state portion of the prime contracting sales tax. Habitat for Humanity representatives said the measure would lower carrying costs and help build more affordable homes, while one member noted the tax exemption would reduce general fund revenue but supported the bill as a targeted tradeoff to address housing shortages. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1401 by a 5-1 vote. The meeting concluded with Representative Myron Sosec’s presentation on barriers to economic development on the Navajo Nation and other tribal lands. He discussed lower workforce participation, higher unemployment and poverty, limited access to capital, trust-land financing barriers, dual taxation, infrastructure deficits, and delays caused by federal and tribal review processes. He also highlighted Navajo economic strategies such as loan guarantees, renewable energy development, and tourism investments, and urged state action on tax reform, matching funds, and annual tribal field hearings. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would remind us and others of the natural beauty that sets are set apart from everyone else.
• As a parent, natural guardian of Lea McIntosh, Dax fully supports the claim.
• The Nature Conservancy waiving in support.
• Jim Dinkins 1000 friends of Florida, waiving against Kareem Golden Nature.
• We have Kareem gold of the Nature Conservancy wishing to waive in support waive in support.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• resource Sciences College of natural resource Sciences College of veterinary<00:17:44.880> medicine
• Sciences extension and Forever Natural Sciences extension and Forever Green<00:21:29.520> this
• <00:40:41.319> had soybeans grow up but Mother Nature had soybeans grow up but Mother Nature
• takes the cooperation of Mother Nature takes the cooperation of Mother Nature too<00:41:00.960><
• Yeah, really, I'd say it's heartwarming to hear county fairs, things of that nature, not just bringing

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee met for an introductory session to begin the new legislative session. Members and staff went around the table introducing themselves and describing their agricultural backgrounds, including farming, livestock, crop production, county government, and related research or staff roles. Chair Paul Anderson emphasized agriculture’s importance to Minnesota’s budget and economy, welcomed new members and staff, and noted that the committee would have a full agenda. The committee then heard a presentation from the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, Extension, and the Forever Green initiative on the GREE program (Agricultural Research, Education, Extension, and Technology Transfer). Testimony described GREE as a state investment created in 2015 to support agricultural productivity and growth through research, education, extension, and technology transfer. Speakers highlighted its broad focus areas, including crop and livestock genetics, soil health, water quality, nutrient management, microbial science, agroecological innovation, and technology stewardship, as well as rapid-response funding for emerging issues such as waterhemp, PRRS, and avian influenza. University witnesses said the program has brought in faculty and extension educators, generated sponsored research awards, and leveraged state funding into additional grants and contracts. They cited a reported roughly 12-to-1 return on investment and said the state has invested about $39 million since 2015. They also noted additions such as a deep winter greenhouse program and a tribal representative on the advisory group. No committee votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Crazy thing is natural gas has not moved up with the rest of the commodities.
• And there's so much natural gas in the country right now.
• Can you tell us how much, how many barrels of natural gas liquids we're producing?
• Our natural gas has more liquid valuation than virtually anybody else's natural gas.
• So we're going to start these with natural gas.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity in North Dakota. Ron Ness said production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with efficiency gains and longer laterals helping offset lower rig counts. He discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, northward movement of drilling activity, and the importance of new infrastructure and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) pilots. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, pipeline impacts, and the outlook for Continental and other operators. Ness said the industry is likely to remain steady rather than see a major ramp-up or decline. Matt Pearl of the State Tax Department then explained the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. He said the law extends or makes permanent several federal provisions and creates temporary deductions for seniors, tips, overtime, and auto loan interest, with the biggest state impact coming from the standard deduction increase and business tax changes. He revised earlier estimates downward, saying the net cash impact on state collections is likely in the $30 million to $35 million range after accounting for business prepayments and one-time FY25 oilfield transaction effects. Committee members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns. OMB staff gave a detailed update on major capital projects and facility funding. Topics included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, seating, lighting, tree management, and restroom and lobby upgrades; security work at the governor’s residence, which has been delayed by the discovery of human remains; and space reconfiguration efforts in Bismarck-Mandan to reduce leases and create shared offices and conference rooms. They also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, including roof, window, boiler, and kitchen projects at state facilities, and on the state hospital project in Jamestown, which remains on budget and on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028. OMB also updated the committee on the Minot North Central State Office Building, the use of federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds, and the status of legislative intent and trust fund reports, including school aid turnback, the school construction loan program, the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund, the Legacy Fund, and the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund. The committee ended by discussing future agenda items, including government efficiency, cash management, Bank of North Dakota lines of credit, and the rural health transformation program, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was raised by a single working mom, so nature was usually my babysitter.
• , nature is often what loses.
• Also, much of California's natural resources exist in our rural counties and are on working landscapes
• California Natural Resources Agency, over the last several months, we've convened an interagency task
• We have had our, you know, a portion of natural disasters that have greatly impacted.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The next is a brokered natural gas use tax exemption for consumers.
• So, in general, replacing diesel with natural gas reduces emissions.
• And so because fewer ships and vehicles use natural gas than anticipated, the targets are not met.
• to ensure uniform taxation of natural gas as a transportation fuel regardless of who sells it.
• And so since we do not know the actual price for natural gas, we had to estimate it using... ...the natural

Summary: The committee met on December 3, 2025, with a quorum present and approved the September 17 minutes. Members first voted to suspend the 2026 JLARC lodging tax expenditure report for one year, based on staff’s explanation that the report is self-reported, not verified, and less useful than State Auditor accountability audits; the motion passed. The committee also approved renaming the JLARC I-900 subcommittee to the “Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits,” while keeping the opening script noting that the performance audit process exists under Initiative 900. The committee then heard follow-up updates on two prior performance audits. The Department of Health presented a draft strategic management plan in response to findings on hospital inspections, complaints, adverse event review, and hospital data access. JLARC staff reiterated that 72% of hospital inspections were late, that DOH did not verify third-party inspection standards or review adverse event reports, and that complaint data suggested possible language-access barriers. DOH said it concurred with the recommendations, had improved on-time inspection compliance to about 49%, planned annual updates starting in July 2026, and would work on accreditation oversight, complaint-language access, and data accessibility, though members pressed for firmer deadlines and questioned the three-year timeline for language access improvements. The Liquor and Cannabis Board also reported on its cannabis market study recommendation. JLARC staff said the agency’s data were incomplete and unreliable, limiting oversight of production, recalls, tax collection, and diversion. LCB said it had improved its current CCRS system but still relied on self-reported data, and it presented a decision package for a new traceability system estimated at about $9 million over three fiscal years. LCB described a plant-tagging and serialization approach tied to production, processing, testing, and retail, but acknowledged it did not currently have sufficient staff to fully implement the system without additional funding. The committee also received briefings on JLARC’s recommendation-tracking tools and the 2024 public records reporting summary, including a high-level review of agency response rates, request volumes, costs, and litigation. Finally, JLARC presented the proposed final report on the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, concluding that OPDP meets its statutory responsibilities and has high user satisfaction, but that its mandate should be updated to better match its current capacity and focus; the committee adopted the report for distribution. The meeting then moved into the 2025 tax preference performance reviews, where JLARC staff summarized nine reviews and noted that the Citizens Commission on Tax Preference and Performance Measurement endorsed all 17 legislative auditor recommendations, with comments on seven. Early reviews discussed included natural gas transportation fuel preferences, travel agent and tour operator B&O rates, nonprofit low-income housing development, multipurpose senior centers, disabled veteran adaptive housing, and trade convention attendance, with staff and commissioners generally recommending continuation of some preferences, modification of others, and improved objectives or performance measures where needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Natural Resources will now come to order.
• limitations are an effort to limit it to only the most problematic structures in areas where our natural
• You know, we have lots of fresh waters, so it’s really important for our natural resources, and there
• You’ll see our innovations in your shoes, computers, things of that nature—all are Covestro products.
• “However, due to the nature of the materials involved, the fire continued to smolder for weeks.

Bills: SB3074, HB49, HB2440, HB3556, HB3619, HB3866, HB4042, HB4112, HB4271, HB4413, HB4426, HB5033

Keywords: SB 3074, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Water Code, permit applications, environmental permitting, administrative record, ex parte communications, legislative communications, governor, lieutenant governor, state legislators, district projects, public records, recusal, conflict of interest, substantial interest, agency transparency, environmental regulation, permit renewal

Summary: The committee heard and laid out several natural resources and environmental bills, with testimony focused on balancing development, public health, wildlife protection, and regulatory authority. SB 3074 would allow the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to communicate in writing with TCEQ about matters before the commission, with safeguards requiring the communication to be part of the record and allowing other parties to respond; a committee substitute narrowed it to written communications about permits only, limited legislator communications to facilities in their districts, and adjusted conflict-of-interest rules. HB 3556, as substituted, would require notice to Texas Parks and Wildlife for certain very tall structures in specified coastal counties and give TPWD a limited right to seek injunctive relief if mitigation is insufficient to prevent material harm to migratory birds; supporters said it would address ignored wildlife recommendations and protect key flyways, while opponents argued the bill was too broad, singled out wind energy, and gave one agency unusually strong enforcement power. HB 49 would expand liability protections for produced-water recycling and beneficial use; supporters said it would encourage reuse of a large wastewater stream and reduce disposal pressures, while opponents warned it could shield operators from responsibility before the science and standards are mature. HB 4413 would authorize mass-balance accounting for renewable biomass feedstocks, and HB 3866 would regulate intermediate bulk container recycling facilities near homes, with a committee substitute adding a grandfather clause and making implementation contingent on funding. The committee also heard bills affecting air and energy regulation. HB 5033 would create a trigger to end vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes to allow it; the substitute removed a Supreme Court-related trigger, and the lone public witness opposed the bill, warning it would worsen air quality and harm nonattainment areas. HB 4112 would clarify that on-site storage of high-level radioactive waste is allowed at current and future nuclear reactors and university research reactors only for waste generated at that site; the substitute clarified the language and removed an inoperative permit condition, and witnesses from environmental and nuclear groups said the clarification was needed to prevent unintended restrictions while avoiding off-site storage. HB 2440 would prohibit state agencies from using air-quality rules to ban or restrict vehicles based on energy source, including internal combustion vehicles, and no public testimony was offered. HB 4271 would require TCEQ to hold public meetings on request for composting facility authorizations; the substitute limited the requirement to future applications and was presented as a transparency measure after a denied local request and extensive public comments. Additional bills addressed landowner protections and Railroad Commission oversight. HB 3619 would require the Railroad Commission to restore surface land after plugging or replugging operations and indemnify landowners from damages tied to authorized entry; a witness supported the bill but urged fixing a separate statutory loophole that he said allowed operators to enter unrelated tracts without notice. HB 4042 would extend Railroad Commission pipeline safety and fee provisions to propane distribution systems by removing the word “natural” from the relevant definitions. HB 4426 would set a 10-year permit term for commercial surface disposal facilities, allow renewal based on compliance history, and require renewal applications 120 days before expiration. The committee took no votes because a quorum was not initially present, and each bill was left pending after testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had all of this natural disaster, right? Bark beetle.
• Nature.
• And we don't have a lot of natural disasters.
• The heavy metals are not naturally occurring.
• So naturally, the infusion would be lower.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:54.240> resources<00:31:55.080> thank natural resources thank natural resources
• resources of our protecting the natural resources of our state<00:42:03.240> but<00:42:03.400
• <00:50:19.720> environment and restore the natural environment and restore the natural environment
• Minnesota is blessed with a natural Minnesota is blessed with a natural heritage<00:50:24.440>
• irreparable harm to our natural irreparable harm to our natural resources<00:50:47.559> ecosystems

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Roseau Lake rehabilitation project will restore the natural function of the historic Roseau Lake
• The Roseau Lake rehabilitation project will restore the natural function of the historic Roseau Lake
• I'm the water and natural resources sector leader for my company, Moore Engineering, Inc., a consulting
• So the natural system that we have with the drainage ditches, as far as we've been happy with...
• So naturally a local farmer had to step back and say, I'm sorry, go ahead and do it.

Transcript Highlights:

• floods, as we've seen with the fires, as we've seen with tornadoes, as we've seen with many, many natural
• are using in response to natural are using in response to natural disasters<00:03:56.319> across
• <00:04:19.040> What one of these natural disasters. What one of these natural disasters.
• we've seen with many, many natural we've seen with many, many natural disasters<00:04:50.000>
• And, you know, I mean, it's natural for us, for me, to extrapolate this to my workplace.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met for its second meeting of the 2026 session and considered two bills. After opening formalities, roll call, prayer, and the pledge, the committee heard Senate Bill 84, which would provide five additional emergency response trailers for county coroners, one for each of the state’s 10 districts. The sponsor and coroners testified that the trailers would improve response times and equipment availability during natural disasters and mass fatality incidents, citing recent floods, tornadoes, snow and ice events, and the need for standby power and other equipment. Members praised the coroners’ work, discussed funding concerns, and noted the bill’s relatively small cost and one-time funding structure tied to FEMA reimbursement for replacement equipment. The committee then considered Senate Bill 102, which would adjust the Kentucky State Police Trooper R program by resetting the five-year eligibility window from a trooper’s last day of service rather than the original retirement date. The sponsor and supporters said the change would help retain experienced retired troopers to fill staffing gaps without creating new retirement obligations or lowering standards. Members asked about ongoing certification and retirement-system impacts; testimony indicated Trooper R officers must maintain required law-enforcement certification, but no additional retirement contributions are made for them. Some members raised concerns about pension-system effects and compared the issue to shortages in other law-enforcement fields, while others strongly supported the bill as a practical staffing tool. Both bills received favorable committee action. Senate Bill 84 was approved by roll call and passed with favorable expression, and Senate Bill 102 likewise passed with favorable expression after a roll-call vote, with members generally expressing support for the underlying public-safety goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• reading, and returned to the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. >> Without objection, Mr.
• Resources and Energy, given its first reading, and returned to Natural Resources and Energy.
• on Natural Resources and Energy.
• Natural Resources and Energy. Natural Resources and Energy.
• of Natural Resources, please take<01:12:50.680> note.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• type of proof that you are a natural type of proof that you are a natural farming,<00:32:28.399>
• farming nature of those operations. farming nature of those operations. Thanks. Thanks.
• House Bill 2113 relating to natural resources.
• 2113 relating to natural resources. 2113 relating to natural resources.
• relating to natural resources. relating to natural resources.

Bills: HB1602, HB2246, HB1707, HB2216, HB2594, HB2595, HB2155, HB2113, HB2207, HB1832, HB2015, HB2152, HB2548

Keywords: agriculture, grant specialist, financial support, farmers, Hawaii, federal grants, grant administration, revolving fund, department of agriculture and biosecurity, grant compliance, transportation, reimbursement, food security, local production, sustainability, agricultural loans, financing, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii agriculture, loan portfolio

Transcript Highlights:

• a lot of I think we showed so naturally a lot of I think we showed bait<00:18:16.080> through
• England translate into value for all ratepayers and value for consumers of natural gas?
• and the local distribution company demand for natural gas.
• The natural gas fleet is a very modern fleet, very efficient.
• <04:30:47.600> gas displace natural gas displace natural gas for<04:30:50.119> uh<04

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's vastly increasing the cost and difficulty of cleaning up after these natural disasters.
• Emily Garcia on behalf of NRDC Natural Resources Defense Council in opposition. Thank you.
• Emily Garcia on behalf of Natural Resources Defense Council in support. Hi.
• Good afternoon, Megan Cleveland with the Nature Conservancy in support.
• Because The lead is naturally occurring in calcium.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Committee on Natural Resources, this will now come to order.
• You know, we have lots of fresh water, so it's really important for our natural resources.
• You'll see our innovations in adhesives in your shoes, computers, and things of that nature.
• natural resources code.
• Generally, House Bill 4042 would simply remove the term "natural" from the definition.

Bills: SB3074, HB49, HB2440, HB3556, HB3619, HB3866, HB4042, HB4112, HB4271, HB4413, HB4426, HB5033, HB49

Keywords: SB 3074, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Water Code, permit applications, environmental permitting, administrative record, ex parte communications, legislative communications, governor, lieutenant governor, state legislators, district projects, public records, recusal, conflict of interest, substantial interest, agency transparency, environmental regulation, permit renewal

Transcript Highlights:

• 3 e-bikes in Texas state parks and public lands where traditional bicycles are allowed, including natural
• surface trails, unless restricted by Parks and Wildlife Commission. 4 protects natural trails by giving
• In the Parks and Wildlife Code, the language was adjusted to allow Class 1 e-bikes on natural surface
• And again, it's always important to know, 600 cubic feet of natural gas makes 1 liquid cubic foot of
• natural gas.

Bills: HB 535, HB 2120, HB 2822, HB 3243, HB 3457, HB 3544, HB 4089, HB 4192, HB 4669, HB 4868, HB 4955, HB 5253, HB 5669, SB 1371, SB 1919, SB 2001

Keywords: motor vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, traffic safety, municipality, criminal offense, pedestrian safety, traffic regulations, municipal law, bicycle regulations, motor vehicle passing, traffic law, municipalities, bicycle operation, traffic laws, municipal regulations, port commission, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, San Patricio County

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill ensures both accessibility and the protection of natural trails.
• It also protects natural trails by giving TPWD clear authority.
• I want you to know that a great deal of the natural gas that flows from the Permian Basin ends up in
• The movement of natural gas is crucial to liquefy it.
• of natural gas.

Bills: HB535, HB2120, HB2822, HB3243, HB3457, HB3544, HB4089, HB4192, HB4669, HB4868, HB4955, HB5253, HB5669, SB1371, SB1919, SB2001

Keywords: motor vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, traffic safety, municipality, criminal offense, pedestrian safety, traffic regulations, municipal law, bicycle regulations, motor vehicle passing, traffic law, municipalities, bicycle operation, traffic laws, municipal regulations, port commission, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, San Patricio County

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee on Environment and Natural Resources will now come to order.
• SB 50 enhances coastal resilience by integrating green infrastructure, which is beach, basically natural
• It can't be just anyone going up there and playing with Mother Nature.
• We're going to go ahead and take up tab number 6, spb 7,000 by the Environment and Natural Resources
• Zombie next, our last Speaker, Kareem Golden waiving in support. >> The Nature Conservancy waiving in

Keywords: 999, senate, all