Video & Transcript : 'vessel emissions' :
Page 23 of 157
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Press Conference: Lt. Governor Dan PatrickRegarding progress on Senate priorities for the 89th Legislative Session. Apr 3rd, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Bills:
SJR 12, SCR 39, SB 27, SB 29, SB 241, SB 406, SB 414, SB 464, SB 568, SB 578, SB 609, SB 660, SB 689, SB 693, SB 785, SB 857, SB 879, SB 921, SB 922, SB 955, SB 985, SB 993, SB 996, SB 1008, SB 1035, SB 1036, SB 1059, SB 1098, SB 1120, SB 1122, SB 1147, SB 1188, SB 1197, SB 1209, SB 1227, SB 1245, SB 1267, SB 1307, SB 1321, SB 1332, SB 1386, SB 1396, SB 1453, SB 1484, SB 1494, SB 1536, SB 1537, SB 1596, SB 1610, SB 1664, SB 1741, SB 1814, SB 1822, SB 1841, SB 1948, SB 2065, SB 2155, SB 2188, SB 2230, SB 2406, SB 2407
Keywords:
parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, business organization, internal management, corporate governance, partnerships, liability reduction, public camping, homelessness, local governance, enforcement, state authority, local entity, complaints, housing, public safety, birth certificate
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Texas Legislative Medal of Honor Committee May 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Their target was a vessel deliberately operating without a flag or a nation.
- The purpose of the task force was to interdict this vessel. to seize the illicit cargo and to protect
- Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer Chris Chambers, fell into the water while attempting to board the vessel
- The water between the two vessels, the boarding vessel, which you can see clearly, has turbulent seas
- This is Gage, on the back of the vessel. He's identified Chris just before he leaps. Thank you.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Texas Legislative Medal of Honor Committee May 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Their target was a vessel deliberately operating without a flag or a nation.
- The purpose of the task force was to interdict this vessel, to seize the illicit cargo, and to protect
- There there's mayhem going on, um, with the waves, um, the water between the two vessels, the boarding
- vessel which gauges on.
- This is Gauge on the back of the vessel. He's identified Chris just before he leaves.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, we'll take up tab 1, CS for SB 164 on Vessel Accountability by Senator Rodriguez.
- We're going to go back to tab 1, Vessel Accountability. CS for SB 166 is reported favorably.
- We're going to go back to tab one, Vessel Accountability, by Senator Rodriguez.
- Derelict and at-risk vessels that are left on Florida waters threaten public safety.
- and to determine if a vessel is a public nuisance or at risk of becoming derelict.
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy considered several bills and reported all of them favorably. SB 70-24, on state planning and budgeting, was presented as a modernization of the long-range planning program to simplify reporting, remove outdated measures, and focus on key data points and outcomes; it passed without opposition. CS/SB 166, on administrative efficiency in public schools, made broad changes to school accountability and operations, including lowering the stakes of certain student assessments, giving districts more flexibility on evaluations, contracts, certification, calendars, facilities, and VPK oversight. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying that Title I funds may be used for STEM services, and another refining how advanced degrees count on salary schedules. The bill passed favorably after testimony both supporting and opposing the changes, with supporters emphasizing flexibility and opponents raising concerns about teacher evaluation and instructional practice.
CS/SB 164, on vessel accountability, was described as a measure to address derelict and at-risk vessels by improving owner identification, creating a free long-term anchoring permit program, increasing penalties, and authorizing grants for local governments in the FWC prevention program. It received support from marine industry groups and was reported favorably. CS/SB 472, on education and correctional facilities for licensed professions, would allow inmates to receive credit toward licensure for qualifying coursework; a strike-all amendment added coordination with DBPR and professional boards. The bill drew support from criminal justice, business, and policy groups and passed unanimously.
The committee spent the most time on CS/SB 438, on food and hemp products. Senator Burton and co-sponsor Senator Davis argued the bill was needed to regulate intoxicating hemp products, restrict child-appealing packaging and signage, ban synthetic hemp products, cap THC content in edibles and beverages, and require hemp beverages to be sold through alcohol-style distribution channels. Supporters, including alcohol distributors and some public safety advocates, said the bill would improve testing, labeling, and consumer protection. Opponents, including hemp retailers, farmers, and libertarian advocates, argued it would harm small businesses, reduce consumer choice, and push sales to the black market. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tab five, and the committee adjourned.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Apr 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And what theirs was was a decibel, the reading from the vessel up to 50 feet.
- So that range couldn't be 50 feet from that vessel. And so I would like to...
- Okay, so 50 feet away from the vessel, it exceeds that. Exceeds what decibel? 110.
- When we have those type of vessels and stuff going past the swamp, when we have those type of vessels
- It requires... ...to unstick an airboat is unmatched by any other vessel.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1209, which would pause new cooperative endeavor agreements for surface water withdrawals after December 31, 2026, while allowing existing agreements to continue and renew through 2036. The author said the bill is intended to force a broader, data-driven review of Louisiana’s surface water management and to improve funding for aquatic plant control, especially giant salvinia. An amendment was adopted to broaden the description of how the aquatic plant control fund may be used and to require annual reporting on agreements, withdrawals, revenues, deposits, spending, and non-monetary consideration. Department officials said the current program is voluntary, underfunded for monitoring, and that the bill could create a gap for new users if no replacement mechanism is enacted. The bill was reported favorable as amended after testimony from supporters including the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and opposition concerns from industry representatives were noted but not formally presented.
House Bill 599 was then heard, which would prohibit the sale of Louisiana running surface water outside the state. The author argued that out-of-state sales, especially involving Toledo Bend and Texas, would be short-sighted and could harm Louisiana’s long-term water interests. Supporters said Louisiana lacks a water budget and should preserve water for in-state needs, while the Department of Conservation and Energy noted that the state currently has no mandatory process for such agreements and that the bill would not affect Sabine River Authority authority. The committee reported the bill favorable.
Finally, House Bill 1206, dealing with permitting and reporting of water usage at data centers, was discussed. The substitute bill and amendment would give the department authority to monitor and regulate groundwater and surface water withdrawals, require public hearings, and improve transparency through reporting and a universal project identifier. The author and supporters said the bill was prompted by concerns in communities affected by large data center projects and the lack of public hearings on water use. Department officials agreed that more comprehensive data and a clearer framework are needed, but the author voluntarily deferred the bill to continue working with the department on a broader measure for next session. The committee also heard House Bill 1171 on allowing airboats in the Mar-Paw Swamp Wildlife Management Area, but after extensive debate over noise, habitat impacts, and existing restrictions, the discussion was ongoing in the portion provided and no final action on that bill was shown.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 13, 2025 - 10:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- , and vessel homicide with the corresponding driving offenses.
- It prohibits a person from knowingly providing false information in the vessel accident report.
- A person from knowingly providing false information in the vessel accident report.
- Finally, it requires those operating a vessel who have not been a Florida resident for at least five
- It's about ensuring that everyone on the water knows how to operate a vessel safely.
Summary:
The committee first heard CS/HB 69, which would preempt local land-use decisions for presidential libraries to the state. The sponsor said the bill was intended to make it easier to site a presidential library in Florida. Members asked about whether the bill could affect nontraditional uses such as hotels or casinos, and the sponsor said it only addressed land-use and development-order decisions. There was no public testimony, and the bill was reported favorably 16-7.
The committee then took up CS/HB 289, “Lucy's Law,” on boating safety. The bill expands boating education requirements, aligns boating penalties more closely with driving offenses, prohibits false information in vessel accident reports, and requires certain nonresidents to obtain boating safety cards. An amendment requiring boating safety courses for those convicted of civil boating infractions was adopted. The committee heard emotional testimony from Lucy Fernandez’s mother, who described the fatal 2022 boating crash that inspired the bill, along with support from industry and local-government witnesses. Members from both parties spoke in favor, emphasizing accountability, education, and enforcement. The bill passed unanimously, 25-0.
HB 7003, an open-government/sunshine bill, preserved a public-records exemption for sensitive business information submitted with applications to the Office of Financial Regulation’s financial technology sandbox. It drew no public testimony or debate and was reported favorably. HB 4007, a local bill for Martin County, capped reimbursement for inmate emergency health care at 110% of Medicare, mirroring the Department of Corrections standard; it also passed favorably after supportive public testimony.
The longest discussion was on HB 991, which would prohibit creation of new community redevelopment agencies after July 1, 2025, bar current CRAs from starting new projects or issuing new debt after October 1, 2025, and sunset existing CRAs by 2045 or their charter date, whichever is earlier. The sponsor argued CRAs have become long-lived funding vehicles used beyond their original anti-blight purpose and said local governments have other tools. Many members from both parties objected that CRAs remain important for affordable housing, small business support, infrastructure, and redevelopment in blighted areas, and several said the bill would harm ongoing or multi-phase projects. Three amendments were offered: one defining “new project,” one striking the new-CRA prohibition, and one striking the new-debt/new-project language; all were defeated except the first, which was adopted. Public testimony was split, with redevelopment groups, cities, and the Florida League of Cities opposing the bill and Americans for Prosperity supporting it. The committee did not reach final disposition in the portion provided, but the debate showed substantial opposition and concern about the bill’s impact on local redevelopment efforts.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDT-WTL, EDT-AEN, EDT Public Hearings 03-18-2025
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- One of them is the fact that most cruise ships are foreign-flag vessels.
- I don't believe there are American-flag vessels operating.
- They're all built in France, and thanks to the Passenger Vessel Act of 1886, they're all foreign-flag
- :33.799><c> vessels</c><01:03:34.319><c> be</c><01:03:34.599><c> operating</c> American flag vessels
- I</c> they're all foreign flag vessels so I they're all foreign flag vessels so I don't<01:03:42.200>
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and on Water and Land heard testimony on HB 504, a measure relating to environmental stewardship and funding for natural resource protection and restoration. Supporters included multiple state agencies and advocacy groups, such as DLNR, HTA, Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resources Legacy Fund, the Hawaiʻi Climate Action Coalition, and others, who said the bill would create dedicated funding for environmental, climate, and cultural resource needs and help address wildfire, flood, coastal storm, and tourism-related impacts. Several witnesses emphasized that Hawaiʻi’s environmental funding gap is large and that visitor contributions should be directed to stewardship and restoration. Some supporters also urged that the measure be applied equitably across all visitor accommodations and related uses, including cruise ship cabins and state rooms, while a few suggested amendments to broaden coverage or create a working group for implementation.
Opposition and concerns focused largely on the bill’s tax structure and legal/administrative issues. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Tax Foundation questioned the reimbursable general obligation bond special fund in part two, suggesting it be converted to a regular special fund or deleted. The Attorney General’s office said part two may violate the single-subject rule in the state constitution and recommended deleting it. The Department of Taxation said the proposed points-and-miles language would be difficult to audit and enforce, and Expedia and others said the proposed tax treatment of loyalty points and certain payment forms would be operationally difficult. Industry witnesses also warned the bill could raise costs in a high-tax destination and asked for more marketing support if the tax is increased. The committee also heard concerns that a new tax on cruise ship cabins could raise federal preemption issues.
The chair noted the testimony count as 23 in support, 179 in opposition, and one with comments. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the hearing ended with questions from senators and agency responses about possible amendments, enforcement, and constitutional concerns.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- On page four, Senate Bill 35 by Senator Kitchens regarding vessel registrations.
- </c> Kitchens regarding vessel registrations. Kitchens regarding vessel registrations.
- </c><00:24:57.520><c> BR</c> regarding vessel registration. BR regarding vessel registration.
- Uh make sure uh vessel registrations.
- </c> On page four of the calendar, Senate Bill 35 by Senator Kitchens, regarding vessel registration,
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved excusing absent members, dispensed with the previous day’s journal, and allowed bill introductions and committee reports throughout the day. Members also recognized guests in the gallery, including Judge Smitherman and later Karen Butler, wife of Senator Tom Butler. The chamber adopted Senate Joint Resolution 11, honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated on its Founders Day and 118 years of service, after reading the resolution at length and hearing brief remarks from Senator Figures.
The Senate then adopted the Rules Committee’s special order calendar and took up several bills. Senate Bill 12 by Senator Gudger, repealing a prior community development districts law tied to a Coleman County project, passed. Senate Bill 19 by Senator Livingston, dealing with health insurance/prostate cancer screening, also passed. Senate Bill 89 by Senator Sessions, repealing the 1931 State Pilotage Commission statute, passed; Senate Bill 134 by Senator Beasley, concerning taxation and interstate warehousing of tobacco products, passed after a committee amendment was adopted; Senate Bill 100 by Senator Kelly, extending the State Board of Pharmacy sunset for one year with appointment changes, passed; Senate Bill 114 by Senator Bell, expanding Alabama’s handling of out-of-state warrants to additional felonies, passed; Senate Bill 122 by Senator Stewart, regarding the State Board of Registration for Foresters, passed; Senate Bill 35 by Senator Kitchens, updating vessel registration language for Coast Guard compliance, passed; and Senate Bill 127 by Senators Coleman-Madison and Stewart, continuing the Board of Examiners in Counseling for four years, passed.
Senate Bill 28 by Senator Elliott, which would raise the earnings cap for retired law enforcement officers and district attorneys returning to work and address school bus driver staffing, was discussed at length but carried over at the sponsor’s request. Senators raised concerns about the bill’s impact on RSA/retirement system funding and the possibility of broader pressure for similar retiree reemployment arrangements, while supporters emphasized staffing shortages, training savings, and benefits for schools and public safety. The session concluded with the calendar completed and a new resolution introduced by Senator Orr recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, which was taken up for immediate consideration and adopted.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> vessels. Uh available for any questions. vessels. Uh available for any questions.
- </c> safety supports sufficient vessel safety supports sufficient vessel movement<00:45:48.480><c> and
- So other electric vessels, other harbor equipment, shoreside operations, things like that.
- <01:52:52.480><c> harbor</c> other electric vessels, other harbor other electric vessels, other harbor
- So in terms of the the maritime vessel.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing.
The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing.
For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities.
The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- They're essential to handle today's vessels and to keep goods moving efficiently and reliably.
- We're able to accommodate ten vessels on any given day at the port.
- for deep-draft vessels.
- We can go a certain size larger on vessels.
- It's not affecting any of our cargo vessels. We can't get the larger cruise ships.
Summary:
The Committee on Transportation heard SB 356 by Senator Wright, which would create an opt-in framework for counties and municipalities to allow utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) on certain local roads with posted speed limits below 55 mph, subject to local safety determinations, licensing, insurance, and other restrictions. Supporters, including a retired sheriff and a Florida Sheriffs Association representative, argued the bill would give law enforcement clearer authority and reflect the reality that UTVs are already being used on roads, while opponents from the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and Honda warned that UTVs are not designed for public roads and lack key safety features. Several senators raised safety concerns, especially about speed and crash risk, but the bill was reported favorably after debate, with Senators Martin, McClain, and Truenow expressing reservations.
The committee then held a lengthy discussion on seaport infrastructure and funding. FDOT presented data showing Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports generate major cargo volume, jobs, and economic impact, and described state funding programs such as FSTED, SPI, and the construction aggregate grant program. Port representatives from Port Everglades, PortMiami, Port of Palm Beach, and Port Tampa Bay described record cargo and cruise activity, major capital projects, and the importance of state and federal grants, private partnerships, and long-term planning. They also discussed challenges including limited land, bulkhead and berth maintenance, channel deepening, workforce needs, fuel access, resiliency, and intermodal connectivity. Senators asked about return on investment, trade patterns, financing, cruise-versus-cargo balance, and operational risks; the ports emphasized that they are largely enterprise-funded but still depend on public investment for major infrastructure.
The committee also approved a block of appointments to the Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority and the Tampa Port Authority without objection. In addition, FDOT presented the statewide mapping programs work group report required by SB 1662, recommending a coordinated statewide aerial imagery and LiDAR program, shared procurement and cost-sharing arrangements, and statutory updates to improve interagency coordination and access to geospatial data. Senators briefly discussed potential uses for the data in insurance, emergency management, and property assessment, and the presentation concluded without further action.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL Public Hearing 03-14-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- commercial vessels.
- that utilize small boat harbors. commercial vessel special fund uh commercial vessel special fund uh
- I think it had to do with the use of the definition, the definition of vessel, like all the vessels,
- So the question I had was whether the definition of vessel includes all vessels, yes.
- vessels because originally it had watercraft, and so we were clarifying the definition of vessel.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several water, land, and conservation measures. HB 86, which would fund a permanent DLNR Makai Watch coordinator position, drew strong support from DLNR and community advocates. Testifiers said the coordinator is needed to connect community-based nearshore monitoring groups with government, support training and reporting, and provide stable civil-service funding instead of relying on grants and philanthropy. The committee discussed the position’s duties and cost, estimated at about $110,000 with fringe benefits, and noted broad support from organizations including Kuaʻulu, The Nature Conservancy, OHA, and others.
HB 36, relating to state water code penalties, was also supported in principle by DLNR, but the agency proposed amendments to create two tiers of violations, distinguish first-time/non-harmful violations from repeat or harmful ones, and give the commission discretion on whether each day counts as a continuing violation. DLNR said the bill is intended to address egregious cases such as Red Hill while avoiding undue impact on small farmers and others without malicious intent. Testifiers from the Board of Water Supply, Lono Initiative, and others supported stronger penalties and transparency, while Earthjustice raised concerns about broader structural issues and the risk of penalties being applied unfairly.
The committee then heard HB 316, which appropriates funds to continue the Green Jobs Youth Corps program. DLNR, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, Kōkua, The Nature Conservancy, and other groups testified in support, describing the program as a workforce pipeline that places young professionals in communities, builds trust, and helps recruit future state employees. Supporters said the program has expanded capacity in watershed and reef management and has drawn extensive public backing.
Finally, HB 506, funding equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, received support from DLNR and others. DOCARE said recent recruit classes are moving through training, that the new positions will expand patrol capacity, including nighttime enforcement, and that the Oʻahu-specific funding is tied to priorities such as the Māʻili Bay herbivore rules. The committee also began hearing HB 510 on water shortage and emergency declarations. DLNR proposed limiting shortage declarations to 90 days unless extended, capping groundwater reductions at 20% for lower-priority permits, removing climate-crisis language as a standalone criterion, and moving the process into rulemaking for more public input. The Board of Water Supply supported the bill and the proposed changes, while Earthjustice urged deferral absent broader Water Commission reforms. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would be decision-making after the hearing on items on the agenda.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Tue Feb 10, 2026 @ 8:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Um I I I or zero emission vehicles.
- Um I I I or zero emission vehicles.
- Um I I I or zero emission vehicles.
- Um I I I or zero emission vehicles.
- Um I I I or zero emission vehicles.
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2021, a transportation measure creating a framework for electric bicycle and micromobility regulation. The bill would define electric bicycle and electric micromobility device, set age and helmet rules, restrict class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks, allow limited sidewalk use for class 1 and 2 bikes, prohibit high-speed electric devices and certain nonconforming devices in specified locations, update county tax definitions, and change related terminology. Testimony was largely supportive from DOT, police, Honolulu officials, Hawaii Bicycling League, AAA Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and several individuals, while DCCA’s Insurance Division asked for clarity on whether insurance would be required. Committee discussion focused on safety, enforcement, and the fact that no insurance market currently exists for these e-bike classes; members also discussed the need to target bad actors rather than ordinary riders.
The chair then proposed and the committee adopted amendments to HB 2021, including clarifying that road-legal, permitted, classified electric bicycles are not subject to insurance requirements at this time; allowing properly classified electric bicycles on sidewalks at 10 mph or less subject to county restrictions; barring high-speed electric devices and other nonconforming devices from public roadways; authorizing impoundment of non-road-legal or improperly registered devices; and requiring direct parental supervision for riders under 16 on class 2 or 3 e-bikes. The committee also made technical and effective-date changes. The recommendation to pass HB 2021 with amendments was adopted unanimously by the members present.
The committee next took up HB 1641, a related transportation bill addressing high-speed electric devices. The chair explained that the measure would prohibit the sale, lease, rental, distribution, possession, or operation of high-speed electric devices and establish penalties, but the committee’s version would narrow the focus to devices covered by HB 2021. The amended bill would prohibit offering high-speed electric devices for lease or rent, require sellers to comply with the new regulatory framework, ban operation on bicycle lanes, highways, roadways, and streets, and set a civil penalty of $250 to $1,000 per violation.
After no further questions, the committee voted to pass HB 1641 with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The meeting then moved to HB 1709, which would transfer regulation of the Hawaii Water Carrier Act from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation and make conforming changes with an appropriation. DOT testified in support, while the PUC and DCCA’s Consumer Advocacy Division raised concerns about preserving consumer protections and the complexity of moving the regulatory framework. Young Brothers supported the bill and said the current system is outdated, but the discussion remained ongoing; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1709 is shown.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Today, California defines a for-hire vessel as one carrying more than three paying passengers, while
- Coast Guard standards apply to vessels carrying even a single paying passenger.
- The bill also updates vessel registration requirements where permissible under federal law so that law
- Driving under the influence on the road and operating a vessel under the influence on the water both
- Driving under the influence on the road and operating a vessel under the influence on the water, both
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 13, 2026, and began by taking up a large consent calendar, moving a first group of bills to the floor consent calendar and a second group by due pass. The committee then heard and advanced a series of measures covering housing, public safety, health care, education, and local government issues. Among the bills discussed were AB 2641 on a sales tax exemption for pawnbroker redemptions, AB 2525 on a narrow Surplus Lands Act exemption for Mission Bay Park, AB 1732 and AB 2433 on student housing and the Affordable Homes Bonus Law, AB 2055 on boating safety and enforcement, AB 1579 on children’s crisis residential services, AB 2139 on a Surplus Lands Act amendment for an Inland Empire soccer project, AB 2041 on EMS reporting, AB 1973 on reproductive health scope for advanced practice clinicians, AB 1929 on health plan investment disclosures, AB 2700 on utility rates and wildfire victim compensation, AB 1809 on school job order contracting, SB 73 on election security, AB 2418 on commercial building permit timelines, AB 1970 on step therapy limits for serious mental illness and substance use treatment, AB 2361 on peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing liability, AB 1976 on bike and pedestrian project approvals, AB 2110 on tax increment financing for workforce housing, and AB 2146 on supportive housing documentation and vacancy rules.
Testimony was generally supportive for the measures heard. Authors and sponsors emphasized consumer fairness, housing production, public safety, access to care, and administrative streamlining. Supporters included local governments, housing advocates, school districts, law enforcement groups, health care organizations, and affected individuals. AB 2700 drew especially extensive public testimony from wildfire survivors and local officials who urged stronger compensation for victims of PG&E-caused fires and relief from high utility costs. AB 2034 and AB 1790 were raised during public comment on bills not heard in committee, with several industry groups opposing AB 2034 and both supporters and opponents speaking on AB 1790’s Waters Edge issue.
Most bills were reported out of committee on due pass motions, with several noted as amended or with members not voting on particular roll calls. The committee also read and approved a lengthy suspense calendar, then opened public comment on bills not presented that day before adjourning.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- to make certain that the design of the barrier does not come at the expense of safe navigation of vessel
- 24, saying the design was based on a 530-foot channel; today it's 700 feet and a 900. ...168-foot vessel
- Today those vessels are over 1,200 feet.
- Modern ships, including very large container and crew vessels... ships face collision risk, shearing
- What, a couple of years ago, where, you know, 50, 60 vessels were sitting outside and waiting to get
Keywords:
Gulf Coast Protection District, navigation safety, special districts, state governance, Texas legislation, Gulf Coast, flood protection, storm risk management, coastal restoration, natural resources, prescribed burns, self-insurance, fire management, liability protection, rural land management, beverage container recycling, deposit return system, container deposit, bottle bill, recycling refund
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 9, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Flagged and United States-crewed commercial vessels.
- H.R. 2035 also helps ensure that our Nation has a ready fleet of vessels and mariners we can mobilize
- If the government is shipping cargo, it should be on American vessels.
- IT'S A VESSEL IN YOUR HEAD THAT CAUSES A STROKE.
- It's a vessel in your heart that causes a heart attack.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Mar 3rd, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Members, next on the calendar is SB 326 regarding vessels. Um, I've got that one.
- c> Um,</c><00:12:04.160><c> I've</c><00:12:04.399><c> got</c><00:12:04.560><c> that</c> regarding vessels
- Um, I've got that regarding vessels.
- And if you look at our neighboring states, specifically in Florida, we have an abandoned derelict vessel
- </c><00:13:14.079><c> as</c> essentially using disabled ve vessels as essentially using disabled ve vessels
Keywords:
vaccination, parental consent, minors, medical consent, guardian approval, income tax, research expenditures, economic development, tax deductions, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Alabama tax law, sheriff, credit card, debit card, financial procedures, Jackson County, purchasing authority, HB17, Alabama Squat Truck Law, squat truck
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- So you'll see vessel launching from $7 to $10. ...with the motor vehicle entry fee.
- So you'll see vessel launching from $7 to $10.
- , even if you just launch your vessel and you're not using the bathroom or you're saying that you're
- not, you still have to, that $10 is going to pay, whether it's the motor vehicle fee or the vessel fee
- Yeah, those are per boat for a vessel.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from February 9 and February 11, 2026. It then heard Senate Bill 1328 from Senator Harris, a bill described as a technical cleanup measure following 2024 legislation that allowed the Idaho Department of Lands to use its own general counsel. Harris said the bill would replace references to the Attorney General with the Department of Lands’ general counsel in multiple statutes to clarify who handles enforcement and litigation for land and forestry matters. The Attorney General’s office, through Phil Skinner, opposed the bill as a substantive constitutional change that improperly transfers core duties of the Attorney General, including representing the state in court and advising the Land Board. Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller and general counsel John Richards testified in support, citing confusion in recent cases over who represented the state and saying the bill would clarify roles. After debate, a substitute motion to hold the bill in committee failed 2-7, and the original motion to send the bill to the floor with a do-pass recommendation passed 7-2.
The committee then considered several Fish and Game rules brought forward through the Governor’s zero-based regulation process. Docket 13-0103-2501, covering public use of Fish and Game lands, added definitions for camping and leash, clarified camping limits, and prohibited exploding targets and air guns; it was approved. Docket 13-0116-2401, on trapping and fur-bearing animals, clarified bait definitions, increased reimbursement for non-target species, adjusted trapping rules near snow-covered routes and wildlife crossings, allowed some wolf trapping near feeding sites, and removed a reporting deadline; it was also approved. Docket 13-0119-2501, governing licensed vendors, revised selection and termination criteria, lowered the vendor ceiling, barred new out-of-state vendor applications, and allowed vendors to pass along credit card processing fees; it too was approved.
Finally, the committee heard Docket 2601-2501 from the Department of Parks and Recreation, which proposed fee and rule updates for parks facilities. Director Susan Buxton said the changes were intended to update fee caps to reflect rising costs, remove redundant language, and adjust several charges, including entrance, commercial vehicle, boating, and moorage fees. At the committee’s direction, two sections were rejected: Rule 075, which Buxton said was redundant, and Rule 250, which would have increased campsite-related fees. Members said the campsite fee increase should be reconsidered later and that non-resident fee increases should be prioritized. The remaining portions of the Parks and Recreation rule docket were approved with those exceptions.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Texas Legislative Medal of Honor Committee May 13th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Their target was a vessel deliberately operating without a flag. flag or a nation.
- for the Houthi terrorists actively threatening global shipping lanes and attacking U.S. and allied vessels
- There’s mayhem going on with the waves in the water between the two vessels.
- The boarding vessel, which Gage is on, you can see...
- On the back of the vessel, he's identified Chris just before he leaves.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> THIS DRAFT BILL AMENDS NEW OWNERSHIP AND DERELICT VESSELS AND ANCHORING AND PRACTICES.
- IT IS PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE OF OWNERSHIP FOR ANY DERELICT VESSEL IN THE STATE AND THERE IS A LOT MORE
- I LIKE TO BE CLEAR, BUT ARE STRONGLY SUPPORT REMOVING DERELICT VESSELS AND PROTECTING WATERWAYS BUT HB
- IF THEY ARE FORCED TO MOVE THEY WILL BE TRAPPED WITH NO SAFE OPTIONS TO PUT VESSELS AND LIVES OF THOSE
- FLORIDA ALREADY HAS THE TEST AND VESSEL TO DEAL WITH DERELICT VOTES.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Apr 28th, 2026
Natural Resources & Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- And what theirs was, was a decibel reading from the vessel up to 50 feet.
- So that range couldn't be 50 feet from that vessel. And so I would like to...
- Okay, so 50 feet away from the vessel, it exceeds that. Exceeds what decibel? 110. Yeah.
- I shouldn't have to ask for permission to do that when no other vessel has to ask for permission.
- It requires To unstick an airboat is unmatched by any other vessel.