Video & Transcript : 'environmental agreements' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Rules Committee Mar 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- referral of AB 2032 has been changed to a double referral to Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee and Environmental
- To a double referral to Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee and Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials
Summary:
The Rules Committee convened, called the roll, and confirmed a quorum. The committee considered a consent agenda and noted a referral change for AB 2032, which was sent to a double referral to the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee and the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee.
A motion was made and seconded on the consent agenda, and the roll was called. The motion passed, with members voting aye as recorded. The committee then adjourned.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- 2032 has been changed to a double referral to the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee and the Environmental
- To a double referral to the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee and the Environmental Safety and Toxic
Committee:
House Rules
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- you understood the body and understood and understand the body and how you may not always be in agreement
- and beyond the incredible policy that's been focused on families, whether it's affordability or environmental
- President, this bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection to no longer issue permits for
- Bill 734, a bill to be entitled an act relating to ratification of rules for the Department of Environmental
- Rules for the Department of Environmental Protection. Show that bill temporarily postponed.
Summary:
The Senate first handled a large batch of executive appointments reported by the Ethics and Elections Committee. Senators debated several nominees, with some members objecting to particular appointees over their views or past conduct. The report on the first group of appointments was adopted 31-0, and Jeffrey Aaron’s separate confirmation to the Public Employee Relations Commission was approved 26-10 after extended debate centered on his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations that he helped facilitate the transfer of Medicaid settlement funds into political activity.
The chamber then considered Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration. Supporters praised her work on Medicaid directed payments and hospital funding, while opponents criticized her prior tenure at the Department of Children and Families, citing problems with Medicaid redeterminations, postpartum coverage, Hope Florida oversight, and a women’s shelter case. The Senate adopted her confirmation report 32-5. Next, Taylor Hatch’s confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families was taken up; the committee report noted ongoing concerns about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and Hope Florida, but recommended confirmation based on her stated commitments to reform. After debate over DCF’s performance and accountability, the Senate adopted her confirmation report 33-4.
After a brief recess, the Senate held a recognition ceremony for outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered lengthy remarks praising her leadership, diligence, humor, and support for members, often recalling personal interactions and her role in shaping legislation and mentoring newer senators. The ceremony emphasized her service as Senate President and continued leadership as Rules Chair, and included a presentation of a handmade keepsake box filled with letters and mementos from staff and colleagues.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-10 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- you understood the body and understood and understand the body and how you may not always be in agreement
- and beyond the incredible policy that’s been focused on families, whether it’s affordability or environmental
- President, this bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection to no longer issue permits for
- Bill 734, a bill to be entitled an act relating to ratification of rules for the Department of Environmental
- Rules for the Department of Environmental Protection. Show that bill temporarily postponed.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 33 (2-24-26) - Reupload
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The governor's chief executive is traditionally the authority for executing federal-state agreements
- Over the years, the cooperative has earned a stellar reputation for excellence in environmental stewardship
- Over the years, the cooperative has earned a stellar reputation for excellence in environmental stewardship
- reputation for earned a stellar reputation for excellence<02:22:16.319><c> in</c><02:22:16.640><c> environmental
- </c><02:22:17.359><c> stewardship</c> excellence in environmental stewardship excellence in environmental
Keywords:
This version of the House chambers was retrieved from back up and uploaded. The original live stream contained issues where audio and video got out of sync., 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received committee reports on several bills. Reported measures included House Bills 1 and 2 from Appropriations and Revenue, along with bills on animal control officers, emergency services revenue, postsecondary education, proactive postsecondary admission, vehicle lights, motor vehicle operation, motor vehicle dealers, and machine gun conversion devices. The chamber also took up Senate Bills 52 and 124 for concurrence, and House Bill 1 was moved from rules to the orders of the day for immediate action.
The House then considered House Bill 568, which would regulate public adjusters by prohibiting new licenses, allowing renewals for current licensees, imposing conflict-of-interest and contract requirements, capping fees at 5%, and barring adjusters from negotiating claims. Supporters described it as a consumer-protection measure responding to complaints and investigations, especially after recent storm-related exploitation. The bill passed overwhelmingly, 95-1.
The House next debated House Bill 1, which would opt Kentucky into the federal education freedom tax credit program and authorize the Secretary of State to administer the state’s participation without using state general funds. Supporters argued it would bring federal scholarship dollars into Kentucky for K-12 students, including public school students, and could generate significant private donations for scholarship-granting organizations. Opponents raised concerns about shifting resources away from public education, the speed of the process, and a proposed waiver of Eleventh Amendment immunity. A motion to table the bill failed by a wide margin, and members continued debating the bill and its implications for public schools and state sovereignty.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2023, she was appointed to represent Las Cruces in southern New Mexico on the Environmental Protection
- And if my memory is right, isn't there in the felony code—I know there is an environmental code—a but-for
- In the felony code, I know there is an environmental code, a but-for clause that says, if it wasn't..
- So, Senator Scher, are you in agreement with that to hold off until the amendment? Absolutely.
- establishing a voluntary certified natural gas monitoring and reporting program, requiring the Environmental
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Rabbi Jack Stocker for New Mexico’s first Jewish Community Day at the legislature, and then proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance, Spanish pledge, flag salute, and national anthem. Early floor business included unanimous-consent approvals for cameras on the floor and in the gallery, a relaxed dress code for guests, and an excuse for Senator Hickey. Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth noted it was the last day for bill introductions and reviewed the day’s observances and receptions, including Multiple Sclerosis Advocacy Day, Jewish Community Day, Santo Domingo Pueblo Day, Lincoln County Day, and UNM Day.
A large portion of the meeting was devoted to honoring the Artesia Bulldogs football team, recognized for winning another state championship and for their long record of success. Senators and coaches praised the team’s resilience, community support, and the role of local fundraising and school support in sustaining athletic excellence. The Senate also observed a moment of silence for New Mexico State Police Officer Darien Jarrett on the fifth anniversary of his death in the line of duty, with Senator Brantley speaking about Jarrett’s service and the impact of his loss on law enforcement and the region.
The chamber then celebrated UNM Day with a formal certificate recognizing the University of New Mexico’s role as the state’s flagship university, its enrollment, degrees awarded, research, patents, health sciences, and hospital services. Multiple senators spoke in support, emphasizing UNM’s impact on education, health care, public service, first-generation students, and athletics, and several introduced guests from UNM programs and leadership. The Senate also read and adopted a certificate recognizing Dr. V. Sue Cleveland for 32 years leading Rio Rancho Public Schools, with members praising her role in building the district and supporting its growth and success.
Later, the Senate recognized Valencia County Day and Hidalgo County Day, with senators highlighting each county’s history, economic development, agriculture, transportation, and community identity, and introducing local officials, business leaders, and youth honorary lieutenant governors. Additional floor remarks honored nurses and health care professionals tied to Lincoln County Day and related observances, with senators introducing guests from nursing, education, and hospital settings and emphasizing the importance of the nursing workforce and rural health care.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Fri Mar 20, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- its regulatory power to ensure that there are not deleterious effects of scale, whether they be environmental
- its regulatory power to ensure that there are not deleterious effects of scale, whether they be environmental
- c><00:22:25.440><c> be</c> effects of scale, whether they be effects of scale, whether they be environmental
- ><c> or</c><00:22:26.400><c> economic,</c><00:22:27.200><c> that</c><00:22:27.320><c> come</c> environmental
- or economic, that come environmental or economic, that come from<00:22:27.680><c> larger</c><00:22:27.960
Committee:
House Agriculture & Food Systems
Keywords:
agriculture, biosecurity, grant funding, food security, climate resiliency, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, agribusiness, state employment, invasive species, lease provisions, environment, food safety, farmers, local food systems, rural development, livestock, forage grasses, pest management
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Apr 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- But in general, it's been used for climate-related and environmental-related purposes.
- I'm an associate professor of economics at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management and
- A forthcoming analysis by the Environmental Markets Lab, my research group at UC Santa Barbara, finds
- A forthcoming analysis by the Environmental Markets Lab, my research group at UC Santa Barbara, finds
- On behalf of the California Compost Coalition, Rethink Waste, and CR in our Environmental Services, I
Summary:
The Budget Subcommittee No. 4 hearing focused on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and cap-and-trade reauthorization, with members and panelists discussing how to balance climate goals, affordability, and legislative oversight. The chair emphasized the hearing as a broad review of past GGRF spending and future options, while the LAO outlined how GGRF revenues are generated, how variable they have been, and the tradeoffs between continuous appropriations and annual budget control. Two academic panelists, Dr. Kyle Meng and Danny Cullen Ward, argued that cap-and-trade remains an effective climate policy, but stressed that future revenue will depend heavily on market design, allowance allocation, and price levels. They also raised the idea that GGRF could be used more directly for affordability, especially by lowering electricity costs, and for targeted investments in technologies that the market would not otherwise support.
Committee members pressed the panelists on where revenues come from, how much has actually been spent, and whether continuous appropriations reduce oversight. CARB staff said more than $33 billion has been generated to date and a little over $11–12 billion has been spent, with the rest committed or in process, and noted that project timelines can be lengthy. Members also asked about ways to lower electricity rates, reduce wildfire-related utility liabilities, and support electrification. The panelists said transportation fuels are the largest source of GGRF revenue, that industrial emitters receive a smaller share of free allowances, and that reducing wildfire liability and investing in grid-scale batteries could help lower costs and speed decarbonization.
Public commenters largely urged the Legislature to preserve or expand continuous appropriations for specific climate programs. Speakers supported funding for nature-based solutions, natural and working lands, urban greening, agricultural climate solutions, waste and composting programs, clean transportation, AB 617 community air protection, clean cars, transit, affordable housing near transit, and dairy digesters. Several groups argued these programs are cost-effective, provide public health and affordability benefits, and should receive dedicated shares of GGRF. Others urged reducing free allowances and using more GGRF revenue to directly lower energy costs for households. No votes were taken during the hearing.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/04/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Calendar 157, Senate Print 8836, Senator Serrano, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
- a situation where there is a Benefit that the insurance company is obligated by the contractual agreement
- process by which the family would seek the benefits that they were guaranteed under the initial agreement
- Guaranteed under the initial agreement.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, received messages and substitutions from the Assembly, and welcomed two new members, Senators Erik Bottcher and Jeremy Zellner. The chamber then adopted the resolution calendar and took up a privileged resolution sponsored by Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in New York. Senators Bailey, Baskin, Sanders, Scarcella-Spanton, Brisport, Parker, Cleare, Comrie, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Black history as American history, the importance of education and remembrance, and the contributions of Black New Yorkers and historical figures. The resolution was adopted, and the leader opened it for co-sponsorship.
The Senate then moved to the bill calendar and passed several measures, including bills on civil procedure, urban development, labor, and public service law. One labor bill was substituted from the Assembly and passed. Several energy and utility-related bills drew debate, with supporters arguing they would improve affordability, utility rate-setting, and consumer protections, while opponents said they would not meaningfully lower costs and instead reflected broader policy choices. Senator Walczyk voted no on one utility bill, and Senators Tedisco and others criticized the package; Senators Mayer and Harckham defended the measures as needed reforms to utility regulation and return-on-equity standards. Most bills were approved by wide margins, including one public service bill that passed 53-9 and another that passed 61-1.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Indian Affairs Jul 16th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- there already is legislation that exists that allows our tribes, nations, and Pueblos to enter into agreements
- However, that has to come from their side to allow us to have those agreements.
- model, and we just met last week with the University of New Mexico College of Nursing and have an agreement
- that into the form of a motion, please, to provide from this committee a letter of support. of Environmental
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL Public Hearing 03-12-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The environmental impact assessment includes affordable housing as well as commercial use of the property
- The environmental impact assessment includes affordable housing as well as commercial use of the property
- So I have attended PMRF's environmental sessions, and again, reading the environmental report and then
- <00:19:22.240><c> um</c> environmental um environmental um sessions<00:19:24.159><c> and</c> sessions
- </c> again um reading the environmental again um reading the environmental report<00:19:28.720><c> report
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land heard confirmation nominations for several DLNR-related boards and commissions, including GM 530 for Karen Ono to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, GM 582 for Jay Kenan to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission, and GM 584 for Adrien Trulock to the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board. The chair repeatedly noted the volunteer nature of these positions and said the committee would take up decision-making after hearing all nominees. Testimony and comments for each nominee were generally supportive, with agency representatives praising their preparation, experience, and willingness to serve.
For Karen Ono, DLNR and several supporters from Kauai testified in favor, describing her as highly prepared and effective on the board. Senators questioned her about DLNR land use, especially state lands near rail stations and whether they should be used for affordable housing rather than commercial development. Ono said she had not taken a board position on those specific proposals because they had not yet come before the board, but she acknowledged the importance of housing and infrastructure. She also responded to questions about DLNR’s management of transferred agricultural lands, saying concerns about the department’s ability to manage such lands had been raised before and remain relevant. One senator expressed strong reservations about the nomination based on the land-use answers.
For Jay Kenan, the NARS Commission testimony focused on the commission’s role in advising on land management and conservation policy. Kenan said he hoped to continue helping evaluate properties and policies, and he identified funding and staffing as the main challenge. DLNR staff explained that the position supporting NARS had been abolished and that the department had limited capacity to restore it because other priorities, such as fire-related positions, were taking precedence. The committee also discussed a separate bill affecting Legacy Lands funding through conveyance tax revenues, with members and agency staff expressing concern that the measure could reduce support for land संरक्षण efforts.
For Adrien Trulock, SHPD and DLNR staff strongly supported the nomination, citing her preservation background and experience with historic properties. Members discussed the importance of her expertise for reviewing nominations and appeals and for helping with preservation planning. The committee also raised broader concerns about delays in historic-place designations and the difference between state and federal review processes; SHPD explained that board approval places a property on the state register, while federal National Register review can still require revisions and cause delays. No final votes or confirmations were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- State University, University of colleges, environmental law enforcement, and DMH campus police as well
- Those agencies include the University of Massachusetts Police, the Environmental State Police, the Massport
- It excludes the Environmental Police, UMass Police, State University and College Police, the Department
- The Environmental Police, UMass Police, State University and College Police, the Department of Mental
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Service
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting public safety and public sector employees, with most of the discussion focused on expanding occupational presumptions and retirement protections for police, firefighters, correction officers, court officers, and other public employees. Testifiers from the Legislature, police and fire unions, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, PERAC, and the AFL-CIO generally supported bills covering cancer presumptions, contagious disease presumptions, Parkinson’s disease for firefighters, PTSD-related disability and death, and equity for post-certified police officers under the Heart Law. Several speakers emphasized that these conditions are linked to long-term occupational exposure, that current law leaves out agencies such as UMass police, Environmental Police, DMH police, and other state or campus police, and that the bills would correct gaps in existing benefits and presumptions.
Representative Colleen Garry and Senator Joan Lovely spoke in support of expanding the Heart Law and cancer presumption protections, while Representative and Senator sponsors for the firefighter and PTSD bills described the health risks faced by first responders and urged favorable reports. PFFM and MassCOP representatives argued that firefighters and police officers face toxic exposures, infectious disease risks, and chronic stress, and cited studies and other states’ laws in support of the measures. PERAC testified that the PTSD accidental disability bill would clarify confusing case law and update filing requirements so traumatic incidents can be used in applications even when PTSD develops later, while still requiring medical review and retirement board approval.
Additional testimony came from correction officers and trial court officers seeking comparable disability and pension protections, including a bill to extend a 100% disability pension to correction officers injured in violent attacks and a bill to treat court officers more like police and firefighters when injured in the line of duty. The committee asked a few clarifying questions, including about whether the PTSD bill would address post-retirement claims and about the impact of excluding “forgotten” police agencies. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee ultimately adjourned after hearing all scheduled testimony.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 22nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- accidents are caused by human error, either poor decisions, not by the boat or the equipment or environmental
- accidents are caused by human error, either poor decisions, not by the boat or the equipment or environmental
- Angeles includes activities such as water patrols, recreational boating safety, marine safety, environmental
- continuing the state's longstanding leadership in addressing climate, air quality, health, and environmental
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered a Memorial Day prayer, and welcomed a third-grade class from Sacred Heart Parish School to the chamber. Members then handled several procedural motions, including suspending a joint rule to allow budget subcommittees to meet during blackout period and removing certain bills from inactive or consent files.
The chamber confirmed multiple gubernatorial appointments, including Nicholas Mueller to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, Arthur Krantz to the Public Employment Relations Board, Chris Ferguson to the California Student Aid Commission, and Brian Haynes to the same commission. The Senate also adopted several resolutions, including SR 102 recognizing National Safe Boating Week, SCR 172 proclaiming Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, SCR 177 declaring World No Tobacco Day, SR 107 for Lupus Awareness Month, and SR 115 marking the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris in California wine history.
On third reading, the Senate passed a series of bills on topics including beverage container recycling fees (SB 1341), school employee misconduct procedures (SB 1083), wildfire preparedness for water suppliers (SB 1153), insurance cost-sharing accounting (SB 1199), nonprofit government liaison services (SB 1240), energy coordination and fuel supply planning (SB 1337), language access in elections (SB 1360), gaming fee transparency (SB 920), mental health evaluation in Care Court-related cases (SB 1016), reckless driving penalties (SB 1198), greenhouse gas reporting for subsidized medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (SB 1213), the Go Green financing program (SB 1265), repossession transport interference (SB 1338), and wildlife coexistence (SB 1135). Most measures passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 920 passed 28-1, SB 1265 passed 26-5, and SB 1135 passed with two no votes.
The session concluded with a Veterans Caucus adjournment-in-memory ceremony honoring 82 fallen service members, followed by adjournment until the next scheduled floor session.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Transportation Committee Apr 13th, 2026
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- into the system by allowing the use of non-CARBOB gasoline in emergencies without undermining environmental
- Jenna Price, on behalf of Environmental Voters, Environmental Defense Fund, and the Climate Center, in
- number of organizations working together to try to solve that problem without undermining the environmental
Committee:
House Transportation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House economic development panel considers $18 million boost for bioincentive program Apr 9th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- involved in the bioeconomy value chain for collective decision-making and action to educate, evaluate environmental
- educate,</c><00:02:59.200><c> evaluate</c> action to educate, evaluate action to educate, evaluate environmental
- > impacts</c><00:03:00.880><c> and</c><00:03:01.000><c> benefits,</c><00:03:02.040><c> and</c> environmental
- impacts and benefits, and environmental impacts and benefits, and incentivize<00:03:02.920><c> sustainable
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Mar 4th, 2026
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- that the language should be crystal clear that that update should be driven by the Massachusetts Environmental
- Policy Act, because I believe... ...that that update should be driven by the Massachusetts Environmental
- I'm an environmental consultant, and I work closely with an environmental toxicologist.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a late-file hearing focused mainly on coastal access and wildlife protection bills, rodenticide restrictions, and a conservation land use bill. Chair Barbara House opened with technical notes and hearing rules, then Rep. Scarsdale testified for H. 5113, which would name an accessible trail in Groton the Marion Stoddard Riverwalk in honor of the environmental advocate who helped restore the Nashua River. Groton Trails Committee chair Paul Fung also supported the bill, describing the trail, educational signage, and DCR’s involvement. Rep. Sweezey then presented a package of Duxbury beach bills—H. 5141, H. 5140, and H. 5139—aimed at revising shorebird protections, creating parity among beaches, and requiring regular review of outdated recreational-use guidelines. He said the bills were developed with local and agency input to balance conservation and beach access, though he acknowledged some initial concerns from wildlife officials about the language in H. 5141.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on local home-rule petitions to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and other pesticides. Supporters included Grafton resident Shannon Phelan, Mass Audubon’s Heather Packard, Sen. Ford, Billerica resident William Jubin, Manchester-by-the-Sea resident Anne Harris, and Animal Defenders International’s Drew McCormick. They argued the poisons cause secondary poisoning in owls, hawks, eagles, and other wildlife, can harm pets and livestock, and are increasingly ineffective; several speakers urged local authority because statewide action has been slow. Opponents included Molly Moran of the New England Pest Management Association, who argued regulation should remain at the state level through MDAR to avoid a patchwork of local rules and noted the agency is already reviewing the issue. Additional testimony from Stephanie Ellis, Laura Kelly, Chris Powicki, Cecily Miller, and others supported Eastham and Truro pesticide-reduction petitions, citing wildlife losses, groundwater concerns, and the need for local control.
Finally, the committee heard S. 2961 from Dighton town counsel Matthew Costa, which would authorize use of a small portion of conservation land for public way purposes tied to replacement of the Pleasant Street Bridge. Costa said the easements are needed for safety improvements, including a wider bridge deck, sidewalk, guardrail replacement, and erosion controls, and that the affected conservation area is limited and of little natural-resource value. The hearing ended after testimony on these bills, with no votes taken during the session and the committee adjourning at the close of testimony.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Feb 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- million of the underlying bridge funding, was carved out to assist with the planning, design, and environmental
- million of the underlying bridge funding, was carved out to assist with the planning, design, and environmental
- channel is not only an economic imperative, but also a strategic investment in regional resilience, environmental
- A high priority for us at Climate Rail Alliance, as environmental advocates, is to support passenger
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee held public hearings on a proposed substitute for House Bill 2306, the 2026 transportation supplemental budget, and on proposed substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation resources bill. Staff described HB 2306 as revising the enacted 2025-27 transportation budget, increasing spending by about $1.1 billion to $16.5 billion, largely through reappropriations and new funding for preservation, maintenance, rail, transit, active transportation, ferries, licensing, and State Patrol needs. The chair and ranking member emphasized caution because of downward revenue forecasts, uncertainty around major project bids and future fish passage costs, and the decision to use existing bond authority without new bonding. Public testimony on HB 2306 generally supported preservation, maintenance, rail improvements, dredging, transit access, and local safety projects, while some witnesses urged more support for EV incentives and long-term transportation funding stability.
For HB 2711, staff explained that the bill responds to administrative issues in last year’s transportation resources law, including fuel tax inflation adjustments, luxury vehicle/aircraft/vessel taxes, the indigent tow reimbursement program, tire fee language, and other tax administration provisions. The proposed substitute would repeal the luxury aircraft tax, adjust peer-to-peer rental car tax administration, restore authority for the Transportation Commission to exempt transit buses from tolls, waive certain penalties and interest tied to early compliance with the luxury vehicle tax, allow lease payments to be taxed incrementally, add exemptions for tribal members and nonresidents, change transfer timing between accounts, and create a Preserve Washington Account for highway preservation and maintenance. Fiscal notes projected additional revenue from aligning use tax with sales tax and modest administrative costs, while delaying the tow reimbursement program reduced near-term expenditures.
Testimony on HB 2711 was mixed. RV dealers asked for a delay to the luxury vehicle tax, arguing the industry is already in decline and the tax could push sales out of state. WFSE supported the new Preserve Washington Account and urged higher bid limits for highway maintenance work. Committee members asked for clarification on the peer-to-peer rental car tax and the transit bus toll exemption. The chair announced that executive session on the bills, along with one other measure, would occur Wednesday, and members were told to submit amendment requests by the next day.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- , because originally this was for the green fee and climate mitigation, disaster, all of that, environmental
- ,<00:22:06.960><c> all</c><00:22:07.120><c> of</c><00:22:07.280><c> that,</c><00:22:07.760><c> environmental
- </c> disaster, all of that, environmental disaster, all of that, environmental stewardship<00:22:08.799
Bills:
SB2816
Committee:
House Tourism
Keywords:
enterprise zones, economic development, innovation enterprise, job creation, Hawaii, 910, house, all
Summary:
The committees heard House Bill 2195, HD1, which would replace the existing transit accommodations tax on cruise ships with a per-passenger infrastructure fee collected by the Department of Transportation and deposited into a new cruise ship special fund. Testimony included support from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii warning that the bill should remain narrowly tied to harbor-related uses to avoid potential Tonnage Clause issues. The Department of Transportation testified that cruise-related harbor work includes pier repairs, dredging, terminal upgrades, and shore power, and said a dedicated revenue stream would help prioritize cruise infrastructure needs. The Attorney General’s office said it had submitted written comments but did not address questions about the litigation or constitutional background.
Members questioned whether the new special fund was necessary when the existing harbor special fund already finances similar improvements. DOT said the funds overlap and suggested the bill could be amended to use the harbor special fund with a separate cruise subaccount, while still preserving a dedicated revenue stream and separate accounting. DOT also said it currently collects port entry, dockage, and per-head passenger fees from cruise ships and that existing cruise-related expenditures from the harbor special fund have not been challenged. The chair ultimately recommended moving HB 2195 forward as introduced, while continuing discussions about the fund structure and awaiting further clarity from the Attorney General and DOT.
In decision-making, the committees voted to pass HB 2195, HD1, as is. They also voted to pass House Bill 916, HD1, relating to the low-income housing tax credit, which would allow certain state low-income housing tax credits to offset state transient accommodations taxes in the same county and make Act 129 of 2016 permanent. Both the Committee on Tourism and the Committee on Economic Development and Technology adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass HB 916, HD1, unamended. The hearing was then adjourned.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-01-30 - 11:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Attorney's Office in multiple jurisdictions, environmental law with the Department of Justice, and, since
- with the US attorney's office in multiple<00:12:53.600><c> jurisdictions,</c><00:12:54.480><c> environmental
- </c> multiple jurisdictions, environmental multiple jurisdictions, environmental law<00:12:55.360><c>
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Make America Healthy Again Kentucky Task Force (11-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- The environmental<00:20:07.120><c> protection.
- </c><00:20:08.080><c> reducing</c> environmental protection. reducing environmental protection. reducing
- <01:58:34.400><c> a</c><01:58:34.639><c> valuebased</c><01:58:36.080><c> um</c><01:58:36.320><c> agreement
- </c><01:58:37.199><c> Um</c><01:58:37.679><c> in</c> through a valuebased um agreement.
- Um in through a valuebased um agreement.
Summary:
The task force opened with a moment of silence for the Louisville UPS plane tragedy, approved the October 15 minutes, and reminded members to submit policy recommendations before the December 16 meeting, when the group will discuss its report to LRC. The first informational presentation, from the Department for Public Health, focused on youth vaping. Elizabeth Good and Julie Brooks cited a recent Surgeon General report warning that youth vaping can harm brain development, mental health, lungs, asthma, and hormones, and noted Kentucky survey data showing 8.7% of students reported daily vaping and 19.7% used vaping products in the prior 30 days. They described prevention and cessation resources including Catch My Breath, I Can End the Trend, Not on Tobacco, My Life, My Quit, Quitline services, and the Kentucky TRUST retailer education program, which trained 3,371 individuals in 2024 and distributed 253 Tobacco 21 toolkits.
The next presentation came from Kentucky ABC on implementation of SB 100, which created the division of tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product licensing. Commissioner Scotty Tracy and Jamar Carter said all retailers selling tobacco, nicotine, or vapor products must be licensed, regulations were filed October 31, 2025, and the online application portal is live. In response to questions about sales to minors, they said violations carry escalating fines for clerks and owners, with a fourth violation resulting in no license renewal for two years and unpaid fines also blocking renewal. They said complaints can be submitted through the portal, by phone, or on the ABC website, and enforcement investigates tips and may use underage compliance checks.
The committee then heard from Kim McKenna Johnson of One Cross Community Health, who argued for a “deficiency-first” and holistic approach to care centered on nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation. She said her clinic serves more than 7,000 patients in Taylor and Marion counties and described a model that includes primary care, behavioral health, functional medicine, addiction recovery, and chronic care. She cited Kentucky health rankings, claimed nutritional deficiencies cost the state billions, and said many children are overprescribed while undernourished. She urged broader insurance coverage for nutritional testing and supplements, rural demonstration grants, and Medicaid pilots for clinically prescribed supplements. Members asked about testing costs, dietitian support, long-term cost savings, compliance, and whether medications are often used to prevent damage from noncompliance; the presenter said the lab tests are generally covered, supplements are the main cost barrier, and seeing lab results can improve family buy-in. No votes were taken during the meeting.