Video & Transcript : 'forest reserves' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I think if it does pass this committee to judiciary, so I'll reserve some of my thoughts and comments
- SB 1238 clarifies that HOA reserves are not expended on specific types of litigation that are not already
- HOA managers can no longer exploit a loophole in current law that allows the HOA manager to use reserves
- HOAs can use reserve funds to defend themselves, but homeowners cannot.
- honestly, and in good faith toward both the board and homeowners who fund the HOA's operations and reserves
Summary:
The committee heard several housing-related bills, beginning with SB 1003, which would create pro-housing enhanced infrastructure financing districts to help local governments fund infrastructure needed for housing developments. The author and supporters argued that infrastructure costs often prevent projects from penciling out, while the chair expressed support and said the bill would be taken up later when quorum was available. SB 1014 followed, proposing new disclosure requirements for local jurisdictions to provide good-faith estimates of on-site and off-site improvements within 30 days of application, with supporters saying it would reduce late surprises and opposition from several cities citing implementation concerns with the 30-day timelines.
The committee then took up SB 802, a Sacramento-region bill requiring a joint powers authority to coordinate housing and homelessness services. Senator Ashby and former Mayor Darrell Steinberg argued that Sacramento’s fragmented system has failed for years and that a JPA would improve accountability, coordination, and use of state funds. The bill drew broad support from local officials, service providers, business groups, and advocates, while some county and city representatives registered opposition or neutral concerns about state-mandated local governance. Several committee members said they were persuaded by the need for regional coordination, though some raised concerns about local control; the chair noted the bill would be moved when quorum allowed.
The committee also heard SB 1092 and SB 1093, both focused on mobile home park residents after disasters or park sales. SB 1092 would give residents a right of first opportunity to match a sale offer for a park, with supporters saying it protects vulnerable seniors and preserves affordable housing, while park owners and their representatives argued it would devalue property and raise constitutional and financing concerns. SB 1093 would require more transparent communication, access to property, and consideration of rebuilding or closure after a disaster; supporters cited the long uncertainty faced by Palisades residents, while opponents warned about liability, safety, and burdensome review requirements. Members split along similar lines, with some emphasizing property rights and market impacts and others stressing the need to protect residents and preserve scarce affordable housing.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It removes the requirement for the association manager to sign a capital reserve account project for
- It removes the requirement that an association manager assigned to a capital reserve account project
- Moves the requirement for the Association Manager signed a capital reserve account project for a condominium
- Removes the requirement for the association manager signed a capital reserve account project for a condominium
- FI removes the requirement that association manager assigned to a capital reserve account project for
Summary:
The meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a guest introduction for Deputy Frank Sloop. The Senate then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations after brief explanations and, in several cases, floor amendments. Topics included public records, capital outlay review, local government, taxation, state budget implementation, higher education appropriations, utility regulation, towing regulation, homeowners association disclosures, nursing board regulation, veteran services, criminal justice, human services, K-12 education, state property management, and the continuation of the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
Several bills were amended on the floor before receiving favorable recommendations. House Bill 2114 on motorcycle-related provisions was amended to require that at least one registered owner be legally licensed to operate a motorcycle in Arizona. House Bill 2397 on HOA/condominium disclosures was amended to change disclosure timing and fee rules and make other conforming changes. House Bill 2408 on nursing board regulatory action was amended to remove a clear-and-convincing-evidence burden in disciplinary matters and clarify complaint-sharing procedures. House Bill 2957 on driver’s license/handheld provisions, House Bill 2305 on towing regulation, and House Bill 2321 on DCS-related reporting also received amendments before do-pass recommendations.
The largest item was Senate Bill 1847, the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act. Senators offered extensive floor amendments affecting agriculture, corrections, criminal justice, school safety, law enforcement equipment, vehicle theft task force funding, liquor licensing, and other budget items. During third reading and debate on the budget, Democratic senators praised negotiated gains such as funding for aging services, food assistance, civil legal aid, school meals, heat relief, and a three-year moratorium on new data center tax incentives, while criticizing border-related funding, ESA/voucher policy, and cuts to higher education and adult education. One member’s remarks were ruled dilatory after repeated off-topic comments, and the ruling of the chair was sustained by a 16-12 vote. The transcript ends with additional budget-related explanation of votes continuing after the budget’s third reading.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Business and Professions
Transcript Highlights:
- Lastly, license suspension should be reserved for violations directly related to the practice of the
- So I'm going to support today, but with massive reservations around doing things... ...but with massive
- reservations around doing things that have the potential of standing in the way of collecting those
- I'll reserve, I'm going to support it today to get it out of committee.
- I was kind of reserved that as this gets to the floor and just would really urge, given the amount of
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on HF2563 5/18/25
Transcript Highlights:
- And all of the funds are appropriated to the 5% reserve level.
- And all of the funds are appropriated to the 5% reserve level.
- 26.320><c> 5%</c> of the funds are appropriated to the 5% of the funds are appropriated to the 5% reserve
- </c><00:12:28.079><c> For</c><00:12:28.240><c> outdoor</c><00:12:28.639><c> heritage,</c> reserve level
- For outdoor heritage, reserve level.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I know that there are some members here that can elaborate more but reserve the right to close first
- And reserve the right to close.
- I believe this legislation... will make a meaningful difference in protecting Texans and I reserve my
- With that, I reserve the right to close. Well, we don't have an affirmation, so. Oh, no.
- And may I reserve the place? It's the right to close. Absolutely. Thank you.
Keywords:
sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination, medical care, trauma-informed care, crime victims compensation, evidence retention, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, digital services, reporting requirements, children's protection, sex offender registration, indecent assault, educator-student relationship, criminal justice, legislation, crime victims, compensation fund, information disclosure
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Mar 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So I, I, I do still have some reservations about the multiplicity of license plates, um, you know, there's
- identifying funds that we could utilize and so being able to utilize, we're looking at keeping, uh, reserves
- fully, uh, untouched, which leaves us again at a 30%, um, Reserve, uh, uh, level, as well as then using
- Um, so this money that the 113 million that's going to be spent then, um, is that coming out of reserve
- Speaker and gentlemen, did we, did it take $171 million from our reserves just to, to, uh, in our budget
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, so I just have really strong reservations about the makeup of this Advisory Board and if there is
- Um, so I just have really strong reservations about the makeup of this Advisory Board and if there is
- Um, so I just have really strong reservations about the makeup of this Advisory Board and if there is
- Um, so I just have really strong reservations about the makeup of this Advisory Board and if there is
- elante</c><01:05:29.799><c> I</c><01:05:30.240><c> I</c><01:05:30.440><c> vote</c> I vote with reservations
Summary:
The committees heard advice-and-consent testimony on several gubernatorial nominations, beginning with GM 644 for Steven Logan to serve as Adjutant General of the Department of Defense through December 7, 2026. Testimony from multiple state officials and others was strongly supportive, citing Logan’s military leadership, service during the COVID-19 period, and coordination during the fireworks-related patient transfer. Logan described his 44 years of military service, 22 years with the Honolulu Police Department, and his approach of “unity of effort,” including how he would help operationalize the Office of the State Fire Marshal by coordinating with county fire chiefs, the State Fire Council, and emergency management to pursue funding and implement recommendations.
The committee then took up GM 621 and GM 623 for the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee. Shante Asuda of Hawaii Correctional Industries supported both nominees and said the board is important for evaluating private-sector joint ventures that can provide work skills for incarcerated people. Carla Kashiwa said she wanted to help improve outcomes through public-private partnerships and vocational rehabilitation opportunities for people reentering society. Lee Shinato, however, gave a less prepared presentation, offering broad ideas such as crafts, lunch wagons, and ukulele-making, and acknowledged he was not fully clear on the board’s scope or goals. Committee members expressed concern about the lack of preparation and clarity around the board’s mission, and the administrator later explained that the board’s role is to review business plans for viability, return on investment, sustainability, and whether they provide marketable skills for inmates.
The final item discussed was GM 568 for Aris Banag to serve on the Advisory Board of Veteran Services. Supporters described him as community-minded and deeply committed to veterans. Banag said he has over 30 years of service, has worked as a mental health therapist and veterans resource coordinator at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, and helped create the first veteran service center there. In response to questions about federal VA cutbacks and veterans nearing retirement, he said the board must be a strong independent voice for veterans, advocate against reductions in benefits, and help service members plan for post-military life, including disability benefits, retirement, and financial planning. No votes or final committee actions were stated in the portion provided.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Health Services (3-3-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- Physicians were told to no longer do chemotherapy treatments; they were reserving those beds for COVID
- Physicians were told to no longer do chemotherapy treatments; they were reserving those beds for COVID
- treatments<00:14:57.880><c> that</c><00:14:58.000><c> they</c><00:14:58.079><c> were</c><00:14:58.199><c> reserving
- </c> treatments that they were reserving treatments that they were reserving those<00:14:58.800><c> beds
Keywords:
Discussion on SB 132 - 00:06
Vote on SB 132 - 04:41
Discussion on HB 219 - 43:49
Vote on HB 219 – 49:00
Discussion on HCR 20 – 50:08
Vote on HCR 20 – 51:28, 958, all
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 132, which would create conscience protections for health care professionals who object to participating in certain procedures or services on religious, moral, or ethical grounds. Senator Donald Douglas and several supporters argued the bill is a recruitment and retention tool for Kentucky’s health care workforce, emphasizing provider shortages, maldistribution, and the need to protect individual conscience rights. Supporters said the bill would not apply to emergency care, would not permit denial of care based on a patient’s identity, and would mainly protect professionals from being forced to perform procedures they believe are unethical. They also cited similar laws in six other states and said the bill would have a cause of action to give it enforcement teeth.
Supportive testimony came from an emergency physician, a registered nurse, and others who described personal experiences or examples involving objections to abortion-related care, opioid prescribing, and pressure to participate in procedures that conflicted with conscience. They said conscience protections would help attract providers, preserve ethical integrity, and allow clinicians to make professional judgments without corporate or institutional coercion. In questioning, senators asked about practical examples, the scope of the bill, whether it would cover hypothetical cases involving patients of particular religions or identities, and which states have similar laws. The sponsor and supporters repeatedly said the bill is about procedures, not patients, and that it should not be read to allow discrimination against individuals.
Opponents, including pediatricians and a registered nurse/minister, warned that the bill is overly broad and could allow refusals of care by not only physicians but also pharmacists, clerks, and ambulance drivers. They argued it could delay treatment, increase discrimination, and worsen access problems in rural areas, especially for contraception, Plan B, blood transfusions, and other services. Critics said existing professional ethics already require patient care and that the bill could undermine evidence-based medicine and worsen Kentucky’s provider shortage. The committee took testimony and questions; no final vote or disposition was announced in the portion provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 11th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Escorted by Assembly Member When is Debbie Sue, the CEO of OpenTable, an online restaurant reservation
- Ascorted by Assembly Member When is Debbie Sue, the CEO of Open Table, an online restaurant reservation
- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require an association to have a minimum of 10% in reserves and will increase
- The absence of a required formula to fund reserves penalizes homeowners because the only remaining option
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - Senate Federalism and Family Law
Senate Federalism and Family Law Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, if I may explain my vote, I have some reservations about the AI aspect of things here, and
- the understanding of their rights, simply that they're being told what their rights are and they reserve
- out the understanding of their rights simply that they're being told what their rights are and they reserve
- I have some reservations.
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2793, which would let cities and towns expedite annexations when 100% of the affected property owners request it, and would modernize notice requirements by allowing electronic newspaper publication and a single on-site notice for small single-parcel annexations. Buckeye supported the bill as a way to streamline uncontested annexations and reduce delay and cost, while a senator raised concerns based on a recent contentious Tucson annexation and the speed of public notice. The committee voted 4-3 to give HB 2793 a do pass recommendation.
Members then considered HB 2041, which would prohibit a parent, guardian, or custodian from being found to have abused or neglected a child solely because poverty prevented them from providing supervision, clothing, food, shelter, or medical care. Child welfare advocates supported the bill as a step toward decriminalizing poverty, while another witness argued it did not go far enough because it still allowed investigations based on poverty. Several members said they supported the concept but wanted further changes, and the bill passed 4-3. The committee also approved HB 2239, creating a child care grant program and infrastructure fund at DES to expand access in underserved areas; testimony from child care providers and parents emphasized shortages, workforce challenges, and the need for facilities, and the committee adopted an amendment adding tax credit language and eligible applicants before passing the bill 6-0 with one not voting.
HB 2321, requiring DCS to place a credit freeze on a child’s credit report when the child enters care, passed 7-0 without testimony. HB 2371, allowing consenting divorcing parties without minor children to use AI-assisted arbitration and adding an amendment on therapeutic interventions and expert testimony in parenting cases, drew concerns about using AI for binding family-law decisions and about the amendment’s relevance; it passed 4-3. HB 2594, strengthening protections for participants in the address confidentiality program in family-law matters and sealing related voter records, received strong support from a witness describing repeated attempts by an ex-partner to obtain a protected address and passed 7-0 after amendment. HB 2661, requiring DCS to inform parents under investigation that they may delegate temporary guardianship and, as amended, limiting additional documentation requirements, passed 4-3 despite concerns that it gave too much discretion to parents accused of abuse or neglect.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - Senate Federalism and Family Law
Federalism and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, if I may explain my vote: I have some reservations about the AI aspect of things here, and
- the understanding of their rights, simply that they're being told what their rights are and they reserve
- out the understanding of their rights simply that they're being told what their rights are and they reserve
- I have some reservations.
Keywords:
child neglect, financial resources, behavioral health, Christian Science treatment, parental rights, child support, preborn children, retroactive support, medical expenses, child welfare, child care, grant program, low-income, early learning, infrastructure, economic growth, security freeze, credit reporting, dependent children, parental notification
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 49 (3-18-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the savings that we have incurred from that discipline and deposited in the Commonwealth's budget reserve
- in the discipline and deposited in the Commonwealth's<00:48:54.240><c> budget</c><00:48:54.640><c> reserve
- </c><00:48:55.240><c> trust</c> Commonwealth's budget reserve trust Commonwealth's budget reserve trust
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So with that, I would... ...believing that this would go on to committee, I would actually like to reserve
- I reserve the right to... ...on the floor once some things have been worked out and adjusted and all
- I reserve the right at that point to change my vote on the floor, but right now it's no.
- Chair, at this time, I'm going to vote no and reserve my right to change my answer on the floor.
Bills:
SB1046, SB1317, SB1376, SB1416, SB1448, SB1471, SB1493, SB1498, SB1502, SB1504, SB1538, SB1544, SB1550, SB1579, SB1581, SB1584, SB1624, SB1673
Keywords:
telecommunications, broadband, internet infrastructure, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security, foreign adversary, China, Chinese equipment, supply chain security, network equipment, microchips, Arizona Corporation Commission, telecommunications provider, communications infrastructure, Huawei, ZTE, state-owned enterprise, sanctions, infrastructure security
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Education Policy Committee Jan 28th, 2026
Education Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And, Madam Chair, with that I'll reserve for questions. veterans.
- c><00:41:40.079><c> with</c><00:41:40.160><c> that</c><00:41:40.400><c> I'll</c><00:41:40.800><c> reserve
- </c><00:41:41.200><c> for</c> madam chair with that I'll reserve for madam chair with that I'll reserve
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Wed Jan 21, 2026, 10:00AM HST - Day 1 Opening Day
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise in support of this resolution with reservations and also a little bit of optimism.
- </c><01:11:46.080><c> with</c> support of this resolution with support of this resolution with reservations
- :48.239><c> a</c><01:11:48.640><c> little</c><01:11:48.800><c> bit</c><01:11:48.960><c> of</c> reservations
- and also a little bit of reservations and also a little bit of optimism.<01:11:50.400><c> House</c><
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- With that, members, I reserve the right to close and would be happy to answer any questions.
- The permit may have some reservations in it that allow other people to be superior to it, even if it's
- reservations in it that allow other people to be superior to it, even if it's Different date only because
- It would help ensure water is reserved for other landowners so that they have an opportunity to produce
Summary:
The committee met to hear House Bills 27 and 24 on groundwater issues in East Texas, with members and witnesses focusing on a proposed large-volume groundwater export project and the need for more science before major permitting decisions are made. HB 27, which was within the special session call, would direct the Texas Water Development Board to conduct a hydrogeologic study of the aquifers in the affected area and temporarily pause new export permits while the study is underway. HB 24, a separate bill that would limit certain production and export permits to 5% of modeled available groundwater, was laid out but the chair said it would not be moved out of committee.
Testimony on HB 27 was largely supportive, though some witnesses were neutral. Supporters, including representatives from a water supply corporation, the Trinity River Authority, Environmental Defense Fund, and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, said the region lacks enough hydrologic data, that the proposed pumping could affect private wells, surface water, and local economies, and that the state needs better information on sustainable yield and groundwater-surface water interaction. Several witnesses emphasized that groundwater conservation districts need clearer tools and better data, while also noting concerns about property rights and the rule of capture. Committee members discussed the scale of the proposed project, the absence of a groundwater conservation district in Houston County, and the possibility that the study should examine desired future conditions and maximum sustainable pumping rather than only modeled available groundwater.
The committee adopted the committee substitute for HB 27 and voted it out favorably to the full House with a recommendation that it do pass, be printed, and be sent to the Committee on Calendars. The roll call was unanimous, 11 ayes and 0 nays. After the vote, members briefly reflected on the complexity of the issue and the need to continue working on broader groundwater policy in the interim and next session. HB 24 was discussed later in the meeting, but no final action on that bill was taken in the portion provided.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Jul 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So House Bill 253 in 2024 created a new Capital Development and Reserve Fund and a related program fund
- So the reserves Fund is essentially like a trust fund.
- And we also want to look at ensuring 40% of the funds are reserved for the frontier and rural communities
- well, I guess the question is, could we limit the use of the funds, from the Capital Development and reserve
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- Cooperatives within the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and create a $100 million reserve
- The bill would create a $100 million reserve to promote housing cooperatives throughout the Commonwealth
- To unlock the opportunity to reserve and develop new housing cooperatives for low- to moderate-income
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of housing and homelessness bills. Chairs Rich Haggerty and Julian Cyr opened by noting the committee’s focus on EOHLC programs such as RAFT, MRVP, and HomeBASE, and several members and advocates emphasized the urgency of the state’s homelessness crisis, including rising family homelessness and the need for earlier intervention, more stable subsidies, and stronger long-term housing tools.
A major theme was homelessness prevention and rehousing. Multiple witnesses supported bills to codify and strengthen RAFT and HomeBASE, arguing that assistance should be available earlier in a crisis rather than only after a notice to quit or imminent loss of housing. Testimony from legal services, homelessness coalitions, social workers, municipal housing staff, and tenant advocates said the programs help families avoid eviction and shelter, but need more flexibility, higher benefit caps, and permanent statutory protection. Several speakers also urged support for codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), describing it as a critical long-term subsidy for low-income households and older adults, and warning that codification would protect the program from future budget or policy changes.
The committee also heard testimony on housing stability for older adults, affordable homes for people with disabilities, supportive housing, housing cooperatives, home sharing, local preference, and reentry housing for returning citizens. Advocates for older adults described a Somerville bridge subsidy pilot that helped stabilize seniors while they waited for permanent housing, and urged statewide expansion. Supporters of supportive housing called for an interagency board to streamline funding and development, while cooperative housing proponents backed creation of a Massachusetts Center for Housing Cooperatives and a dedicated funding reserve. A bill to secure housing for returning citizens drew support from reentry providers and Senator Adam Gomez, who said stable housing is essential to successful reintegration. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses generally asked the committee to report the bills favorably, and some members asked follow-up questions on data and program details.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- we're lucky here in Massachusetts, there are plenty of very smart economists, including the Federal Reserve
- that item, my curiosity was: is this for a particular identifiable set of settlements, or is this a reserve
- It is a reserve fund.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted two commendatory resolutions honoring the Plimpton Historical Society’s Deborah Sampson Day recognition and Megan’s Light’s Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month observance, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several House petitions to committee. The chamber also briefly recognized Diane Talk of the South Shore Regional Emergency Communication Center on her retirement after 30 years of dispatch service. Later, the Senate passed two local bills to enactment: House No. 4006, authorizing Dartmouth to grant an additional all-alcoholic beverages license, and House No. 473, relating to the charter of Westwood.
The main business was the Senate Ways and Means presentation of the fiscal year 2027 budget, totaling about $63.3 billion. The chair described the budget as balanced, with no new taxes or tax cuts, based on a consensus revenue estimate of $986 million in growth over FY26 (2.4%), and including about $15.8 billion in federal financial participation and roughly $2.7 billion from the Fair Share surtax. The budget emphasized record local aid, including $1.376 billion in unrestricted general government aid, $7.66 billion for Chapter 70 education aid, increased minimum school aid, higher regional school transportation reimbursement, rural aid, and the revival of the Foundation Budget Review Commission. It also highlighted major investments in MassEducate free community college, food security, housing, and support for vulnerable residents.
Members then engaged in extended colloquy on the budget’s major cost drivers and policy choices. Questions focused on debt service, pension and OPEB liabilities, MassHealth caseload and rising per-enrollee costs, child care funding, and program integrity in DTA and other benefit programs. The chair said debt service would be about $2.67 billion, pension payments would be $5.1 billion, OPEB would receive a $150 million payment, and MassHealth enrollment was projected at about 2 million with costs driven by acuity and medical inflation. He also said the budget includes no collective bargaining agreements and no state tax changes. Senators supporting the budget praised its investments in education, local aid, homelessness prevention, public health, libraries, and housing, while minority leaders and others stressed the need for fiscal discipline, transparency, and further work on affordability and municipal support. The Senate also received a House message on House No. 5316, which the House had nonconcurred in, and a conference committee was appointed on the disagreement.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment May 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- technically it's a WMA, they have executed a lease on that was between the private landowners, who reserve
- The timber companies reserve... ...the bill at all. They should be able to disfee or whatever.
- And this $5 million, potentially $10 million, would be in addition to that as a second reserve.
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 480, which would allow anchoring in certain waterways, specifically Oyster Bayou, with restrictions to protect oyster leases and require a person to remain on board. After brief explanation from the sponsor, Representative DeWitt moved favorable and the bill was reported favorable without objection.
House Bill 510, which would have prohibited importation of captured carbon dioxide into Louisiana for sequestration, was discussed briefly. The sponsor said the proposal appeared to conflict with federal law and interstate commerce concerns, and he asked to voluntarily defer the bill. The committee agreed, and HB 510 was deferred. The committee also heard House Resolution 279, urging the state to study geothermal energy policy; after questions about geothermal technology and possible overlap with CCS infrastructure, the resolution was adopted on a 10-3 roll call vote and reported favorable.
The bulk of the meeting focused on House Bill 1152, as amended, dealing with the Carbon Dioxide Geologic Storage Trust Fund and a proposed injection fee for carbon sequestration projects. The amendment would set the fee at 19 cents per ton, with 12 cents going to the state trust fund and 7 cents going directly to affected parishes, while retaining existing fund caps and adding evacuation routes as an eligible local expenditure. Industry groups and local government representatives both testified: industry warned the proposal was rushed, could create uncertainty, and might hurt Louisiana’s competitiveness; parish officials argued locals need a meaningful revenue share, transparency, and bargaining power because they will bear emergency-response burdens. Members raised questions about the fee structure, exemptions for state lands and parish agreements, and whether the local share would continue for the life of a project. The bill remained under discussion at the end of the transcript, with talk of creating an off-session task force or working group to continue negotiations for next year.