Video & Transcript Research : 'Department of Transportation and Development'

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MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Finance - 05/08/25

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Department<00:03:50.560> of operations of the Department of operations of the Department
  • And two, and members of the increase.
  • of the renewable development a repeal of the renewable development account account account and<00:05
  • And this covers inflationary cost and cost of a new database at the department.
  • And by the end of the call, speaking of And by the end of the call, speaking of not<00:27:15.919
Bills: HF2438
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Taxes Committee Meeting - 2025-04-21

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • is the Transportation Finance and Policy Bill.
  • Now, this is by Great Place Institute and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, which have both
  • They bought it for $4,000 because a used EV is the most reliable and affordable method of transportation
  • So, reject this tax, encourage diversification of transportation energy systems, and thoughtfully develop
  • of Transportation adhere to both greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled reduction targets
Bills: HF2438
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Taxes Committee 4/21/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • Analysis by Great Plains Institute and the Minnesota Department of Transportation have both clearly shown
  • So reject this tax, encourage diversification of transportation energy systems, and thoughtfully develop
  • So reject this tax, encourage diversification of transportation energy systems, and thoughtfully develop
  • So reject this tax, encourage diversification of transportation energy systems, and thoughtfully develop
  • So reject this tax, encourage diversification of transportation energy systems, and thoughtfully develop
Bills: HF2438
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 4/11/25

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have a department of transportation.
  • We have a department<01:50:57.280> of department of department of transportation.<01:50:59.440
  • Um the Department<02:04:04.320> of<02:04:04.560> Transportation Department of Transportation
  • He says a good transportation bill funds all modes and aspects of transportation.
  • And given our aspects of transportation.
Bills: HF2438
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 4/10/25

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • > the department of transportation, the department of transportation, the metropolitan<00:21:32.640
  • reflect agreements between the Department of Transportation and local units of government to transfer
  • centralization of department of centralization of department of transportation<00:49:46.720>
  • Chair and members, then on page 99, Section 76 directs the Department of Transportation to arrange for
  • Chair and members, then on page 99, Section 76 directs the Department of Transportation to arrange for
Bills: HF2438
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Finance May 27th, 2026

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • And like I said, this is the only way in and out of our parish.
  • of us, but it'd be great to get this out of committee and just get it on the floor, and we'll just see
  • Vinay from the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, to talk about the fiscal note.
  • Then it allows the LSU Ag Center to work with the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to identify
  • are coming through, and it's hundreds of millions of dollars.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Feb 12th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • On relief of the State of Danielle Maudsley by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Senator
  • On relief of the State of Danielle Maudsley by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Senator
  • Under the pilot program, the Department of Commerce and the Department of Children and Families must
  • Under the pilot program, the Department of Commerce and the Department of Children and Families must
  • Legata by the Department of Transportation by Senator McLean.
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard several bills and reported most of them favorably. The first major measure, CS/SB 1220, was described as a broad transportation package expanding FDOT authority over trails, seaports, aviation, advanced air mobility, delivery devices, and related technology, while also addressing toll revenue use, autonomous vehicle penalties, digital driver licenses, and an FDOT study on alternative-fuel vehicles. An amendment narrowed some provisions, including local regulation of personal delivery devices and FDOT airport language. Senator Smith and others raised concerns about language involving FDOT assistance to local governments on federal grant applications, but the bill passed unanimously after support from industry and local-government appearance cards. The committee also approved SB 1112, the Labor Pool Act, which would prohibit labor pools from charging placement fees when workers are hired permanently by a third-party employer and require annual registration with the Department of Commerce. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce barriers to full-time employment, improve oversight, and help returning citizens and low-wage workers; multiple witnesses testified in support, including labor advocates and individuals describing high placement fees. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s worker and reentry benefits, and it passed unanimously. The committee then favorably reported SB 2, a claims bill for the estate of Danielle Maudsley arising from a fatal FHP arrest incident and settlement, and SB 26, another claims bill providing relief for the estate of Mark Legata after alleged FDOT negligence. Senate Bill 1352 on motor vehicles also passed without opposition. It would create a secure online portal for license plate seizure processing, allow disabled veterans to retain their DV plate designation upon reissuance or transfer, ban license plate covers and similar devices that obscure plates, and route certain online driver license and ID transactions through county tax collectors. SB 1192, a customer service pilot requiring callback queues for certain calls to the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families, was likewise reported favorably to improve response times and reduce hold times. The most extensive debate centered on CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a new process for very large developments on 10,000-acre or larger parcels if the owner sets aside 60% of the land for conservation or reserve uses. Supporters said it was intended to promote long-range planning, preserve land, and provide certainty for infrastructure and services, while opponents from counties, planning groups, and environmental organizations argued it would preempt local land-use authority, weaken public participation, and allow conservation requirements to be too vague. An amendment added more detail, but concerns remained about administrative approval, timelines, and the definition of reserve areas. Despite opposition from some members, the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote. SB 1670 was temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after recording one member’s vote on SB 1220.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Governmental Oversight and Accountability Jan 20th, 2026

Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Transcript Highlights:
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
  • Suicides and overdoses are now a part of it.
  • And then we have Stephanie King. Good afternoon, Chair and members of the committee.
  • because of the importance it is for your well-being and for your quality of life.
  • Lots of great bills, and I'm excited to see our first responders here and to do something in honor of
Bills: S0774, S7028, S7024, S7026
Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met and first heard Senate Bill 774, which would extend workers’ compensation medical benefits for employment-related mental or nervous injuries to 911 public safety telecommunicators, even without a physical injury. The sponsor and several dispatchers, a clinician, and communications directors testified in support, describing repeated exposure to traumatic calls, chronic understaffing, and the need for mental health treatment and retention support. Senator DiCeglie and Chair Mayfield praised dispatchers’ work, and the bill was reported favorably by committee vote, with Senator McClain later recorded as voting yes on the bill. The committee then took up SPB 7028, a retirement bill that sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2026, leaves the 3% employee contribution unchanged, allows certain elected officers to receive a DROP payout under specified conditions, and provides a 1.5% alternative cost-of-living adjustment for eligible special risk retirees. Firefighters, police, sheriffs, and chiefs’ groups spoke in support, emphasizing recruitment and retention. The committee voted to submit the proposal as a committee bill and reported it favorably. Finally, the committee considered SPB 7024 and SPB 7026, both open-government-related bills. SPB 7024 would repeal the current public records and public meeting exemption for cybersecurity information and consolidate agency-specific cybersecurity exemptions into one agency-wide exemption. SPB 7026 would repeal the current public records exemption for trade secrets held by an agency and similarly consolidate specific trade secret exemptions into one agency-wide exemption. Neither bill drew testimony or debate, and both were submitted as committee bills and reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 - March 27, 2020

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aYEehoj9WA, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Today's meeting is also being broadcast with closed captioning on ‘Olelo Community Media's channel 55 and on the online stream: http://olelo.granicus.com/player/event/5588?view_id=13 Just press the CC button when you hover your mouse over the video screen. Meeting of the Special Committee Senate State of Hawaii COVID-19 Friday, March 27, 2020 Agenda The special committee will convene to assess and advise the Senate regarding the State of Hawaii's COVID-19 plans and procedures to include, but not limited to: 1) Confirm the development of the state departmental plans and procedures; 2) Review and assess current state departmental plans and procedures; 3) Review and assess whether state departmental plans and procedures are properly and timely implemented to safeguard public health and safety; and 4) To communicate and disseminate information obtained therefrom. The special committee will be meeting with the following: 11:00 a.m. Federal Stimulus Package Senator Brian Schatz, U.S. Senate 11:30 a.m. Office of the Governor Ms. Linda C. Takayama, Chief of Staff 12:00 p.m. Department of Transportation Deputy Director Derek Chow, Harbors Division Deputy Director Ross Higashi, Airports Division 12:45 p.m. Department of the Attorney General Attorney General Clare E. Connors Department of Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda 2:00 p.m. Healthcare Industry Dr. Jim Ireland, Medical Director for Department of Transportation Dr. Elizabeth E. Char, Medical Physician 2:30 p.m. Department of Health Dr. Bruce Anderson, Director Dr. Sarah Park Dr. Edward Desmond, State Laboratories Division Administrator 4:00 p.m. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency Adjutant General Kenneth Hara, Incident Commander, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 2/23/26

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • at as pedestrian and transportation safety here in the state of Minnesota.
  • transit-oriented development, the Department of Transportation is bringing together a project that is
  • However, this is largely prohibited by our current Department of Transportation state aid standards and
  • <00:13:35.440> and Transportation state aid standards and Transportation state aid standards and
  • And I'm tired of that. ruined it for me. And I'm tired of that.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Administrative Rules REVISED: Links Added Apr 28th, 2026

Administrative Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • H.J.R. 1092 is one of the items that we pulled out of the business and commerce.
  • We pulled it out of the business and commerce.
  • The amendment essentially pulls out one of the rules of one of our committee members, and I don't know
  • We'll address all of that and try and talk through concerns and worries that you guys might have.
  • We'll address all of that and try to talk through concerns and worries that you guys might have.
Summary: The committee took up several joint resolutions dealing with agency rules. H.J.R. 1090, approving energy- and agriculture-related agency rules, was adopted and passed 10-0. H.J.R. 1091, covering business and commerce rules, was also adopted and passed 10-0. H.J.R. 1092, which had been split out from the business and commerce packet because of a reported $10 million cost impact on one business, was adopted after discussions with regulators about delaying remodeling requirements and addressing safety concerns; it passed unanimously. H.J.R. 1093, approving health-related agency rules, passed 11-0, with some Oklahoma Health Care Authority major rules noted as being handled separately in the Senate. The committee then discussed H.C.R. 1094, a major rule from the Long-Range Capital Planning Commission. Members raised concerns that the agency’s rule impact statement contained errors, incorrect notice and hearing information, and an incomplete economic analysis. After debate over whether the resolution could be amended or had to be accepted or rejected as a whole, the committee voted 11-0 that it did not pass. The committee then considered H.J.R. 1095 with an amendment to specifically disapprove a proposed permanent rule change by the Long-Range Capital Planning Commission that would have allowed the commission to ignore its own rules in the “best interest of the state.” The amendment was adopted 11-1, and the resolution as amended passed. At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked members and staff for their work and said the committee would try to move the resolutions to the floor on Thursday, with another meeting likely needed to address additional major rules coming from the Senate. A committee member also suggested a brief educational review of a prior procedural issue at a future meeting, and the chair agreed to discuss broader concerns about the administrative rules process in a later wrap-up.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on Transportation Funding Mar 31st, 2025

S/C on Transportation Funding

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and we support the development of passenger and freight rail projects in
  • So what this bill does is single out one company and one form of transportation, intercity high-speed
  • The investment in and development of land along a 240-mile swath of Texas has been chilled.
  • These kinds of projects include light rail, public transportation, and shared-use paths.
  • of transportation.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Transportation May 7th, 2026

Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is a meeting of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Public Works.
  • the Department of Transportation because some of the federal money is tied to that.
  • And what this bill does is it allows the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, through the Office
  • It’s authorized the Department of Transportation to enter into contracts for the operation and maintenance
  • endeavor agreement, That if the Department of Agriculture and Forestry would, through a cooperative
Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation and Public Works met with five members present and approved the April 29, 2026 minutes. The committee then heard and favorably reported several bills, including HB 1233, which lowers the contract threshold for hospital service districts to use the Seymours program for certain hospital construction projects, and HB 715, which requires aerial applicators operating from public airports to have a transponder and radio; an amendment removing language about airport use of ADS-B data for fees was adopted after sponsors said the issue would be handled in another bill. HB 999 was reported favorably to allow impoundment of out-of-state vehicles operated in Louisiana without liability insurance, and HB 692 was amended to let parishes and municipalities use group purchasing organizations, with a narrowing amendment limiting one-source procurements and assurances that local bidders would not be disadvantaged. The committee also advanced HB 511, creating a grant program for pursuit intervention technology in response to officer safety concerns, and HB 590, which would let OMV issue specialized envelopes or notices for drivers with autism or other disabilities so officers are alerted during traffic stops. HB 503 was reported favorably after a local cleanup change to a golf cart bill for Golden Meadow, and HB 655 was approved to let DOTD use cost-plus contracts for operation and maintenance of state-owned ferries. HB 748 clarified that school board-owned or leased vehicles are exempt from tolls, and HB 860 would allow fillable electronic bids for local government procurement. Later, the committee approved HB 896, a major tolling-related cleanup bill for Plaquemines Parish that addresses customer service center access, administrative fees, and exemptions, with members and local officials criticizing the toll structure and its impact on the parish. HB 1000 was reported favorably as a cleanup measure tied to highway priority program reporting and local district contract limits. HB 887 established a more consistent scoring and ranking process for Seymour projects, with an amendment to avoid conflict with changing FAA grant rules. HB 888, a cleanup bill on temporary tags, was amended with added security features and then reported favorably. HB 1086, a broad electronic title and registration modernization bill, received a lengthy amendment set but was voluntarily held over for a week so members could review the new language. The committee also advanced HB 776 to expand the Port Priority Program to larger projects, with amendments clarifying flexibility and removing private projects from the bill. HB 707 was reported favorably to let the Department of Agriculture and Forestry handle promotional activities for the liquefied petroleum gas commission through a cooperative endeavor agreement. HB 868, a farm safety bill requiring safety chains or other manufacturer-specified equipment on trailers, was reported favorably after testimony about a fatal accident and assurances it would not change engineering standards beyond existing manufacturer requirements. Finally, HB 856 was amended to authorize indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting for DOTD maintenance and construction work, then reported favorably, and the committee later corrected the record on HB 856 by reconsidering and withdrawing one technical amendment set so further floor cleanup could be made. The meeting adjourned without objection.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Transportation May 7th, 2026

Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is a meeting of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Public Works.
  • the Department of Transportation because some of the federal money is tied to that.
  • And what this bill does is it allows the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, through...
  • It’s authorized the Department of Transportation to enter into contracts for the operation and maintenance
  • The transportation used to transport people with disabilities and things of that sort.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation and Public Works met with five members present and approved the April 29, 2026 minutes. The committee then heard and reported a series of bills, including HB 1233, which lowers the contract threshold for hospital service districts using the Seymours program; HB 715, requiring aerial applicators operating from public airports to have transponders and radios and removing proposed ADS-B fee restrictions in favor of separate legislation; and HB 999, allowing impoundment of uninsured out-of-state vehicles. It also advanced HB 692 to let parishes and municipalities use group purchasing organizations, with an added sole-source procurement amendment for certain repairs and parts, and HB 511 to create a pursuit-intervention technology grant program, using a technical amendment to establish the fund structure. The committee also reported HB 590, creating a program to help law enforcement identify drivers with autism or other mental/physical disabilities through special envelopes and related notice technology; HB 503, a local bill cleaning up golf cart and utility terrain vehicle definitions in Golden Meadow; HB 655, authorizing DOTD cost-plus contracts for state-owned ferries; HB 748, clarifying that school board-owned or leased vehicles are exempt from tolls; HB 860, allowing fillable electronic bids; HB 896, addressing tolling rules and fees in Plaquemines Parish and requiring a nearby customer service center; and HB 1000, a cleanup bill on highway priority program reporting and local district contract limits. Later, the committee reported HB 887, which establishes a more consistent scoring and ranking framework for certain procurement processes, and HB 888, a cleanup bill on temporary tags and temporary license plates with added anti-counterfeiting and safety features. HB 1086, a major overhaul moving Louisiana toward a fully electronic vehicle title and lien system, was amended but voluntarily held for a week so members could review the extensive new language. The committee also reported HB 776, expanding port priority funding to larger projects and allowing flexibility in annual amounts, HB 707, shifting LPG commission promotional work to Agriculture and Forestry, HB 868, requiring safety chains or other manufacturer-specified safety equipment on farm trailers, HB 856, authorizing indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting for DOTD maintenance and construction work, HB 345, adding rail infrastructure at ports to the rail improvement program, and HB 685, allowing transit agencies to use FAST Act cooperative procurement for buses and other rolling stock. At the end, the committee corrected its action on HB 856 by reconsidering and withdrawing the technical amendment set 2332 for later floor work, while leaving the bill reported with the department’s substantive amendments.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

TRS-EIG, TRS Public Hearings 02-05-2026

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm Lola Irvin with the Department of Health, and the Department of Health supports this bill and we
  • City and County of Honolulu DOT, Department of Transportation. Okay.
  • > of Honolulu DOT, Department of Honolulu DOT, Department of Transportation.
  • <00:54:37.440> So the department of transportation. So the department of transportation.
  • > stand department of transportation you stand department of transportation you stand in<01:13:40.719
Summary: The committees heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 2356, relating to parking, drew support from the Office of Planning, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Appleseed Center, Realtors, and the Hawaii Bicycling League. Members discussed the bill in the context of the planned stadium-area mixed-use development, with questions about whether parking would be built in structures rather than as large surface lots. Senators expressed support and noted the measure’s broader housing and parking-reduction goals, but no vote was taken during the hearing. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2699, which would create a fare-free youth transit program, a special fund, annual evaluations, and appropriations tied to the environmental, energy, and food security tax. The Attorney General’s office raised technical concerns about whether the special fund met statutory requirements. The Department of Education and Department of Health supported the bill, as did the City and County of Honolulu DOT, Appleseed Center, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Hawaii Bicycling League, Our Children’s Trust, and numerous youth testifiers. Supporters emphasized reduced family transportation costs, better school attendance, improved health and mobility, and environmental benefits. One senator raised emergency-planning concerns about how children using free transit would be handled during events like tsunamis; DOT and DOE responded that emergency procedures are being developed. The chair said the committee would work on language changes, including a delayed effective date to July 2027, and defer decision-making until the 12th. The final measure discussed was SB 2470, which would require leading pedestrian intervals, accessible pedestrian signals, and other safety improvements at state-controlled intersections, and create a process for community requests for accessible pedestrian signals. Appleseed Center, the Hawaii Association of the Blind, and the Disability Rights Center supported the bill, citing pedestrian safety, reduced collisions, and the need for audible cues for blind and low-vision pedestrians. Testifiers urged a phased-in approach that prioritizes high-traffic intersections. The hearing ended with the bill still under consideration and no final vote announced.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Aeronautics and Transportation Feb 9th, 2026 at 10:00 am

Aeronautics and Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • of Veterans Affairs, and two, if you're wanting to go to the Department of Veterans Affairs to that
  • through the Tax Commission and through the Department of Public Service.
  • the registrations of motorcycles and mopeds?
  • And part of that is related to the Operation of the agency.
  • Members, a high school classmate of mine who works for the Department of Transportation was hit and lost
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EEP Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 9:45 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • First to testify, we have the Department of Transportation, Ed Sniffen, in support on Zoom.
  • of Agriculture and from the Department of Agriculture and asked<00:36:38.480> many<00:36:38.840
  • And for the better part of six years, we’ve been developing innovative ways to address some of Hawaii
  • House Bill 2030, relating to transportation affordability, requires the Department of Transportation
  • Laura Kaakua for the Hawaii Department of Transportation.
Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on three measures related to cleaner fuels. On HB 1986, which would require the Department of Transportation to adopt rules for a clean fuel standard by January 1, 2028 and include reporting and public informational sessions, testimony was largely supportive from state commissions, fuel companies, airlines, and other industry and advocacy groups. Supporters said the bill would create a long-term framework for reducing emissions and developing cleaner fuels in Hawaii. Opposition came from Energy Justice Network, which argued that so-called clean fuels are not carbon-free, would be costly, and could delay a needed transition to electrification. The department later said it was monitoring the bill and was concerned about costs. No vote or final action was taken in the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1694, a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit bill that would provide a per-gallon credit for SAF, cap annual credits at $20 million, require reporting, and sunset in 2035. The Department of Taxation testified on administration, while the Department of Transportation said it supported the measure as a short-term strategy to jump-start SAF until the clean fuel standard ramps up. Airlines, fuel companies, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, and others supported the bill, saying it would send a market signal, help close the cost gap with conventional jet fuel, and encourage local production and investment. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network, Life of the Land, and Ted Metros, argued the bill would be expensive, could lock in a transitional fuel system, and would not produce enough fuel to meet demand. Committee members asked about the likely impact and the share of total fuel demand the credit could support; DOT said the supported gallons would be only a very small percentage of annual demand and that the credit was intended to work alongside the future clean fuel standard. Finally, the committee took up HB 1695 HD1 on renewable fuel, which expands the renewable fuels production tax credit. Testimony was again mixed but generally supportive from the Department of Transportation, Department of Taxation, Island Energy Services, airlines, the Tax Foundation, Pana Pacific, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters said the measure would encourage local feedstock production, create agricultural opportunities, and help attract investment in renewable fuels. Pana Pacific requested an amendment to explicitly include camelina in the definition of renewable feedstocks. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network and Life of the Land, repeated concerns about cost, imported feedstocks, and the risk of undermining full electrification goals. The hearing transcript does not show any vote or final committee action on HB 1694 or HB 1695 HD1.
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House State Government Committee Feb 18th, 2026

State Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's where the Department of Revenue fuel contractors and sellers have to have a bond, and every five
  • It's where the Department of Revenue fuel contractors and sellers have to have a bond, and every five
  • And so this is sort of representatives. And so this is sort of an<00:11:33.120> update.
  • is part of the Miss America program and is part of the Miss America program and it<00:16:57.199>
  • I've been a part of this as a volunteer, and so I know the quality of these individuals and I know how
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/29/2026 - House Rural Economic Development

Rural Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • So there are a lot of reasons we need to increase, develop, and build our broadband.
  • At the end of the day, and as the Madam Chair for... ...the end of the day, and as what the Madam Chair
  • Arizona Department of Transportation for county transportation projects.
  • Arizona Department of Transportation for county transportation projects.
  • of a rural business and workforce hub, rural infrastructure revitalization, and development of a rural
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • > of<00:01:44.120> solar And authorizes the development of solar And authorizes the development
  • DOE, DOH, Department of Corrections and Rehab, Department of Defense, and UH to ensure that 30% of the
  • Requires the Department of Ag and Biosecurity to develop a nutrition and ʻāina-based program for integration
  • <00:32:10.880> and the Department of Corrections and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
  • Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.
Bills: SB2706, SB2320
Summary: The committees first heard SB 2371, which would prioritize lease offers on agrivoltaics parcels for beginning farmers, require annual compliance reports to DAB, authorize penalties for noncompliance, and allow solar facilities on certain agricultural lands. DAB, the State Energy Office, PUC, and Hawaii Farm Bureau generally supported the intent, while OPPSD recommended amendments to preserve agricultural lease affordability and strengthen food-production language. Members questioned whether the bill would meaningfully encourage solar on ag lands, whether beginning farmers would have enough information to use such parcels, and how the bill would interact with Land Use Commission review. The Farm Bureau said agrivoltaics remains challenging and largely in pilot form, and noted the Mililani project as a promising example of dual use. The committees voted to pass SB 2371 with amendments, with one member expressing a preference that it be opened to all farmers rather than only beginning farmers. The next measure, SB 2800, appropriates funds to DAB, DLNR, and ADC for acquisition, repair, and maintenance of irrigation systems. All testifying agencies and the Farm Bureau supported the bill, and members pressed them for estimates of needed funding and the condition of existing systems. DAB cited major repair needs, including Waimea, Molokai, Kahuku, and Kawailoa, and said its backlog could total roughly $65 million; ADC estimated about $35 million for several systems; and DLNR said its current needs for three systems were about $35 million, with the largest cost tied to piping in Kekaha. The committees amended the bill to defer its effective date to July 1, 2050 and to blank out the appropriation amounts in the bill text, with the agencies’ requested amounts to be included in the committee report for consideration. SB 2800 then passed in AEN, Water and Land, and EIG. The final measure discussed was SB 2718, a food hub pilot program beginning in 2028 that would require state departments and UH to source 30% of certain food purchases from local agricultural products, create a nutrition- and ʻāina-based school program, and have DAT partner with a regional aggregator for Native Hawaiian staple crops. DAT, DOH, the Farm Bureau, Food Plus Policy Group, HAPA, and others supported the bill’s intent, while the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation opposed it, saying it is already struggling to meet the current local procurement percentage and faces procurement and quantity barriers, especially for staple items used daily. The testimony focused on whether agencies could realistically meet the higher local purchasing target and whether smaller farms could supply the needed volumes.