Transcript Highlights:

• They basically told the people that live around the lake and live in those areas. around the lake and
• So, I had some color copies of the lake on the north end of the lake.
• All we've got is a video of what they showed us in a lake similar to Big Creek Lake in Birmingham.
• This is a very important lake. I believe he didn't get any approval. ... lake.
• For a 3600-acre lake that has been our lake for 70 years, that's too much power for one man.

Bills: HB352, HB366, SB272, SB296

Keywords: HB352, cotton, cotton bale assessment, cotton levy, cotton producers, agriculture, forestry, Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee, per bale fee, commodity assessment, producer referendum, cotton sales tax, Alabama Code 2-8-199, cotton commission, agricultural funding, HB366, Lakyn Canine Act, police dog, K9, K-9

Transcript Highlights:

• Roseau Lake is a historic, shallow lake basin that was ditched and drained in the early 1900s.
• So are the lakes frozen up there? Still Lake of the Woods be frozen for a long time yet.
• So are the lakes frozen up there? Still Lake of the Woods be frozen for a long time yet.
• Lake.
• I live on a lake in that state.

Transcript Highlights:

• So Devil's Lake naturally spills into Stump Lake at the elevation of 1446.5, and then Stump Lake began
• Furthermore, water in Stump Lake has more sulfates than the water in western Devils Lake.
• So we cannot drain into Devils Lake. You cannot build new drains into Devils Lake...
• So why is Devils Lake Basin unique? Devils Lake is not a rivering watershed basin.
• And we live right by a little lake that drains into another lake that drains into Devil's Lake.

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and opening remarks from NDSU President David Stewart, who emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission of statewide service through teaching, research, and extension. He highlighted the university’s role in agriculture, water, soil health, and community outreach, and pointed to examples of research commercialization such as Lilac Agriculture’s work on nitrogen-fixing microbes for crops. He also said he is still early in his tenure and intends to spend time listening and learning across the state. The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study estimated that North Dakota could develop about 1.3 million additional irrigated acres, with major potential in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau. Testimony stressed the economic benefits of irrigation for crop yields, value-added processing, dairy, and potato production, while members also discussed water availability, aquifers, downstream water use, and the need for more flexible permitting. The drainage portion of the study found significant economic benefits from legal drains, and staff explained that the impacts were calculated through increased productivity and related input purchases. Greg Lardy then gave NDSU’s required agriculture update, saying agriculture accounts for more than $41 billion in annual economic activity, one in five jobs, and about 25 percent of state GDP. He reviewed the role of SBAR, the statewide research-extension network, new crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI and weather-network tools, and Extension’s county partnerships and youth programs. He also outlined NDSU’s priorities for the next session: restoring proposed budget cuts, increasing operating support, and addressing deferred maintenance. Members asked about storage shed construction, NDSU’s relationship with Grand Farm, and whether NDSU could help with water-related research tied to drainage and aquifers. The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor on water and data centers, who described graduate fellowships, a water workforce certificate program, and research on data center cooling, water use, and “Legendary Harvest” concepts that would reuse waste heat for greenhouse or aquaculture production. Questions focused on whether the cooling systems were closed-loop, who would own any related production facilities, and whether the project was still only a feasibility study. Finally, North Dakota AgTech described its NSF-funded “engine” project, saying it has brought millions in federal investment to the state, supported startups and on-farm trials, and is focused on commercialization, workforce development, and helping producers lower input costs and improve profitability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lake County in general, but I am the executive director at Lake Technical College, which is Florida's
• education in Lake County.
• Secondly, Lake Works, which is an innovative program that brings together Lake County Schools, Lake Technical
• This creative space will house joint programs offered by Lake Tech and Lake Sumter State College, in
• This is a collaborative alliance between Lake County Schools, Lake Technical College, and Lake Sumter

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee heard a panel discussion focused on how Florida schools and colleges are exposing students to in-demand careers in manufacturing, semiconductors, transportation, and related fields, and how they are building pathways from middle school through postsecondary training. Panelists from Seminole County Public Schools, Lake Technical College/Lake County Schools, and St. Petersburg College described their career academies, dual enrollment options, industry certifications, and partnerships with employers, local governments, and state colleges. They emphasized early career awareness, counseling, and parent outreach as key to helping students understand technical education as a viable and prestigious path. Seminole County highlighted 51 career and professional education academies and new offerings in agricultural biotechnology, global finance, firefighting, and planned aerospace engineering. Lake County described Lake Technical College’s programs, strong completion and placement outcomes, and three partnerships: a flexible-day high school/workforce model at Lincoln Park Education Center, the Lake Works pathway collaboration with Lake Sumter State College, and a Transportation Innovation Hub with the City of Tavares that trains students on municipal vehicles and serves multiple local governments. St. Petersburg College discussed its manufacturing and engineering technology programs, including semiconductor processing, mechatronics, soldering, and clean-room training, along with new grant-funded expansion at its Midtown campus. Members asked about wages, the semiconductor workforce, how to change perceptions of technical education, how parents are engaged, and how Bright Futures CAPE and Gold Seal scholarships are communicated. Witnesses said school counselors, CTE teachers, parent nights, and district communications are used to promote these options, and that many students can earn strong wages through short-term certifications or two-year degrees. Lake Technical College also raised concerns about workforce funding not keeping pace with teacher pay increases and inflation, noting that funding covers only about 80% of what it earns and tuition has remained unchanged for 18 years. The meeting ended with members praising the programs, and the subcommittee adjourned without any vote or formal action beyond rising and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So Devil's Lake naturally spills into Stump Lake at the elevation of 1446.5, and then Stump Lake began
• Furthermore, water in Stump Lake has more sulfates than the water in western Devil's Lake.
• So we cannot drain into Devil's Lake. You cannot build new drains into Devil's Lake.
• So why is Devil's Lake basin unique? Devil's Lake is not a rivering watershed basin.
• And we live right by a little lake that drains into another lake that drains into Devils Lake.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:13.280> are<00:17:13.520> becoming our lakes and rivers are becoming our lakes
• So support the New Hampshire Lakes Association.
• So support the New Hampshire Lakes Association.
• They're not just for lakes anymore.
• <00:28:02.640> as used for management plans for lakes as used for management plans for lakes

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• amounts of improvements in in our lakes amounts of improvements in in our lakes in<00:31:29.159>
• toxic blooms threatening Northern Lakes toxic blooms threatening Northern Lakes and<00:31:46.360
• Alice uh this project has been in Lake Alice uh this project has been in that<00:32:26.799> Lake<
• It's a completely different lake.
• is showing positive results on the lake is showing positive results on the lake and<01:04:20.039

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, our lake bed, I think I had mentioned the lake bed.
• But there's something unique about the lake that has been adverse. something unique about the lake that
• Spirit Lake, Minnewaukan, that's our lake.
• You know, I think this lake, for example, Spirit Lake, is one of the most beautiful and precious bodies
• Issues that are pertaining to the lake by Hurricane Lake, and that's a... however, because we went to

Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and first heard welcoming remarks and introductions from tribal leaders and program directors. Chairwoman Street and other tribal representatives outlined a range of concerns and requests for state action, including taxation of reservation lands, support for non-beneficiary students at the tribal school, homelessness funding, Indian-managed health care, gaming and e-tabs, Feather Alert improvements, industrial farming near waterways, tourism, and better state-tribal consultation. Committee members responded that the meeting was intended to improve understanding and communication, and several members suggested future legislation or resolutions could be used to advance some of the issues. The tribe also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to legislators and staff. A major portion of the discussion focused on Spirit Lake fish and wildlife jurisdiction and the lake boundary. Tribal representatives asked for an MOU or co-stewardship agreement with the state to clarify hunting and fishing rights, recognize tribal licenses, and reduce recurring disputes over “gray areas” on the reservation and lake. Committee members discussed whether to draft a bill or resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and asked that North Dakota Game and Fish be invited to a future meeting. Related concerns included aquatic nuisance species prevention, with both sides agreeing that more aggressive boat inspection and cleaning measures would be beneficial. The committee also discussed taxation and county relations. Tribal leaders raised concerns about county resistance to fee-to-trust transfers and about property and vehicle taxation affecting members living on or near reservation lands. Committee members and tribal counsel reviewed federal treaty principles and court cases, and one member noted that the committee had previously taken no formal action on similar issues. Later, Benson County’s tax equalization director explained how the county values taxable land, handles inundated land applications, and tracks land coming off the tax rolls when the tribe repurchases acreage. The discussion ended with a presentation from the president of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, followed by an HHS presentation on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion as the committee moved to its next topic.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, our lake bed, I think I had mentioned the lake bed according to a recent—not recent, I will say
• Spirit Lake, Minnewakan, that's our lake.
• You know, I think this lake, for example, Spirit Lake, is one of the most beautiful and precious bodies
• Issues that are pertaining to the lake by Hurricane Lake, and that's a concern, because we went to the
• As the years progress, the Spirit Lake Tribe, Spirit Lake Nation, has bought some of that acreage back

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, our lake bed—I think I had mentioned the lake bed according to a recent, not recent, I will say
• A discussion also about the MOU, a potential MOU with the lake bed, and most recently the Spirit Lake
• Is that the main issue for the water, for the lake? ...for the water, for the lake?
• But there's something unique about the lake that has been adverse. something unique about the lake that
• You know, Spirit Lake, Minnewaukan, that's our lake.

Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and heard an extended discussion with Spirit Lake tribal leaders and program directors about government-to-government relations with the state. Chairwoman Street and others outlined a number of concerns and requests, including taxation of tribal and trust lands, state school support for non-beneficiary students, homelessness services, Indian-managed health care, gaming/e-tabs, the Feather Alert system, industrial farming near waterways, tourism and cultural issues, and the need for more consistent tribal consultation. Committee members responded that many of these issues had previously been passed along without direct action, and several members emphasized the committee’s role in education, communication, and preparing possible legislation or resolutions for the next session. Tribal representatives also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to help legislators better understand tribal jurisdiction and billing issues. A major portion of the meeting focused on Spirit Lake Fish and Wildlife concerns, especially jurisdictional “gray areas” around hunting and fishing on the reservation, recognition of tribal licenses, and the boundary of the reservation around Spirit Lake/Devils Lake. Tribal officials said they wanted a co-stewardship agreement or MOU with the state to clarify jurisdiction, improve cooperation, and address invasive species and aquatic nuisance species. Committee members discussed whether to draft legislation or a resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and they asked for further input from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at a future meeting. The committee also discussed county involvement in land status changes and trust land issues, with Spirit Lake leaders describing a past Benson County resolution that tried to block fee-to-trust transfers and saying it was later rescinded. The committee then heard from Benson County tax equalization director Randy Thompson, who explained how the county values land and handles tax-exempt, inundated, and fee-to-trust parcels. Members asked about the impact of tax-exempt lands on county services and discussed prior legislation that helped counties with large tax-exempt bases. The committee also received a presentation from Dr. Steven Smith of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, including support for non-beneficiary students and workforce training. Members asked about expanding tribal college education into correctional settings, and Smith said the idea was worth exploring through the tribal college system. Finally, HHS interim medical services director Christoph Framing presented remotely on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion, explaining current state funding mechanisms for inpatient and residential behavioral health services and the bill draft directing HHS to pursue a waiver for IMD payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:02.239> bed water in a substrate on the lake bed water in a substrate on the lake bed
• I am from Leech Lake Nation.
• I am an Inishab mother, Lake Nation.
• and the next generations. on Leech Lake. and the next generations. on Leech Lake.
• but we are sister tribes with Red Lake. but we are sister tribes with Red Lake.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Many lakes, including our most popular large walleye lakes, have special regulations that limit the sizes
• lakes uh here in the state of Minnesota. lakes uh here in the state of Minnesota.
• c> walley<00:05:05.040> lakes,<00:05:05.759> have most popular large walley lakes,
• Designated trout stream lakes and those supporting lake trout may need to be revisited for their limits
• I used to be the large lake biologist for Leech Lake, and I believe the sustainable number there was

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Most lake property owners, we are all in for protecting the lakes we love.
• runoff into the waters and the lakes. runoff into the waters and the lakes.
• lake lake assessment program volunteer lake lake assessment program um<00:33:31.320> VLAP<00:
• New Hampshire lakes.
• with the little lake here? with the little lake here?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• course multiple uh lake related bills. course multiple uh lake related bills.
• Um, last year we did not have lake.
• This is not a big lake, so surfers.
• that New Hampshire Lakes runs.
• Patrol is on my lake all the time?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent 11 cities over in the Lake Minnetonka area.
• I represent 11 cities over in the Lake Minnetonka area.
• during winter months on our frozen lakes during winter months on our frozen lakes and<00:04:23.840
• Were you actually on a lake? Did you catch something? Mr.
• Leech Lake this weekend uh perch fishing Leech Lake this weekend uh perch fishing perch<00:07:41.720>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 1120, the follow-up “Keep It Clean” bill from Representative Andrew Myers, which would create grant funding for local governments and organizations to improve garbage removal and related clean-water programs, especially around frozen lakes and winter recreation areas. Myers said the earlier Keep It Clean effort to enforce litter laws on frozen lakes had already reduced garbage in the water, and he framed this bill as a way to expand that success with additional resources. Testifier Robin Dwight of the Upper Red Lake Area Association and Keep It Clean Coalition described growing problems with trash and human waste on ice, said the coalition now has 60 members representing more than 10,000 lakes, and explained that local programs use dumpsters and separation systems to manage waste. Tom Johnson of the MPCA and Assistant Commissioner Bob Myers of the DNR both testified in support, saying improper disposal of human and solid waste is a real and growing problem and that the public education campaign has changed behavior on the ice. Members asked about the bill’s results and funding needs. Representative Pelz asked for more context on the coalition’s impact, and Dwight said the group has been active for about three years and recently launched a survey to gather more data on infrastructure needs for wheelhouse users. Representative Fiser asked what dollar amount would be needed, and Myers said the bill seeks general fund dollars, with a rough ideal range of one to two million dollars, though he emphasized he wanted to work with the committee on the final amount and funding mechanism. The discussion also noted a second related bill with a $10 wheelhouse fee as another possible funding option. No opposition testimony was presented. After discussion, the chair renewed the motion to lay over House File 1120 for possible inclusion in a future bill, and the bill was laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lake Elmo is involved with a Lake Elmo.
• harm the lake, the White Bear Lake harm the lake, the White Bear Lake ecosystem.<00:14:22.880>
• than Lake Elmo is, but Lake Elmo is limited because of that five-mile number.
• than Lake Elmo is, but Lake Elmo is limited because of that five-mile number.
• than Lake Elmo is, but Lake Elmo is limited because of that five-mile number.

Bills: HF1531, HF4017, HF3399, HF4146, HF4019, HF3677

Keywords: crossbow, crossbow hunting, archery season, deer hunting, bear hunting, turkey hunting, fishing, common carp, rough fish, game and fish, wildlife management, hunting license, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, sunset clause, expiration removal, archery equipment, outdoor recreation, infectious waste, pathological waste

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a student at Red Lake Nation College. My family is Red Lake.
• I am a student at Red Lake Nation College. My family is Red Lake.
• I am a student at Red Lake Nation College. My family is Red Lake.
• at Red Lake.
• I am Bear Clan from the Red Lake Nation. I'm Red Lake enrolled.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• private landowner lake.
• do with fish that are in their own Lake do with fish that are in their own Lake for<00:08:32.200
• or any other private limit in my lake or any other private landowner<00:09:07.399> Lake<00:09
• They stocked them in Carpenters Lake, and that lake feeds directly into the Ohio River.
• They stocked them in Carpenters Lake, and that lake feeds directly into the Ohio River.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 01:45 SB 245 Discussion 02:20 SB 245 Roll Call Vote 04:12 SB 112 Discussion 05:25 SB 8 Discussion 25:20, 958, all

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting and then took up Senate Bill 245, which would give the legislature more authority to review appointments to the Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission and clarify language about commissioners serving before confirmation. The sponsor said the bill was meant to allow a deeper background review and prevent unconfirmed appointees from voting on budget matters. The bill was adopted with a sub and title amendment, and Senator Boswell explained his yes vote as a way to ensure timely and proper confirmation votes in the future. The committee then discussed Senate Bill 112, concerning fishing on privately owned lakes and ponds. Senator Boswell argued that landowners should be able to fish on their own property without a license and should control fish harvest on private waters, while still requiring permission for others to fish. Commissioner Rich Storm opposed the proposal, saying landowners already may fish on their property, warning that the bill could reduce fishing-license revenue and federal grant support, and noting the department’s work stocking fish, maintaining access, and funding conservation programs. Senator Webb said he was exploring possible compromise language, and other members raised concerns about pay lakes, youth access, and potential abuse of exemptions. Boswell ultimately withdrew the bill voluntarily, and the committee agreed not to vote on it that day. Finally, the committee heard a discussion-only presentation on Senate Bill 8, focused on long-term energy policy and the role of the Public Service Commission. The sponsor said Kentucky needs a broader energy strategy to address growing demand from new industries such as large data centers, grid capacity limits, and the need for expertise and possibly different pay scales to recruit qualified staff. Members responded positively to the discussion, noting the importance of the PSC and the need for continued work on the issue, but no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• the big lakes. the big lakes.
• Hampshire Lakes. Hampshire Lakes.
• lake community. lake community.
• <00:31:44.000> Living Lake Smart Lake Lake Friendly Living Lake Smart Lake Lake Friendly Living
• damage to our lakes. damage to our lakes.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Effingham,<01:31:19.520> Lake Province Lake in Effingham, Lake Province Lake in Effingham,
• <01:33:38.400> The lakes, but also in the lake as well.
• The lakes, but also in the lake as well.
• lakes association. lakes association. >> No.<01:40:27.679> Correct.
• have around our our lakes in the state. have around our our lakes in the state.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all