Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, what trail and tourism there?
• to. the ATV trail what I'm going to get to. the ATV trail system<00:24:56.799><c> that</c><00:24:57.039
• </c><00:26:22.880><c> That's</c> marketing the the ATV trail. That's marketing the the ATV trail.
• /c> getting real close to getting trails getting real close to getting trails open.<00:26:57.760><c>
• </c> Trail Rides. Trail Rides.

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Tourism on the 1% Tourism Meeting and Convention Marketing Fund. Officials said Kentucky tourism is a $14.3 billion industry that welcomed more than 80 million travelers last year, supports nearly 97,000 jobs, and uses the fund solely for tourism marketing and promotion, not capital projects. They noted the fund received additional appropriations in the enacted budget and also supports several designated tourism-related initiatives. Commissioner Mike Manet described how the fund is used for paid media, public relations, international marketing, cultural heritage promotion, website content, regional matching grants, research, trade shows, and travel expenses. He said the department spent $10.8 million on paid media in 23 markets in 2024, focused on seven tourism pillars, and used research and advertising ROI studies to guide spending. He reported 180 PR placements, 3.2 billion earned impressions, 3% growth in international visitation, and 12% growth in international spending to $257 million. He also highlighted the African-American Heritage Trail and said the regional matching funds program distributed $2 million to 87 local tourism commissions. Members asked about the rise of AI in search results, how domestic and international visitor data are collected, how ad agencies are selected, and how regional matching funds are allocated. The commissioner said the department uses GPS-based and federal data, including National Travel and Tourism Office figures, and that ad agencies are chosen through an RFP process. Representative McDaniel raised concerns about bourbon tourism and Canadian visitation; the commissioner said Canadian travel is down significantly, bourbon-related visitation has softened, and the department is shifting more spending toward in-state and closer drive markets while emphasizing bourbon’s heritage story. Representative Fugate asked about eastern Kentucky tourism and ATV trails, and the commissioner said those trails are included in advertising, social media, and earned media efforts. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• They will be speaking about the Knox Trail, the Henry Knox Trail artillery reenactment that'll be taking
• Obviously, we're hyper-focused now on all the Knox Trail events.
• Next, we have a presentation on the Knox Trail specifically from our good friends.
• on the Henneux Trail specifically from our good friend at Conventures, Dusty Meadows.
• We do have a grant for the Knox Trail on Evacuation Day, but here are the dates.

Summary: The Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution met at Mass MoCA in North Adams, with members attending both in person and virtually. The meeting opened with a moment of remembrance for Senator Edward Kennedy, followed by roll call and informal approval to proceed. Co-chairs and members thanked the hosts and noted the importance of engaging western Massachusetts communities in the 250th planning. The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism gave an update on the Massachusetts 250 campaign, including a website listing more than 500 events and 250 attractions, an ongoing virtual Lunch and Learn series, and the Museums 250 program. The presenter also outlined several America 250 ideas for commission consideration: a nationwide-style community potluck on July 5, 2026; a coordinated reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 2026; and possible state or national time capsule participation. Members expressed interest, especially in a Massachusetts-specific time capsule, and agreed to circulate the ideas for broader brainstorming. Revolution 250 and Jonathan Lane reported on recent and upcoming commemorations, including follow-up from the Bunker Hill event, a planned 251st Battle of Gloucester event, and extensive planning for Knox Trail activities in January 2026. He highlighted meetings with Berkshire communities along the route, the need for a Knox marker in Sandisfield, and efforts to recognize and preserve a historic stretch of the Knox Road. He also noted proposed Declaration of Independence readings in several communities and a July 18, 2026 Watertown commemoration of the first treaty between Massachusetts and Indigenous peoples of Maine and Nova Scotia. Dusty Meadows of Conventures then presented logistics for the Knox Trail commemoration, including branding, horse arrangements, route planning, plaque concepts, and budget needs. Members raised questions about the Cambridge/West Cambridge portion of the route and Arlington’s historical connection to that name; the presenters agreed to follow up and correct materials. The meeting ended informally after no further business was raised.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> article, article three, parks and trails article, article three, parks and trails fund. fund. fund
• Total amount for regional parks and<00:13:49.279><c> trails</c><00:13:50.160><c> is</c> and trails is
• </c> Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission. Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission.
• Again, this one has parks and trails.
• </c> regional parks and trails commission. regional parks and trails commission.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• their way in and out of traffic on the trail.
• I'm here on behalf of Washington Trails Association to testify in support of House Bill 2374.
• I'm here on behalf of Washington Trails Association to testify in support of House Bill 2374.
• I'm Catherine Hollis, executive director of East Trail Partners, testifying in support of HB 2374.
• Regional trails to walk dogs, push strollers, recreate, and commute to job centers.

Bills: HB2307 , HB2374 , HB2379 , HB1823 , HB2111

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: commute trip reduction, definitions, transportation, environmental impact, urban planning, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, regulation, vehicle classification, tolling, emergency suspension, public access, state highways, transportation improvement board, TIB, transportation improvement account, motor vehicle fund, arterial streets, local match, private match

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:50.240><c> acquisition,</c> dedicated to trail acquisition, dedicated to trail acquisition
• </c> these funds jeopardizes essential trail these funds jeopardizes essential trail development<00:19
• We're also trails reflect that.
• We urge the depend on trail tourism.
• </c><00:22:56.720><c> to</c> nurseries to state parks and trails to nurseries to state parks and trails

Bills: HF2439

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: environmental protection, pollution reduction, waste management, climate change, funding allocations

Transcript Highlights:

• East Trail Partners is the nonprofit organization focused on the development of the 42-mile rail-to-trail
• East Trail Partners is the nonprofit organization focused on the development of the 42-mile rail-to-trail
• In short, East Trail is where trails and transit meet.
• Like all of our regional trails, East Trail is a bike and pedestrian corridor for anyone walking, rolling
• We're experiencing the impacts of e-motos in our parks and on our trails.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held a work session on impaired driving, beginning with data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and a discussion of a proposed reduction in the legal per se blood alcohol concentration limit from 0.08 to 0.05. Mark McKekney presented crash and fatality data showing that about half of traffic fatalities involve an impaired driver, that alcohol remains the most common substance involved, and that impairment is strongly associated with speeding and higher crash risk. He also summarized a Washington/AAA survey finding support for lowering the limit rose from 54% to 71% after respondents received information about safety impacts, and he said the most persuasive arguments were that the change would save lives and reduce impaired driving. Committee members asked about how much alcohol can produce a 0.05 BAC, enforcement practices, blood testing in fatal crashes, and whether other states or countries use lower limits. The committee then heard emotional testimony from Joshua Jackman, who described severe injuries and long-term consequences from being struck by a drunk driver in 2007, and said the proposed law could help prevent similar tragedies by encouraging people to plan ahead. A panel followed with testimony from AAA Washington, the Washington State Patrol, and the Department of Transportation. AAA supported a 0.05 standard and cited research and international experience showing fewer fatalities and serious injuries without major effects on arrests or the hospitality industry. The State Patrol said the bill is intended to prevent crashes rather than increase arrests and would not change stop standards or DUI investigative practices. WSDOT described the safety, work-zone, congestion, equipment-damage, and liability costs caused by impaired driving, including recent crashes involving snowplows and road crews. No vote was taken on the impaired-driving discussion. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5234, which would raise snowmobile registration fees from $50 to $75 and vintage snowmobile fees from $12 to $18, with additional revenue going to the snowmobile account for grooming, plowing, sanitation, and other State Parks snowmobile programs. State Parks said the program has seen declining registrations and reduced services, while supporters from the snowmobile community said the increase is needed to stabilize the program and keep trails open. Some testimony supported the need for more revenue but opposed the fee increase as the wrong solution, arguing the program needs broader reform and that many snowmobiles remain unregistered. The hearing record noted 3 people signed in pro and 105 con. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6110, which would clarify the definition of e-bikes, exclude vehicles capable of exceeding 20 mph solely on motor power or easily modified to do so, and direct the Department of Licensing to convene a work group to develop recommendations for regulating electric motorcycles. Committee discussion focused on the distinction between legal e-bikes and faster e-motos, with questions about wattage, speed, youth use, and whether the bill should define e-motorcycles more directly. Students, local officials, city representatives, trail advocates, and bicycle groups testified in support, describing safety concerns, injuries, and confusion in enforcement, while also emphasizing that true e-bikes improve mobility and access. Several local government and advocacy witnesses asked for a clearer statutory definition of e-motorcycles and a civil enforcement path for juveniles. No final action was taken on the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• East Trail Partners is the nonprofit organization focused on the development of the 42-mile rail-to-trail
• East Trail Partners is the nonprofit organization focused on the development of the 42-mile rail-to-trail
• In short, East Trail is where trails and transit meet.
• Like all of our regional trails, East Trail is a bike and pedestrian corridor for anyone walking, rolling
• Class 1 e-bikes are authorized on many of our urban paths and mountain bike trails.

Bills: SB5234 , SB6110 , SB6176

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: snowmobile, snowmobile registration, vehicle registration fees, registration fee, Department of Licensing, DOL, recreational vehicles, winter recreation, vintage snowmobile, parks and recreation, vehicle license fee, RCW 46.17, fee schedule, renewal fee, initial fee, Washington state, electric-assisted bicycles, electric motorcycles, transportation regulation, safety standards

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:59:21.120><c> and</c> sport has grown you need trails and sport has grown you need trails and
• Trail to another<02:59:23.840><c> section</c><02:59:24.439><c> Trail</c><02:59:25.439><c> if</c><02:
• Trails so what we found to be the right Trails so what we found to be the right process<02:59:46.000>
• </c> in life uh you get to do it on a trail in life uh you get to do it on a trail where<03:37:21.840
• </c><04:01:12.720><c> on</c> proposal to establish an ATV trail on proposal to establish an ATV trail

Summary: The committee took up several bills in executive session, beginning with HB 568 on subdivision regulations concerning water supply. Representative Donnelly moved ITL, arguing the bill would create costly studies, that towns already have jurisdiction over needed studies, and that the issue was not widespread. The committee voted ITL 9-7. HB 582, dealing with safety requirements for personal watercraft, was also moved ITL on the grounds that existing law already covers the issue and the bill was unnecessary after recent action on personal flotation devices. Representative Derby opposed the ITL, saying the bill was a common-sense safety measure and would restore a misdemeanor penalty, but the committee voted ITL 9-7. The committee then retained HB 595, relative to coastal resilience zones, after members said the bill was important but needed more work and time because of its complexity. Members noted it should be revisited later, and the motion to retain passed 16-0. HB 607, funding the Hampton Beach Area Commission and making appropriations, received an ought-to-pass recommendation 15-1, with support from members who described Hampton Beach as an important economic driver and one dissenting member saying the state should not bear the full cost. The committee also adopted Amendment 2025-3 on HB 624, establishing a local river management advisory committee grant program, by a 16-0 vote; the amendment shifted funding decisions to the Department of Environmental Services based on demonstrated need and a first-come, first-served process. The bill as amended then received an ought-to-pass recommendation 16-0 and was placed on consent. Later, the committee retained HB 629, funding the operation, maintenance, and repair of state dams, after members said the dams need attention but the bill required more work because suggested amendments had just been received. That motion passed 16-0. HB 644, concerning drones in state parks, was ITL’d because the Department of Parks and Recreation is already working through rulemaking on UAS use in remote areas, and the committee voted 16-0 for ITL. HB 657, the short notice booking act access for New Hampshire residents to state parks, was also ITL’d at the request of the prime sponsor, passing 16-0. The committee then adjourned and announced a later hearing on HB 663, which would allow the Division of Historical Resources to use a portion of Moose plate funds for administering its grant program; testimony from the sponsor and the division supported the bill as clarifying existing authority, and no final vote on HB 663 was included in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• , we visited the Spring Lake Park Reserve in Dakota County to see how the Met Council's parks and trails
• grants are invested in improving trails grants are invested in improving walking<00:03:18.080><c> and
• trails, per se?
• </c> actually going to parks and trails? actually going to parks and trails?
• . trails. trails.

Transcript Highlights:

• Trails. Trails.
• ,</c> uh trails of the trail administrator, uh trails of the trail administrator, and<00:18:17.320><c
• , uh, trails.
• <01:13:32.480><c> uh</c> trails uh trails uh Huh?
• </c> and Trails Commission. and Trails Commission.

Bills: HF3564

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we're here again because we're going to be a Kentucky bourbon trail state.
• We can boost tourism. a part of a trail. We can boost tourism that way.
• well. the state and grow a trail as well.
• It will generate more people to be able to do the tourism trails.
• involved in the trail.

Bills: SB312 , SB316 , SB90

Committees: House Tourism , House Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: alcoholic beverages, ABC Board, Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control, special event license, special events retail license, nonprofit special events retail license, special retail license, event storage license, government venue license, alcohol storage, alcohol transfer, beer, wine, liquor, on-premises consumption, public venue, government-owned property, municipal property, county property, state property

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, they left a little area where their cattle could come and drink and get water from the Mimbres
• I mean, they left a little area where their cattle could come and drink and, you know, get water from
• A lot of times there's a good reason to fence riparian areas and maybe limit access to cattle in terms

Summary: The committee’s final day focused first on a historical overview of New Mexico tax packages by Pam Stokes of Legislative Council Services. She described how tax packages have alternated over the decades between tax relief, revenue raising, and tax reform, with examples ranging from the creation of the gross receipts tax in 1966 to major packages in 1981, 1986, 1991, 1994, 2005, 2019, 2022, 2024, and the vetoed 2025 package. Members discussed how tax policy often tracks revenue conditions, how packages can combine increases and decreases, and how local government gross receipts taxes and hold-harmless distributions have affected communities differently. Several members reflected on past packages, especially the 2004 food tax repeal and the 2013 film tax and manufacturing changes, and noted that tax policy can have major economic and political effects even when it is not “sexy” legislation. The committee then heard a proposal to expand the health care practitioner gross receipts tax deduction to include co-insurance, and to extend the sunset date. Sponsor Senator Figueroa said the bill was intended to help recruit and retain medical providers and build on prior deductions for co-pays and deductibles. Testimony explained that co-insurance is the patient’s share after the deductible, that providers currently absorb the gross receipts tax on those payments, and that the proposal would cost about $30 million to the state plus about $20 million to municipalities and counties, with the exact fiscal impact likely to be updated. Members raised concerns about the effect on local governments, whether insurers could be required to reimburse providers, whether the bill would actually attract doctors, and whether better evaluation measures and sunsets should be added. The sponsor said the bill was part of a broader set of efforts to address provider shortages and that the discussion would continue. Representative McQueen then presented a bill to update the Land Conservation Incentives Act. He and conservation partners said the program has protected more than 500,000 acres but has not kept pace with rising land values, especially for irrigated agricultural land in the Middle Rio Grande. The proposal would increase the percentage of conservation value eligible for the credit, raise the per-transaction cap from $250,000 to $2 million, and make the credit refundable rather than only transferable. Testimony emphasized that the program is voluntary, keeps land in private ownership and production, and helps land-rich, cash-poor landowners preserve farmland and water rights. Members asked about average credit amounts, how easements work, whether landowners could effectively buy land and then use the credit, and whether there should be inflation indexing or a statewide cap. The discussion also touched on water rights, fencing, and the role of conservation easements in protecting agricultural land and compact water deliveries. Finally, Senator Sharer previewed his 2% tax proposal with a historical presentation on New Mexico tax law, using props to illustrate the evolution from early territorial tax codes to the modern tax system. He argued that the state’s current tax structure is overly complex and that recent federal changes have disrupted the personal income tax base. The committee did not take any votes on the day’s presentations; the meeting was primarily informational, with members offering feedback and raising policy concerns for future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Part of that is also helping them in terms of the way they manage their cattle on site.
• What has happened over the years is there have been areas Where they could have their cattle for, you
• So that includes putting in some extra fencing, putting in cattle guards, and putting in an automatic

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• observed, for example, was the use of these processes to determine the best composition of feed. for our cattle
• , allowing us to provide better feed that produces more weight, resulting in better cattle.
• It actually reduces the amount of feed that the cattle need.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a gap in the trail, and we would love to have a grade-separated trail.
• .housing units to connect to the trail.
• ATV trails, to the peer hiking trail, to now mountain bike trails and new ATV trails. trails and snowmobile
• trails.
• I was the trail administrator for this area, and this bridge connects the trail system from the North

Bills: HF2418 , HF1666 , HF232 , HF344 , HF402 , HF431 , HF468 , HF547 , HF583 , HF1476 , HF1711 , HF2787 , HF2788 , HF3207

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the key differences from the House bill that we passed a few weeks ago: within the parks and trails
• ,</c><00:03:14.720><c> outdoor</c> clean water, parks and trails, outdoor clean water, parks and trails
• The parks and trails fund expands access to parks and trails across the state of Minnesota.
• The park and a trail lakes and rivers.
• We're all about parks and trails. I enjoy the summer times.

Summary: The House considered a conference committee report on House File 2563, the legacy bill, and members described it as a bipartisan agreement with the Senate. Representative Vang outlined several major changes from the House version, including restoring funding for Peace in the Valley in parks and trails, moving Wilderness Inquiry funding to the arts and culture fund, increasing the Minnesota Zoo to $3.4 million, raising the Children’s Museum to $1 million, setting aside $1.5 million for a competitive grant pool for children’s museums statewide, and increasing the Science Museum to $700,000. Supporters said the bill invests in clean water, parks and trails, outdoor heritage, arts and cultural heritage, and a new community identity and heritage grant program for underserved communities. Several members spoke in favor of the report, emphasizing the value of legacy funds for conservation, cultural programming, tourism, and community identity. Speakers highlighted specific beneficiaries and projects, including outdoor heritage groups, the Science Museum, Latino arts and mural projects, and competitive funding for creative arts and music. One member noted that some state agencies also received appropriations in the bill and criticized fee increases on Minnesotans, while another said the bill reflected a fair negotiation process and that some programs saw reductions because of a $33.1 million accounting-related shortfall. After debate, the House adopted the conference committee report. The clerk then took the roll, and the bill was repassed as amended by conference on a vote of 113 yeas and 21 nays, with its title agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• The horses, cattle, and stock animals we rely on are highly trained, deeply respected, and carefully
• I'm from a family of cattle ranchers, and so I understand working animals.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• The first one was formed in 1960 out of concern for the welfare of cattle.
• Mosquitoes transmit disease in cats, dogs, horses, cattle, and sheep.

Committee: House Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Lindberg, the Biden administration put U.S. cattle producers at a competitive disadvantage and endangered
• Paraguay cattle producers do not have the same food. safety standards as the U.S.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• We talk a lot about farming, talk a lot about cattle, you know, stuff like that, but we just don't talk

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum present and included extended remarks from the chair thanking committee members for their work and professionalism, noting it was likely his last time chairing the Rules Committee. He then held a lighthearted bingo-style prize giveaway for members before turning the gavel over to the vice chair to conduct the final bill hearing. The committee then considered House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 495, described as a court operations bill sponsored by Senator May. The vice chair spoke in support of the measure, saying it contained good provisions and expressing disappointment that it was only now moving forward. No opposition was voiced. The committee voted unanimously, 11-0, to do pass House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 495. With no further business, the Rules Committee adjourned.