Transcript Highlights:

• going<00:07:51.599> to<00:07:51.680> have<00:07:51.840> to<00:07:52.000> replace
• the raw water going to have to replace the raw water lines. lines. lines.
• Uh under under this funding, replacing<00:25:22.799> W<00:25:23.279> wires,<00:25:24.000
• meterings as well as um pole replacement meterings as well as um pole replacement uh<00:26:46.000
• they are replacing uh residential meters<00:28:18.799> um<00:28:19.600> uh<00:28:19.760

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee heard testimony from the Energy and Environment Cabinet on the state-owned dam repair program and Kentucky’s electric grid resilience program. On dams, Commissioner Tony Hatton explained the legal definition and hazard classifications for Kentucky dams, noting there are 975 regulated dams statewide, including 76 state-owned dams, and that hazard ratings are based on potential loss of life or property damage if a dam fails. He described the cabinet’s screening criteria, including inundation mapping, engineering condition, and compliance status, and said the cabinet uses a design-bid-build procurement process to manage public funds responsibly. Hatton outlined current and planned dam projects funded from the prior biennium, including Willisburg Lake in Washington County, where work will address hydraulic capacity, unstable downstream slopes, and likely require a coffer dam, flood wall, auxiliary spillway, and raw water line replacement. He also said Big Bone Lake State Park Dam will be decommissioned, Clemens Lake Dam at Morehead State University is in design for a major rehabilitation, and additional projects include Marion County Sportsman’s Dam, Chenoa Lake Creek/Canning Creek Dam, and a rehabilitation study for the Mud River at Lake Malone. The cabinet also requested $500,000 for routine repairs and maintenance. Members questioned cost estimates, inflation, and whether it would be better to fund design separately; cabinet officials said estimates are current best engineering estimates, costs have generally stayed within about 10%, and the current funding flow requires all funds to be available before bidding. The committee then received a status update on the electric grid resilience program, a five-year federal formula grant under Section 40101(d) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Officials said Kentucky has received years one through three of funding, which has been allocated to state park facilities and municipal electric utilities, while years four and five have not yet been received and would go to distribution cooperatives and remaining municipal utilities. Projects discussed included upgrades at Ken Lake State Park and Kentucky Dam Village, plus municipal projects in Owensboro, Princeton, Williamstown, and Hopkinsville. The cabinet said the selected projects focus on hardening infrastructure, replacing poles, wires, conductors, and transformers, improving vegetation management, and adding or upgrading outage management systems. Officials reported that all projects are under contract and moving into subcontracting and construction, while the Department of Parks is finalizing an agreement with Western Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative for the park-related work.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><02:51:19.640> laptop we're replacing that proverbial laptop we're replacing that proverbial
• an<02:56:39.880> as-needed as replacements on an as-needed as replacements on an as-needed
• <02:56:56.440> a<02:56:56.520> whole than replacing a whole than replacing a whole
• I have to replace that.'
• 13:26.960> on<03:13:27.080> an units are being replaced on an units are being replaced

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, why can't we just wait until your tag expires and you get your next tag cost something to replace
• I was too. >> But, I mean, since the tags have a finite life, just replace it as they're replaced is
• <00:14:11.120> It<00:14:11.519> I doesn't cost to replace the tag.
• It I doesn't cost to replace the tag.
• "Well, we're going to replace this tag." "Well, we're going to replace this tag."

Bills: SB211, SB305, SB300, SB211, SB305, SB300

Keywords: school safety, local law enforcement, superintendent, complaints, school bus regulations, education funding, RAISE Act, student outcomes, public schools, local education agencies, accountability, weighted allocations, special education, English language learners, gifted students, tax exemption, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, business incentives, economic impact

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 8 will replace the STAR test with three shorter tests: at the beginning of the year, middle
• It proposes, as you've heard, a meaningful replacement.
• with an appointed school board of managers and replace the school board superintendent.
• But if I had to bet today, it's replacing the board. I know what the right decision is either.
• It replaces local assessments with approved beginning and middle of year assessments.

Bills: SB8, SB 8

Keywords: education, accountability, public school assessment, state law, transparency, intervention, performance ratings, sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're replacing lead lines, but we need to keep on replacing lead lines.
• We're replacing lead lines, but we need to keep on replacing lead lines.
• We're replacing lead lines, but we need to keep on replacing lead lines.
• We're replacing lead lines, but we need to keep on replacing lead lines.
• We're focusing on kind of repair and replacement. We call it asset preservation.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if we have an HVAC unit go out, we end up going to our bank and having to borrow money to replace
• My own post again in Cottage Grove, we really need to replace our parking lot, and at this point we can't
• even afford to resurface it and restripe it, let alone actually tear it out and replace it, which we
• c><00:12:49.079> really<00:12:49.360> need<00:12:49.560> to<00:12:49.760> replace
• <00:12:50.120> our Grove we really need to replace our Grove we really need to replace our

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• a good employee who only hard to replace a good employee who only reason<00:37:08.599> for<00
• Delete page 4, line 9, items 8 to 12, and replace with a single member of the House appointed by the
• This one I recommend passing with some minor amendments on page 3, line 3: replace lines 3 to 5 with
• Replace all references to physician with this instead on page 1, line 15, page 2, line 7, and page 3,
• On page 3, lines 4 through 7, delete that and instead replace it with language stating that a health

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies. The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted. For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's going to require water main replacement, sewer main replacement, fire panel replacement, about $2.6
• We also are needing to replace gas lines.
• We are having to replace roofs, and air conditioning replacement is also another change that we need
• You need to replace it at that point. It talks about some HVAC repairs.
• Again,... ...roof, you need to replace it at that point. Talks about some HVAC repairs.

Keywords: 956, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You also did our waterline replacement.
• One other question: You see that the lead service line replacement is for community water systems.
• We have an emergency request in, I think through drinking water, for replacing an old deductible cast
• We have about 120 million worth of infrastructure that we still need to replace.
• How are we replacing wooden pipelines?' And not just this community, but many... rural communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will be swapping out here on July 8th, but I've been talking to my replacement, and he is going to
• This includes critical funding for us to continue our priorities with our replacement Spokane Veteran
• It's also providing improvement safety and fire and HVAC system replacements included, as you can see
• And also, we're continuing to apply for funding from federal VA to be able to build that replacement
• It's also providing improvement safety and fire and HVAC system replacements included, as you can see

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs met to hear updates from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Washington Military Department, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Commerce on federal and state impacts affecting veterans, military families, and military installations. JBLM’s garrison commander said the base remains focused on housing, child care, and spouse employment, but is facing workforce reductions tied to federal personnel actions, especially in air traffic control, 911 dispatch, and firefighting. He also said JBLM is preparing for increased mutual-aid needs during fire season, and that the Army Transformation Initiative could change unit composition at JBLM over time without a major overall population shift. He confirmed that the Lewis Army Museum is on a closure list, but said the building will remain in use for training and that the base is exploring partnerships to keep museum functions operating, possibly with volunteers or local partners. The Washington Military Department reported about 400 Guard members deployed on federal missions and described ongoing state missions in cybersecurity and firefighting. The department said the Army National Guard’s 81st Stryker Brigade will transition to a mobile combat team, with associated changes in equipment, manning, and end strength. It also warned that continuing resolutions are delaying funding, limiting new military construction starts, and increasing costs. The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs outlined a $3.2 million reduction from the governor’s budget and related cuts affecting internships, vacant positions, outreach travel, claims support contracts, counseling and wellness, veterans’ innovation assistance, and the military transition and readiness council staff position. WDVA said it is ending or scaling back several programs, including in-house nursing assistant training, the veteran farm at Ordean, Vet Corps due to AmeriCorps funding changes, and the tobacco cessation program, while noting that the legislature funded about $23.7 million in capital projects for veteran homes, cemeteries, and transitional housing. The Department of Commerce presented on the Defense Community Compatibility Account, which funds projects that reduce conflicts between military installations and nearby communities. The program currently has 10 projects across five legislative districts, including school and child care improvements, water wells, land acquisition, and a joint firefighting training center in Everett. The presenter said the main challenge is that DCCA projects often need non-state funding secured before they can compete, which can make it hard to leverage federal Defense Community Infrastructure Program dollars; he recommended more flexible state timing to help projects qualify for federal funding. In closing discussion, members raised possible future agenda items including child care near bases, veteran homelessness, suicide prevention, Navy Day, military family housing, and a possible Department of Licensing issue involving guard and reserve designations on driver’s licenses. No formal votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after members were invited to suggest topics for the October and December committee meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• they said, you know, instead of giving us this software package or doing this, we really need to replace
• 24.480> to package or doing this we really need to package or doing this we really need to replace
• > these<00:03:27.799> green<00:03:28.159> monitor<00:03:28.760> tubes replace
• all these green monitor tubes replace all these green monitor tubes and<00:03:30.000> the<00:
• to be replaced but we don't<00:15:12.279> have<00:15:12.440> the<00:15:12.519> money

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 289, authored by Representative Quam, and adopted a technical A1 amendment before moving the bill forward. Quam explained that the bill is intended to create a mechanism for frontline state employees, faculty, and management to identify waste, inefficiency, and possible savings in agency budgets, with a portion of any savings going back to the state budget and the remainder placed in a special fund for mission-related spending decided by a joint committee. He said the idea grew out of earlier faculty union discussions and that the bill had previously passed with bipartisan support, though it was underused when first enacted. Members generally praised the goal of empowering employees and improving efficiency, but several raised concerns about the bill’s practical operation and low historical use. Representative Jones asked why uptake had been limited and whether current conditions would improve participation; Quam responded that larger budgets and more employee engagement could make the program more useful now. Representative Freiberg and Representative Bonner both supported the concept but questioned whether employees would understand budget constraints and whether the structure might discourage managers from saving money intentionally. Quam argued that employee input would improve decisions, morale, and credibility, and could help justify needed investments. Representative Koznick asked how the bill interacted with the Odyssey Fund, and staff clarified that the two are separate accounts and do not directly affect each other. Representative Koznick also objected to comments he viewed as attacking the administration, and the chair reminded members not to impute motives. Representative Kosnik/Quam indicated openness to future improvements, but Representative Bonner said she was not ready to support the bill in its current form because of concerns about the approval process through MMB and the Legislative Audit Commission. Despite those reservations, the committee ultimately voted to send House File 289, as amended, to the General Register.

Transcript Highlights:

• THAT IS SENT THAT SAYS HEY YOUR ROOF IS NOW 15 YEARS OLD AND YOU MIGHT WANT TO START PLANNING TO REPLACE
• SPOKE ABOUT THESE SHINGLES BUT IF I'M GOING TO ACT RESPONSIBLY TO DO MITIGATION SHOULD I LOOK TO REPLACE
• ESSENTIALLY THAT'S HOW MUCH IT COSTS TO REPLACE A PRODUCT AGAINST THE COST OF HOW MUCH THAT IS WHY IT
• THE ROOF OR THEY WILL FACE LARGE PREMIUMS BECAUSE THEY KNOW TO 18 MONTHS WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE ROOF
• MOST PEOPLE SHOULD SET ASIDE RESERVES TO AFFORD ROOF REPLACEMENT BECAUSE TO YOUR POINT IT DOES NOT LAST

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When the program started, the appropriations were sufficient to replace 77% of the exempted property
• These additional funds would allow us to replace 77% back to the original number for local property tax
• The STAR project is a bolt-on project to the CAHPS project, and it helps us replace some functionality
• The STAR project is a bolt-on project to the CAHPS project, and it helps us replace some functionality
• Mike Apley: ...as we replace some functionality in the legacy mainframe systems that doesn't exist in

Bills: SB 1, SB1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, our TABC vehicle fleet replacement. We need to replace vehicles in the next biennium.
• Finally, our TABC vehicle fleet replacement. We need to replace vehicles in the next biennium.
• Five facilities urgently need roof replacements.
• Five facilities urgently need roof replacements.
• We are requesting $1 million to replace 21 vehicles.

Bills: SB1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee heard a Legislative Budget Board presentation and then testimony from the Department of Public Safety on the Article 5 public safety budget. LBB said DPS’s 2026-27 recommendation totals $3.7 billion, down from the prior base, while FTEs rise by 856.7. Major items included increased funding for driver license services and customer support, new trooper funding and recruit schools, crime lab operations, border security, and reductions tied to one-time facility, vehicle, and aircraft spending. The committee also discussed new riders, including one to lapse unused trooper funds and require reporting after recruit schools. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, questioning why prior staffing increases and a prior efficiency study had not solved long wait times, high call abandonment, and appointment delays. DPS and LBB said the agency receives about 22,000 calls per day, answers only about 9 percent, and is seeking more staff plus technology upgrades such as automation, kiosks, and better online processing. Senators also raised concerns about rural access, REAL ID document requirements, and whether the department should rethink its processes rather than simply add employees. DPS leadership then described needs for the Williamson County training academy, additional troopers, Capitol and Alamo security, border operations, aircraft and vehicle replacement, and regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio. Members asked about Operation Lone Star costs, overtime, pursuit safety, border crime, oilfield theft, and sexual assault kit and toxicology backlogs. DPS said border deployments remain focused on criminal threats, that overtime is partly driven by deployments and staffing shortages, and that the sexual assault kit backlog is down to 118 cases with a goal of zero by April. The committee later recessed and began the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission budget presentation, where LBB outlined a $115.1 million recommendation and noted ongoing costs for the AIMS technology project.

Transcript Highlights:

• These people have knee replacements, hip replacements, and all kinds of health issues, and they're paying
• And although there's been a roof replacement, which was done less than 10 years ago, I still have leaks
• I've been told that the needed replacement of a skylight was my responsibility, even though the roof
• This would only cover those units that are replacement housing units; units that are outside of that
• While replacing the DHCD with the new HLC, the session law repealed sections two through four of chapter

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hearing on a wide range of housing bills focused on manufactured housing, condominiums, public housing, tiny homes, and protections for elderly and disabled residents. Chairs Haggerty and Cyr opened by emphasizing the importance of these housing types and the need to hear from many speakers. Testimony on manufactured housing was especially extensive and sharply divided. Supporters of bills such as H. 1475, S. 990, and H. 1513 argued that out-of-state corporate owners are buying communities, raising rents and fees, reducing services, and exploiting legal gray areas. Residents and lawmakers from affected communities like Taunton, Middleborough, Attleboro, and Oak Point described steep rent disparities, fear of displacement, and the need for stronger protections, while Representative Hawkins urged an omnibus approach and said the bill would create a local board to ensure compliance with existing law. Opponents, including the Massachusetts Manufactured Housing Association and Hometown America’s counsel, argued that current law already provides protections, that the bills would create uncertainty or unfairly restrict owners, and that H. 1475 was intended to clarify the post-Blake legal landscape. The committee also heard testimony on condominium reform through S. 980, with owners describing lack of transparency, surprise assessments, and limited accountability, and urging updates to Chapter 183A and more owner rights. Public housing bills also drew support from housing authority advocates. MassNAHRO backed S. 955, H. 1517, H. 1512, H. 1550, and H. 1551, saying housing authorities need more flexibility to preserve and expand affordable housing. Witnesses supported tax relief for replacement public housing units and streamlined procurement rules, arguing these changes would help projects move faster and make better use of capital funds. Committee members asked questions about PILOT agreements, tax treatment of new developments, and whether state and federal public housing would be treated similarly. The committee also heard from Senator Lovely and advocates for S. 1007/H. 1525, which would prevent and respond to bullying of elderly and disabled residents in housing. Supporters described the bills as a long-needed response to harassment in senior and public housing, calling for building-level plans, staff training, and AG oversight; Jerry Halberstadt said the measure should be strengthened with enforcement and tenant advocacy support. Pamela and other witnesses described severe personal impacts from bullying and management retaliation. Another major topic was S. 1474/H. 1474 on movable tiny houses as permanent dwellings and accessory dwelling units. Supporters, including Representative DeCoste, Vera Struck, Kaylee DeCrease, and Abundant Housing Massachusetts, said tiny homes are a safe, affordable, sustainable option for seniors, workers, and others facing the housing shortage, and urged the committee to legalize them and align state rules with emerging standards. They also discussed tax classification and the need for a clear building code and DMV category. Finally, H. 1476 on pet-friendly elderly housing drew support from animal welfare groups, who said the bill would restore and modernize a prior pet program, expand access across state-aided housing, limit pet deposits, and reduce pet surrender caused by housing barriers. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• S. 287, an act relating to studying the construction of a self-funding limited access highway replacing
• S. 287, an act relating to studying the construction of a self-funding limited access highway replacing
• route 22A and access highway replacing route 22A and linking<00:14:29.839> Burlington,<00:14:
• route 22A and access highway replacing route 22A and linking<00:14:49.760> Burlington,<00:14:
• > political The new definition replaces political The new definition replaces political candidate

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we're having a work session and a public hearing on the progress of the I-5 bridge replacement.
• I am the outgoing program administrator for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.
• Ray Mabee, assistant administrator for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.
• Ray Mabee, assistant administrator for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.
• So I'm excited to join you today and will serve until the states find a permanent replacement.

Summary: The Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee met for a work session and public hearing on the Interstate 5 bridge replacement program. Program staff outlined major milestones, including the recent biological opinion, the Coast Guard’s opening of a public comment period on the Navigation Impact Report, expected decisions in early 2026 on navigational clearance and the final supplemental environmental impact statement, and a possible amended record of decision in 2026. They also discussed the Bridge Investment Program grant amendment deadline, the need for an initial finance plan, and ongoing community outreach and contractor engagement. Greg Johnson announced he was stepping down as program administrator, and Carly Francis introduced herself as interim administrator. A large portion of the meeting focused on design and cost questions. Staff said the program is studying fixed and movable spans, single- and double-deck configurations, and one versus two auxiliary lanes, with final recommendations to be made through the federal environmental process. They said the Coast Guard’s decision is central to what bridge configuration is permittable and to the timing of the updated cost estimate, which has not yet been released. Members pressed for more detail on cost drivers, potential impacts to businesses upriver, and whether the states would need to seek additional funding. Staff said they had reached agreements with four impacted river users, but the underlying evaluation materials are protected and not publicly releasable. The committee also reviewed transit-related questions. Staff explained that light rail remains part of the modified locally preferred alternative and that ridership and operations estimates are being updated using federal modeling methods. They said projected opening-day transit operations and maintenance costs have dropped from an earlier estimate of $21.8 million to about $10.3 million annually because the current model assumes lower frequency, with Oregon and Washington shares split by geography and fare recovery. Members raised concerns about TriMet’s financial stability and the need for a funding plan by fall 2027, ahead of a planned federal transit funding application in fall 2028. During public testimony, several speakers criticized the delay in releasing a new cost estimate and argued the project scope should be reduced if costs continue to rise. Testifiers from City Observatory and the Just Crossing Alliance said the project appears to be avoiding bad news, urged the committee to consider scope reductions, and questioned whether the active transportation and freeway components align with the project’s core purpose. The meeting ended with thanks to Johnson for his service and a transition to public hearing testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bear in mind that UI only provides partial wage replacement to merely soften the risk to workers' families
• Bear in mind that UI only provides partial wage replacement to merely soften the risk to workers' families
• Bear in mind that UI only provides partial wage replacement to merely soften the risk to workers' families
• up to half of your W replacement up to half of your W salaries<00:22:53.760> most<00:22:54.080
• through funds that the wage replacement through funds that the union<00:25:53.480> collects<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• will<00:49:20.839> be the total cost of replacement will be the total cost of replacement
• <00:53:05.559> of tools by facilitating the replacement of tools by facilitating the replacement
• The need in the state of Minnesota is $250 million to replace all the radios.
• It's just like police replacing their vehicles, fire replacing—you put so much away for capital investments
• and then every 10 years you replace it, or five years.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Interstate Bridge replacement can become a once-in-a-generation opportunity for local businesses
• All right, I would encourage you to do everything you can to accelerate replacement of this bridge and
• The age of the structure alone makes it critical to replace the existing structure.
• So the river bridge replaces the two bridges over the Columbia main stem.
• The information presented here was based on a fixed and replacement bridge.

Summary: The committee met jointly with the Washington-Oregon Legislative Action Committee for an update on the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement (IBR) program. Members first adopted the proposed committee rules, then received program updates from staff on environmental review, permitting, design, tribal consultation, and public engagement. Staff said the project remains in the supplemental EIS process, with a final supplemental EIS and amended record of decision expected in early 2026, which would allow construction to begin. They also described ongoing work on Coast Guard navigation clearance, Section 106 historic-property coordination, and architectural guidelines for the bridge and five-mile corridor, emphasizing that the visualizations shown were conceptual and that public and partner feedback has already influenced design considerations such as accessibility and shared-use path connections. Members raised concerns about schedule delays, rising costs, and whether the project is being designed to be functional, safe, and economical. Staff acknowledged that the timeline has slipped from earlier expectations and said the delay reflects the complexity of the environmental and federal review process, as well as the need to avoid redoing steps. They said the updated cost estimate is being prepared now that design has advanced to roughly 30 percent, and that it will account for inflation, risk factors, and both fixed-span and movable-span options. Staff estimated a movable span would add more than $400 million and said the first construction work after environmental approval would likely be preliminary freeway and retaining-wall work in late 2026, followed by the bridge procurement. The committee also received funding and tolling updates. Staff reported that major federal grants have been executed, including Mega and Bridge Investment Grant agreements, and that state STIP amendments are advancing to allow access to federal funds. The tolling team described Level 3 traffic-and-revenue work, a bi-state tolling subcommittee process, and possible toll scenarios aimed at supporting either about $1.24 billion or $1.6 billion in toll revenue. Members questioned low-income toll relief timing, truck toll rates, and the effect of tolls on freight users. Staff said low-income discounts are being analyzed for both revenue and operational feasibility, that tribal exemptions and other policy exemptions are under review, and that the commissions expect to move into public outreach on toll rates and policies in 2026, with tolling on the existing bridges currently projected to begin in spring 2027.