Transcript Highlights:

• Most lake property owners, we are all in for protecting the lakes we love.
• </c> 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><c> VLAP</c><00:
• New Hampshire lakes.
• </c> with the little lake here? with the little lake here?

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> 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?

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been moved by Senator Rosewall, seconded by Senator Benton.
• Lake. Um, any further discussion on the amendment?

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we'll get started on White Lake.
• White Lake is a priority for this department.
• White Lake had a project.
• And White Lake is an important place.
• And White Lake is an important place.

Summary: The board met on January 21, 2026, approved the agenda and minutes, and received a CPRA implementation update from Executive Director Michael Hare. Hare reported about 103 active projects, with work focused on completing existing projects and moving more into construction. He highlighted several projects, including Port Fourchon shoreline protection, Northwest Little Lake marsh creation, Sugar Ridge Pump Station, a large RESTORE-funded marsh creation project, Schooner Bayou saltwater barrier rehabilitation, Cain Bayou marsh creation redesign, West Shore river reintroduction work, Morganza to the Gulf reaches, NERDA Raccoon Island restoration, and Chenier-O-Tig ridge restoration. He also reviewed recreation and partnership projects such as Bayou Pigeon and Destrehan boat launches, Grand Bayou Marsh Creation, Highway 1 terracing, and four Louisiana projects funded through the National Coastal Resilience Fund. Hare noted the annual plan public meetings were complete and the comment period remained open through February 17, 2026. Board members asked about the Rockefeller shoreline project, and Hare said the Corps and state agencies were working through geotechnical and environmental issues and that leadership remained committed to moving it forward. The board then heard a joint presentation from CPRA and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on the White Lake Conservation Area and Management Plan. Officials described White Lake as a 72,000-acre property in Vermilion Parish with major habitat, recreation, and revenue functions, but said aging infrastructure, levee erosion, limited water control structures, and maintenance costs made a master plan necessary. The plan, finalized in October 2025, recommends coastal restoration projects, lodge and facility revitalization using private dollars, revenue-generation improvements, and long-term partnerships. Proposed work includes GIWW shoreline protection, Unit 2/Caddo levee stabilization, and north shoreline protection, with about $30 million already secured for engineering and construction and total needs estimated at roughly $120 million to $130 million. Officials also discussed broader habitat management, conservation incentives for private landowners, possible land acquisition in southwest Louisiana, and coordination with federal partners and other state agencies. Members praised the White Lake effort as a model of interagency collaboration and emphasized its importance for waterfowl habitat, public access, and tourism. Questions focused on funding sources, oil and gas revenue, and whether other agencies such as economic development and tourism should be involved. Several members also urged the state to apply similar management approaches to other refuges, including Sabine, Cameron Prairie, and Lacassine, where they said federal management has lagged. The discussion underscored a broader shift toward landscape-scale habitat management and public recreation investment. The final major presentation covered CPRA’s marsh creation design guidelines and related construction logistics. Staff explained that marsh creation makes up a large share of the coastal master plan and that the agency is updating its 2017 design guidelines after nearly a decade of use. The updates will address survey standards, geotechnical methods, dredge production estimates, construction monitoring, and oil and gas infrastructure conflicts. A second presentation reviewed safety, access, and logistics for marine construction, including equipment access routes, pipeline identification and coordination, cultural resources, private landowners, oyster resources, and permitting. Board members asked about reducing geotechnical costs, improving land-rights coordination, considering uncontained marsh creation where appropriate, and managing pipeline impacts; staff said they would consider those suggestions as part of the guideline updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, uh, at Medina Lake, like many other lakes, uh, there's a bit of a controversy of how you measure
• how full is the lake.
• The problem with the lake is that it is a very much a variable level lake.
• But right now that lake has not been determined.
• We talked about a boat ramp, obviously that allows for boats on the lake, fishing on the lake.

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

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.

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Medina Lake, like many other lakes, there's a bit of a controversy over how you measure how full a lake
• The problem with the lake is that it is a very much a variable level lake because of the small...
• But right now, that lake has not been determined; the boundaries of that lake have not been established
• lake is.
• Fishing on the lake, I'm assuming.

Bills: HB334 , HB583 , HB605 , HB1327 , HB1646 , HB2115 , HB2379

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Keywords: family leave, leave pool, county employee, sick leave, vacation leave, family care, pandemic, guardianship, fencing, reservoirs, local government, regulation, land use, conservation capacity, property regulation, fence regulation, reservoir safety, county authority, fencing regulations, counties

Transcript Highlights:

• Really a trophy walleye in Lake Washington. Lake Washington should not be a walleye fishery.
• No, these are all lake residents.
• Northern pike have been a problem in the Columbia Basin, Lake Roosevelt, and Lake Pend Oreille since
• we're seeing in Lake Roosevelt.
• we're seeing in Lake Roosevelt.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 5838, which would add a federally recognized tribal representative to the State Board of Natural Resources. The Department of Natural Resources commissioner and tribal leaders said the change would bring Indigenous knowledge and a voting voice to decisions on trust lands, while preserving existing tribal consultation. Some county and economic interests said they were not opposed to tribal participation but stressed the board’s fiduciary duty to trust beneficiaries and asked for more review of the board’s purpose; one witness questioned whether the beneficiaries had been consulted. The prime sponsor, Senator Claudia Kaufman, said the bill is about inclusion and equity and indicated openness to an amendment adding both eastside and westside tribal representation. The hearing closed with 142 written comments reported: 33 pro, 107 con, and 2 other. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5960, which would require Fish and Wildlife to designate at-risk ungulate populations and take predator mitigation actions when populations fall below specified benchmarks. Senator Shelley Short said the bill responds to declining deer and elk numbers and a lack of management, especially in northeast Washington. Supporters argued the bill would codify existing agency plans and restore balance in wildlife management, while opponents—including conservation groups, the Sierra Club, and several scientists and advocates—said the state’s predator-prey study found wolves were not the main driver of ungulate declines, pointing instead to habitat, forage, weather, disease, and vehicle collisions. Ranching and farm groups supported the overall goal but objected to the bill’s in-state wolf translocation provisions. The Department of Fish and Wildlife said it recognized the bill’s intent but opposed it because some directives were impractical, costly, or would require legislative approval. The hearing closed with 1,197 written comments reported: 843 pro, 352 con, and 2 other. The committee then held a work session on Lake Washington salmon predation. Larry Phillips and Muckleshoot Fisheries Director Jason Schaffler described a coalition effort to reduce predation on juvenile salmon in the Lake Washington system, saying invasive and predatory fish such as walleye, rock bass, American shad, northern pike, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass are harming sockeye and Chinook recovery. They said sockeye returns have fallen from hundreds of thousands to about 18,000 in recent years, ending tribal and sport fisheries, and argued that targeted predator removal, supported by prior state and county funding, could help restore runs. Senators asked about the methods and funding, and the presenters said fishing and netting are being used to suppress larger predatory fish and that more sustained investment is needed. Finally, the committee began public hearing on Senate Bill 1697, which would make federally recognized tribes eligible recipients for county conservation futures funds. Testifiers from the Washington Farmland Trust and the Tulalip Tribe said the bill would expand voluntary conservation partnerships, help tribes steward farmland and habitat, and make it easier to leverage county funds with other grants. They described past projects where tribal participation improved conservation outcomes but said tribes could not directly access conservation futures dollars under current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• private landowner lake.
• </c> 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><c> Lake</c><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:

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

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

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

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All this because it speaks to why protecting lake water and creeks that feed into this lake are so important
• We have Longhorn Caverns State Park, we have Lake LBJ, we have Inks Lake, we have the Colorado River.
• We currently get water out of Lake Bridges.
• And I guess so I guess was it a lake runaway or lake bridge port like bridge west side yes sir we're
• We have one source, Bridgeport Lake.

Bills: HB1520 , HB1525 , HB1530 , HB1535 , HB2068 , HB2091 , HB2347 , HB2372 , HB2805 , HB2815 , HB2867 , HB3154 , HB3482 , HB3483 , HB3663 , HB3781 , HB3901 , HB3915 , HB4135 , HB4153 , HB4158 , HB4329 , HB4331

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Kin Lake rendering.
• You can This is the Kin Lake rendering.
• This is Ken Lake.
• ,</c><00:21:16.480><c> and</c> Kentucky Dam Village, Kin Lake, and Kentucky Dam Village, Kin Lake, and
• <00:28:50.799><c> and</c><00:28:51.520><c> uh</c><00:28:51.840><c> KDV</c> Lake and uh KDV Lake and uh

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Protection received a detailed update from Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Meyer on capital projects funded through HJR 76, HJR 56, and House Bill 6. He said the department is making steady progress on a large portfolio of park improvements, with regular quarterly reporting to the legislature and ongoing coordination with the Finance Cabinet, the Energy and Environment Cabinet, the Commonwealth Office of Technology, and local utilities and governments. He emphasized that ADA accessibility is a priority across projects and noted that many completed items, including campground bathhouse renovations, broadband upgrades, life safety improvements, playground replacements, and some furniture and mattress upgrades, are already drawing positive feedback. The presentation focused heavily on campground, utility, and infrastructure work. Meyer described $40 million in campground upgrades split between western and eastern Kentucky, including projects at Ken Lake, Carter Caves, My Old Kentucky Home, Cumberland Falls, and others. He also outlined $20 million in utility improvements, including a federal matching grant for grid resiliency at Ken Lake and Kentucky Dam Village, plus wastewater and electrical infrastructure work at parks such as Dale Hollow, Blue Licks, Natural Bridge, and Cumberland Falls. Additional categories included building systems, life safety, structural repairs, accommodations and hospitality upgrades, pool and beach work, dam safety, playgrounds, and golf course improvements. Members asked about the status of Lake Barkley utilities, the possibility of transferring upgraded utility infrastructure to local providers after repairs, and how park repair priorities are set. Meyer said park managers report issues through regional directors and that projects are prioritized through a running capital list, similar to a long-range transportation plan. He said the department has already spent the current $20 million allocation and is requesting $40 million in the next budget cycle, adding that the department believes it could spend and complete projects if that amount is appropriated. The commissioner also said the department is managing 284 additional capital projects outside the main funding streams, totaling nearly $70 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am an alumnus of Lake-Sumter State College.
• Everybody’s accepted in Lake County.
• But the vision I have for Lake-Sumter is...
• Lake Sumter State College.
• For Lake-Sumter to develop also a construction technology program.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider a slate of trustee confirmations for several Florida state colleges and universities. Chair Harrell outlined the process, including swearing in nominees, allowing brief presentations and questions, taking public comment after each nominee, and voting on the full slate at the end unless a member was pulled for separate consideration. One nominee, Edward Fleming, was not heard and was deferred to a future meeting. The committee also dealt with several technical issues for remote participants before proceeding through the agenda. Nominees and reappointees emphasized their personal ties to their institutions and focused their remarks on workforce development, affordability, and partnerships with local employers. Several highlighted nursing and allied health programs, with committee members repeatedly asking about NCLEX pass rates; reported figures included Polk State at 100%, Lake-Sumter at 97.5%, Northwest Florida State at 100%, Daytona State at 95%, Pasco-Hernando at 97% for associate degree and 100% for practical nursing, Pensacola State at 90% practical nursing and 85% RN, and Hillsborough College at 87.5%. Other priorities mentioned included construction technology, agriculture and ag technology, surveying/geodetic programs, maritime and diesel mechanics, aircraft maintenance, dual enrollment, AI, cybersecurity, and support for military and veteran transitions. After hearing from all nominees, the committee asked whether any names should be voted on separately; none were requested. Senator Bradley moved a block vote to recommend confirmation, the motion was approved by roll call, and all nominees heard that day were recommended for confirmation except Tab 10, Edward Fleming, who was postponed to a later meeting. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Veterans on the Lake Resort is located on the cusp of the Boundary Waters, on Fall Lake, Minnesota, and
• on</c><00:03:19.319><c> the</c> veterans on Lake Resort located on the veterans on Lake Resort located
• </c> uh cusp of The Boundary Waters fall Lake uh cusp of The Boundary Waters fall Lake Minnesota<00:03
• </c> a rock trench uh type system and Lake a rock trench uh type system and Lake County<00:23:10.600>
• </c><00:32:14.399><c> County</c> possible uh Lake County possible uh Lake County has<00:32:16.840><c>

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds is a statewide coalition of some 50 volunteer lake associations
• , plus many individual lake stewards.
• The Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds is a statewide coalition of some 50 volunteer lake associations
• [applause] Vermont Lakes and Ponds. The Federation Vermont Lakes and Ponds.
• </c><00:09:45.040><c> and</c> preservation of Vermont's lakes and preservation of Vermont's lakes and

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or two of our lakes actually.
• want poop in our lakes.
• We have Lake LBJ, we have Inks Lake, we have the Colorado River.
• Is there plans to connect, uh, why is, uh, Lake Bridgeport to the all the other connecting lakes down
• We have one source, Bridgeport Lake. Uh, RSUD pulls from that lake.

Bills: HB 1520 , HB 1525 , HB 1530 , HB 1535 , HB 2068 , HB 2091 , HB 2347 , HB 2372 , HB 2805 , HB 2815 , HB 2867 , HB 3154 , HB 3482 , HB 3483 , HB 3663 , HB 3781 , HB 3901 , HB 3915 , HB 4135 , HB 4153 , HB 4158 , HB 4329 , HB 4331

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain.
• or Lake Maurepas.
• or Lake Maurepas.
• But in this side of lake, it may not, on the southeast side of Lake Pontchartrain, there might not be
• Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> And is that Ken Lake?
• </c><00:17:44.480><c> Cumberler,</c><00:17:45.120><c> Lake</c> Pine Mountain, Lake Cumberler, Lake Pine
• Mountain, Lake Cumberler, Lake Cumberland,<00:17:45.840><c> and</c><00:17:45.919><c> John</c><00:17:
• </c> the the dining room at Lake Barkley. the the dining room at Lake Barkley.
• Currently, Lake pools for review.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Energy and Environmental Protection met at 9:00 a.m., approved the June 3 minutes, and heard a presentation from the Department of Parks and the Finance Cabinet on Kentucky State Parks capital projects. Commissioner Mark Keelin and Scott Baker described the scope of the state parks system, the ongoing coordination with DECA/Finance Cabinet, and the status of projects funded through House Joint Resolution 76, House Bill 553, House Joint Resolution 56, and House Bill 6. They said 36 of 44 state parks have received renovations or upgrades, with 66 projects completed and 17 under construction, and outlined work on campgrounds, utilities, wastewater systems, broadband, building systems, safety upgrades, ADA improvements, pools, golf courses, marinas, and lodge accommodations. The presenters highlighted several completed or active projects, including campground upgrades at Carter Caves, Ken Lake, and My Old Kentucky Home; utility and grid-resilience work at parks such as Kentucky Dam Village and Kincaid Lake; wastewater projects at parks including E.P. Tom Sawyer, Carter Caves, Dale Hollow, and Blue Licks Battlefield; and building and hospitality renovations at parks such as Lake Barkley, Baron River, and Cumberland Falls. They also noted completed playground upgrades, lock system replacements, beach refurbishment, and golf course improvements, and said the parks system is managing additional internal projects beyond those discussed. The department emphasized that parks often serve as sheltering locations during disasters and that infrastructure replacement is a high priority. Scott Baker then explained DECA’s role in managing the Commonwealth’s capital construction program, saying it oversees about 1,300 active projects across 28 cabinets and agencies, including 149 parks projects. He described DECA’s team-based approach, with dedicated project managers and field staff assigned to parks, and said monthly status meetings and more frequent check-ins are used to keep projects moving. In response to committee questions, Keelin and Baker said projects are assigned to DECA based mainly on the need for architectural or engineering services, while smaller or less complex work can be handled in-house by parks staff or the P11 construction crew. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a rendering of Kin Lake.
• </c> This is a rendering of uh Kin Lake. This is a rendering of uh Kin Lake.
• </c> projects are taking place at Kin Lake projects are taking place at Kin Lake State<00:10:24.000><
• </c><00:16:03.519><c> have</c> Jenny Wally and Dell Hollow Lake have Jenny Wally and Dell Hollow Lake
• Dam Village and Kin Lake. Uh additional Dam Village and Kin Lake.

Keywords: 00:02 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:44 Approval of Minutes 01:56 Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet 54:59 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy received an update from Kentucky State Parks and the Finance Cabinet on the status of major capital projects funded through recent legislative appropriations. Commissioner Mark Keelin, Deputy Commissioner Chris Perry, and Finance Cabinet/DECA representatives described progress on campground upgrades, utility and broadband improvements, building systems repairs, life-safety work, accommodations and hospitality renovations, pool and beach projects, playgrounds, golf course improvements, marina work, and wastewater upgrades across the state park system. They emphasized that Kentucky has 44 state parks and that the funding has supported completed work and projects still under construction or in design. The presentation highlighted funding tied to House Joint Resolution 76, House Joint Resolution 56, and House Bill 6. Parks reported roughly $72 million invested to date, with 66 projects completed and 17 under construction, including campground renovations at sites such as My Old Kentucky Home, Kin Lake, Carter Caves, Cumberland Falls, and others; broadband projects at several campgrounds; electrical grid resilience work at parks including Kentucky Dam Village and Kin Lake; and completed life-safety upgrades such as lock systems. Officials also noted pool and beach work, ADA improvements, lodge and guest room renovations, marina replacements, and wastewater plant upgrades. DECA said it currently manages 1,335 active capital projects statewide, including 149 for Parks, and credited additional project management capacity and regular coordination meetings for accelerating delivery. Committee members asked for a copy of the presentation and pressed the department for more detailed accounting of House Joint Resolution 56, including how much money remains, which projects are complete, and whether current appropriations are sufficient to finish the listed work. The department also requested a larger maintenance pool appropriation of $40 million for the next budget, arguing that routine and emergency maintenance needs across 44 parks exceed current resources and that preventative maintenance would reduce long-term costs. No votes were taken during the meeting.