Transcript Highlights:

• or to the table, and when you get in your seat, just make sure your microphones are on, the green lights
• We appreciate that some of you are following up with us on those reports. lights on, really green, as
• Chairman lights on, really green, as Chairman Petri<00:02:26.879> says.
• improvements are designed to ensure visitors have access to modern conveniences while enjoying the outdoors
• improvements are designed to ensure visitors have access to modern conveniences while enjoying the outdoors

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:

• <00:14:49.279> on<00:14:49.399> the<00:14:49.519> feeder<00:14:49.839> light
• coming off of their on the feeder light coming off of their on the feeder light to<00:14:50.240>
• that of uh outdoor wood burning furnaces<00:20:14.280> so<00:20:15.159> I<00:20:15.280
• wonder, and you often get discussions and things that call the question, our process, and the more light
• ><00:38:09.680> we<00:38:09.839> can<00:38:10.000> shine process and the more light

Bills: HF484, HF483, HF1447, HF1496, HF554

Keywords: natural gas, gas hookups, residential construction, energy policy, local control, state preemption, municipal regulation, county ordinance, electrification, climate policy, housing development, building codes, energy source, utility infrastructure, Minnesota Statutes chapter 326B, propane, utility service, building permits, local government, energy choice

Transcript Highlights:

• And, of course, we're working with our local departments around our outdoor fire circles and the like
• around our outdoor fire uh circles<01:22:50.280> and<01:22:50.440> the<01:22:50.639>
• And I can offer you some observations about that that I think may shed some light on why I think that
• <01:44:44.639> on<01:44:45.000> why that I think May shed some light on why that I
• think May shed some light on why I<01:44:45.639> think<01:44:45.960> that<01:44:46.199>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• phone connectivity, In these parts of Texas, there's a need to go back to old-school technology: outdoor
• these key areas, the board will direct the municipality or the county to where they should install outdoor
• Obviously, where to identify outdoor warning sirens and have a backup power system, different from the

Bills: SB 3, SB 16, SB 2, SB 5, SB 10, HB17, SB 54, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB8, HB25, HB26, HB192, HB8, HB25, HB26, HB48, HB149, HB192, HB254, HB17, SB54, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB3, SB16, SB2, SB5, SB10

Keywords: flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, real property theft, real property fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Weber's bill is Senate File 2442, outdoor use of rainwater and stormwater provision.
• currently using storm water for outdoor currently using storm water for outdoor purposes. purposes
• I’m president of three Twin Cities-based outdoor-related companies employing approximately 50 people,
• I’m president of three Twin Cities-based outdoor-related companies employing approximately 50 people,
• I’m president of three Twin Cities-based outdoor-related companies employing approximately 50 people,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• kids today, all they do is get on their iPhone or their iPad, and we want to introduce them to the outdoors
• Outdoor recreation and tourism bring $15 billion a year to our economy.
• Outdoor recreation and tourism bring $15 billion a year to our economy.
• Outdoor recreation and tourism bring $15 billion a year to our economy.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to consider confirmation appointments, beginning with Rodney Barreto’s reappointment to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Barreto described his background and defended his record, saying the commission has expanded public access, conserved land, supported youth conservation programs, and maintained strong law enforcement and wildlife management. Senators questioned him about public opposition to his confirmation, his role in supporting Amendment 2, a proposed use of submerged land near Singer Island, the Split Oak land swap, and whether FWC may reopen a bear hunt. Barreto said he saw no conflict in his Amendment 2 involvement, denied that any condo application existed for the Singer Island property, defended the Split Oak deal as a conservation and land-acquisition tradeoff, and said bear-hunt options would be presented later by staff and biologists. Several members of the public spoke against Barreto’s reconfirmation, arguing that FWC needs reform, term limits, and more scientific leadership, and criticizing his real estate and lobbying ties as conflicts of interest. Speakers also objected to his positions on development, habitat protection, trap use, herbicide spraying, and the handling of bear management and public notice at FWC meetings. Senator Avila spoke in strong support of Barreto, citing FWC’s role in Biscayne Bay restoration, juvenile redfish releases, invasive species control, and community involvement. The committee then voted to recommend Barreto’s confirmation favorably, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee next considered tabs 2 and 3, the reappointments of Kathy Chapman and Michael Kennedy to the Florida Inland Navigation District. With no separate vote requested and no public opposition, the committee recommended both confirmations favorably by voice roll call. The meeting concluded with thanks to staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We focus, we work with municipalities, private colleges, professional level, for the design of outdoor
• And we do everything from fields to courts to tracks, kind of anything outdoors, parks and recreation
• unlimited play, especially in underserved or densely populated areas with less space for play and outdoor
• If enacted, this bill would severely restrict access to outdoor play spaces in Massachusetts, impose
• all of which bring a diverse range of ages and abilities and both traditional and non-traditional outdoor

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight heard testimony on several procurement-related bills. Senator Lovely and steel industry witnesses supported S. 2167/H. 3411, which would require preference for U.S. manufacturers on public construction projects using steel and other materials. They argued that Canadian and other foreign fabricators underbid Massachusetts firms because of exchange rates, subsidies, and different labor-cost structures, causing local job losses and economic leakage. Committee members asked about tariffs, market share, and whether the bill should be folded into broader municipal legislation; the witnesses said public work should stay in Massachusetts and that the bill would help preserve local industry and jobs. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2107, a bill to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities in state and municipal contracting. Work Inc. testified that a preference for contractors employing people with disabilities would expand competitive employment, reduce reliance on public assistance, and generate net savings for taxpayers. Members asked about the estimated savings and whether recent federal changes to benefits would affect the numbers; the witness said the figures may need updating but that the underlying employment opportunity remains important. Another bill, H. 3339/S. 2187, would prohibit state and municipal contracts for new artificial turf fields containing zinc, plastic, or intentionally added PFAS. Sponsors and supporters cited health risks, heat retention, injuries, and PFAS contamination, while committee members discussed local bans, disposal problems, and whether indoor facilities or alternative materials could be used. Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro testified in favor of H. 12 and H. 13, which would update Chapter 30B procurement thresholds and allow municipalities to bundle snow hauling and removal with plowing contracts. He said the changes would give local governments more flexibility, reduce confusion between school and municipal procurement rules, and make snow contracts more attractive to vendors. Members questioned whether quasi-public agencies and state entities should also be subject to 30B, and Shapiro said many public entities have their own procedures but that transparency and fairness should apply across the board. The committee also heard support for S. 2150, a software licensing bill aimed at preventing vendor lock-in by ensuring state agencies can run purchased software in the infrastructure that best fits their needs; the witness said restrictive licensing can drive up costs and create cybersecurity and modernization problems, and that similar laws have already passed in several other states.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have Winston Welch, executive director for the Outdoor Circle in opposition. >> Okay.
• So, so I deeply appreciate the testimony given previously by our friends at the Outdoor Circle, and we
• What I would like to say, not in rebuttal, but in conjunction with our friends from the Outdoor Circle
• circle and we friends at the outdoor circle and we have<00:52:58.800> reached<00:52:59.040>
• circle, is that the stadium outdoor circle, is that the stadium authority<00:53:33.839> board

Bills: SB2141, SB2593, SB2824, SB2135, SB2115

Keywords: retirement, law enforcement, pension, public safety, employee contributions, Law Enforcement Standards Board, LESB, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, law enforcement certification, police standards, law enforcement training, officer certification, training and curriculum coordinator, lead investigative agent, administrative manager, administrator, Hawaii HRS 76-16, Hawaii HRS 139-3, personnel exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• meet this afternoon at 1:30 to hear confirmation hearings for the Groundwater Commission, the Great Outdoors
• meet this afternoon at 1:30 to hear confirmation hearings for the Groundwater Commission, the Great Outdoors
• meet this afternoon at 1:30 to hear confirmation hearings for the Groundwater Commission, the Great Outdoors
• ><00:57:46.400> Great Groundwater Commission, the Great Groundwater Commission, the Great Outdoors
• Colorado Trust Fund Board, and Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund Board, and the<00:57:48.559> Colorado

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have four new advisory positions: the director of the outdoor recreation division, the secretary
• Bird watching is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities.
• Wildlife, Ducks Unlimited, Impact Outdoors, Next 100 Coalition, New Mexico Association of Conservation
• In essence, as we go forward, what we're doing is we're working to make New Mexico the outdoor Mecca,
• Because like you said, I think we are the Mecca in the Southwest for outdoor activities here.

Transcript Highlights:

• opportunity for these children to experience an opportunity for these children to experience the outdoors
• Our mission statement is to provide outdoor opportunities for special needs children, children of our
• This bill has bipartisan co-authors, including co-chairs of the outdoor sporting caucus in both the Senate

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• event scene in our village district, which now boasts eight local establishments ranging from an outdoor
• We don't have to flicker the lights. All righty, guys.
• We don't have to flicker the lights. All righty, guys.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on a wide range of alcohol, liquor licensing, and hemp-derived beverage bills. Early in the hearing, there was a procedural dispute when Senator Jacob Oliveira attempted to testify virtually on S. 279; the House chairs declined to recognize virtual testimony from a committee member, and Senator Pavel Payano instead read prepared remarks supporting the bill to return liquor license authority to municipalities. The committee then heard testimony on H. 437/S. 279 from the Massachusetts Municipal Association and Cohasset Town Manager Christopher Senior, both of whom argued that local control would streamline licensing, better match modern community needs, and support downtown economic development. A Lexington business owner also supported local licensing flexibility for a paint-and-sip business seeking a beer and wine license. The committee also heard extensive testimony on hemp-derived beverage regulation, including H. 357 and S. 222. Supporters from the Commonwealth Beverage Coalition and Theory Wellness said the products are already widely available in unregulated settings, including gas stations and smoke shops, and argued for a regulated framework with age limits, testing, labeling, and local public health funding. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild supported regulation of low-dose hemp beverages but asked that breweries be allowed to participate using their existing retail and distribution rights. The Guild also supported H. 478, which would allow limited self-distribution by pub breweries, saying it would reduce inefficiency and help small breweries grow. Several bills modernizing alcohol licensing laws were also discussed. Representative Ruel supported H. 477, describing it as a cleanup measure that would remove the contiguous-premises requirement, add a character standard for applicants, and extend public notice periods. Representative Sangiolo testified in support of H. 3893, a local liquor-license bill tied to economic development and new businesses in Lexington, including a movie theater, coffee shop, and paint studio. Fable Brewing Company also supported the local license bill, saying the licenses are needed before they can finalize leases and open. The committee then heard opposition from the Massachusetts Package Stores Association and several retailers, who warned that the retail tier is under pressure from oversaturation, declining revenues, and expanded competition, and opposed a long list of bills they said would further weaken existing stores or the three-tier system. At the end of the hearing, Representative McKenna testified in support of H. 437 and S. 279, emphasizing municipal autonomy and the importance of on-premises licenses for restaurants and other economic-development projects. The chairs noted that additional written testimony could still be submitted on bills that did not receive in-person testimony. The hearing concluded with a motion by Representative Sangiolo, seconded by Representative LeBoeuf, to close the hearing, which passed by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's family time, lessons handed down from one generation to the next, respect for the outdoors, and
• Are the lights on, or are they for the amendment? Representative Coates?
• Have there been any other questions on the amendment from the people who have their lights on?

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee took up a series of natural resources, wildlife, environmental, and infrastructure measures. HCR 79 by Chairman Butler, which memorializes Congress and the U.S. Forest Service to allow dog hunting in Kisatchie National Forest, drew testimony in support from hunters and a former NRCS official describing it as a rural Louisiana tradition, and opposition from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, which said it supported hunting with dogs generally but opposed the deer/hog hunting portions while favoring the recovery-of-wounded-deer component. The committee reported HCR 79 favorable. It also reported favorable on SB 419, allowing pre-charged pneumatic devices for deer during primitive firearms season, and on SCR 29, creating a study committee on Atchafalaya Basin water quality and sediment impacts, and SB 111, setting black bass and crappie bag and size limits in the basin, with Wildlife and Fisheries saying it would monitor the effects through sampling and creel data. Several resolutions and bills focused on environmental management and state property. SB 174 authorized transfer of certain state property in Caddo Parish from Louisiana Tech University to the Caddo Parish School Board and was reported favorable. SB 189, a preemptive ban on intentional release or dispersion of fuels or chemicals to affect temperatures, was also reported favorable after discussion of geoengineering-related additives. SB 99, which updates DEQ communications to allow optional electronic notices for permits and public notifications, was supported by DEQ and reported favorable. HCR 104, from Rep. Coates, asked the Department of Conservation and Energy and the Louisiana Geological Survey to study and recommend improvements to subsurface data collection and access; testimony described efforts to modernize core and well-log records and build a statewide 3D subsurface model, and the resolution was reported favorable. The committee also considered river, boating, and wildlife-related measures. SB 331 would temporarily remove portions of the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act for five years to allow work on the lower Pearl River, including dredging and channel realignment, while prohibiting commercial development and reservoir construction; environmental groups opposed it as a bad precedent and urged a shorter sunset, but the bill was reported favorable. HCR 54 urged a federal study of flooded corn and migratory waterfowl behavior and was reported favorable after support from the Flyway Federation and Louisiana Wildlife Federation. HCR 94 would require annual Wildlife and Fisheries reports on boating safety data, and HCR 87 expressed support for a U.S. senator’s correspondence on migratory flyways; both were reported favorable. SB 505, dealing with the Motor Fuels Underground Storage Tank Trust Dedicated Fund, was reported favorable after testimony that it would expand grant capacity, create a two-cycle application process, and address LLC-related issues. The committee also advanced several measures on public policy and cleanup issues. HCR 85 created a task force on illegal dumping; after amendments added Keep Louisiana Beautiful and the Louisiana Police Jury Association, members discussed statewide tire dumping problems, DEQ staffing, and cleanup funding, and the resolution was reported favorable as amended. HR 216, as substituted, was changed from a repudiation of the Louisiana Climate Action Plan to a resolution authorizing the committee to hold a hearing and receive input from agencies and stakeholders on the plan; after reconsideration and adoption of the substitute amendment, it was reported favorable. One item, SB 243, was voluntarily deferred.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's family time, lessons handed down from one generation to the next, respect for the outdoors, and
• Any of the lights on, or are they for the amendment? Coates?
• Have there any other questions on the amendment from the people who have their lights on?

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up a series of hunting, wildlife, environmental, and property measures. It reported favorably HCR 79, which urges Congress and the U.S. Forest Service to allow deer hunting with dogs in Kisatchie National Forest, after testimony emphasizing the cultural importance of dog hunting and opposition from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, which supported only the wounded-deer recovery component. The committee also reported favorably SB 419 on using pre-charged pneumatic devices during primitive firearms season, SCR 29 creating a study committee on Atchafalaya Basin water quality, and SB 111 setting black bass and crappie bag and size limits in the basin, with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries saying it would continue sampling and monitor impacts. Members then approved SB 174 transferring state property in Caddo Parish from Louisiana Tech University to the Caddo Parish School Board, SB 189 prohibiting intentional release of fuels or chemicals for temperature-affecting purposes, and SB 99 modernizing DEQ communications to allow optional electronic notices. They also reported favorably HCR 54 requesting a federal study of flooded corn and migratory waterfowl behavior, and HCR 94 requiring annual boating safety reports from Wildlife and Fisheries; witnesses supported the reporting idea and suggested adding a 10-year average for context. The committee next approved HCR 104, which asks the Department of Conservation and Energy and the Louisiana Geological Survey to study collection and access to subsurface data, with LSU’s Greg Upton describing ongoing modernization of core samples, well logs, and 3D subsurface mapping. It also passed SB 331, which temporarily removes a section of the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act for five years to allow work on the lower Pearl River; conservation groups opposed the bill, warning about precedent, flooding, erosion, and habitat impacts, while the author said the measure was narrowly tailored to address severe silting and channel problems. Finally, the committee created a task force on illegal dumping in HCR 85 after amending its membership, adopted a substitute for HR 216 to authorize a committee hearing on the 2022 Louisiana Climate Action Plan, and reported favorably HCR 87 supporting a U.S. senator’s migratory flyway correspondence and SB 505 revising the Motor Fuels Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund grant process and related tank requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Luke enjoys participating in all of the activities that make our state great, including hunting and outdoor
• So when opportunities come to. investigate very deeply any issues that come to light, that you're doing
• And are you aware that USDA has agreed to a consent decree settlement, which a court has blessed in light

Transcript Highlights:

• You had this whole thing outdoors, with wind blowing. You had rain blowing through there.
• Things that torment me can be be sounds and smells and lighting because I too reacted to various different
• This bill negatively affects transgender people by giving the green light for misgendering fellow classmates

Bills: SB38, SB287, SB291, SB292, SB508, SB618, SB901, SB1436, SB1494, SB1626, SB1719, SB1999, SB1333, SB 38

Keywords: evictions, property law, tenant rights, landlord responsibilities, justice court, court rules, SB 287, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, sexually oriented business, adult entertainment, strip club, nude entertainment, live nude performance, alcohol prohibition, alcohol consumption, possession of alcohol, criminal offense, Class A misdemeanor, state jail felony, third degree felony

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Commissioner, for your testimony. outdoor recreation and protect our outdoor recreation and
• tourism to survive but beyond on outdoor tourism to survive but beyond the<01:26:23.520> economic
• of them rely on the ATV and outdoor of them rely on the ATV and outdoor tourism<01:28:20.800>
• outdoor Riders hunters and outdoor outdoor Riders hunters and outdoor enthusiasts<01:29:01.400><
• We are dirt bike riders and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 29, facilitating the use of rainwater and storm water for outdoor purposes.
• 00:03:05.200> for use of rainwater and storm water for use of rainwater and storm water for outdoor
• outdoor purposes. outdoor purposes.
• schools for all and it's 500,000 outdoor schools for all and it's 500,000 the<00:19:23.360> first
• This reflects a payment rate change for phototherapy lights for newborns, and that's $18,000 in both

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this bill still contained the resiliency project, water project, educational project, outdoor recreation
• project, water project, uh educational project, water project, uh educational project,<00:20:33.280> outdoor
• <00:20:33.679> recreation,<00:20:34.480> fish<00:20:34.720> and project, outdoor
• recreation, fish and project, outdoor recreation, fish and wildlife<00:20:35.440> and<00:20:35.679

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate was called to order under a call of the Senate, then proceeded to House File 3426, a natural resources bill appropriating money from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The House message reported adoption of the conference committee report, and Senator Her explained that the conference version was similar to the House bill but did not include a proposed grazing rotation amendment or the provision related to taking children to the Boundary Waters. He said the report instead included a two-year expiration for a community grant capped at $2 million and a 12-member approval requirement for certain emerging account grants, with the bill reduced from 109 to 108 projects and totaling a little over $102 million. Senator Green said the conference committee reforms were good but he still could not support the bill because of the amount of spending and the value of some projects. Senator Her then gave closing remarks thanking conferees and staff, expressing disappointment that the fiscal agent requirement remained, warning it could burden smaller grant recipients and small-town nonprofits, and noting that 83% of Minnesotans had approved the trust fund amendment. He urged that the fund not be used as a political bargaining tool and asked for support. The Senate adopted the conference committee report and then took final passage on House File 3426. The roll call showed 46 ayes and 19 nays, and the bill passed with its title agreed to. The Senate also took House File 3067 from the table, gave it a second reading, and placed it on the general orders calendar. The chamber then adjourned until Friday, May 15 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• decision-making factors and responded by highlighting the low cost of living, career opportunities, and other outdoor
• ... ...and other outdoor recreation.
• Alabama's strengths, including the low cost of living, great career opportunities, quality of life, and outdoor
• Quality of life, and outdoor recreation. Hello everyone.

Bills: SB278, HB459, HB61

Keywords: SB278, released time, religious instruction, elective credit, public schools, K-12 education, Alabama Released Time Credit Act, church-state separation, First Amendment, school choice, parental consent, elective course, off-campus instruction, private religious entity, State Board of Education, local board of education, attendance credit, core curriculum, religious education, Bible class