Video & Transcript : 'digital opportunities' :
Page 392 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:25:56.320><c> and</c> stakeholders with opportunities and stakeholders with opportunities and
- </c> new innovations and opportunities there. new innovations and opportunities there.
- <01:35:50.800><c> and</c><01:35:51.040><c> market</c><01:35:51.360><c> opportunities</c> opportunities
- and market opportunities opportunities and market opportunities for<01:35:52.080><c> producers</c><01
- This is a fun opportunity.
Committee:
House Agriculture Finance and Policy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 4/9/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:07:33.520><c> to</c> So, I do appreciate the opportunity to So, I do appreciate the opportunity
- This is an opportunity I appreciate having the opportunity to be able to present this bill before you
- This is an opportunity I appreciate having the opportunity to present this bill before you.
- And we're an equal opportunity protein group, so we look at all the opportunities for that.
- I really appreciate the opportunity. opportunity. opportunity. Thank<01:39:02.720><c> you.
Committee:
House Higher Education Finance and Policy
Keywords:
higher education, identity verification, enrollment fraud, funding, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, postsecondary education, community college, university, developmental education, remedial education, remediation, corequisite, co-requisite, English composition, college readiness, adult basic education, ABE, student placement, credit-bearing courses, noncredit courses
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- All members present had an opportunity to vote.
- All members present had an opportunity to vote.
- All members present had an opportunity to vote.
- </c> All members present have the opportunity All members present have the opportunity to<01:28:12.159
- House will attend a opportunity to vote.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So I appreciate this opportunity to testify, and any questions anybody has, happy to answer.
- Chair Murphy and members of the Financial Services Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear
- Thank you for the opportunity to testify on this important bill today. My name is Lisa Powell.
- Thank you for the opportunity to testify on this important bill today. My name is Lisa Powell.
- So I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak in favor of Senate Bill 17.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on a large group of behavioral health and insurance-related bills. Topics included expanding access to mental health services by allowing physician assistants to authorize Section 12 emergency holds and be recognized as licensed mental health professionals (H. 1131/S. 773); improving coverage for community behavioral health centers so commercial insurance matches MassHealth’s bundled outpatient and crisis services (H. 1276/S. 703); eliminating cost sharing for certain behavioral health services (S. 718); extending detox and clinical stabilization coverage from 14 to 30 days and adding transitional support services (H. 1319/S. 772); requiring coverage for dual-diagnosis treatment in psychiatric facilities (H. 1277/S. 771); and preserving access to treatment for serious mental illness through coverage of coordinated specialty care and assertive community treatment (H. 1135/S. 709). The committee also heard bills on preventive behavioral health services for children (H. 1228/S. 802) and post-pregnancy mental health care, including postpartum depression and pregnancy loss-related care (H. 1314/S. 823).
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Jun 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair and members, Thank you for the opportunity. My name is Dr.
- Thank you for this opportunity to present.
- Thank you for this opportunity to present SB 1099.
- Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
- California has a unique opportunity to lead in this field.
Summary:
The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills on June 9. SB 1023 by Senator Laird would require insurers that cover injectable HIV PrEP under the medical benefit to also cover it through the pharmacy benefit, with supporters saying the change would reduce reimbursement delays and expand access, while health plans opposed it as an unnecessary mandate that interferes with benefit design. SB 964 by Senator Smallwood-Quivas would limit prior authorization for certain dose or frequency adjustments to covered medications, especially for chronic complex conditions; medical supporters said it would prevent harmful delays in care, while insurers argued it weakens safety and utilization controls. SB 1323 by Senator Rubio, as amended, would strengthen protections for people in immigration custody receiving medical care by requiring hospitals and facilities to inform staff how to respond to requests and allowing patients to notify family members of their location; it passed with one no vote. SB 1099 by Senator Reyes would clarify local governments’ authority to provide state and local public benefits to all residents under federal PRWORA rules, with supporters saying it would reduce legal uncertainty for safety-net services; it passed, though one member later changed a vote to no on the add-on roll call.
The committee also took up SB 895 by Senator Wiener, a proposed $12 billion science research bond for the November ballot that would create a California scientific research funding institute. Supporters from UC, UAW, hospitals, and advocacy groups said the measure would help offset federal cuts, protect research jobs, and sustain California’s leadership in biomedical and other research; there was no opposition, and the bill passed on a party-line style vote with two no votes. SB 944, also by Senator Wiener, would stabilize Medi-Cal coverage for acupuncture, which supporters described as a cost-effective, non-pharmacological treatment for pain and other conditions that has repeatedly been threatened in the budget process; it passed unanimously. The committee also approved consent items SB 918 and SB 1202, and later cleared the remaining measures on call after roll votes and add-on votes were taken.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/04/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, thanks for the opportunity to be here and to address you Today.
- Tomorrow we'll host an industry day to showcase this tremendous opportunity.
- That's an opportunity for all of us here.
- There are a great many things if you have the opportunity to Watch debates in this chamber, there are
- But Fort Drum Day is an opportunity for us to check in and refocus our priorities on the reason that
Summary:
The Senate convened with ceremonial opening proceedings, approved the prior journal, and then moved through a series of calendar actions, including discharging and substituting identical companion bills from committee and restoring several bills to the Third Reading Calendar after reconsideration. The chamber also took up a supplemental budget calendar and a controversial supplemental budget extender, with Senator O’Mara questioning the delay in final budget negotiations, the size of the extender, table targets, and unresolved policy issues such as auto insurance reforms, SEQRA, New York for All, and CLCPA changes. Senator Serrano responded that negotiations were ongoing and that the extender was a clean measure to keep state government functioning. The budget extender bills were then passed, with Senator Weik voting in the negative on one of them. The Senate also adopted a resolution memorializing May 4, 2026, as 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day, and hosted Major General Scott Naumann and other Fort Drum leaders and soldiers for remarks on the division’s deployments, readiness, economic impact, and requests for continued state support on items such as microreactors, health care, DMV services, dining facilities, airports, and mineral-related development.
The Fort Drum resolution drew extensive bipartisan praise from Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Minority Leader Ortt, Senator Scarcella-Spanton, Senator Ashby, Senator Walczyk, and others, who emphasized the division’s military history, its role as a major employer and economic driver in Northern New York, and the sacrifices of service members and their families. Several senators highlighted individual soldiers in attendance and their service records, while the resolution was opened for co-sponsorship and adopted. The Senate also recognized a visiting child author, Thomas Ortiz, who was introduced for publishing a book encouraging kindness and friendship.
After the ceremonial segment, the Senate returned to regular business and passed a series of bills on the calendar, including measures affecting environmental conservation, executive law, public service, education, public authorities, real property tax, criminal procedure, election law, and civil rights. Some bills drew negative votes from a bloc of senators, particularly on the environmental, criminal procedure, election, and civil rights measures, but all listed bills were ultimately passed. The Senate then adjourned until the next day.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee Mar 25th, 2026
Labor, Public Employment and Retirement
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Maxwell Johnson.
- Additionally, the proposal positions California to seize new federal opportunities.
- Additionally, the proposal positions California to seize new federal opportunities.
- Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony today. My name is Edgar Ortiz.
- We are not going to have the opportunity for the opportunity for We are not going to have the opportunity
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it's an excellent opportunity for your area, your district, and the school.
- They select to participate, and they shouldn’t be penalized or denied the opportunity to participate
- Every student in our state deserves an equal opportunity to play, no matter what... HB 363.
- Students that don’t have the opportunity and ask for favorable passage. Thank you, Rep. Landry.
- Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The House Education Committee met on March 24, 2026, with a quorum present and announced that HB 690 would not be heard. The committee first advanced HB 350, which would extend the grades served by Ecole Ponashan in Terrebonne Parish from pre-K through 4th grade to 8th grade; members spoke in support of the school’s role in French immersion, Cajun heritage, and local educational access, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 434, which shifts certain probationary employment authority over school bus operators from school boards to superintendents, also received favorable passage without objection, with support from the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents.
The committee then considered HB 445 on the Louisiana STEM Advisory Council. The bill would move the STEM Commission from the Board of Regents to Louisiana Works, reduce and reorganize membership, and cut the number of meetings from four to two while keeping funding in place. Supporters said the change would better align the council with workforce needs and economic development, while members asked about the loss of some education representatives and the continued role of employers and K-12 stakeholders. After discussion, the bill was reported favorably. HB 386, which would allow local school districts to let locally authorized charter schools operate as their own local education agency under district rules, was also reported favorably after extensive discussion of charter types, LEA status, federal funding, special education liability, and the difference between local and state authorization.
HB 363, which would let students enrolled in virtual schools participate in extracurricular activities and athletics at their zoned public school, drew strong support from members and testimony from students and families. Witnesses described the bill as a fairness measure that would give online students the same opportunity to try out for sports and activities as home study students, subject to the same eligibility rules, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 256, clarifying that school employees are mandatory reporters and subject to existing DCFS training requirements, was also reported favorably, with members emphasizing child protection and the need to simplify reporting obligations. Finally, HB 272, which expands eligibility for the READ literacy program to students in D- and F-rated schools, was supported by the sponsor, Scholastic, and literacy advocates who cited Florida data showing improved reading outcomes and stronger family engagement; members raised questions about the fiscal note, parent literacy, and program overlap, but the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Nevertheless, thank you for the opportunity to speak in front of you today.
- And this is the opportunity today for us to actually correct this.
- Thank you for the opportunity to share my perspective, and I'm happy answering questions.
- This pilot creates an opportunity to establish consistent standards.
- This pilot creates an opportunity to establish consistent standards statewide.
Committee:
House Human Services
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Administrative Rules Mar 9th, 2026
Joint Committee on Administrative Rules
Transcript Highlights:
- easily access the opportunity.
- individuals who want this opportunity.
- I was excited for the opportunity to apply.
- I was excited for the opportunity to apply for a micro-business license.
- Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony today on DCR's... Good morning.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules met to review Missouri marijuana microbusiness rule amendments, especially 19 CSR 100-1.060 and 19 CSR 100-1.190. The Department of Cannabis Regulation explained that the changes were intended to clarify what it means for a microbusiness to be “owned and operated” by eligible individuals, move compliance review earlier in the application process, and address repeated instances where licenses were later found to be controlled by ineligible or noncompliant parties. The department said it had used stakeholder outreach, town halls, listening sessions, and public comments in drafting the rules, and noted that 25 standalone comments were received during formal rulemaking.
Committee members focused heavily on whether the rules were too broad, whether they effectively punished applicants for past agency revocations, and whether the department had clear authority to impose a lifetime ban on people denied or revoked under the ownership-and-operation provisions. Several members argued the language should be narrowed to intentional or egregious violations and better tied to specific conduct rather than prior agency action. Witnesses from the public, including applicants and attorneys, testified that the department’s guidance on “predatory practices” and acceptable ownership structures had been unclear, that some applicants relied on consultant arrangements later deemed problematic, and that similar agreements were treated inconsistently. Others supported stronger enforcement, saying the rules were needed to prevent manipulation of social equity applicants and preserve the constitutional requirements of the program.
The committee also discussed training and technical assistance requirements, the five-day document deadline, and whether the department should provide more concrete guidance or model forms. Members raised concerns that the proposed definitions could burden small or first-time business owners and that some applicants might be unfairly penalized despite acting in good faith. No substantive vote on the rule package was taken; instead, the committee voted to adjourn and return on Thursday after working with the department on possible corrections, clarifications, or amendments.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Feb 18th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Chair and members, for giving me the opportunity to be here today.
- Speech and debate has given me opportunities within civics that I had never imagined possible.
- Without it, thousands of Florida students would lose the opportunity to grow in respectful dialogue,
- I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of SB 1062.
- But those are the techniques that I believe every student should have the opportunity to learn.
Keywords:
speech education, debate, high school, Florida Debate Initiative, civics, competitive teams, student participation, educational advancement, educator preparation, certification, professional development, temporary certificate, military service, collaboration, teaching effectiveness, education, Florida College System, tuition waivers, vocational rehabilitation, state universities
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met to consider several education bills and the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 Department of Education budget. The committee first took up CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate, which would formalize Florida’s Speech and Debate Week, strengthen the partnership between the Department of Education and the Florida Debate Initiative, require annual public reporting, and support statewide speech and debate programming. The bill drew extensive supportive testimony from students, alumni, and advocates who said debate improved civic engagement, literacy, confidence, and school performance, while also noting the need for equitable access and funding for travel and competition. The committee adopted a delete-everything amendment and then reported the bill favorably as amended by a unanimous vote of members present.
The committee then heard SB 1718 on educator preparation and certification, which expands access to educator preparation coursework, broadens eligibility for temporary certification for some formerly certified professionals, and allows prior subject-area exam results to satisfy requirements. Public testimony largely supported easing barriers for experienced educators while emphasizing that certification changes are only a partial solution to teacher shortages and should be paired with better pay, retention, and professional respect. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 7038 on education, which included a wide range of higher education and workforce-related changes, including a tuition waiver for Florida State Guard members, residency clarifications, oversight changes for blind services and vocational rehabilitation providers, licensure updates for private colleges, dual enrollment and assessment revisions, scholarship and funding changes, and reserve-fund requirements. An amendment restored the Classical Learning Test as a qualifying option for a grandparent tuition waiver, adjusted a Pell Grant performance metric, changed accreditation timing, and made other technical revisions. A dental education stakeholder raised concerns that one provision could disrupt long-standing exemptions for dental assisting programs, and the Florida Dental Association said it was working with the sponsor to avoid unintended impacts. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended.
The final major item was a high-level review of the proposed pre-K-12 budget, totaling $34.9 billion with local funds. Highlights included $30 billion for public schools and K-12 scholarships, a $50 increase in the base student allocation, a 1.64% increase in total funds per FTE, $4.5 billion for family empowerment scholarships as a separate FEFP categorical, $25 million for districts facing future enrollment declines, $65.3 million to help districts with current-year enrollment losses, $432.8 million for VPK, and $30.4 million for regional education consortia. Senators asked about reductions or flat funding in some allocations, teacher pay, declining enrollment support, Schools of Hope funding, and support for non-teaching school staff. Public testimony on the budget focused heavily on concerns about charter and voucher funding, especially the $6 million for Schools of Hope, with speakers urging more investment in traditional public schools, teacher compensation, and school infrastructure. The committee concluded the meeting by adjournment after no further business.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- This RS gives Josiah the opportunity to seek redress more quickly and inexpensively in his owner-operator
- This RS gives Josiah the opportunity to seek redress more quickly and inexpensively in his owner-operator
- And so this just provides a little bit more opportunity to have visitation in person, by Zoom, by letter
- In solving the worst scenarios, we must ensure that we do not narrow reunification opportunities where
- , in place for a reason, because it is determined that when families are given the opportunity to heal
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Rules
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Does it have the opportunity to grow once it's in the account?
- So... ...that have the opportunity to grow once it's in the account?
- Thank you. that have the opportunity to grow once it's in the account?
- such as this bill to enhance the opportunities in Cass County.
- was missing opportunities because we did not have an investment track.
Committee:
House Economic Development
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Transportation Subcommittee Jan 20th, 2026 at 09:30 am
A&B Transportation Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- And they can't tell their kids, hey, this is a job opportunity available in the state of Oklahoma.
- We have good, capable opportunities to build parts in the oil and gas industry.
- If we don't, we may come back to you in a future year and request our opportunities to do that.
- Our second largest industry can be, and I'm proud to have the opportunity to lead it.
- they're going to start seeing Oklahoma again as a great opportunity for testing rocket engines.
Committee:
House A&B Transportation Subcommittee
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 18, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- And thank you for the opportunity to be >> good afternoon.
- And thank you for the opportunity to be here.
- So thank you so much for having the opportunity to be here today.
- We appreciate the opportunity, representative, so you're recognized. >> Thank you, Mr.
- I appreciate the opportunity for y'all to engage with us today.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Science, Technology and Telecommunications Nov 12th, 2025
Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to present here to you today about the impacts of federal
- This allows us to continue to provide working opportunities to the students and to continue to pay for
- We are also seeing that research opportunities, federal funding opportunities, have simply not become
- We are already seeing that we are applying for less travel funding because the opportunities are simply
- We're going to have more opportunities for those things with projects.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans’ & Military Affairs Oct 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to thank you all for this opportunity to speak to this group.
- Roughly every other year, there's an opportunity to apply for Sentinel Landscape designation.
- These projects have not been funded yet, but they remain strong opportunities for future investments
- I think for us it's an opportunity.
- In addition to that, we offer one-off opportunities to engage in outdoor programming.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs heard presentations on several military and veterans-related topics. Dr. Dan Calvert briefed the committee on the JBLM Sentinel Landscape Partnership, explaining its voluntary conservation work to reduce encroachment around the base by protecting prairie habitat, supporting agriculture, and managing sensitive species. He described REPI funding, recent and proposed projects, and possible policy support such as state designation, dedicated funding, management endowments, prescribed fire flexibility, and water-right transfer tools. Members asked about seed sourcing, the distinction between natural-resource encroachment and development-related encroachment, and the impact of federal REPI staffing cuts.
David Puente of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs updated the committee on plans for a new state veterans cemetery in the Tri-Cities area and a replacement Spokane Veterans Home. He said the cemetery project has two candidate sites near Richland/West Richland, with pre-design funded by the legislature and a future request expected for land purchase and construction; he also noted the current cemetery funding source is limited and would not support a second cemetery without additional state operating funds. On the Spokane home, he described the current facility’s limitations and said the replacement would be a 120-bed, small-house model on a larger site, with the VA expected to cover 65% of construction costs if the state provides the match. He also reviewed agency budget reductions, including vacant positions, reduced outreach, cuts to counseling and wellness funding, and reduced support for veterans service organizations.
Blue Star Families’ Puget Sound chapter also presented on its programs for military-connected families, including Coffee Connects, a children’s book club, outdoor programming, career support, and Blue Star Welcome Week. The group said it is expanding beyond the South Sound and is using local outposts and online networks to reach more families, while also helping with food insecurity through grocery gift cards and partnerships with local nonprofits. Committee members discussed the need to expand the organization statewide and the ongoing food-security challenges facing military families.
During the final discussion on potential legislation, members raised ideas including restoring Washington National Guard retention efforts, expanding E-CAP eligibility to military families, revisiting the composition of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, and addressing veterans’ preference issues for service members who have not yet received a DD-214. The committee did not take any formal votes or actions, but members and presenters discussed future policy and budget requests, and the chairs thanked the presenters and staff before adjourning.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 8, 2025 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- I am very grateful for the opportunity to chair this committee again, and I'm looking forward to continuing
- So the child, as they grow up, there could be an opportunity to be on TCA themselves, but the adult for
- The opportunity to implement House Bill 1267... ...to get a good-paying job.
- One, there's certainly an opportunity to better educate folks on the services they are receiving.
- But there's a lot of different avenues and opportunities for our participants to leverage.
Summary:
The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive implementation briefings on House Bill 1267, which was enacted to address benefit cliffs and help public assistance recipients move toward economic self-sufficiency. The Department of Children and Families reviewed SNAP, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), and Medicaid-related eligibility and work requirements, including who must participate in work activities, the role of Florida Commerce and CareerSource Florida, and the new standardized intake and exit surveys required by the law. Members also discussed the TCA program’s household-based structure, the 48-month adult limit, and how work requirements differ for SNAP and TCA participants.
Florida Commerce and CareerSource Florida then reported on implementation of HB 1267, including the CLIFF financial forecasting tool, case management changes, and survey data collected from welfare transition participants. They said intake surveys showed common barriers such as child care, transportation, and flexible work schedules, while exit surveys showed many participants were employed or had gained credentials, though response rates were low because the surveys are voluntary. A local workforce board, CareerSource Tampa Bay, described using CLIFF in case management and shared a success story about a participant who completed training, earned certifications, and moved into employment.
The committee also heard a separate DCF briefing on the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its impact on SNAP. DCF said the law expands able-bodied adult without dependents requirements, changes non-citizen eligibility, ends future SNAP-Ed funding, increases state administrative cost sharing, and may require states to share in benefit costs if payment error rates remain above federal thresholds. Members focused heavily on Florida’s SNAP payment error rate, which DCF said was 15.13% for federal fiscal year 2024 and 12.60% for 2023, with the state currently on a corrective action plan. DCF described steps to reduce errors, including more verification of rent and utility expenses, improved income matching, staff training, and system modernization. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after questions concluded.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you again for the opportunity to testify here today.
- Again, thank you for the opportunity to come and testify here before you. My name is Raul Sassine.
- These opportunities come from declared events. The downside is we had to declare events.
- It's a better opportunity to take those floods, give the water more time to recharge the aquifer.
- that we're missing on combining flood mitigation and aquifer recharge. ...an opportunity that we're
Committee:
House Natural Resources
Summary:
The House Committee on Natural Resources met to focus on flooding issues across Texas, with particular attention to South Texas and the recent catastrophic flooding in Central Texas. Chair Harris and Vice Chair Martinez emphasized that flooding is a statewide problem requiring continued legislative attention. The committee heard invited testimony from Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes and Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 General Manager Raul Sassine, who described the March flood event in Hidalgo County, including more than 20 inches of rain, six deaths, over $100 million in local damage, widespread road flooding, and repeated shutdowns of Interstate 2 and its frontage roads. They argued that existing drainage systems are under capacity, that TxDOT projects must account for downstream drainage impacts, and that local governments have already invested heavily in mitigation through bonds and partnerships.
Fuentes and Sassine also described the county’s long-term flood mitigation and water-reuse efforts, including the Delta region water management project, which would capture stormwater, runoff, and treated effluent, reduce flooding, and create potable water supply. They said the drainage district manages about 780 miles of channels and 1,100 acres of detention facilities, has used prior Flood Infrastructure Fund and GLO grants, and has ongoing applications for additional state and federal assistance. Members discussed the need for TxDOT coordination, emergency access on frontage roads, local “skin in the game,” and the possibility of combining flood control with aquifer recharge and water supply projects.
Texas Water Development Board Executive Administrator Brian McMath then presented an overview of the state’s flood planning and funding framework, including the post-Harvey legislative changes that created the Flood Infrastructure Fund, the Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund, and the regional/state flood planning process. He summarized the first state flood plan adopted in 2024, noting that about one in six Texans live or work in known flood hazard areas and that regional plans identified 4,609 flood risk reduction solutions with an estimated cost of $54.5 billion. He also reviewed TWDB programs for flood grants, community assistance, flood insurance compliance, stream gauges, TexMesonet, flood mapping, and the TexasFlood.org viewer. Members asked about drainage fees, technical assistance, gauge placement, the relationship between flood maps and FEMA FIRMs, and whether flood mitigation funds could support aquifer storage and recovery or recharge projects; TWDB staff said such projects can be eligible if they include flood mitigation components, but direct technical assistance cannot be paid from Flood Infrastructure Fund dollars. The committee concluded by expressing interest in further study of combining flood mitigation with aquifer recharge, and then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, members, for the opportunity to lay out Senate Bill 2858.
- What it does create is an opportunity to have consistency on the part of businesses, individuals, and
- There is an opportunity. You took the correct course.
- I'm going to take advantage of the opportunity while you're here.
- The bare minimum due process is notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard.
Committee:
House Intergovernmental Affairs
Keywords:
municipal management district, bonds, assessments, property taxes, economic development, eminent domain, special district, SB 427, local government, political subdivision, state loan, state grant, financial reporting, annual financial statement, annual report, county report, municipal finance, water district, municipality, county auditor