Video & Transcript : 'Lake Benton' :
Page 39 of 271
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/6/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:03:35.599><c> or</c> purum or Park Rapids or Moose Lake or purum or Park Rapids or Moose Lake
- I'm a Lake County Commissioner, and this is now my 34th year of serving the citizens of Lake County.
- I'm a Lake County Commissioner, and this is now my 34th year of serving the citizens of Lake County.
- <c> excuse</c> existing Lake Country Lake County excuse existing Lake Country Lake County excuse me<00
- Lake Lake um<00:40:29.119><c> Camp</c><00:40:29.920><c> 5</c><00:40:30.920><c> Township</c><00:40:31.760
UT
Utah 2025 Regular Session
Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee - November 19, 2025
Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- has to be used in Salt Lake City.
- It's not just about what we do in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, or even the Wasatch Front.
- They had a very aged cargo facility at Salt Lake City International.
- , excuse me, Salt Lake City and the Salt Lake City International Airport.
- with Delta Airlines and Salt Lake City International Airport.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- And all that sediment eventually flows downstream into the lake. Now the lake is...
- And all that sediment eventually flows downstream into the lake.
- Chair, does it actually touch the lake? This land does not.
- If it doesn't touch the lake and can't get to the lake on it, how would this land with Game and Fish
- Guess what happens to the lakes and the rivers and the creeks?
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- To the Great Salt Lake.
- The Priest Lake Water Management Project: we went in and did some work on Priest Lake.
- And then in Bear Lake, we're looking to create additional storage in Bear Lake. Next slide.
- Senator Cook, what we're looking at in Bear Lake is right now that lake is operated by Pacific Corp and
- The flood waters could have been captured in Bear Lake. ...had managed Bear Lake differently.
Summary:
The committee first considered RS 33154, introduced by Senator Tammy Nichols, which would update Idaho’s cloud seeding statute with clearer definitions, authorizations, and reporting requirements. Nichols said the proposal was a refinement of a bill from the prior session, did not create or expand a program, and had no fiscal impact, but would improve transparency and public accountability for existing cloud seeding operations. The committee moved to send the RS to print.
The Idaho Department of Water Resources then presented zero-based rulemaking for Water District 34 in the Big Lost River Basin (docket 37-0312-2-250). Matt Anders explained that the changes were largely clarifying and reducing unnecessary language, with substantive edits in definitions, river reach descriptions, allocation of natural flow, and timing/administration provisions. He said the rule text was reduced by 484 words and that the committee approved the docket after a brief question about winter stock water use.
Director Matt Weaver gave an agency update covering budget holdbacks, the new Water Administration Bureau, groundwater and delivery-call administration on the Eastern Snake Plain, Treasure Valley groundwater conditions, the Bear River Compact, and the proposed merger of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into IDWR. He described ongoing curtailment and mitigation efforts, new groundwater district work in tributary basins, and concerns about staffing experience and workload. Committee members asked about groundwater district participation, Bear River water rights, and the effects of canal efficiency projects and Bear Lake storage; no votes were taken on the update.
Jeff Raybould of the Idaho Water Resource Board reported on revisions to the state water plan, major water project funding, recharge and cloud seeding programs, aging infrastructure grants, and regional sustainability projects. He said the board had submitted state water plan changes tied to the ESPA settlement and a higher recharge target, and discussed projects such as the Anderson Ranch Dam raise, Priest Lake work, and the Twin Falls Canal Company lining project. Members questioned Bear Lake storage and how canal efficiency savings would affect groundwater demand, but no formal action was taken on the board presentation.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Select Agencies Subcommittee Jan 5th, 2026 at 09:00 am
A&B Select Agencies Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Department lakes.
- and Lake Ellsworth.
- We completed dam renovation at Lake Jet Beaver, which is one of our department lakes that we own near
- They are pleased with the renovation of the Watonga Lake Dam and Lake Exoma near the city of Bixby, where
- is a city-owned lake.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So that's just the challenges there at the lake.
- could go into effect, and they could start using their lake and facilities of that lake.
- So they took a 21%, almost 22% interest in the lake.
- Fork and Lake Tawakoni to Dallas.
- There are 2 lakes right near, this is in Northeast Texas and there are 2 lakes right nearby, but those
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Apr 28th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, so you took out, like, Cross Lake, Cypress Lake, all the freshwater lakes? Yes, ma'am.
- You're only exempting all lakes except for Toledo Bend and Caddo Lake. Yes. All right.
- Have you seen Lake Pontchartrain on a map? Lake Pontchartrain already has it.
- Have you seen Lake Pontchartrain on a map? Lake Pontchartrain already has it.
- Like, what about Lake Morapal, Lake Salvador?
Bills:
HR210, HR211, HR212, HR213, HR214, HR215, HR216, HR217, HR196, HR197, HR198, HR199, HR200, HR201, HR203, HR204, HR205, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR209, HCR87, HCR88, HCR89, HCR90, HR118, HCR63, HCR69, HCR86, SCR6, SCR18, HB79, HB165, HB175, HB198, HB437, HB457, HB488, HB603, HB646, HB763, HB902, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1089, HB1099, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231, HB1245, HB1246, HB1247, HB1248, HB1249, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, SCR19, SCR3, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB316, HB549, HB578, HB748, HB798, HB824, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1032, HB1081, HB1108, HB1129, HB1140, HB1157, HB1192, HB1195, HB1198, HB1244, HB167, HB227, HB243, HB321, HB335, HB398, HB492, HB624, HB689, HB708, HB804, HB906, HB926, HB955, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB1005, HB1029, HB1069, HB1077, HB1095, HB1104, HB1107, HB1187, HB1203, HB1217, HB1220, SB73, SB89, SB128, SB149, SB191, SB196, SB238, SB318, SB340, SB66, SB68, SB76, SB139, SB336, SB475, HCR32, HB181, HB1118, HB1082, HB225, HB864, HB1166, HB1189, HB59, HB617, HB897, HB911, HB1223, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1113, HB1180, HB1234, HB1240
Keywords:
renewable energy, job creation, veteran employment, economic development, energy security, asthma, allergy, awareness, healthcare, public health, Louisiana, St. Bernard Parish, special recognition, parish day, state capitol, Louisiana resolution, ceremonial resolution, honorary resolution, community celebration, local heritage
Summary:
The House met on April 27, 2026, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of personal privileges recognizing Domestic Violence Prevention and Advocacy Day, Guarantee Corporation’s 100th anniversary, Delta Waterfowl, FFA and 4-H students, St. Bernard Parish Day, the Louisiana Notary Association, and New Orleans Day. The chamber also received Senate messages, committee reports, and introduced several resolutions, including measures on Gulf States renewable energy, asthma and allergy awareness, St. Bernard Parish Day, and other commemorations.
The floor then took up a long series of bills and resolutions. Among the notable measures were House Bill 316 on literacy and tutoring, House Bill 578 changing statutory references from gender to sex, House Bill 748 expanding toll exemptions for school board vehicles, House Bill 101 redesignating a portion of U.S. Highway 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway, House Bill 1032 cleaning up DWI terminology, House Bill 1081 transferring the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission, House Bill 1108 creating a homeschool pride prestige plate, House Bill 1129 giving in-state auctioneers preference for selling surplus state property, House Bill 1157 creating a Louisiana State Infrastructure Bank, House Bill 1192 creating a dental hygienist prestige plate, House Bill 1195 revising athletic commission rules and NIL-related provisions, House Bill 1198 barring arbitration in child custody and visitation matters, House Bill 181 allowing limited tax-data sharing for Medicaid/SNAP integrity, House Bill 1118 requiring disclosure of hospital ownership by real estate investment trusts, House Bill 1082 changing venue rules in suits involving municipal police employees’ retirement systems, House Bill 225 proposing a lifetime two-term limit for governor, House Bill 864 on municipal fire limits and storage of flammables, House Bill 1189 requiring captain’s licenses for certain freshwater charter guides, and House Bill 549 creating the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program.
Most measures passed, often after brief debate and technical amendments. Several bills were recommitted or returned to the calendar, including House Bill 902, House Bill 1245, and House Bill 1247, while House Bill 225 failed on final passage. The House also considered and passed multiple Senate bills dealing with tax administration, child custody testimony, Supreme Court disciplinary jurisdiction over out-of-state lawyers, civil investigation demands in Medicaid fraud cases, service of process fees and notice, and permanent homestead exemption registration. The session ended with the House in recess after completing its bill agenda for the day.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- that can degrade the lakes.
- </c><00:12:44.880><c> So,</c><00:12:45.200><c> I</c> lakes that can degrade the lakes.
- So, I lakes that can degrade the lakes.
- </c> a advocate for our lakes here. a advocate for our lakes here.
- </c> and New Hampshire Lakes Association. and New Hampshire Lakes Association.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm from Mud Lake, Idaho, and I'm super excited to be a page.
- I'm from Mud Lake, Idaho, and I'm super excited to be a page.
- So I believe you said Mud Lake. So could you? So I believe you said Mud Lake.
- Tell me about Mud Lake. So is there anything else out there? Tell me about Mud Lake.
- And Senator Brunshaw, I just want to know who is your favorite senator from Mud Lake.
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee held its first meeting of the year with member introductions and welcomes from senators, many of whom noted their backgrounds in education, school boards, homeschooling, or related public service. The committee also introduced two pages: Deacon Davis of Meridian, who said he was surprised by how little time the Senate spends on the floor and plans to serve a church mission before attending BYU-Idaho for cybersecurity, and Chase Van Epps of Mud Lake, who said she enjoys music and opera, is involved in BPA, and plans to attend BYU-Hawaii.
The main legislative item was RS 3266 C1, presented by Senator Den Hartog, relating to presidential searches for Idaho colleges and universities. The proposal would codify the State Board of Education’s current practice of using a search committee and would change public disclosure rules from releasing five finalists’ names to releasing only a sole finalist’s name, which would have to be public for at least 10 days before a final decision. Den Hartog said the change was intended to help retain strong candidates, especially in the ongoing Boise State University presidential search, where some applicants had withdrawn over concerns about public disclosure.
After brief questions, Senator Cook moved to send RS 3266 C1 to print, the motion was seconded, and the committee approved it unanimously. The committee then adjourned after noting the item would be scheduled for further consideration.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Jan 21st, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Lake Jessup Nutrient Reduction Project.
- That lake discharges east and west.
- of the lake.
- That's the reservoir east of Lake Okeechobee.
- They come from the legislature to build all the STAs south of the lake, south of Lake Okeechobee, for
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from all five water management districts for FY 2026-2027: Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and how most of its spending is tied to the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Several directors noted budget reductions from the prior year largely because major projects were completed or because grant/appropriation funding is not yet fully reflected in preliminary budgets. Committee members repeatedly asked how districts project operations and maintenance costs, how projects are selected, and what share of staff and spending is devoted to core missions versus administration or regulatory work.
Northwest Florida Water Management District said its preliminary budget is $93.4 million, down about 15%, with 97% of spending tied to core responsibilities and a request for additional regulatory services funding. Suwannee River Water Management District presented a $70.4 million budget, emphasized its rural/agricultural character and spring protection work, and highlighted the Water First North Florida reclaimed-water recharge project; members also discussed its need for an additional FTE to handle consumptive use permit reviews tied to a new lower Santa Fe rule. St. Johns River Water Management District presented a $181 million budget, highlighted major water supply, water quality, flood protection, and land management projects such as Taylor Creek Reservoir, Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Crane Creek, and Lake Jessup restoration, and said about 93% of its budget supports core missions.
Southwest Florida Water Management District presented a $227.6 million budget, with major spending on alternative water supply, water control structure repairs, watershed projects, and land management; officials said 93.4% of the budget supports core missions and discussed rising construction costs for aging infrastructure. South Florida Water Management District presented the largest budget at $1.05 billion, focused on Everglades restoration, flood control, water supply, and ecosystem recovery; the director described major reservoirs and treatment projects, the EAA Reservoir, and ongoing efforts to improve water quality and restore flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay. The committee took no formal votes on the district budgets and adjourned after the presentations and questions.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the Lake Centipe Protective Association. the Lake Centipe Protective Association.
- </c> to the lake for an annual guy's weekend. to the lake for an annual guy's weekend.
- We need to protect our lakes.
- We have a Lake Coast program.
- We have a a Lake Coast community.
Summary:
The committee heard public testimony on HB 1065, a housing bill that would clarify when multifamily and mixed-use housing may be allowed on commercially zoned land, define infrastructure standards, and preserve municipal discretion over where such development can occur. Prime sponsor Representative David Priest said the bill is intended to help address the housing shortage by using already developed commercial areas without overriding local planning. The New Hampshire Municipal Association, through Brody Dees, said it supports the bill and views it as a priority, but noted it is still discussing related language with stakeholders and wants clearer definitions for multifamily development, infrastructure, and adaptive reuse while preserving local control over commercial land use.
Testimony was mixed. Ivy Van, a certified planner, opposed the bill because she said the infrastructure language is too restrictive and could exclude properties served by private utilities or septic systems. Chris Freeman, a housing provider, was generally supportive but recommended technical changes, arguing the infrastructure definition may be too broad and that the adaptive reuse language could unintentionally block useful building modifications. He said the bill should be clarified so it does not discourage reuse projects.
The committee then moved to discussion of an accessory dwelling unit bill, with Representative Turkot describing changes that would shift some ADU approvals from a matter of right to conditional use or special exception, allow municipalities more control over attached versus detached units, set parking standards tied to single-family dwellings, and adjust size limits. He argued the bill would restore local discretion and prevent ADUs from becoming primarily rental units. Representative Reed pushed back, saying detached ADUs can help meet housing needs and provide opportunities for small landlords, while other members questioned how the bill would affect existing detached structures and breezeways. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair also noted a recess and time limits for later testimony.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit Committee Feb 12th, 2025
Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a study that just shows it has information on each lake and their tournaments.
- For example, Logan Martin Lake has 68,000, Neely Henry has 493...
- Logan Martin Lake: 68,000 Neely Henry: 493 Weiss: 405,000 Lake Jordan: 424,000 Lelay Lake: 621,000 And
- We've got a study from one lake, and that one lake study, which is the most shallow lake of the entire
- It's a mud bottom, totally different than other lakes in that other reservoirs.
Keywords:
DUI, driving under the influence, ignition interlock, interlock device, driver license suspension, restricted license, motor vehicle, alcohol offense, first offense, repeat offender, blood alcohol concentration, BAC, license revocation, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, public safety, traffic safety, chemical dependency, substance abuse, court referral program
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Transportation Subcommittee Mar 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- South Grand Lake, those projects are underway.
- Lake and Industrial was part of our budget requests this year.
- Lake access projects have got to provide direct access to a lake or a recreational facility.
- cycle with lake access.
- Back to the Lake and Recreational Access Projects.
Summary:
The committee met for an oversight update on how one-time and recurring transportation-related appropriations are being implemented. Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Director Grayson Artees reviewed ARPA and PREP-funded airport and aerospace projects, including completed or nearing-completion work at Will Rogers, Woodward, Ardmore, Tulsa’s air traffic control tower, and multiple hangar, terminal, taxiway, utility, and UAS infrastructure projects statewide. He also discussed one-time FY25 and FY26 appropriations for airport development, the repurposing of an unneeded Lufthansa project allocation into other aerospace projects, and the department’s aerospace education grants, classroom labs, aircraft-build programs, and internship support. Members asked for lists of participating schools and for a clearer overall accounting of the funding; Artees said the department would provide those materials and estimated roughly $400 million has been invested in aerospace and defense since PREP and ARPA, with about $250 million directed to airport infrastructure.
The committee then heard from ODOT Secretary Tim Gatz on the Retro Fund, lake and industrial access roads, ports of entry, and the PACT Fund. Gatz said Retro, created in statute and funded with $200 million in both 2024 and FY25, is helping accelerate rural high-impact road and bridge projects; he reported $249 million awarded so far, supporting about $1.4 billion in construction, with most projects expected to be awarded by September 2027. He also described lake and industrial access projects, including work at the Port of Inola, and updated members on ports of entry, internal way stations, and the replacement of the aging OkiPROS permitting system with ProMiles. On PACT, he said the county road and bridge allocations are being administered, but the Tax Commission’s role in distributing the county road share has created unnecessary bureaucracy; he urged a statutory fix so the money can go directly to counties. Members asked for lists of approved lake/recreational projects and for clarification on the Tax Commission issue; Gatz said ODOT would provide the project list and that he would welcome Tax Commission input on a legislative remedy. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the updates and questions.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 06/01/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I thought you said floating solar wasn't for lakes, but your definition included lakes.
- President,” “No, the Finger Lakes are not man-made lakes.” “So— and I get— through you, Mr.
- The Finger Lakes would not fall into that, nor would the Great Lakes.” “Thank you, Mr. President.
- AUTHORITY OVER OUR LAKE ITSELF.
- YOU PUT A LID ON TOP OF LAKE, THEY'LL DIE.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then processed a series of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, which were so ordered. Several bills were also recalled from the Assembly, had reconsideration votes taken, and were restored to the third reading calendar after receiving 58 ayes. Amendments were received on a number of bills, and those measures retained their place on the calendar.
The main business of the day was Privileged Resolution 2318, sponsored by Leader Stewart-Cousins, honoring Senator Michael Gianaris with the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader’s Legislative Legacy Award. The resolution and floor remarks reviewed his long career in the Assembly and Senate, his role as Deputy Majority Leader and floor leader, and his work on housing, criminal justice, voting rights, labor, environmental, consumer, transit, animal welfare, and other major legislation. Members from both parties spoke at length, praising his strategic skill, mentorship, humor, and influence, while also noting his support for younger members and his commitment to family.
Several senators described personal experiences showing Gianaris’s mentorship and political guidance, and many referenced his Greek American identity, Queens roots, and interests such as Star Wars and the Mets. Senators also emphasized that he was leaving on his own terms to spend more time with his wife and daughters. The resolution was adopted with broad support, and Gianaris then spoke in response, reflecting on nearly 30 years in state government, the major laws passed during his tenure, and the relationships he built in the chamber.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Lake. Mr.
- Lake. Mr.
- Lake. Yes, Mr.
- Lake. Yes, Mr.
- Lake. Yes, Mr.
Summary:
The House Agricultural Committee approved the minutes from its March 10 meeting and then took up several bills. House Bill 826 would shift regulatory functions of the Honey Commission to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture while leaving marketing and publicity with the commission; the sponsor and Idaho Honey Industry Association said the change largely codifies an existing memorandum of understanding, and the committee advanced the bill on a do-pass recommendation after questions about the $10,000 penalty, consultation with producers, and whether a misdemeanor penalty remained in the code. The committee also heard and advanced Senate Bill 1242, a DOGE cleanup bill removing obsolete definitions and duplicative public records language, and Senate Bill 1243, which removes outdated Soil and Water Commission/Idaho One Plan language; both were described as code cleanup and passed without opposition.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1283 on direct-to-consumer sales for small producers. Representative Boyle said the bill is intended to help small Idaho producers sell directly to consumers, with labeling, recordkeeping, and food-safety requirements, while exempting them from rules aimed at large commercial operations. Testimony was largely supportive from producers, Fair Idaho, Farm Bureau, and livestock groups, who said the bill would expand local markets and help smaller operations, though Food Northwest opposed it over concerns about labeling, training, and foodborne-illness protections. Committee members raised questions about dairy, catfish, raw milk, animal shares, safety, and the bill’s revenue cap; supporters said the bill keeps existing protections for milk and dairy and includes recordkeeping and temperature standards. The committee then voted to send Senate Bill 1283 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, with members noting potential conflicts and support from their districts.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> lakes uh here in the state of Minnesota. lakes uh here in the state of Minnesota.
- </c><00:04:36.320><c> And</c> lakes by the boat or on shore? And lakes by the boat or on shore?
- He said this is not just about walleye; designated trout stream lakes and those supporting lake trout
- ><c> near</c><00:07:42.880><c> their</c> large lakes uh are near their large lakes uh are near their
- I used to be the large lake biologist for Leech Lake, and I believe that the sustainable number there
Bills:
HF624
Keywords:
HF624, Minnesota fishing law, game and fish, walleye stamp, walleye stamp validation, angling, angler, fishing lines, two lines, four lines, open water fishing, ice fishing, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, fishing regulations, fish harvest, conservation, Minnesota Statutes 97C.315, 1183, house
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Transportation Subcommittee Mar 30th, 2026 at 10:00 am
A&B Transportation Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Lake and industrial: I'll tell you without hesitation that the dollars we are able to put towards lake
- to put towards lake and industrial lake access.
- So, there is a lot of need out there on our lake and industrial access road programs.
- I'd tell you lake and recreational access is more organized.
- Just a really quick question back to the lake and recreational access projects.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Hayden Lake Irrigation District has transformed over the last 40 to 50 years.
- We came off of the lake, and we now pump everything from the ground.
- We get all of our water from Hayden Lake Irrigation District.
- We also store water at Lake Waha, which is a natural lake. You can see the pump there.
- waha which is a natural lake you can see the pump there we pump the water out of that lake up over the
Summary:
The committee first heard House Joint Memorial 13, which urges Congress and the Trump administration to codify and follow the Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA decision limiting federal jurisdiction over “waters of the United States.” Senator Lakey, attorney Damien Schiff, and Mike and Chantelle Sackett testified that EPA and the Army Corps had overreached in regulating their North Idaho property and that the memorial would help prevent similar federal enforcement. The memorial was moved to the floor with a do pass recommendation and passed by voice vote.
The committee then heard House Bill 678, which would allow wolf trappers to use transmitting trail cameras to monitor traps. Representative Shepard and supporters from the Idaho Farm Bureau, Idaho Wildlife Federation, Fish and Game, Idaho Trappers Association, and livestock groups said the bill would make trapping more humane and practical, especially in remote areas and amid wolf management challenges. The Idaho Conservation League supported the intent but asked for an amendment, arguing the bill left unclear how long an animal could remain trapped and removed a minimum standard. The bill was sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation after discussion and passed by voice vote.
Next, the committee considered several DOGE Task Force cleanup bills. House Bill 566 repeals the never-implemented STORE outdoor recreation enhancement fund; House Bill 568 repeals obsolete provisions on floating timber and territorial townsite claims; and House Bill 774 repeals minimum fine provisions for illegal hunting of mountain lion, buffalo, and caribou. Each sponsor described the measures as code cleanup with no fiscal impact, and each bill received a do pass recommendation and passed by voice vote.
The committee also received a lengthy informational presentation from the Idaho Water Users Association on North Idaho water issues. Presenters from Hayden Lake Irrigation District, Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District, and East Green Acres Irrigation District described aging infrastructure, urbanization, workforce shortages, aquifer conditions, and ongoing water exchange and settlement work, including the Palouse Basin, the Nez Perce-related water exchange, and the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. Members asked about aquifer health and a forthcoming tribal water-right settlement involving the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The committee then approved minutes from February 16, 18, and 23, 2026, and recessed briefly to accommodate the water presentation.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And so we'll see, um, Farragut, trail to Coeur d'Alene, Henry's Lake, Bear Lake.
- side of the lake.
- on the west side of the lake.
- Priest Lake is up at the top end of the state of Idaho.
- , which is Cascade Lake is Cascade State Park.
Summary:
The Conservation Committee approved the February 5 and February 17 minutes, then heard House Bill 678, which would allow wolf trappers to use remote cameras on traps and rely on a video-based check in place of the current 72-hour in-person trap-check requirement when the camera is functioning. The sponsor and supporters, including the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Wildlife Federation, and Idaho Farm Bureau, said the bill would make trapping more humane and efficient and help with wolf management. The Idaho Conservation League opposed the bill, warning it could leave incidentally captured protected wildlife in traps longer than current law allows and could create enforcement problems. The committee voted to send HB 678 to the floor with a do pass recommendation.
The committee then received the annual update from the Idaho Department of Lands. Director Dustin Miller reported on endowment land management, timber harvest and revenue, fire suppression, recruitment challenges in the fire program, and the department’s shared stewardship and Good Neighbor Authority work with federal partners. Members asked about firefighter pay, mineral permitting, federal timber capacity, road access, and whether the GNA program can sustain staffing through program income; the director said the program is self-sustaining and aimed to expand federal-land restoration and timber output.
Next, the committee considered Parks and Recreation pending rules for Docket 26-1-20-2501. Director Susan Buxton explained proposed fee increases for park entry, annual passes, commercial entry, group camps, boating access, and moorage, but asked the committee to reject the proposed changes to Section 075 and Section 250, with the basic campsite fee section to be revisited next year. The committee approved the docket with those exceptions. Buxton then gave the department’s annual update, highlighting ARPA-funded park improvements, new campsites and docks, trail and recreation partnerships, staffing and retention issues, and major projects at parks including Farragut, Ponderosa, Priest Lake, Eagle Island, and others. The meeting ended after a question about the Eagle Island zip line, which Buxton said would have to be removed because the concessionaire could not maintain it safely.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And then we also have Lake Texana in Colorado.
- You know so but we've been talking about leaking lake is a lake lakey lakey.
- We also share operating expenses with San Jacinto River Authority and Lake Conroe and we own Lake Houston
- So we're almost half of that with one Lake.
- And they can start using their lake and facilities in that lake.