Transcript Highlights:

• The motion is do pass to Senate Natural Resources and Water. Please call the absent members.
• Motion is do pass as to Natural Resources and Water. Please call the absent members.
• Motion is do pass to Natural Resources and Water. Please call the absent members.
• The motion is do pass and send to Natural Resources and Water. Please call the absent member.
• And send to Natural Resources and Water. Please call the absent member. Senator Blake's Spear. Aye.

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard two main bills. AB 1934 by Assembly Member Bennett would create a voluntary home hardening certification program under the State Fire Marshal’s Wildfire Mitigation Advisory Committee. Supporters, including local governments, counties, fire-related organizations, and conservation groups, said the certificate could help guide future incentives for wildfire resilience and home hardening. Senators discussed how long certifications should last, whether recertification should be required, and how the program could align with local fire inspections and future state incentive funding. The bill was advanced to the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee. The committee also heard AB 2411 by Assembly Member McKinner, which would create a process to train and deploy out-of-state law enforcement officers as temporary supplemental security for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. The author, the Los Angeles mayor’s office, and the Los Angeles Police Protective League supported the bill, saying the Games will require far more officers than California can supply on its own and that out-of-state personnel should augment, not replace, California officers. Opposition from PORAC and the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs focused on ensuring California POST standards, accountability, and proper training, while also raising concerns about recruitment, retention, and cost. Committee members generally supported the concept but emphasized that California officers should remain the primary source of personnel and that federal involvement should be limited; the bill was sent to the Senate Public Safety Committee. The committee also took up a consent calendar of additional measures, which were approved. After several roll calls and calls placed on absent members, both AB 1934 and AB 2411 ultimately passed the committee 9-0, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Turns out Representative Falconer loves the Boundary Waters. I don't think that's the story.
• He is not lobbying on the issues of the Boundary Waters. He has cut ties with that.
• We have Boundary Waters advocates who carry bills that impact Boundary Waters.
• He works on federal issues for the Save the Boundary Waters. He does not work on state issues.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Speaker, I think we're— Amy Walen, Jim Walsh, Kevin Waters, Sharon Wylie, Alex Ybarra, Janice Zahn
• Further remarks, the good member from the 17th District, Representative Waters. Thank you, Mr.
• tribes to harvest all these invasive California sea lions, which historically were never in those waters
• And this bill actually applies to all maritime waters in Washington State, but it would allow the tribes
• The good member from the 17th District, Representative Waters. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a prayer before moving through introductions, caucuses, and messages from the Senate. Several bills were taken up under third reading, with the chamber suspending rules to advance them to final passage. The day also included recognition of Colville Tribal Business Council members and the adoption of prior minutes without objection. Members approved House Bill 1269, which raises pawnbroker interest rates and fees, with supporters arguing the changes are modest and needed to help small businesses serve unbanked customers; it passed 83-14. Substitute House Bill 2123, dealing with foreign national participation in Washington elections, passed 68-29 after debate over whether the bill appropriately reduces burdens on candidate campaigns while preserving restrictions for initiative campaigns. Substitute House Bill 2178, a technical court-rules bill aligning statutes with court procedures, passed 89-8, and House Bill 2120, which reduces or eliminates certain JLARC reports to free staff time for higher-value audits, passed unanimously 97-0. The House also passed House Bill 2309, eliminating postgraduate degree requirements for some state jobs to reduce barriers to state employment, by a 97-0 vote. Substitute House Bill 2158, authorizing electronic remote notarization of physical documents, passed 96-0 with bipartisan support focused on access in rural areas. Substitute House Bill 2411, expanding shared leave eligibility to include employees affected by hate crimes or immigration enforcement actions, passed 60-36 amid concerns about cost and scope. House Joint Memorial 4004, a nonbinding request to Congress related to tribal management of sea lions to protect salmon, passed 80-16, and Substitute House Joint Memorial 4001, honoring Russell Blount by naming the East 34th Street overpass over I-5, passed 96-0. The House then adjourned until the following Friday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, SCR 55, supporting the findings and recommendations of the Hawaii Water Safety Coalition's Hawaii
• Water Safety Plan.
• Prieto-Asuncion, I wanted to acknowledge the work of Allison Shafer for writing the water safety plan
• and for showing up in this room every single time that something to do with water safety comes up for

Bills: SCR173 , SCR78 , SCR114 , SCR162 , SCR48 , SCR160 , SCR87 , SCR28 , SCR74 , SCR20 , SCR32 , SCR55 , SCR69

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: ticket scalping, task force, consumer protection, event accessibility, local economy, menstrual health, menstrual cycle, period education, period poverty, menstrual products, menstrual dignity, health education, sexual health curriculum, DOE, Department of Education, public schools, school health, reproductive health, puberty education, hygiene education

Transcript Highlights:

• I will say just from touring Alligator Alcatraz, I want the contract for the water because we paid for
• it to be moved in, shower water, the drinking water.
• Every ounce of water that went into the base had to be up because it was never supposed to be that detention

Summary: The Transportation Economic Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard four measures. First, the committee considered PCS for HB 1177, which originally addressed ad valorem tax exemptions for defense and aerospace operations and contract procedures for Space Florida. An amendment removed the tax exemption portion for later consideration in the tax package, and the bill then passed favorably after brief discussion about Florida’s competitiveness in the space industry. The committee next took up a conforming budget bill on documentary stamp taxes, which redirects a portion of doc stamp revenue from general revenue to the State Transportation Trust Fund. The sponsor said the change restores a $60 million transportation funding stream with a corresponding general revenue reduction, while maintaining a net zero fiscal impact overall. Members asked about why the funding was being restored and how the money would be used, and the bill passed favorably. Members then heard PCB 26-02, which re-creates the Emergency Preparedness Response Fund and adds restrictions and oversight. The proposal limits the fund to state appropriations for natural emergencies, requires legislative consultation for extended emergencies, keeps revenue in the fund, sends federal reimbursements to general revenue, adds quarterly reporting and inventory/accounting requirements, and sunsets the fund in 2030 unless reenacted. Testimony and debate focused on accountability, disaster response readiness, and concerns about prior uses of the fund; the PCB passed favorably. Finally, the committee considered HB 953, which strengthens oversight of commercial driving schools by authorizing county tax collectors to enforce related statutes and inspections. The sponsor said the bill responds to fraud and misrepresentation in the industry and would help protect driver licensing integrity, especially in South Florida. After supportive testimony from the Miami-Dade Tax Collector’s Office and a lobbyist, the bill passed favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• long in this place for justice and compassion to flow with the same might and energy as the majestic waters
• energy as flow with the same might and energy as the<00:01:38.439><c> Majestic</c><00:01:38.880><c> Waters
• c><00:01:39.200><c> of</c><00:01:39.320><c> the</c><00:01:39.680><c> Mississippi</c> the Majestic Waters
• of the Mississippi the Majestic Waters of the Mississippi we<00:01:40.880><c> pray</c><00:01:41.079>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Neither does the rain fall nor the waters rise without Your knowledge.
• Save the stranded from the waters, from the mire where there is no foothold.
• SAFE THE -- SAVE THE STRANDED FROM THE WATERS, FROM THE MIRE WHERE THERE IS NO FOOTHOLD.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, July 7, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• intended, I think, to expand environmental stewardship and education, preserving or enhancing air, water
• /c><00:04:24.960><c> land</c><00:04:25.240><c> and</c><00:04:25.360><c> other</c> or enhancing air water
• around Minnesota from the spread of<00:07:10.840><c> AIS</c> So that's one thing addressed in this water
• Subdivision 4, Water Resources, includes $11.81 million for 23 appropriations.
• Subdivision 8 is methods to protect, restore land, water, and habitat.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We didn't know there was lavatories, running water, plumbing.
• And where have you been getting your water rations? We said, "From the well."
• You press the button and water replenishes itself. That was our well. Yes.
• </c> water rations? water rations?
• </c> water replenishes itself. water replenishes itself.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Farmers are increasingly navigating brutal volatility, not just water and weather stress, but input costs
• We're focused on those intersections of good jobs, community prosperity, and clean air and water.
• And that includes clean water, healthy soil, High-quality almonds, and that includes clean water, healthy
• Cover crops also help to maintain The water in the land.
• So besides that, we also work with our farmers to reduce the amount of water that is used during the

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation was held at UC Davis and focused on how alternative proteins can support California agriculture, the bioeconomy, and farmers. Opening remarks from UC Davis leaders and committee members emphasized the university’s food science, fermentation, and sustainability strengths, and the state’s prior investments of $5 million for UC alternative protein research and an additional $1 million for ICAMP. Members framed the topic as a way to grow new markets, keep more value in-state, and address climate, food security, and commercialization challenges. The first panel featured Sana Beg of the Plant-Based Foods Institute, who argued that California agriculture and alternative proteins are complementary, not competing, and stressed that farmers are essential to the sector. She highlighted the need for ingredient processing capacity, technical assistance for growers, and predictable demand through public procurement, including schools, hospitals, and state facilities. Committee members asked about financing and market development, and Beg said guaranteed loans, grants, and state- and USDA-backed support could help de-risk investment and build the supply chain. The second panel focused on research and development. Beam Circular described the circular bioeconomy in the San Joaquin Valley, including efforts to turn agricultural residues into higher-value products, build shared infrastructure, and expand workforce training. ICAMP and UC ANR described UC Davis-centered research, pilot facilities, and a proposed plant innovation center to bridge lab-scale work to commercial manufacturing. USDA researchers discussed using byproducts such as brewer’s spent grain, tomato pomace, lima beans, and chickpeas for new food ingredients. Members repeatedly emphasized the importance of public R&D funding, consumer acceptance, and food-grade scale-up facilities. The final panel highlighted company perspectives from Optimized Foods and Blue Diamond Growers. Optimized Foods described using fungi fermentation to convert almond hulls, cocoa waste, and tomato pomace into protein-rich ingredients and stabilized nutrients. Blue Diamond outlined its grower cooperative model, sustainability practices, almond ingredient portfolio, and the Sacramento almond innovation center. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with discussion centered on research, commercialization, infrastructure, and market-building for California-grown alternative protein products.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that we have Water scarcity on the east side of the state.
• And so, a military-based impact fund can help that community with some water scarcity water Reuse type
• And they would allow them to train and continue to train, especially in swift water rescue and heavy
• If you ask us to do swift water rescue, We cannot in good conscience send National Guard someone out
• to try to rescue people in rapid and moving water if they're not trained to do so.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm well aware that the conversation could drift into a well water issue, and I think you could make
• Paul, what's happening with Northern Metals in Minneapolis, what happened with Water Gremlin, you know
• Paul, what's happening with Northern Metals in Minneapolis, what happened with Water Gremlin, you know
• Paul, what's happening with Northern Metals in Minneapolis, what happened with Water Gremlin, you know
• Paul, what's happening with Northern Metals in Minneapolis, what happened with Water Gremlin, you know

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard extended discussion on House File 8, a bill aimed at changing Minnesota’s permitting and environmental review process. Supporters said the bill is intended to help small and medium-sized businesses and projects that face long delays, and argued that the proposal does not lower environmental standards. They described the bill as modeled in part on provisions used in other states, including a staggered permitting process and an expedited option, and said the goal is to improve transparency, reporting, and real-time public access to permit information. Members raised concerns about whether the bill could also benefit large corporations and major industrial projects, including mining and other large facilities, rather than just smaller businesses. Several lawmakers questioned the use of county-based public input, the lack of tribal consultation, and how the bill would interact with treaty rights and communities outside the affected county. Others argued that the bill could create risks by speeding permits for bad actors or by allowing larger entities to pay for expedited treatment. Testimony also referenced examples from the Minnesota Chamber’s report, with a witness disputing the claim that permitting alone drove companies out of Minnesota and saying those cases involved more complex facts. The committee first considered a motion to lay the bill on the table, but that motion failed on a 5-7 roll call. The committee then voted on a motion to re-refer House File 8, as amended, to the Labor and Workforce Development Committee. That motion passed 7-5, and the bill was sent on to that committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over to the water world.
• I've not been shy that we're very tardy in our investments in the water world.
• accessible by water districts?
• So, I can save that for the Department of Water Resources.
• What is the status of surface water projects slated for this funding that Prop 1 was passed for?

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My background, I'm a licensed civil engineer with a focus on water resources, and this committee is going
• My background is in water quality improvements, protecting natural areas, and improving resiliency.
• My background is in water quality improvements, protecting natural areas and improving resiliency.
• During Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, our maritime squadron has 15 shallow-water boat teams with
• Those are also twin-engine, four-bladed, heavy-lift, over-water-rated aircraft.

Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met to organize for the session, take roll, and hear introductory remarks from members and agency heads. Members briefly introduced themselves and their districts, with several noting transportation, economic development, emergency response, military, and hurricane recovery issues in their areas. Chair Shove then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction and current-year budget, noting a total of about $20.3 billion, with most funding coming from trust funds and only a small share from general revenue. The committee also heard that upcoming meetings would include presentations from major agencies in the subcommittee’s purview. The first agency presentation was from the Department of Military Affairs and the Florida National Guard. Major General John Haas described the Guard’s three missions—supporting national security, responding to state emergencies, and adding value to the state—and highlighted deployments for hurricanes, border security support, and ongoing support to the Department of Corrections. He emphasized that the Guard is understrength relative to Florida’s size and demand, said recruiting is strong, and identified force structure growth as the main challenge. Members asked about aircraft, funding sources, and recruiting; Haas explained the Guard’s helicopter and fixed-wing fleet, said aircraft purchases are funded through legislative appropriations, and reported strong interest in the Florida State Guard’s recruiting pipeline. Executive Director Mark Thieme then described the Florida State Guard’s expansion into air, ground, and maritime capabilities, including Black Hawks, boats, drones, canine search-and-rescue teams, and ground support units. He said the agency supported immigration enforcement and hurricane response, and asked for continued legislative support to expand aviation, maritime, and medical capabilities. Members praised the Guard’s disaster response work and asked about aircraft, funding, and staffing. Secretary Cord Byrd of the Department of State followed, focusing on election administration, election security, the SunBiz and voter registration IT systems, arts and culture, corporations, libraries, and historical resources. He said Florida’s election system remains a national model, reported two prosecutions for non-citizen voting, and discussed modernization needs for legacy IT systems. The committee also asked about voter lookup tools, password privacy for SunBiz, and arts funding vetoes. Secretary Alex Kelly of the Department of Commerce described the agency’s broad portfolio, including workforce, economic, community, and international commerce functions, plus housing recovery, broadband, small business support, rural infrastructure, defense-community grants, and law enforcement recruitment bonuses. He said access to capital is the biggest barrier for small businesses and noted ongoing work with CareerSource, the Department of Corrections, and other partners on workforce and reentry. Secretary Jared Perdue of the Department of Transportation then outlined FDOT’s record budget and five-year work program, emphasizing emergency response, preservation and maintenance, safety, and major investments in roads, ports, airports, transit, and spaceport infrastructure. He said the department has removed millions of cubic yards of storm debris, is ahead of schedule on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, and faces a large unfunded project backlog. Members asked about supply chain issues, project priorities, and workforce needs, and Perdue said FDOT is open to collaboration on recruitment and retention.

Transcript Highlights:

• So being connected to city water is game-changing for the Woodon Terrace residents.
• </c><00:15:51.560><c> system</c> and uh connected the city water system and uh connected the city water
• </c><00:16:15.839><c> is</c> and so being connected to city water is and so being connected to city water
• Peter for water, sewer, storm water, electric, sidewalks, street curbing, and gutter for a 100-foot lot
• </c> what makes these things go Quality Water what makes these things go Quality Water roads<00:34:48.720

Bills: HF2148 , HF2693 , HF2542 , HF1141 , HF1770 , HF1489 , HF1709 , HF244 , HF1266 , HF807 , HF2619 , HF1340

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: affordable housing, local control, revolving loan fund, community partnerships, Minnesota housing policy, housing, locally controlled housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, housing infrastructure bonds, state bonds, bonding bill, supportive housing, permanent supportive housing, homelessness, veterans housing, senior housing, manufactured home parks, community land trust, single-family housing, multifamily housing

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> ways for us to improve storm water ways for us to improve storm water treatment<00:08:29.680><c>
• , sanitary sewer, water, and storm water.
• ><c> and</c><01:02:37.920><c> storm</c> water, sanitary, sewer, water, and storm water, sanitary, sewer
• , water, and storm water.<01:02:39.480><c> Uh</c><01:02:40.480><c> can</c><01:02:40.640><c> you</c><01
• Uh can you just kind of clarify water.

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And I said, you got to tell me when Joe gets out of the water, because that's the gap I'm going to have
• The rule applies to water users in the North Florida Regional Water Supply Partnership Area and consists
• First, it strengthens water conservation by establishing clear milestones and...
• First, it strengthens water conservation by establishing clear milestones and accountability, including
• Third, it requires offsets for new and increased water use that were demonstrated in 2025 demand. water

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• able to look at a single budget bill and see how much we plan to fund education or transportation or water
• Section 4 of the bill transfers $15 million from the Water Pollution Control Fund for fiscal year...
• $15 million from the Water Pollution Control Fund for fiscal year 2006.
• The Water Pollution Control budget, or money that's being taken, that's from sewer and water projects
• I think they do that because I think they tend to swim in the water, the policymaking waters, because

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current law, electric and water utilities are allowed to recover legal expenses incurred during
• With regard to water and sewer utilities, this bill amends section 13.185H of the Water Code to apply
• the same limitation to water and sewer utilities, ensuring consistent treatment.
• they can use an abandoned oil and gas well or a combination, but the bottom line is they then pump water
• The earth is pressurized it just like a water balloon. The water comes out.

Bills: HB 1951 , HB 2715 , HB 3092 , HB 3237 , HB 3278 , HB 3511 , HB 3592 , HB 3675 , HB 3778 , HB 3782 , HB 3826 , HB 3970 , HB 4016 , HB 4049 , HB 4341 , HB 4344 , HB 4406 , HB 4427

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• Mayflower in the lead flotilla that will meet Constitution at Castle Island, whereupon we'll have fireboat water
• we're dealing with 67 different public safety agencies, so it's an extremely complex blending of our water
• and we're dealing with 67 different public safety agencies so it's extremely complex blending of our water
• resources our air resorts blending of our water resources, our air resources, and our land resources
• only reenactments I can think of where the first component of the day is taking place entirely on the water

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The special commission on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution met without quorum, but proceeded with updates on major upcoming 250th events. Chair Sean Garballey and Senator Paul Mark opened the meeting, then Dusty Rhodes gave a detailed overview of Sail Boston and the Tall Ships festivities, including ship arrivals on July 9-10, the opening ceremony on July 10, the parade of sail on July 11, public boarding, harbor fireworks, and the Sail Boston festival. He noted the event will involve 20 countries, about 60 ships, multiple anchorages, and significant coordination with pilots, tugboats, and public safety agencies, with a budget of more than $5 million. Director Kate Fox and Sheila Green reported on Massachusetts 250 campaign efforts, including website and social media performance, merchandise sales, grant-funded exhibits and murals across the state, multicultural outreach, and July 4th programming tied to the Boston Pops Spectacular. They highlighted a series of MA 250 promotional videos, the I-Civics “We Declare” student reading project, the America 250 time capsule submission, the national reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, the Great American Block Party in Boston, and the flag sojourn that will bring a ceremonial flag to several Massachusetts sites before it is sent to Washington, D.C. They also mentioned upcoming MA 250 signage at MassDOT service plazas and a new schools-and-farms partnership announced by state secretaries. Jonathan Lane of Revolution 250 updated the commission on Bunker Hill-related events, the Gloucester battle reenactment, Treaty Day in Watertown, and the Declaration of Independence project. He said Revolution 250 secured funding to reprint the Ezekiel Russell Declaration of Independence for distribution to all Massachusetts cities and towns, using an 18th-century press and handmade paper. The commission then discussed creating a Massachusetts-specific time capsule, with members offering to help identify objects and suggesting it include both historic and contemporary items. The meeting ended with general thanks, an invitation to an upcoming Mass Humanities screening, and a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.