Transcript Highlights:

• Michigan and Lake Huron.
• And as a history reminder, the Great Lakes were first impacted as a result of...
• And that's what you see play out in the Great Lakes.
• I'm not aware of anyone in the Great Lakes. The mussels are in this kind of colony.
• on the bottom of that lake.

Summary: The committee first received an Idaho State Department of Agriculture update on quagga mussels, with Director Chanel T. Wall reviewing the history of Idaho’s response, the spread and ecological damage caused by mussels in the Great Lakes, and the state’s legislative and operational efforts since the species was first detected west of the 100th meridian in 2007. She described the 2024 and 2025 Mid-Snake treatment efforts using chelated copper, noting a more than 50% reduction in the impacted footprint in 2025 compared with 2024, while emphasizing that the goal remains eradication. Members asked about the treatment method, the difficulty of keeping copper in the deep-pool water column, fish mortality, the reproductive capacity of mussels, and whether other states are using Idaho’s approach; Wall said Idaho’s work is being watched closely, but few states have shown the political will to attempt similar eradication efforts. No votes were taken during this presentation. The committee then heard a budget overview for natural resources from Legislative Services budget analyst Janet Jessup. She summarized the agencies under the natural resources budget area, explained JFAC’s recent actions on a 3% rescission, an additional 1% rescission, and a 5% ongoing base reduction for fiscal year 2027, and noted that many agency enhancements remain pending. She highlighted that DEQ’s requested enhancements are tied to dedicated and federal funds, Fish and Game’s budget is entirely dedicated/federal, Lands has a fire suppression deficiency fund that can be drawn into the negative and later repaid by the legislature, and Water Resources has a recurring transfer request. Members asked about the fire deficiency fund’s limits and how it is funded, and Jessup explained that it is typically preloaded by legislative appropriation. Finally, Keith Bybee of Legislative Services gave a broader general fund and revenue outlook. He said the legislature’s adopted revenue forecast is higher than the governor’s, but the budget remains tight because of lower-than-expected cash balances and the effect of policy changes and rescissions. He noted that the current-year ending balance is small relative to the size of the budget, while the projected fiscal year 2027 ending balance improves under the legislature’s forecast. Committee members discussed uncertainty around future fire suppression costs, Medicaid, corrections, and school enrollment, and the meeting concluded with no further action beyond the informational presentations and prior JFAC budget decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are many of the roads that many people enjoy using to get to their favorite cabin on a lake, hunting
• </c> to get to their favorite cabin on a lake to get to their favorite cabin on a lake hunting<00:02:
• access for millions of motans uh Lake access for millions of motans uh most<00:04:49.360><c> of</c><
• </c><00:08:43.760><c> that</c><00:08:43.880><c> we</c><00:08:43.959><c> all</c> to the lakes that we
• all to the lakes that we all value<00:08:45.760><c> representative</c><00:08:46.240><c> Tab</c><00:08

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Brian Lake, Minnesota State Bar Association: “Thank you, Madam Chair. My name is Brian Lake.
• We want to 5,000 lakes.
• </c> manage,00 lakes for invasive species. manage,00 lakes for invasive species.
• There's lake associations.
• There's lake associations.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of lake shore sold.
• of lake shore sold.
• of lake shore sold.
• I live on a lake.
• I live on a lake. I Yep. I live on a lake.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I've got one particular lake in my district, Ayat Lake, almost completely choked off at times with
• And so that's how we set priorities of which lakes we receive funding from.
• It'll overtake a lake. I mean, it'll just close it in.
• Cole, I have Cattle Lake in my district, the entire lakes in my district, Blight-Bio.
• Everybody lives around Caddo Lake; water their yard out of the lake.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first one highlighted here are some figures of harmful algal blooms on Lake Coeur d'Alene and Lake
• The first one highlighted here are some figures of harmful algal blooms on Lake Coeur d'Alene and Lake
• The first one highlighted here are some figures of harmful algal blooms on Lake Coeur d'Alene and Lake
• But as you all are probably well aware, there’s a lot of questions around lake management in Lake Pend
• There have been situations where, in the summer, as early as May, the lake is at the level that folks

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• JCB LLC is requesting a lease for 300 feet of railroad frontage along Lake Winnipesaukee for a private
• Shay, for combining these into one for railroad frontage along Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Winnisquam, Lake
• So it sounds like we don't make any delineation based Winn Linusquam Lake Winnipegasi Lake Winn Linusquam
• Lake Winnipegasi Lake Yeah,<00:10:14.160><c> all</c><00:10:14.399><c> those</c><00:10:14.640><c> lakes
• It doesn’t matter as compared to Lake Winnipesaukee.” The response was, “Correct.”

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee met to approve the February 24 minutes and complete committee organization by confirming Senator Maki as vice chair. The committee then considered several Department of Safety and Department of Transportation lease requests, along with an informational report from the New Hampshire Council on Resources and Development. The Department of Safety sought approval for a 15-year lease at 17 Freetown Road in Raymond to relocate DMV operations from Epping. The department said the move was needed because the Epping site had limited parking and inadequate interior space, and that the longer lease was justified by fit-up costs and the need to ensure ADA-compliant accessibility. Members asked about fit-up costs and future DMV space needs, and the request was approved. The Department of Transportation presented a lease for JCB LLC for a private, non-commercial dock and pedestrian at-grade crossing on the Concord-to-Lincoln railroad corridor in Belmont. Members discussed the private nature of the dock, the role of DEIS approval, and the annual lease fee, which was read into the record before the request was approved. The committee then approved a bundled request covering 18 similar dock and mooring lease renewals in Belmont, Meredith, and Laconia, with discussion focused on the renewal process, waiver of administrative fees, and the standardized lease costs. The Council on Resources and Development item was informational only and required no action. The committee set its next meeting for June 30 at 9:30 a.m. and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:50.400><c> campus</c> Boston Scientific Arbor Lakes campus Boston Scientific Arbor Lakes campus
• </c> the cities of Blaine and Spring Lake the cities of Blaine and Spring Lake Park<01:21:08.320><c>
• </c> was traveling westbound on Bunker Lake was traveling westbound on Bunker Lake Boulevard<01:22:41.360
• </c> the local Frontage Road in Forest Lake the local Frontage Road in Forest Lake which<01:25:16.719
• </c> bar uh which is the city of Ham Lake bar uh which is the city of Ham Lake Mark<01:42:47.520><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hurricane Lake is dependent upon the White River. Okay.
• Consequently, that area was a lake for a long time. It never has been intended to be a lake.
• The lake work, for all intents and purposes, is complete.
• But Lake Frierson up in Craighead County—that's a fishing game lake.
• In driving by Lake Conway, the property owners that have the docks around the lake, what is the process

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police leadership about the agency’s role in federal immigration enforcement. Colonel Mike Hager said State Police has completed 287(g) training for all but 12 officers and is authorized to assist ICE in limited circumstances, but is not an immigration enforcement agency. He emphasized that troopers only make immigration-related notifications after lawful stops or arrests for other offenses, and that the agency uses discretion and chain-of-command approval for any planned operation. Members asked about how immigration status is determined, whether stops are tracked, whether local agencies are participating, and whether there are costs or reimbursement mechanisms; Hager said the agency began tracking encounters in September and had 48 detentions since then, most tied to other criminal violations such as DWIs or domestic violence. He also said there were no current planned immigration operations beyond assisting federal partners. The committee then received an update from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Director Doug Schoenrock on wildlife management areas, waterfowl habitat, and related infrastructure. He reported that most moist-soil units and green tree reservoirs were flooded or near normal, with one new pump not yet operational and a vandalized Ed Gordon/Point Remove pump back in service since December. He also said the Lake Conway dam and water-control work were progressing, with a public meeting scheduled at Mayflower High School. Questions followed about dock removal notices, maintenance on other water-control structures, and a recent fatal boating accident at Baumito WMA, which Schoenrock described as a high-speed collision in flooded timber and said the agency was working on a safety memorial effort with the victim’s widow. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on duck season, drought conditions, and criticism of the Flyway Federation’s push to restrict hunting over standing corn. Schoenrock said Arkansas remains the nation’s top duck-hunting destination, but drought and warm weather have reduced water availability and caused ducks to move north; he cited survey numbers showing 1.4 million ducks in the state at the end of December but a much lower January count. He argued that standing corn is legal and that federal habitat and water policy, not Arkansas law, drives long-term duck populations. Members raised concerns about changing migration patterns, the role of private clubs, federal regulation, and the possible effects of wind turbines and solar panels on waterfowl; Schoenrock and Commissioner Chris Caldwell said the commission is studying those issues, including a University of Arkansas at Monticello project on avoidance behavior, and that no immediate regulatory changes were announced. The committee took no formal vote and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Deanna Thomas, who's the executive director of Lake Technical College.
• Sponsored by the Lake County School District, Lake Tech proudly holds the distinction of being Florida's
• Since the 2021-22 school year, enrollment has surged at Lake Tech by 31%.
• This creative space will house joint programs offered by Lake Technical College and Lake Sumter State
• College in collaboration with Lake County Schools' flexible high school option.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education received an overview of Florida’s career and technical education (CTE) system from Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell, who described the state’s CTE pathways, program types, enrollment and completion growth, quality audit metrics, and the Master Credentials List used to identify credentials of value. He highlighted record postsecondary CTE enrollment and completions, strong statewide performance in talent attraction, and several funding tools supporting expansion, including Open Door, the Florida First Responder Scholarship, Workforce Development Capitalization grants, Perkins funding, CAPE performance incentives, and apprenticeship grants. Senators asked about eligibility for Open Door and first responder aid, top industry certifications, and the teacher apprenticeship initiative. A panel of college and technical school leaders then described how state and federal funding has supported local program growth and facility expansion. Santa Fe College, Palm Beach State College, North Florida Technical College, Lake Technical College, Florida Gateway College, and Manatee Technical College each cited increases in enrollment, high placement or licensure pass rates, and new or expanded programs in nursing, welding, CDL, automotive, manufacturing, public safety, and apprenticeship. Several speakers emphasized partnerships with hospitals, employers, school districts, and local governments, and noted that grants helped fund equipment, renovations, and new training hubs. Palm Beach State also raised a request to broaden line funding beyond nursing to other health science fields, and multiple presenters asked for more flexibility, multi-year support, and continued or increased funding to sustain growth. Members discussed broader challenges, including the difficulty of sustaining grant-funded growth after initial awards, the lag between enrollment growth and funding formulas, and alignment problems for dual enrollment and technical programs with high school schedules. Senators also noted the need to balance support for high-demand core programs like nursing and welding with the ability to respond quickly to emerging industries such as AI and space. The meeting ended with no formal action beyond adjournment after Senator Davis moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're a trusted resource to help preserve soil and water quality in our lands, lakes, and rivers.
• c> rivers</c><00:01:52.479><c> Farmers</c><00:01:53.000><c> rely</c><00:01:53.360><c> on</c> lands lakes
• and rivers Farmers rely on lands lakes and rivers Farmers rely on them<00:01:54.119><c> homeowners</
• </c><00:04:46.840><c> and</c><00:04:47.400><c> um</c><00:04:47.919><c> our</c><00:04:48.120><c> Lake<
• /c> monitoring our Lake and um our Lake monitoring our Lake and um our Lake water<00:04:48.800><c> quality

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 1066, a Soil and Water Conservation District funding bill. An author’s amendment, 66A1, was offered and adopted by voice vote, putting the bill in the form preferred by the author. The amendment and bill discussion centered on changing the state aid level for SWCDs, with the bill as amended described as eliminating a scheduled reduction in funding and instead increasing the annual appropriation to $22 million. Representative Ryer explained that SWCDs are long-standing, locally elected conservation entities that help preserve soil and water quality, support farmers and homeowners, and do not have levy authority. He said the funding level was based on a bottom-up assessment of district needs and was intended to help districts maintain staffing and address local problems early. Sheila Vany of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts testified in support, saying the aid has been a major improvement in SWCD funding and describing district work such as lakeshore stabilization, cover crops, nutrient management, lake monitoring, rain gardens, and irrigation guidance. The chair noted the voluntary nature of SWCD work with willing landowners and expressed support for the bill. No opposition testimony was presented, and no department testimony was offered. The committee then laid House File 1066, as amended, over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's on Boulder Lake. It is a woman-owned business.
• It's on Boulder Lake. It is a woman-owned business.
• </c><00:19:41.960><c> shore</c> you know tear apart the the lake shore you know tear apart the the lake
• </c><00:37:20.040><c> band</c><00:37:20.359><c> of</c> Leech Lake band of Leech Lake band of ojibway<
• </c> owned by the Grand Portage band of Lake owned by the Grand Portage band of Lake Superior Superior

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, in-stream flow rights, there are seeps and spring rights, there's a right to the lake.
• for hunting, fishing, and gathering purposes, and that requires a certain quantity of water in the lake
• So those rights... ...requires a certain quantity of water in the lake.
• So the majority of the tribe's federal reserve rights are in-stream flow, lake, seeps, and springs.
• at a higher level during the summer and... ...Coeur d'Alene Lake at a higher level during the summer

Summary: The committee first considered a Fish and Game rules docket, 13-0108-2401, focused on restrictions related to hunting aids and wolf hunting. Senator O’Connowitz moved to adopt the docket except for section 410, subsections 4(g) and (h), citing potential conflicts with the Idaho Constitution and state law protecting hunting, fishing, trapping, and wolf take methods. After discussion about technology in hunting, Senator Cook withdrew his second, and Senator Van Orden offered a substitute motion to accept the docket as written. That substitute motion passed on a 6-4 roll call vote. The committee then heard House Bill 789, a water rights settlement bill involving the State of Idaho, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Avista, and other parties. Senator Phil Hart introduced the bill, and Tyrell Stevenson of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe explained that the measure would ratify a long-negotiated settlement and create a water bank under the Board of Water Resources. He said most of the tribe’s rights were non-consumptive, such as instream flows, lake levels, and spring rights, while some consumptive water could be leased through a rental pool for off-reservation use. Garrett Kittamura testified in support on behalf of several water-user groups, saying the settlement ended years of litigation and had broad support. The committee voted to send HB 789 to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 1378, which would change how off-highway vehicle enforcement funds are allocated and modernize OHV advisory representation. Senator Harris said the bill would use performance-based funding metrics, return unused snowmobile and OHV funds to source accounts after three fiscal years, and add UTV representation. Dan Waugh of the Idaho Recreation Council said the proposal was developed with sheriffs, Parks and Recreation, and users, and would redirect about $635,000 in unused IDL funds back into the program. The committee then moved SB 1378 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, in-stream flow rights, there are seeps and stream rights, there's a right to the lake.
• So those rights... ...requires a certain quantity of water in the lake.
• . ...adds up to about 17,000 acre-feet, which includes the in-stream flow rights and rights to the lake
• So the majority of the tribe's federal reserve rights are in-stream flow, lake, seeps, and springs.
• Wayne Lake at a higher level during the summer.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, which lake? The Big Creek Lake.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Um, which lake? The the Big Creek Lake. &gt;&gt; Um, which lake?
• The the Big Creek Lake.
• </c> Creek Lake was a public body of water. Creek Lake was a public body of water.
• Is it Big Creek Lake?

Bills: SB222, HB560, HB475, HB484, HB583, HB542, HB566, SB222, HB560, HB475, HB484, HB583, HB542, HB566

Keywords: medical clinic board, clinic board, hospital bankruptcy, Chapter 11, bankruptcy, debt restructuring, municipal indebtedness, municipal bankruptcy, health care provider, acute care hospital, lease property, board immunity, director liability, civil liability, healthcare finance, insolvency, debt readjustment, federal bankruptcy law, Alabama Code 11-58-5.2, library materials

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> and restore water quality in lakes, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers<00:54:12.480><c>
• So again, and 12% of the state's lakes.
• </c><01:34:34.719><c> for</c> know these often the metro lakes for know these often the metro lakes for
• </c><01:34:40.320><c> in</c> likely to go out and use the lakes in likely to go out and use the lakes
• and well the quality of the metro lakes and well the quality of<01:35:01.679><c> lakes</c><01:35:02.000

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> enhance restore water quality in lakes enhance restore water quality in lakes rivers<00:18:15.840
• </c> Sportsman's groups it could be Lake Sportsman's groups it could be Lake Associations<00:27:03.399
• The dark spot here on the map is Tiger Lake, and that’s a designated wildlife lake, so it’s managed for
• The dark spot here on the map is Tiger Lake, and that’s a designated wildlife lake, so it’s managed for
• </c><00:54:19.359><c> so</c> that's a designated Wildlife Lake so that's a designated Wildlife Lake so

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In December, the dredger a healthy lake.
• </c> and then the landing palisades and lake and then the landing palisades and lake harbor<00:38:32.480
• </c><00:54:05.920><c> and</c> Harrison acquired Keer County Lake and Harrison acquired Keer County Lake
• 00:04.400><c> Creek</c> regarding lakes, Little Black Creek regarding lakes, Little Black Creek Water
• Keer Lake, um Big Creek sit here today.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 20 January, 2026: 8:45 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to continue to be the Land of 10,000 Lakes and not the Land of 10,000 lake accesses.
• We want to continue to be the Land of 10,000 Lakes and not the Land of 10,000 lake accesses.
• We want to continue to be the Land of 10,000 Lakes and not the Land of 10,000 lake accesses.
• The happiest parts of my childhood were at this lake, on this beach.
• </c> grandparents have a cabin on blanch Lake grandparents have a cabin on blanch Lake which<01:54:25.440

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I've got one particular lake in my district, Ayat Lake, almost completely choked off at times with
• But we do have some lakes that have prominent...
• It'll overtake a lake. I mean, it'll just close it in.
• Cole, I have Cattle Lake in my district, and the entire lakes in my district, Blight-Bio.
• Everybody lives around Caddo Lake water their yard out of the lake.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1209, which would pause new cooperative endeavor agreements for surface water withdrawals after December 31, 2026, while allowing existing agreements to continue and renew through 2036. The author said the bill is intended to force a broader, data-driven review of Louisiana’s surface water management and to improve funding for aquatic plant control, especially giant salvinia. An amendment was adopted to broaden the description of how the aquatic plant control fund may be used and to require annual reporting on agreements, withdrawals, revenues, deposits, spending, and non-monetary consideration. Department officials said the current program is voluntary, underfunded for monitoring, and that the bill could create a gap for new users if no replacement mechanism is enacted. The bill was reported favorable as amended after testimony from supporters including the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and opposition concerns from industry representatives were noted but not formally presented. House Bill 599 was then heard, which would prohibit the sale of Louisiana running surface water outside the state. The author argued that out-of-state sales, especially involving Toledo Bend and Texas, would be short-sighted and could harm Louisiana’s long-term water interests. Supporters said Louisiana lacks a water budget and should preserve water for in-state needs, while the Department of Conservation and Energy noted that the state currently has no mandatory process for such agreements and that the bill would not affect Sabine River Authority authority. The committee reported the bill favorable. Finally, House Bill 1206, dealing with permitting and reporting of water usage at data centers, was discussed. The substitute bill and amendment would give the department authority to monitor and regulate groundwater and surface water withdrawals, require public hearings, and improve transparency through reporting and a universal project identifier. The author and supporters said the bill was prompted by concerns in communities affected by large data center projects and the lack of public hearings on water use. Department officials agreed that more comprehensive data and a clearer framework are needed, but the author voluntarily deferred the bill to continue working with the department on a broader measure for next session. The committee also heard House Bill 1171 on allowing airboats in the Mar-Paw Swamp Wildlife Management Area, but after extensive debate over noise, habitat impacts, and existing restrictions, the discussion was ongoing in the portion provided and no final action on that bill was shown.