Video & Transcript Research : 'engineering fees'
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KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation (11-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a fee. >> I'm sorry. A user fee. Okay. I'm sorry.
- . fees. fees.
- >> What kind of fee would you advise? >> What kind of fee would you advise?
- 2024, you may remember the hybrid fee 2024, you may remember the hybrid fee was<01:25:02.800>
- and you do not have to pay an EV fee. and you do not have to pay an EV fee.
Summary:
The subcommittee approved the October 15 minutes and observed a moment of silence for the victims of the UPS Worldport plane crash. The main presentation was from Transportation Cabinet Commissioner Bobby Joe Lewis on the Local Assistance Road Program/County Priority Projects Program (LAARP/CPP), which was implemented under House Bill 546 and now requires rehabilitation projects to restore roads to original condition, cap funding at $500,000 per project, use a new scoring matrix, include a local match, and submit one photograph per 300 feet of project length. He reported that the 2026-2027 cycle ran from June 1 to October 1 and drew 1,215 project applications from 107 counties and 106 cities, with total submitted project costs of about $121.1 million and about $102.3 million requested after local match. He also said 30% of submissions scored 10s and 22% scored 9s, and that the list of requests and required photos had been submitted to the General Assembly and LRC.
Members asked about how scores change over time, whether roads can move from lower scores to 10s, and whether the new process gives a better picture of local needs. Lewis said scores can change based on weather and road conditions, but the new system provides more information and a more standardized evaluation than before. Several members raised concerns about the volume and size of required photographs, suggesting drone footage or video as an alternative; Lewis said the photo requirement has caused confusion and large file uploads, and he was open to considering easier ways to document conditions. Members also discussed continuity in scoring across districts, and Lewis explained that district staff appointed by chief district engineers use a handbook and scoring matrix, with the scores entered into a computer system so evaluators do not see the final score while scoring.
The committee also discussed funding levels and carry-forward balances for the program. Lewis said the program began with $20 million authorized in HR92, noted underruns from completed projects, and reported a carry-forward amount that had grown to $355,432.42 available for reauthorization as of October 13. In response to questions, he said the current process concentrates applications into a short window, with 63% of applications arriving in the last few days and 417 on October 1, which created a heavy workload but was completed on time. The meeting then moved to multimodal funding priorities, with Jennifer Kersner of Kentuckians for Better Transportation introducing herself and offering condolences for the UPS aviation incident before beginning her remarks.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 25, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- I would ask on that question, I think all utilities pay a franchise fee, which would be rent, to use
- I should not have glossed over the franchise fee because they're significant and noteworthy.
- franchise fee.
- Hunter from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida waving in support.
- Hunter, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida, waving in support.
Summary:
The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee heard several transportation and infrastructure bills. HB 1239, Energy Infrastructure Investment, would let the Public Service Commission create a mechanism for utilities to recover costs for renewable natural gas infrastructure; supporters said it could diversify energy supply and help agriculture, while members raised concerns about consumer rates and asked whether savings from RIN credits should be passed to customers. The bill drew supportive public testimony and was reported favorably after debate, with members noting the PSC would set costs and that the sponsor was open to further discussion on consumer protections.
The committee then took up HB 313, which exempts Purple Heart recipients from paying Florida tolls. With no questions or opposition, it passed unanimously. The committee also considered HB 567, a broad transportation omnibus/strike-all bill covering EV tax revenue for roads, airport and MPO changes, workforce funding, traffic signal modernization, speed limits, and a pilot to streamline airport permitting. A major amendment added utility right-of-way notice, response, and incentive/penalty provisions, and another amendment authorized local governments to set age and ID rules for e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices after testimony about a fatal crash. The bill was reported favorably after extensive debate and public testimony from transportation and utility stakeholders.
HB 112, dealing with municipal sewer collection systems, would allow cities to use sewer revenues to expand wastewater infrastructure. Sponsors said it was aimed at helping cities like Hollywood reduce septic use and improve water quality; testimony supported the measure as a way to unlock funding for sewer expansion, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also approved HB 7009, preserving public records and meeting exemptions for 911 and public safety radio communications systems and expanding them to next-generation 911. Finally, PCS for HB 1397, a large transportation package addressing airport, seaport, spaceport, and workforce issues, was amended and passed 14-1 after questions about federal testing notifications, removal of certain business preference language, and a provision redirecting some transit funds to highway projects if not timely used.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs Jan 23rd, 2025
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- There were no fees for the NMFA loan programs.
- There's no application fee, no underwriting fee, no servicing fee, and for the PPRF, which was the last
- There, and then we shave off a little to send over to the state engineer.
- Not engineers.
- So, our goal here was to hire an engineer, probably more than one engineer, and send the engineer out
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- The expanded list meets the PUC's needs for personnel to calculate the decommissioning fees, which are
- the PUC to report back to us on the formula they've developed for calculating the decommissioning fees
- engineering services. engineering services.
- which are discussed decommissioning fees which are discussed in<00:09:05.560>
the <00:09:05.640 - that will go into decommissioning fees that will go into the<00:10:32.040>
decommissioning <00
Summary:
The House took up two committee of conference reports. On House Bill 639, relating to genetic data privacy, members suspended the rules for immediate consideration and adopted the conference report. The conference compromise settled a dispute over cure periods by allowing a 30-day cure period for business activities of genetic data privacy businesses, effective January 1, 2027, with the cure period lasting 18 months and then repealing on June 30, 2028. A House member explained the House had sought a narrower cure period than the Senate, and the final report was adopted by voice vote.
The House then suspended the rules to take up House Bill 710, relating to defining electricity generating facilities, and also adopted that conference report by voice vote. The bill updates the definition of a “single plant” to focus on facilities using the same point of interconnection, clarifies the change is not retroactive and applies only to new permit and certificate applications, and adds a Department of Public Service report on farmland conversion to solar by January 15, 2027. It also expands Public Utility Commission hiring authority for complex renewable energy cases, creates a decommissioning fund for abandoned clean energy facilities, requires the PUC to report on the decommissioning fee formula, and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026. The conference committee reported unanimous support.
After the two reports were adopted, the House stood at ease, then returned briefly for announcements. Members offered remarks thanking the Speaker for her service after news she would not run again, invited members to view an end-of-year legislative slideshow, and wished a member from Randolph a happy birthday. The House then adjourned until the next day at 10:00 a.m.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives May 19th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Why are we adding language of including by the burning of fuel in an aircraft engine?
- . ...individuals that can't come to court in person to be charged additional fees.
- Civil engineers design, build, and maintain the infrastructure that makes modern life possible.
- more than 160,000 members of the civil engineering profession in 177 countries, founded in 1852.
- The society is the nation's oldest national civil engineering society.
Bills:
HR295, HR296, HR297, HR298, HR299, HR300, HR301, HR302, HR303, HR304, HR305, HR306, HR307, HCR115, HCR116, HCR117, HR286, HR287, HR288, HR290, HR291, HR292, HR293, HR294, SCR61, SCR68, SB121, SB250, SB348, SB444, SB485, HR252, HR253, HCR96, HCR103, HCR108, SB268, SB283, SB414, HCR98, HR179, HR223, HR225, HR274, HCR89, HCR26, HB250, HB265, HB339, HB427, HB445, HB463, HB468, HB606, HB639, HB649, HB665, HB746, HB781, HB853, HB861, HB872, HB886, HB916, HB937, HB1054, HB1068, HB1117, HB1237, HB74, HB108, HB956, HB1085, HB1137, HB75, SB39, SB99, SB111, SB112, SB124, SB134, SB174, SB189, SB190, SB201, SB233, SB236, SB258, SB270, SB273, SB288, SB307, SB313, SB320, SB321, SB325, SB326, SB331, SB339, SB341, SB345, SB346, SB347, SB353, SB357, SB359, SB387, SB393, SB401, SB415, SB419, SB422, SB426, SB435, SB437, SB440, SB451, SB464, SB470, SB487, SB488, SB495, SB504, SB505, SB518, SB523, HR84, HB646, HB998, HB1191, SB78, SB81, SB97, SB100, SB109, SB123, SB125, SB208, SB385, SB479, SB56, SB163, SB197, HB901, HR20, HR74, HR168, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB302, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB782, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB149, SB382, SB441
Keywords:
Energy Caucus, Louisiana House of Representatives, energy policy, fossil fuels, oil and gas, natural gas, renewable energy, solar, wind power, nuclear power, legislative caucus, industry group, economic development, state legislature, House resolution, energy sector, victims' services, criminal justice, Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Act No. 370
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Water Sector Commission May 31st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Mary is requesting an additional $330,058 to cover a shortage in construction and engineering fees for
- In addition, their request and engineering fees for all three phases of their grant.
- I'm here for LDH engineering services. Oh, okay. Well, that's right, Steven, that's right.
- It's my understanding from the engineers that have been looking at this and trying to advise the city
- And do we know how far out the engineers are from having it ready?
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the April 16 minutes, and then considered several water-system funding and deadline requests. For Magnolia Plantation Water System, members approved a deadline extension for plans and specifications to December 31, 2026, after hearing that the project still needed a test well, water-quality confirmation, and finalization of an LDH loan for matching funds. For St. Mary Parish Water and Sewer Commission No. 5, the committee approved an additional $619,850 to cover construction/engineering shortfalls and contingencies, bringing the grant total to $5,192,850 and requiring later JLCB approval.
Members also approved revised phase two guidance, which updated emergency subfund language to align with recently passed legislation and clarified eligibility and process for limited fiscal administrators and fiscal administration. The committee then took up an emergency subfund request for Tallulah’s water system: staff explained that a temporary filtration skid must remain in place while permanent filters are designed and bid, and that the lease is expiring soon. After discussion of the timing, the need for a new engineer, and the possibility of a lease-purchase arrangement, the committee approved $1.4 million in emergency funding contingent on appointment of a limited fiscal administrator.
Staff reported that the new payment process for the program is now moving funds more quickly and that updated expenditure projections will be provided at the next meeting. Members discussed the need to keep pushing projects toward closeout and acknowledged that some projects may need to be cut off if they cannot spend funds in time. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment on a motion without objection.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill eliminates placement fees.
- But he couldn't hire him on directly because he didn't want to pay the placement fees.
- But he couldn't hire him on directly because he didn't want to pay the placement fees.
- Senators, we will now take up tab 9, CS for SB 800 on engineering by Senator Mayfield.
- This amendment just removes the engineering student loan assistance program from the bill.
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy considered a long agenda of bills covering education, health, criminal justice, aging services, labor, and commemorative measures. Among the measures reported favorably were CS/SB 1062 creating Florida Speech and Debate Week and the Florida Debate Initiative; CS/SB 196 and CS/SB 864 establishing and protecting a Uterine Fibroid Research Database; CS/SB 432, as amended, adding restrictions on xylazine and nitrous oxide sales; CS/SB 1630 modernizing aging and disability services and guardianship oversight; SB 1112 on labor pool placement fees and registration; CS/SB 524 revising FDLE and medical examiner provisions; CS/SB 530 updating lottery operations; CS/SB 646 narrowing drug paraphernalia testing equipment exemptions to fentanyl, analogs, and xylazine; SB 676 strengthening animal cruelty penalties and the animal abuser database; CS/SB 1180 creating a recall process for community development district board members; CS/SB 800 increasing penalties for unlicensed engineering practice; CS/SB 1404 creating a memory care specialty license for assisted living facilities; SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force; and CS/SB 1684 and CS/SB 1686 establishing and exempting records for a Parkinson’s Disease Registry.
The committee also took up several high-profile commemorative bills. CS/SB 194, designating October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing civic engagement and free speech and opponents criticizing Kirk’s rhetoric and the appropriateness of a state honor. The bill was reported favorably after a recorded vote. SB 174, designating Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue in Miami-Dade County, also drew significant opposition testimony on similar grounds and was reported favorably. A late-file amendment to a related remembrance measure was withdrawn after discussion. Other bills, including the speech and debate, fibroid research, aging services, labor pool, animal cruelty, engineering, memory care, anti-Semitism, and Parkinson’s registry measures, were generally supported by agency, advocacy, or stakeholder testimony and advanced without major opposition.
Several bills were amended before passage, including substitute or delete-all amendments on SB 432, SB 524, SB 646, SB 676, SB 1180, SB 800, and SB 1404. The committee repeatedly adopted amendments by voice vote and then reported the bills favorably by recorded roll call. The meeting ended with members requesting to be recorded on specific bills, followed by adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- She got a job at an aerospace and automotive, uh, engineering.
- She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom Team Award for that activity, and the engineering in
- She is a deputy voter registrar and she knows that a woman's place is in engineering in the house, in
- Authority District, providing authority to issue bonds, providing authority to impose assessments, fees
- Issue 4819 by Flores relating to the fundable adoption fee of sterilization of dogs and cats are for
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Corps of Engineers, the Coastal Texas Project, and the Sabine to Galveston Project.
- Army Corps of Engineers-led Coastal Texas and Sabine to Galveston Bay projects.
- Army Corps of Engineers and included in the Water Resources Development Act, the Bolivar Gate design
- Once the study was completed, ...we gave a copy of that study to the Army Corps of Engineers.
- In 2019, Houston Pilots joined the Galveston Pilots in an Army Corps of Engineers study.
Keywords:
Gulf Coast Protection District, navigation safety, special districts, state governance, Texas legislation, Gulf Coast, flood protection, storm risk management, coastal restoration, natural resources, prescribed burns, self-insurance, fire management, liability protection, rural land management, beverage container recycling, deposit return system, container deposit, bottle bill, recycling refund
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
JLCAR Administrative Rules (04/17/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- So, not just fee.
- So, not just fee.
- So, not just fee.
- So, not just fee.
- So, not just fee.
Summary:
The committee opened with housekeeping items, approved the minutes and consent agenda, and reminded the public that JLCAR’s role is limited to determining whether agency rules are within statutory authority, not to decide policy. Testimony was to be limited, and members noted that policy concerns should be addressed through the legislature rather than the committee process.
The first major item was Public Utilities Commission rule 25-215 concerning natural gas suppliers. Staff said the proposal had been postponed because the PUC appeared to lack authority to impose fines and penalties in this rule set, especially suspending or revoking registrations, and recommended either a conditional approval removing those provisions or a preliminary objection for lack of statutory authority. PUC counsel responded that the cited authority had been incorrect, that the Department of Energy now has most registration rulemaking authority, but argued the commission still has jurisdiction over mediation and dispute resolution and may still have authority over fines because natural gas suppliers are not expressly excluded from public-utility status. Committee members discussed the split between PUC and DOE authority and the possibility that the transition in authority had not been fully cleaned up in statute.
The committee then voted to grant a waiver of the time limit and postpone the item for another month so the agencies could work with counsel and clarify which parts of the rule could proceed. Members also urged that any needed legislative fix be brought forward quickly, noting that the Senate was not taking up non-germane amendments and suggesting the House as the likely venue for a cleanup bill.
The committee next took up Department of Energy EN900 and EN1000 rules. Staff said the EN900 net-metering rules had been postponed previously and that the main remaining issue was a retroactive requirement in EN909.03(b), which the agency agreed to revise so the language would apply only on or after the 2026 effective date of the chapter. The agency described the EN900 rules as implementing net metering authority transferred from the PUC and expanding the chapter to cover municipal group net metering and low- and moderate-income community solar projects. The EN1000 interconnection rules were described as implementing 2024 legislation requiring uniform procedures for distributed energy resources. The department said both sets of rules were developed through extensive stakeholder input and asked for approval subject to the oral amendment already discussed."}】【。json
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Community Affairs Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Secondly, a municipality may establish a job engine charter school.
- It allows a municipality to start a job-engine charter school.
- It allows a municipality to start a job-engine charter school.
- local government's ability to enact art fees.
- to our 25% surcharge fee.
Summary:
The committee first took up CS/SB 1730, a Live Local Act bill on affordable housing. The sponsor described it as a set of technical and policy adjustments to strengthen implementation, including changes to zoning, height, parking, moratoriums, attorney fees, and related land-use rules. An amendment by Senator Claudio was adopted, adding provisions such as a 10-story height limit near single-family neighborhoods, exclusions for certain protected areas, and changes to fee and use definitions. The committee then reported the bill favorably.
Members next considered CS/SB 1674 on unrated bonds for Israel bonds, with a clarifying amendment adopted to make clear the bill applied only to Israel bonds. CS/SB 140 on charter schools was also approved after debate over parent-led conversion of public schools, municipal job-engine charter schools, and surplus school property; opponents warned about local control and impacts on teachers and communities, while the sponsor said the bill preserved district authority and created new school-choice and economic-development options. The committee also passed SB 96, a claims bill for Jacob Rogers, and CS/SB 954 on recovery residences, after strike-all amendments that addressed zoning, ADA concerns, bed caps, staffing ratios, and limits on operation in certain multifamily settings. Senators expressed support for expanding treatment housing but also raised neighborhood and staffing concerns.
The committee then approved CS/SB 1714 on local housing assistance plans, which would allow SHIP funds for limited lot-rental assistance for mobile-home owners and require local plans to address mobile-home park closures. SB 658 on standardized construction lien release forms was reported favorably despite testimony from contractors and lawyers warning about possible effects on lien rights and the separate House proposal. The committee also reconsidered and then approved CS/SB 482 after a late-filed amendment addressing local government art fees and a key issue over defining “extraordinary circumstances,” with counties and cities saying more work remained. Finally, the committee passed SB 24 and CS/SB 4, both local claims bills, CS/SB 712 on synthetic turf and related construction rules, SB 952 repealing the emergency firearms/ammunition restriction, CS/SB 1164 allowing email notice delivery in landlord-tenant matters with opt-in safeguards, and SB 202 on municipal water and sewer rates, which drew extensive opposition from North Miami Beach and Miami Gardens officials over utility surcharges and revenue impacts. The meeting ended with SB 202 still under heavy questioning and testimony about the fairness and financial consequences of the surcharge structure.
IN
Transcript Highlights:
- Only two exceptions to the ban on fees.
- The only other fee that is allowed is a voluntary fee for something that is… The only other fee that
- is allowed is a voluntary fee for something that was not previously a mandatory fee.
- There's a fee replacement fee. Or if you need an extra fob, a fee.
- There is no way I'm paying this fee. Now, I didn't pay the fee. We closed. We did this, right?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Some fees date back to 1959, while the most recent fee adjustments for some programs were made in 2013
- Some fees date back to 1959, while the most recent fee adjustments for some programs were made in 2013
- We commissioned an independent fee study to demonstrate in detail appropriate fee recommendations for
- So our rationale for the... ...limited fee approval.
- So the fees reference refers to examination fees as they are charged every four years based on our statute
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration heard presentations from Go-Biz and the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation on the Governor’s budget proposals. Go-Biz described California Jobs First, the state’s 10-year economic development strategy, and emphasized support for small businesses, workforce development, and targeted investment in sectors such as ag tech, life sciences, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. Members raised concerns about federal policy changes, tariffs, tourism, housing, child care, and whether state incentives are truly additive; Go-Biz responded that it tracks federal actions closely, works with chambers and advocates, and uses programs like California Competes to target jobs that would not otherwise come to California.
The committee then reviewed the proposal to restore the California Competes grant program with $60 million. Go-Biz said the grant would help businesses that cannot use the nonrefundable tax credit, and explained the program’s five-year contracts, milestone-based awards, and recapture provisions. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the grant could be effective but recommended stronger oversight and clearer eligibility criteria, while also noting the 30% cap in trailer bill language may be too restrictive given the smaller funding level. Public testimony supported the grant and suggested considering refundability or transferability for the tax credit to broaden access for smaller and startup businesses.
Members also heard the CHIPS-related proposal for $25 million to support Natcast’s semiconductor design and collaboration facility in Sunnyvale. Go-Biz and public witnesses argued the state investment would help secure a major federal research facility, retain engineering talent, and leverage billions in broader investment, while the LAO recommended rejecting the item because of its dependence on uncertain federal funding and the state’s budget condition. The committee also considered a $17 million continuation of CA RISE, which supports employment social enterprises; Go-Biz and several grantees cited strong job placement and workforce outcomes, while the LAO recommended rejection absent a more rigorous evaluation, noting prior LA RISE evidence did not show long-term employment gains.
Finally, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented budget requests for IT security and rent increases, and a trailer bill to raise fees across several programs. DFPI said decades-old fee schedules, inflation, and new regulatory responsibilities have created a structural deficit and warned the department could face insolvency without adjustments. The LAO recommended approving the fee increases only on a three-year limited-term basis and asked for more detailed revenue plans for programs not covered by the proposal, so the Legislature can assess actual collections and market impacts before making the changes permanent.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 04/03/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- There are some fees in the bill raising our AIS fees, with the small portion of general fund going back
- There are some fees in the bill raising our AIS fees, with the small portion of general fund going back
- I think that's the only new fee.
- Uh there are fees that are part fee.
- Um the water use fees pay.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - Part 1)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the economic engine of South Florida. the economic engine of South Florida.
- But a lot of people will your car the engine shuts off. This is your car the engine shuts off.
- So there's a lot of extra involved with engine wear, engine component wear, and then reading up on how
- So there's a lot of extra involved with engine wear, engine component wear, and then reading up on how
- So there's a lot of extra involved with engine wear, engine component wear, and then reading up on how
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 25th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It prohibits attorneys from charging an additional contingency fee, administrative fee, management fee
- , or similar fee based on reducing or resolving a client's medical lien.
- He was a Stanford engineer and a combat test instructor pilot and a scoutmaster.
- He was a Stanford engineer and a combat test instructor pilot and a scoutmaster.
- He was a Stanford engineer and a combat test instructor pilot and a scoutmaster.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- They pay a handling fee. Sometimes they pay a delivery fee.
- They pay a handling fee. Sometimes they pay a delivery fee.
- fee?
- It's the interchange fee. It's the Visa and MasterCard fees that they set.
- as credit card fees.
Summary:
The commission met for its second hearing to study the future of credit card payments and sales transactions and their impacts on small businesses. Members heard extensive testimony from credit unions, retailers, restaurants, and payment-industry representatives on interchange fees, processing fees, fraud, chargebacks, rewards programs, and the ability of businesses to pass fees on to customers. Several witnesses argued that swipe fees have risen sharply, are especially burdensome for restaurants and other small businesses, and are charged on taxes and tips that are merely pass-through amounts. They urged state action to prohibit fees on tax and tip portions, improve transparency, and allow surcharging or convenience fees, while opponents warned that state regulation could reduce fraud protections, increase compliance costs, and threaten consumer rewards programs.
Business owners and trade groups described thin margins, rising costs, and the difficulty of understanding merchant statements or negotiating with processors. Restaurant witnesses said card-not-present and online transactions create the greatest fraud and chargeback risk, with money often removed immediately from merchants’ accounts and disputes rarely resolved in their favor. Retail witnesses gave examples of rising effective rates, higher fees on rewards cards, and the burden of processing fees on low-value transactions. A representative from the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and others said restaurants are effectively paying fees on meals tax and gratuities, which they argued should not be subject to interchange charges.
On the other side, the Cooperative Credit Union Association said interchange revenue helps credit unions fund fraud prevention, rapid card replacement, and member protections, and warned that state limits on interchange could weaken those safeguards and lead to higher consumer costs or reduced services. Airlines for America testified that airline credit card rewards are popular, support travel and jobs in Massachusetts, and could be harmed by interchange reform. The National Restaurant Association and a payments-policy attorney countered that interchange fees are set by card networks rather than competitive markets, that banks remain highly profitable even with rewards, and that states can act after recent court decisions. No votes were taken; the hearing consisted of testimony and questions from commissioners.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Their sponsors, technical and engineering consultants held over 550 public meetings.
- So base level engineering, or BLE, is an efficient modeling and mapping approach that aims to provide
- Recommendations talk about drainage fees and such. What is the difference?
- Right now, counties can't raise drainage fees as a county. In general, that has been a concern.
- They may have a fee... Abilities already.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Lia Moncure was a lifelong public to the state of Texas and the first woman to become an engineer in
- She got a job at an aerospace and automotive engineering.
- She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom Team Award for that activity and the engineering in
- She is a Deputy Voter Registrar and she knows that a... woman's place is in engineering, in the House
- Fees and taxes report the committee on trade workforce upcoming development HB 4451 by Kane relaying
Keywords:
property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 26th, 2026 at 11:12 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They are establishing 32 new faculty in high-impact science and engineering disciplines, and they're
- In their program, the main goals are to support students who want to study science and engineering, yay
- , and to help improve science and engineering in ways that last in New Mexico, and to encourage research
- fees to the state road fund, adjusting certain formulaic distributions of motor vehicle fees.
- His areas of interest are engineering, robotics, political science, business, and music.