Video & Transcript : 'Legislative Appropriations Request' :
Page 461 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Apr 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Anticipating needing more time to do so, DWR submitted a request for an extension with the State Water
- Board in 2009 and an updated request just last year, but is still awaiting a response.
- Without the full development of DWR's water rights, DWR will be capped at its capacity to appropriate
- The legislative process is not designed to weigh the evidence, which is exactly why the administrative
- Tiffany Brokaw, Deputy Attorney General in the Office of Legislative Affairs.
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee heard a regular order agenda with 101 bills and first took up AB 2215, which would extend the time for the Department of Water Resources to fully develop its State Water Project water rights. The author and supporters argued it would improve water reliability and affordability for millions of Californians and could save ratepayers money, while opponents said it would bypass the Water Board’s administrative process, set a precedent for other water rights holders, and potentially facilitate costly projects like the Delta Conveyance Project. The bill was moved on a do pass vote, with Mr. Hoover voting no and Ms. Krell not voting.
The committee then approved two consent calendars and heard several bills with little or no opposition. These included AB 2038 on extending insurance nonrenewal/cancellation protections for wildfire victims; AB 2322 on clarifying which commercial, industrial, or institutional sites are subject to municipal stormwater permits; AB 1794 on direct home shipment of enteral nutrition; AB 1696 on clarifying that nurse midwives do not need physician supervision within their scope of practice; AB 1860 on allowing county offices of education to use design-build methods; AB 1876 on codifying nondiscrimination protections in health care; AB 2281 on election cybersecurity resources; AB 2448 on protecting sensitive medical records and reproductive health data; AB 1994 on providing victims with information about federal immigration relief options; and AB 1829 on expanding how CalWORKs community college funds may be used to support student parents. Most were supported by sponsoring organizations and related stakeholders, with limited opposition noted on AB 1696 and AB 2281.
The committee also placed a large suspense calendar on approval, listing dozens of additional bills, and then opened public comment on bills not heard that day. No members of the public came forward, and the hearing was adjourned. Several bills were reported out on roll call votes, with some members not voting or voting no on particular measures, but the transcript does not provide full vote tallies for each bill.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 4, 2026 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a great program, and I know that you are working this through legislation and the things that
- Law enforcement said that if we pressed charges, we would probably lose, so we requested the teacher's
- I hope—I know there is an appropriation tied to it, or attached to it, excuse me—that is outside the
- I hope—I know there is an appropriation tied to it, or attached to it, excuse me—that is outside the
- I know there is an appropriation tied to it, or attached to it, excuse me, that is outside the bill or
Summary:
The Pre-K-12 Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. HB 157, School Teacher Training and Mentoring Program, would create a Department of Education program allowing school districts and charter schools to place current or retired high-performing teachers in D- or F-rated schools as mentors, with a proposed $3,000 stipend per mentor per mentee. Members questioned the funding source and contract-time implications; the sponsor said the program would use previously decategorized education funds and that mentoring could be done within existing planning, before-school, after-school, or weekend time. An amendment clarifying that the bill would use a contract template rather than a DOE contract was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then heard CS/HB 859, Exceptional Students and Video Cameras in Public Schools, which would require school boards to adopt policies for video cameras in self-contained ESE classrooms upon a parent request, with redaction of other students from footage. Public testimony strongly supported the bill, including emotional accounts from a parent of a nonverbal adult with autism who described past abuse in a classroom and from the Autism Society of Florida, which argued cameras are a necessary safety measure for vulnerable students and noted other states already allow or require them. Members emphasized student safety and the need to fund the policy, and the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee considered HB 561, Educator Certification, which aims to reduce barriers for experienced educators returning to the classroom by expanding temporary certificate eligibility to those with expired Florida certificates, allowing prior subject-area exam results to count for reinstatement, and updating references related to educator professional learning support. The sponsor said the bill preserves standards while making reinstatement more efficient and less costly. There was broad support from members, who noted the value of retaining experienced teachers, and HB 561 was also reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I would request a roll call. Roll call requested. Roll call granted.
- </c> request a no vote on the A11 and request request a no vote on the A11 and request a<00:46:07.280
- </c> not part of the 2023 uh legislation. not part of the 2023 uh legislation.
- And second, I request a roll call vote. Roll call requested. Roll call granted.
- Roll call request. Roll call roll call. Roll call request.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Sep 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Anything related to the legislative process.
- The first request I have is send out these outcomes.
- , or even legislators.
- So, as GROW is a part of that, my understanding is that we make the appropriate appropriation for a program
- and the appropriation made into the fund.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Fri Mar 14, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- In that case, an appropriate notice will be posted.
- We've never really asked for an appropriation.
- We've never really asked for an appropriation.
- Did you help craft the legislation?" "Yes.
- </c> 2020 did you help craft the legislation 2020 did you help craft the legislation here here here yes
Committee:
House Economic Development & Technology
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1343, which would amend quorum requirements for the Small Business Regulatory Review Board. The board chair testified in support, saying it has been difficult to fill all seats and that using active seats for quorum would help the board function more effectively. No opposition or questions were raised, and the committee moved on.
The committee then heard SB 1578, which drew mixed testimony. DBEDT supported the measure and the Attorney General suggested inserting preamble language from HB 1025 to provide historical context on the East-West Center. Austin Martin of the Libertarian Party of Hawaiʻi opposed the bill, arguing it could invite improper behavior, create loosely regulated satellite offices, increase foreign influence, and add competition for land ownership. The committee took no vote during the hearing.
The bulk of the meeting focused on SB 1641, a measure to establish a Hawaiʻi film commission/authority and related funding and governance structure. DBEDT supported the intent and offered friendly amendments to clarify the distinction between film and media industries, while the Honolulu Film Office and labor representatives from IATSE, Teamsters, and Pride at Work supported the bill but urged changes. Their concerns centered on conflicts of interest, especially having producers on the commission, and they asked for more labor representation and clearer oversight rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional and special-fund concerns, saying the grant standards and special-fund language needed work. Committee members discussed renaming the entity as a Hawaiʻi Film Authority, broadening its scope beyond cultural production, adjusting the commission makeup, and clarifying funding sources, including the existing film and creative industries fund and the 0.2% rebate contribution. No final vote was taken in the portion provided, but members indicated the bill would need substantial revisions and an HD1.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/25
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, my name is Pat Benner, legislative representative with ASME Council 5.
- </c> record my name is Pat Benner legislative record my name is Pat Benner legislative representative
- additional security cameras appropriated additional security cameras for<00:28:51.840><c> testing</c
- But essentially, uh, we request a waiver of the obligations.
- But essentially, uh, we request a waiver of the obligations. Lee Kagel, any other follow-up?
Committee:
House Transportation Finance and Policy
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty - Monday, March 2
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Are you going to propose an appropriation for the $5.5 million for this?
- Are you going to propose an appropriation for the $5.5 million for this?
- Yeah, we were, I mean, that's why we subjected it to appropriation.
- Yeah, we were, I mean, that's why we subjected it to appropriation.
- Yeah, we were, I mean, that's why we subjected it to appropriation.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-03 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We even influenced legislation many times.
- There is no requirement for legislative approval.
- So there may be circumstances where two is appropriate.
- So there may be circumstances where two is appropriate.
- And our hope is to. that are implementing this legislation.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Chester Clem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum verification. Members then adopted the special order report and a Rules and Ethics Committee report amending House Rule 15.3 to allow fundraising under certain circumstances during extended or special sessions. The chamber also recognized Deputy First Class Stefano Gargano as law enforcement officer of the day and several visiting groups in the gallery.
On the floor, HB 1405 on a statewide project for missing persons with special needs passed unanimously, 109-0. The House then took up CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, which drew questions about surplus conservation lands and oversight by the Acquisition and Restoration Council; it passed 94-10. CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the “Fire Act” on foreign influence, foreign-country-of-concern restrictions, critical infrastructure, gifts, contracts, sister city agreements, and related ethics and criminal provisions, passed 80-20 after debate and a germane amendment was adopted over objections.
The House also passed CS/CS/HB 1197 on information technology procurement and contracting, aimed at modernizing oversight of major IT projects, by 109-0. CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use development and development regulations passed 71-38 after extensive debate over development fees, manufactured homes, and reducing local supermajority requirements for comprehensive plan changes; an amendment to preserve Orange County’s rural boundary vote failed, and a strike-all amendment was ruled out of order. Members then adopted a technical amendment clarifying manufactured homes language.
Several local bills also advanced: HB 1103 on local administration of vessel restrictions passed 109-0; HB 4051 and HB 4053 on Santa Rosa County fire protection district assessments passed 84-25 and 83-27, respectively, after compromise amendments; HB 4081 on the East Point Water and Sewer District passed 110-0; and HB 4093 on the Felsmere Water Control District passed 109-0. The transcript ended as the House moved on to HB 4095, with no final action shown.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- To drive home the importance of this legislation.
- I plan to support this piece of legislation. Thank you.
- I also encourage that education is a key component of this legislation.
- Legislation passed last legislative session, is that your understanding also? Overwhelming support.
- The Planning Commission tabled the request.
Bills:
HB341 , HB791 , HB1564 , HB1695 , HB1722 , HB1729 , HB1772 , HB2003 , HB2954 , HB2989 , HB3084 , HB3134 , HB3135 , HB3309 , HB3611 , HB3679 , HB3727 , HB3832
Committee:
House Transportation
Keywords:
affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part II) Apr 23rd, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- happened was that the DHHS came back with FTEs, requiring five FTEs to... be able to Manage and do this request
- We do have a fiscal note, but the House Companions author and chairwoman of the Appropriations Article
- No state appropriations whatsoever, and it requires grant applications to match funds dollar for dollar
- So first of all, no state. appropriation. Period. Gifts and grants. It would be administered by...
- Well, just from an appropriation perspective, I think the likelihood of success with this approach is
Bills:
SB128 , SB640 , SB672 , SB904 , SB1141 , SB1263 , SB1525 , SB1528 , SB2041 , SB2306 , SB2308 , SB2357 , SB2446 , SB2695 , SB2857 , SB2891 , SB2583
Committee:
Senate Health & Human Services
Keywords:
hospital reporting, child abuse, neglect, administrative penalty, medical ethics, child protection, SB 640, Texas Family Code, Department of Family and Protective Services, DFPS, child welfare, foster care, managing conservatorship, suicide attempt, youth suicide, mental health, child protective services, state custody, annual report, reporting requirements
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it's a good idea to update and modernize this legislation.
- This legislation is applying that same standard to commercial payers. Mr.
- Senator Mark Fincham, Legislative District 1, for the record.
- Happy to answer any questions for the committee and request your support. Thank you.
- Candlin, that always raises red flags with legislation, right?
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee considered a lengthy agenda of bills covering consumer lending, insurance coverage, professional scope of practice, property tax administration, digital assets, and aviation tax policy. The committee first approved prior committee amendments, then heard SB 1689 on consumer loan thresholds and rates. After sponsor testimony that the bill modernizes outdated lending caps and lowers rates on larger loans, the committee adopted an amendment but the bill failed on a 3-1 vote, with Senator Epstein arguing the structure would shift costs onto smaller borrowers.
The committee then passed several health-related measures. SB 1347, requiring insurance coverage for fertility preservation services for cancer patients, was amended and passed 4-2 after testimony from the sponsor and cancer survivors; Senator Epstein opposed the religious-employer definition. SB 1165, eliminating cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams, passed 5-1 after testimony from Senator Angus and Susan G. Komen, with supporters saying it would reduce barriers to follow-up screening. SB 1212, barring insurers from reimbursing providers differently based on vaccination status, also passed 4-2 despite concerns that it could undermine vaccination incentive programs.
Other bills advanced or failed after similar debate. SB 1206, addressing contractor and public adjuster conduct after property losses, passed 5-1 with an amendment and support from State Farm. SB 1291, limiting county reassessment and inspections of agricultural property for four years after a successful appeal, passed 5-1 over assessor opposition and farm group support. SB 1649, creating a digital assets strategic reserve fund, passed 4-2 after debate over civil asset forfeiture and whether crypto should be treated as a strategic reserve. SB 1516, expanding an aviation-related tax exemption to aircraft maintenance and repair property, passed 4-1 amid sharp disagreement over whether it was economic development or a tax break for private jets. SB 1554, changing chiropractic statutory language from x-rays to diagnostic imaging, initially failed 3-3 but was reconsidered and later passed 3-2 after additional discussion about its practical effect.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration May 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, if you don't mind, I think it is very appropriate just to acknowledge the great work of all
- Our officers should not have to request help after a trauma.
- My final request is for all of you to think progressively.
- I hope just those suggestions that would be brought up to legislators. Got it, thank you, sir.
- response in the following legislative session.
Summary:
The special commission on consolidation and cooperation in public safety held a hearing focused on correctional labor testimony, with union leaders and officers from multiple county facilities and the Department of Correction describing staffing, safety, wellness, and programming concerns. Speakers emphasized that correctional officers face high levels of workplace violence, exposure to synthetic drugs like K2, inmate suicides and assaults, and significant mental health strain. They also raised concerns about gender-identity housing policies, arguing that current practices can create unsafe conditions for staff, and urged stronger debriefing and wellness supports after traumatic incidents, including fuller use of programs like OnSide Academy.
Several witnesses from unions including KCU/NCU and local county bargaining units argued against consolidating sheriff’s offices or merging them with the Department of Correction. They said consolidation could weaken collective bargaining, harm retention and recruitment, increase commute times, and disrupt locally tailored programming and reentry services. Multiple speakers stressed that county facilities are distinct and should be evaluated individually, not by a single formula, and that staffing levels, training, and facility-specific needs must drive any policy changes. One witness described innovative programming such as welding and shed-building partnerships, while another highlighted Norfolk County’s accreditation, budget stability, and reentry efforts.
Commission members largely thanked the witnesses and echoed concerns about officer safety and wellness. They discussed the need for more facility tours, including Norfolk, and debated whether the commission should seek an extension beyond its September 30 reporting deadline. After discussion, the commission voted to request an extension to November 30, with the understanding that the report would still be completed and filed later. Members also discussed the possibility of examining the Norwegian correctional model and reaching out to the judiciary for additional testimony. The hearing concluded with an adjournment after public testimony closed.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Local Government Feb 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This is governor-request legislation, and I'll also add that this is a bill that is very important to
- This is governor-request legislation, and I'll also add that this is a bill that is very important to
- This was done at the city's request.
- Our request today is to please pass this bill as it stands.
- So the request from Baffle about parking minimums...
Summary:
The committee first held a public hearing on engrossed second substitute Senate Bill 6026, which would prohibit certain GMA-planning cities and counties from excluding residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones and would limit local requirements for ground-floor commercial or mixed-use space, subject to numerous exemptions and a possible study-based off-ramp. The bill sponsor and supporters, including the Lieutenant Governor, the governor’s housing policy advisor, Commerce staff, developers, labor/employer groups, and housing advocates, argued it would reduce barriers, reuse underutilized commercial land, and help address the state’s housing shortage. Cities including Bellevue, Kirkland, Bellingham, Redmond, Kent, Lacey, and Lakewood testified in opposition or with concerns, emphasizing local control, impacts on walkable neighborhoods and small businesses, implementation costs, and the need for more flexibility or clearer compliance options. Committee members asked about exemptions, the study process, and how the bill would affect existing local plans and incentives.
The committee then moved to executive session on several bills. It rejected Representative Griffey’s amendment to Senate Bill 5820, which would have restored Clark County’s freight rail dependent overlay authority and added findings about greenhouse gas reductions from short line rail, and then passed SB 5820 out with a do pass recommendation. The committee also passed SB 5995, extending authorization for port districts to purchase zero- and near-zero-emission cargo handling equipment; SB 5552, directing rulemaking for kit home building codes; SB 5467, raising thresholds for water-sewer district surplus property sales; and SB 6189, removing the deadline for forming a public facilities district for regional aquatics and sports facilities. Each of those bills received a do pass recommendation, with some members noting support for housing, workforce, efficiency, or local flexibility and others expressing concerns about contracts, automation, or competitiveness.
After executive session, the committee resumed testimony on SB 6026. Additional supporters, including the Lieutenant Governor, Commerce, developers, the Washington Roundtable, Microsoft, and housing organizations, reiterated that the bill would unlock housing on vacant commercial land and preserve some local flexibility through exemptions and height incentives. Opponents and concerned cities continued to argue that the bill would weaken local planning, reduce commercial space needed for complete communities, and impose costs and implementation burdens. The hearing concluded without final action on SB 6026, with the chair noting more testimony and work remained.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (01/30/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:27:01.120><c> behavior</c> able to model appropriate behavior able to model appropriate behavior
- </c><01:00:45.079><c> uh</c> sir um so I put in the legislation uh sir um so I put in the legislation
- <c> is</c><02:33:14.240><c> appropriated</c><02:33:15.240><c> the</c> not enough money is appropriated
- a a while providing a our legislative a a while providing a legislative<03:49:57.720><c> vehicle</c>
- district appropriated and then the district appropriated and then the remainder<04:29:52.359><c> is</
Summary:
The hearing focused on HB 563, which would revise the education funding formula for pupils receiving special education services by replacing the current single special education amount with three differentiated categories. Representative Rick Ladd, the prime sponsor, said the bill largely tracks a House-passed version from the prior session with minor figure adjustments, and explained that the proposal uses projected FY26 amounts for three categories based on time in general education versus more intensive placements. He also noted that the bill does not address catastrophic aid directly, but that special education aid, CAT aid, and proration all remain issues for later work sessions.
Ladd and supporters argued that weighted categories better reflect actual costs and are more sustainable than treating all IEPs the same. Representative Margaret Drye said the approach was one of the best ideas from the education funding subcommittee and urged the committee to support differentiated aid. Representative Ames asked how the category amounts were derived, and Ladd said Category A follows the FY26 base, Category B is a higher weight, and Category C is a still higher weight for more intensive services, though he acknowledged the exact multipliers were developed earlier and could be revisited. He also said the committee would continue discussing whether the weights are appropriate and how they interact with CAT aid.
Testimony from Bonnie Dunham strongly opposed the bill. She argued that funding based on placement rather than actual service need would create incentives to move students into more restrictive settings, could stigmatize children with labels such as "Category C," and would undermine the least restrictive environment requirements under federal special education law. She described her son’s experience in inclusive settings as beneficial and said the bill would have penalized the district for serving him there. In response to questions, she said schools and parents should base funding on the child’s actual needs and costs, not on placement, and urged the committee to recommend the bill inexpedient to legislate.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- President, your committee on appropriations, transportation and technology, having under consideration
- It would also require that when the legislature provides the appropriation for a new office in another
- President, the Committee of the Whole, having under consideration the legislation listed below, makes
- House Concurrent Memorial 2005, a concurrent memorial requesting the Congress of the United States to
- I move that the Senate accede to the request of the House and appoint a free conference committee.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy. (2-11-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- :02:13.120><c> energy</c> legislative liaison for the energy legislative liaison for the energy environment
- </c> roles in in developing this legislation roles in in developing this legislation and<00:05:18.960
- So there are alternative legislation.
- . legislation. legislation.
- But it essentially makes appropriate.
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources & Energy
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/05/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Most legislation tells us what we can do. Most legislation tells us what we can do, actually.
- binds future legislators so they could binds future legislators so they could undo<00:19:27.720><c> this
- the legislative season.
- We get out a legislative update to the members each week during this legislative season.
- </c> legislation we look at all legislation legislation we look at all legislation that<04:06:04.159>
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Nothing in the legislation changes the threshold for probable cause.
- I'm here at the request of other state attorneys. This is a problem.
- So I think this is fantastic legislation.
- But I appreciate this outstanding legislation and want to speak in favor of it. Thank you.
- Individuals may voluntarily request this envelope through the department or a tax collector's office.
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
Keywords:
voting rights, felony conviction, database, Florida Commission on Offender Review, restoration of rights, autism spectrum disorder, law enforcement, communication, training, blue envelope, blue card, search warrant, remote appearance, drones, data privacy, drug paraphernalia, narcotic testing, fentanyl, controlled substances, civil forfeiture
Summary:
The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 646, allowing the use of drug testing tools such as fentanyl test strips and reagent kits to detect dangerous adulterants, was presented as a harm-reduction measure and reported favorably after supportive testimony from advocates and criminal defense groups. SB 442, extending the return period for warrants involving digital evidence from 45 days to one year, also passed unanimously amid testimony from prosecutors and law enforcement about encryption, backlogs, and large volumes of child exploitation evidence. SB 418, creating autism-related law enforcement training and a Blue Envelope Program for traffic stops and other encounters, was reported favorably with support from police, disability advocates, and families. SB 132, creating a public database to help people determine eligibility for restoration of voting rights, and SB 748, requiring notice of voting-rights restoration information on sentencing score sheets, both passed with broad support from voting-rights and criminal defense advocates.
The committee also approved SB 1734, recognizing juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under Florida law and extending related training and benefits, and SB 1660, designating June as Responsible Firearm Safety Awareness Month. SB 1742, which repealed the existing “unnatural and lascivious acts” statute and created a new offense for indecent exposure of sexual organs to a minor, was amended with a delete-all amendment and then reported favorably. SB 1750, a major overhaul of career offender registration requirements, was later reconsidered after a bill-number mix-up and then reported favorably as SB 1332, with FDLE and sheriff’s association support.
The most contentious measure was SB 1326, which would eliminate the traditional insanity defense and replace it with a lack-of-culpable-mental-state defense, require malingering assessments in competency evaluations, and limit downward departures based on mental illness. Criminal defense attorneys and disability advocates argued it lacked a treatment component, raised scientific and cost concerns, and could worsen public safety by sending mentally ill defendants to prison without adequate care. Supporters, including the sponsor and the Attorney General’s office, argued it would close gaps and better protect the public. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote, with several members voting no. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on some bills, and Senator Pizzo moved for reconsideration of SB 1326 for a future meeting.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (03/24/2026)
Public Works and Highways
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c> made through new capital appropriations, made through new capital appropriations, those<00:11:45.040
- </c> the proposed legislation. the proposed legislation.
- </c><01:59:08.080><c> Um,</c> in this proposed legislation. Um, in this proposed legislation.
- . legislation. legislation.
- That's it's federal legislation.
Committee:
House Public Works and Highways
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 497, a technical correction to last year’s capital budget. Shannon Reid of the Community College System of New Hampshire explained that the bill removes leftover state-agency boilerplate from a repurposed capital appropriation and replaces it with community college language, without changing any dollar amounts. She also described a requested amendment to rename a respiratory therapy renovation appropriation at Nashua Community College as an allied health instructional center, so the space can be used more flexibly for programs such as phlebotomy, radiologic technology, and LNA training. Terry Poff of the General Court then testified on the second part of the bill, which changes legislative space references to support the move of General Court offices from the second floor to the fourth floor of the annex as part of the legislative office building reconfiguration.
Members asked whether the community college changes affected funding, and Reid confirmed the amounts do not change and that the bill simply speeds up a correction that otherwise would have been handled later in the lapse process. Poff said the annex space change is part of a permanent transition, though the work cannot proceed until the General Court has legal control of the space. The committee then entered executive session, adopted Amendment 1031H on a 12-0 vote, and voted ought to pass as amended on SB 497 by a 12-0 vote, with several members absent. The bill was placed on the consent calendar.
The committee next opened a hearing on Senate Bill 529FN, which would give preference to lumber sourced in the United States on state-funded building projects. Representative Davis, introducing the bill for Senator Roachford, argued that New Hampshire timber is disadvantaged by grading rules that treat U.S. lumber differently from Canadian SPF lumber, even when the wood is from similar species and climates. He said the bill is intended to support New Hampshire’s timber industry and that architects and engineers would still be able to specify stronger materials when needed. Committee members questioned whether the bill should instead refer specifically to New Hampshire lumber, how it would be enforced, and what the cost impact would be. Davis and later witness Mike Olette said the issue is tied to industry grading standards rather than a government code, that the bill is meant to create a preference rather than a mandate, and that price differences are hard to pin down because lumber is a commodity. Olette, who lives near the border, testified that New Hampshire logs are often sent to Canada for milling and then return under a different grade, which he said puts New Hampshire loggers and mills at an economic disadvantage.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there an objection to referring to other legislation?
- I brought a very similar piece of legislation in 2018.
- Unanimous request has been requested not to read House Bill 514. Is there objection?
- I request that you give this your green light.
- The request has been made to hold the remaining bills in the Third Reading Calendar one legislative day
Summary:
The House convened with 69 members present and one absent and excused, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the journal. Members also received notice that Representative Donald Hall had designated a substitute and that Senate Bill 1222, dealing with domestic wells and related water provisions, had been transmitted from the Senate and referred to the Resources and Conservation Committee. The House introduced House Bills 572, 573, and 574, covering pediatric transition-related parental rights, concealed carry instruction, and medical mandate/immunization changes, and sent them to Judiciary for printing. Several bills and memorials were advanced on the calendar, including measures on transportation tax, private forest land, federal land policy, human trafficking, unmanned aircraft systems, and artificial sweeteners.
The main floor debate centered on House Bill 493, which would make purchasing sex a felony on a first offense for those 21 and older, while keeping a misdemeanor-first-offense structure for ages 18 to 20. Supporters argued the bill would better combat human trafficking by targeting demand and closing a gap in current law when a buyer does not know the person is being trafficked; opponents raised concerns about unequal treatment by age, the fiscal impact of incarceration, and whether the law should instead treat both parties equally or rely on existing trafficking statutes. The House passed HB 493 by a vote of 50-19, and the title was approved for transmission to the Senate.
House Bill 514 was then taken up and described as allowing students to take a state test after completing 80% of coursework so they can enter the workforce sooner. With no opposition, the House passed HB 514 by a vote of 69-0, approved the title, and transmitted it to the Senate. The remaining third-reading bills were held one legislative day by unanimous consent. The House then moved to announcements, including committee meeting notices and several caucus, reception, and visitor announcements, and adjourned until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.