Video & Transcript : 'collaborative practice' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 04/08/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- We look forward to continuing our collaboration as Senate File 2216 continues to go through the legislative
- Not registering for this group is deemed an unlawful business practice, a heavy tool under 325F, and
- The concern I raised about the data practice citation in the registry is that it is only the board members
- The the concern I raised um about the The the concern I raised um about the data<01:03:11.839><c> practice
- citation uh in the data practice citation uh in the registry<01:03:16.160><c> is</c><01:03:16.480><c
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Seclusion Working Group - 08/13/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:17:12.240><c> that</c> board to help us make practices that board to help us make practices that
- It's trauma-informed practices.
- </c><01:04:09.680><c> on</c> changing and trauma-informed practice on changing and trauma-informed practice
- </c><01:10:33.920><c> and</c> trauma and trauma-informed practices and trauma and trauma-informed practices
- We are implementing new accountability practices. We are retraining.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Education Policy Committee approves bill to repeal ethnic studies requirements 2/18/25
Transcript Highlights:
- racism experienced by students of color or who are American Indian, which includes policies and practices
- The culture of a school is made up of qualities like excellence, leadership, collaboration, respect,
- They will learn, they will find best practices, and they will evolve.
- ,</c><01:02:37.040><c> and</c><01:02:37.160><c> they</c> they will find best practices, and they they
- will find best practices, and they will<01:02:37.440><c> evolve.
Summary:
House File 29 was heard in committee as a proposal to suspend adoption of the revised social studies standards, push implementation to 2030-31, repeal the requirement to embed ethnic studies across all standards, and cancel related appropriations. The bill sponsor argued Minnesota schools should focus on basic academic achievement and that ethnic studies requirements add burdens and distract from reading, math, and science. The chair moved the bill to the Committee on Education Finance after opening the hearing and then took extensive public testimony.
Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters of HF 29, including Katherine Kersten, Deanna Moose, Kendall Qualls, Hillary Swanson, and Diane Smith, argued the ethnic studies framework is ideological, overly focused on race, insufficiently transparent, and costly in professional development time; several said it would divide students or burden teachers. Some supporters also claimed the standards or framework promote activism, critical race theory, or racial stratification. Opponents, including Mark Westfall, Crystal Johnson, Jim Grathwol, Marcus Penny, Claude Sigman, and Courtney Major, said the standards are inclusive, research-based, and designed to help students understand multiple perspectives, civic life, and the contributions of diverse Minnesotans. They emphasized that ethnic studies can improve engagement, critical thinking, and representation, and that teachers should be trusted to implement the standards.
No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided. The only formal action noted was the chair’s motion to re-refer House File 29 to the Committee on Education Finance.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-30 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't practice law in this space, so just walk me through it real quick.
- Help me understand what that means in practical terms.
- I don't know the practical application. That's what I'm asking. Senator Collins.
- And finally, the strike-all amendment amends the Optometry Practice Act.
- This bill will have no impact on their practice.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and a remembrance of former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron. The chamber then moved to special order bills. CS/HB 687 on transportation offenses involving death was substituted for SB 138, amended to add warnings and penalties for refusal of breath or urine tests, and passed 37-0. CS/SB 306 on Medicaid providers, requiring broader after-hours access and network availability for Medicaid enrollees, also passed 37-0.
The Senate then took up CS/CS/HB 913 on condominium associations, a major post-Surfside reform bill. Senator Bradley explained that the measure was intended to provide financial relief and flexibility while preserving safety and accountability. The bill was substituted for SB 1742, amended several times to limit milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies to buildings three habitable stories or more, and then passed 37-0 after extensive debate. Senators from both parties praised Bradley, Pizzo, Garcia, and staff for years of work on condo safety and affordability, with several members describing the bill as a balance between protecting residents and avoiding financial hardship.
The final major item was CS/HB 1205, the bill on amendments to the state constitution and citizen petition drives. Sponsors Gates and Grohl argued the bill was needed to combat fraud, identity theft, and misuse in the petition process, citing a lengthy Office of Election Crimes and Security report. The House bill was substituted for SB 7016, and the chamber considered a long series of amendments and substitute amendments addressing petition circulator registration, volunteer participation, submission deadlines, invalid-signature thresholds, voter notification, and fiscal impact statements. Several amendments were adopted, while others were debated over whether they would protect access to the citizen initiative process or strengthen election integrity. The transcript ends during debate on the main substitute amendment, before final disposition on the bill is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- State Office of Inspector General to facilitate data requests, data transfers, and investigatory collaboration
- That is the standard practice and what our team has been doing and continues to do so.
- That is the<00:47:20.000><c> standard</c><00:47:20.320><c> practice</c><00:47:20.880><c> and</c><00:47
- :21.160><c> what</c><00:47:21.280><c> our</c><00:47:21.400><c> team</c> the standard practice and what
- our team the standard practice and what our team has<00:47:21.720><c> been</c><00:47:21.880><c> doing
Keywords:
human services, background studies, NETStudy 2.0, licensing, license suspension, license revocation, provider enrollment, program integrity, fraud, medical assistance fraud, Medicaid, payment withholding, credible allegation of fraud, background check, disqualification, variance, set-aside, foster care, family foster setting, adult foster care
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Tue Feb 11, 2025 @ 9:45 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- supported decision-making agreements, prevents unnecessary guardianships, and aligns with national best practices
- guardianships, and aligns with national guardianships, and aligns with national best<00:44:38.080><c> practices
- </c><00:44:38.680><c> for</c><00:44:38.840><c> least</c><00:44:39.080><c> restrictive</c> best practices
- for least restrictive best practices for least restrictive alternatives.<00:44:40.880><c> I'm</c><00
- EOEL welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with UH on the grant award criteria and appreciates the
Committee:
House Human Services & Homelessness
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 963, which would make crimes against elders age 60 and over strict liability offenses by removing the requirement that the perpetrator knew or should have known the victim’s age. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that removing the state-of-mind element would create unfair and subjective results and suggesting sentencing enhancements or broader vulnerability-based language instead. Supporters, including Sandy Wong and another testifier with elder-abuse experience, said the current knowledge requirement creates a loophole that lets offenders avoid the elder enhancement even when they target vulnerable older adults. No vote was taken on the measure in the portion provided.
The committee also heard HB 384, which increases penalties for promoting minor-produced sexual images, extends probation terms for felony obscenity offenses, tolls the statute of limitations during a victim’s minority, and requires sex offender registration for certain felony obscenity offenses involving minors. The Public Defender opposed the bill as overly broad and warned of absurd results, while the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney supported it, saying the bill addresses sextortion and other exploitation cases where adults solicit images from minors and that the 3-year age-gap threshold preserves ordinary teen relationships. Committee members questioned whether the bill was aimed at adults only and whether the age-gap carveout was narrow enough; the prosecutor said it was intended to cover adult predators and not consensual peer conduct. No final action was reported.
HB 1100, which renames the Neighbor Islands Blind and Visually Impaired Service Pilot Program to use “low vision” instead of “visually impaired,” was supported by the Department of Human Services and disability advocates, who said the current term is derogatory and that the change responds to the blind community. The department said it was beginning work on administrative rules and expected to seek an appropriation, with implementation hoped for in 2026. The committee then heard HB 1283, exempting paternity proceedings from mediation when domestic abuse is alleged; the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and others supported it as consistent with divorce law and important for survivor safety. HB 689, creating safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement help, drew support from HPD, Emua Alliance, the Judiciary, and others, who said it would prevent traffickers from using prostitution charges to silence victims. Finally, HB 383, reinstating mandatory minimum jail terms for successive violations of protective orders and removing the court’s ability to suspend those minimums, drew opposition from the Public Defender, who said some repeat violations stem from mental health or substance use issues, and support from the Prosecuting Attorney, who argued the bill treats protective orders like temporary restraining orders and preserves judicial discretion within a misdemeanor framework.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-TCA-EIG, TCA-AEN, AEN, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 02-05-2025
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- We basically support the intent, but we already do this as a practice.
- We basically support the intent, but we already do this as a practice.
- We're available for any questions. already do this as a practice we already do this as a practice we
- stand on our written testimony and support, and just recognizing that there is already a great collaborative
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Environment
Summary:
The joint hearing covered SB 1023, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and free-roaming cats, with funding sources including an income tax checkoff. The Department of Taxation had no substantive comment, while the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the measure but opposed any trap-neuter-release or re-release approach, saying spay-neuter is important but release does not reduce cats on the landscape. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about creating another special fund and tax checkoff, saying the fund may not meet statutory criteria and could create administrative burdens. The Hawaiian Humane Society strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently provides little funding for animal overpopulation control and that the measure would help nonprofits and align conservation and animal welfare goals. Several other supporters testified, including a cat sanctuary representative who described the need for a dedicated funding mechanism and a possible Oahu sanctuary to remove cats from sensitive areas. After questions about the effectiveness of trap-neuter-release and the need for alternative management tools, the committees voted to recommend passage with amendments, including blanking appropriation amounts, moving them into the committee report, setting the effective date to July 1, 2050, and noting Budget and Finance concerns; the recommendations were adopted in both committees, with some members voting with reservations.
The hearing then moved to SB 1120, relating to transportation and a clean fuel standard. The Department of Transportation said it supported the intent but wanted more information on economic impacts. Electrify America and Neste supported the bill, saying a clean fuel standard would help finance EV charging, encourage investment, and expand lower-carbon fuel options such as renewable diesel. In response to questions from senators about rural and agricultural transportation needs, witnesses said the standard could support both electrification where feasible and cleaner liquid fuels in the interim for equipment that cannot yet be electrified. DOT also described county transit efforts and said it was working with Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island on assessments for zero-emission bus replacement and charging infrastructure. The committees also heard testimony on SB 586, relating to climate change and zero-emission buses by 2045, with the State Procurement Office supporting the intent but suggesting the language be moved to a different statute; DOT said it was providing pass-through funding to counties and had some zero-emission bus purchases and charging stations on order. The discussion emphasized infrastructure costs and implementation challenges, but no final vote on SB 1120 or SB 586 was described in the transcript excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Where those interest rates for the state biennium must be estimated, we collaborate with financial advisors
- Yes, and in fact, while we had information around strong cybersecurity practices, standards, guidelines
- social media channels and what we put out also through to our state workforce information about best practices
- The SAO also conducted an audit of financial practices at the Commission.
- I've spent the bulk of my career practicing law with two big law firms, including seven years at McCool-Smith
Bills:
SB 1
Committee:
Senate Finance
Keywords:
campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards
Summary:
The committee began with Article I budget items for the Secretary of State. LBB staff outlined recommendations that would reduce the agency’s appropriation by about $40.3 million, including changes to HAVA funding, removal of one-time business system replacement money, and a rider directing the agency to use Fund 5095 first. Secretary Jane Nelson and staff then defended several exceptional items, especially additional staffing for elections and business filings, a new website, digitization of records, cybersecurity tools, and renovation of the James Earl Rudder Building. Members focused heavily on election administration, cross-checking voter rolls, Harris County complaints, call-center response times, and whether online voter registration should be expanded. No votes were taken; the discussion was informational and budget-focused.
The committee then heard the Office of the Governor and trustee programs. LBB presented a recommended $2.4 million decrease for the governor’s office proper and a much larger decrease in trustee programs driven by one-time funding and unexpended balances, while still preserving major border security funding and victim assistance funding. Governor’s staff emphasized Texas’ economic growth, the importance of border security, and efforts to seek federal reimbursement for the roughly $11 billion Texas has spent on border operations. Members discussed whether shifting National Guard deployment to federal control could reduce state costs, and they also reviewed the music incubator program, the Governor’s University Research Initiative, and the semiconductor innovation consortium. Staff highlighted a $5 million late-added request for grants to protect nonprofits from violence and terrorism. Again, the exchange was largely explanatory, with no formal action.
Finally, the committee took up the Texas Facilities Commission and lease payments for revenue bonds. LBB recommended major reductions overall, including removal of border wall construction funding and capital complex bond funding, but added money for higher utility costs, renovation of the Rudder Building, and additional facilities staff. George Purcell also noted stable maintenance-and-renewal funding and new riders related to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission building, tenant communications, and space utilization. For lease payments, LBB recommended a smaller appropriation tied to revenue-bond costs allocated across agencies. The discussion was informational, with members asking about the Rudder Building renovation, border wall progress, and capital complex construction timelines; no votes were recorded.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The city has long collaborated with developers, local businesses, the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota
- The city has long collaborated with developers, local businesses, the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota
- The city has long collaborated with developers, local businesses, the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota
- <00:43:03.280><c> city</c><00:43:03.599><c> has</c><00:43:03.800><c> long</c><00:43:04.200><c> collaborated
- </c> project the city has long collaborated project the city has long collaborated with<00:43:05.040>
Committee:
Senate Transportation
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (03/04/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- and Innovative service to collaborative and Innovative service to all<04:10:08.760><c> our</c><04:10
- building was originally conceived when, and was it just a place to go and begin, you know, target practice
- “Just target practice or something? And then a building was installed.
- . ...and align with environmentally responsible practices.
- when you use new digital practices when you use new digital Solutions<05:43:08.200><c> the</c><05:43
Summary:
The Department of Administrative Services presented its capital budget process and priorities, explaining that it maintains and operates 96 state buildings and uses annual facility walkthroughs, condition assessments, and rough cost estimates to rank projects for the governor’s capital budget. Officials described how requests are triaged, how the governor’s office and Public Works refine estimates, and how the resulting capital budget book serves as legislative intent for approved projects. They also noted that this year the governor’s office asked for estimates on all selected projects, which increased workload but reduced detail.
The department highlighted several requested projects, including $1.5 million for the ERP system sustainability fund, which officials said is critical because the state is upgrading its core financial, HR, and budget system to the cloud. Other priorities included courthouse HVAC and boiler work, brick repointing at the State House annex/main building, window replacement at the Spalding building, and elevator replacement on the hospital campus. Officials also said the governor’s proposed capital budget included fewer DAS projects than in past years and asked the committee to consider funding closer to historic levels.
The committee then reviewed lapse and reallocation items. DAS said most older projects are still in design, bid, or construction because projects now take four to six years rather than two to three, in part due to ARPA-related workload and post-COVID construction backlogs. Members discussed lapsing $81,000 from the completed Spalding roof project and redirecting small remaining balances from several 2019 projects toward the Hillsboro County South cell block project through the Capital Project Overview Committee. Officials also confirmed ARPA-funded projects are expected to be completed before the December 2026 deadline and explained that the ERP system is the main state IT exception outside DOIT’s usual centralized control, though it still requires DOIT consultation and approval.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (04/08/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it's a good, smart, practical, and responsible approach.
- I practice in Portsmouth.
- So every day in my practice, I see patients who have tried many different treatments, four, five, six
- It is undeniable that the Psychedelic Science Funders Collaborative is a consortium of about 20 Silicon
- And one of the people on their collaborative said that they are using veterans.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, July 22, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This practice enables them to easily distinguish between hatchery fish and wild fish populations.
- This practice known as mass marking.
- ><c> easily</c> practice enables them to easily practice enables them to easily distinguish<06:14:04.718
- Mass marking is the price practice<06:16:05.760><c> of</c><06:16:06.080><c> tagging</c><06:16:06.638>
- <c> large</c><06:16:07.120><c> numbers</c><06:16:08.000><c> of</c> practice of tagging large numbers
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I have a unique perspective on the inner workings of the SHPO as a result of that, and the collaborative
- You're suggesting that somehow there's going to be some collaborative value for the state of Idaho here
Committee:
House Business
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (2-19-26)
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- interest in abandoned or underutilized state-owned property, encouraging productive reuse and collaboration
- This bill has been a collaboration between the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police, the Kentucky Professional
Committee:
House State Government
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Advisory Board is a volunteer advisory board that helps promulgate civil rights through community collaboration
- In concerning cross-county collaboration, I was told there's a database that was established at that
Committee:
House House Judiciary Committee of Reference
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee first conducted a sunset review of the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board. The board’s executive director described its history, structure, and recent work on civil rights issues such as human trafficking remedies, service animals, hate-based crimes, housing, disability access, and rural concerns. With no opposition testimony, the committee voted to recommend continuing the board for eight years.
The committee then heard HB 2131, which would make trafficking more than three weapons or explosives ineligible for pardon or early release and remove the requirement that trafficking be for financial gain. Support came from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, and the Yavapai County Attorney, who said the bill targets criminal syndicates and does not affect lawful gun dealers or private sales. Some members raised concerns that the bill could limit judicial discretion, but the committee voted 7-0 with one present to recommend the bill do pass.
HB 2132, which lowers the fentanyl threshold for enhanced penalties from 200 grams to 100 grams, drew strong support from law enforcement and county attorneys who said fentanyl trafficking is driving overdoses and homicide investigations, especially in rural counties. Opponents, including a criminal defense attorney and a recovery advocate, argued the bill could sweep in people with substance use disorders and push more people into prison instead of treatment. After debate about prevention, treatment, and mandatory minimums, the committee voted 7-2 to recommend the bill do pass.
The committee also approved HB 2108, which increases penalties for unlawful flight when the conduct recklessly endangers others, causes serious injury, involves a child under 13, or occurs during a DUI. Law enforcement supported the measure as a public safety tool, while an opponent argued it could worsen tensions with police. The committee voted 6-3 to recommend the bill do pass. Finally, HB 2044, as amended, would increase penalties for abandoning or concealing a dead human body when done to conceal a crime or when the offender caused the death. The sponsor and county attorney said the bill closes a gap in cases involving mutilation or concealment of bodies; a defense attorney warned the language was too broad and could create ambiguity. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted 6-3 to recommend the bill do pass.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- This is to support collaboration with other agencies in conducting licensing investigations.
- This is to support collaboration with other agencies in conducting licensing investigations.
Committee:
All ALC-PEER
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Dec 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We try really hard not to duplicate services, so we do operate in sort of that separated but collaborative
- Murphy wants me to say is that New Mexico and Ireland have an opportunity to formally network and collaborate
Summary:
The committee heard a lengthy presentation from the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative in support of fully funding the rural library endowment with an additional $29.5 million. The presenters described rural libraries as essential community infrastructure that provide not only books and internet access, but also early childhood programs, adult education, workforce support, telehealth, disaster response, and civic meeting space. They argued that the endowment would provide stable annual support for staffing and operations, help sustain libraries in very small towns and tribal communities, and support new or developing libraries. Members asked about eligibility, county coverage, how funds are distributed, and whether the state tracks broader outcomes such as job placements or certifications; the presenters said the State Library administers the funds and that the initiative itself is a nonprofit capacity-building organization, not the fund manager. Some members raised concerns about whether an endowment is the best long-term model versus recurring annual appropriations, and about the need for better reporting and state-library involvement.
The committee then heard from food bank leaders Jill Dixon and Katie Anderson about food security and its economic impact. They said New Mexico’s five food banks and more than 500 partner agencies serve all 33 counties, distribute over 45 million meals, and rely mostly on philanthropy, with some state and local support. They emphasized that SNAP is a major economic driver, supporting grocery access, jobs, and local spending, and that recent legislative growth funding helped food banks respond to a surge in demand during a SNAP disruption. They also highlighted food banks as community hubs that can connect people to health care, job training, and other services, including through clinic referrals and closed-loop systems. In response to questions, they said food access gaps remain in some rural areas, that clients can generally seek food at other distribution sites without barriers, and that longer-term solutions should include more grocery access, healthy corner stores, and stronger broadband and health care infrastructure.
The final presentations came from the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. Gallup-McKinley described a shrinking workforce, youth outmigration, crime, health care shortages, malpractice costs, and gross receipts tax burdens as major barriers to rural economic growth, and urged action on workforce pipelines, housing, public safety, malpractice reform, and tax/regulatory changes. Artesia highlighted its murals, library, sports tradition, oil and gas, agriculture, federal training center, and refinery, while also noting workforce shortages, health care recruitment challenges, housing constraints, and the need for quality-of-life investments and more flexible regulation. The committee also briefly heard a bill presentation proposing a New Mexico-Ireland Trade Commission to promote bilateral trade and investment, especially in technology, agriculture, and energy sectors. No votes were taken because quorum was not reached, and the endorsement item was not acted on.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Katharine MacGregor, of Florida, to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior, and James Danly, of Tennessee, to be Deputy Secretary of Energy. Apr 2nd, 2025 at 09:00 am
Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Despite 20 years of collaboration The Upper and Lower Basin have not yet reached an agreement.
- with you, when we met previously, and I hope you took away from our meeting the constant theme of collaboration
Keywords:
nuclear energy, permitting process, energy production, public lands, national parks, uranium imports, legislative bills, infrastructure development
Summary:
The committee meeting was dominated by discussions on a variety of legislative bills including major topics such as nuclear energy advancement, the effects of regulatory hurdles on energy production, and proposals to improve national park staffing and maintenance. Members expressed concerns over the federal government's handling of uranium imports and the necessity for maintaining a robust domestic nuclear supply chain. Efforts to streamline permitting processes to facilitate more efficient energy project development were also a focal point, alongside public testimony from stakeholders in the energy and environmental sectors. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure development to meet rising energy demands while addressing climate change impacts.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 5, 2025 - 10:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- In the beginning, it sounded like there was a lot of great work and collaboration that was happening
- Everybody agrees that is the key element here: how to communicate, how to plan for the best we can, and collaborate
Summary:
The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met with a quorum present and first heard HB 11 from Representative Robinson. The bill would address an unintended consequence in Florida’s municipal utility surcharge law by requiring the same water/utility rate for residents when a utility facility is physically located within one municipality but owned by another, rather than allowing the owning municipality to impose a 25% surcharge. The sponsor and several members described it as a fairness issue affecting residents who do not receive local tax support for the facility but still bear the surcharge. Public testimony included support from AARP and Miami-Dade County and opposition from North Miami Beach. The bill was reported favorably on an 18-0 vote.
The committee then held a panel discussion on utility use of public rights-of-way and utility relocation. Panelists from FDOT, county government, gas, water, electric, and communications sectors described the permitting process, noting that FDOT uses a detailed utility accommodation manual and that local governments may use permits, franchise agreements, or ordinances depending on the utility type. They emphasized that utilities often must coordinate early with agencies using long-range work programs and project plans, and that the process differs by utility and jurisdiction. Communications witnesses discussed Chapter 337 and the 60-day local permitting shot clock, while others noted the role of Sunshine State One Call in locating facilities before excavation.
A major focus was who pays for relocations when road or infrastructure projects require utilities to move. FDOT and several panelists said utilities generally bear the cost when they are in public right-of-way, with exceptions such as certain interstate/interchange projects and easement impacts. Utility representatives said relocations are often effectively new builds, can be costly, and are ultimately reflected in rates or customer costs. Members also asked about easements versus right-of-way, damage and disputes during construction, broadband workforce needs, and whether legislation could improve coordination. Panelists largely said the existing process works best when agencies, contractors, and utilities communicate early and continuously, and that more legislation may not be necessary compared with better planning, staffing, and use of technology.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Feb 12th, 2025
Communications and Conveyance
Transcript Highlights:
- digital equity plan was developed through an extensive statewide process over the last two years in collaboration
- And so this has to be something that's collaborative between us in order to complete. these encroachment
Committee:
House Communications and Conveyance