Video & Transcript Research : 'drinking straws'
Page 48 of 158
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We serve almost a million people every day with clean drinking water, and it takes about, on average,
- Remember, in drinking water for PFOS and PFOA, we're talking about four parts per trillion.
- <00:54:40.640>
water <00:54:40.880>for <00:54:41.079>our sources of drinking - <00:55:26.839>
water <00:55:27.640>landfills freshwater our drinking water landfills - freshwater our drinking water landfills contain<00:55:28.799>
contaminants <00:55:29.520>we
Summary:
The informational briefing focused on the City and County of Honolulu’s effort to site a replacement landfill for Oahu before Waimanalo Gulch landfill closes in 2028. Department of Environmental Services officials outlined the solid waste system, including curbside collection, convenience centers, transfer stations, H-POWER, and the existing landfill, and explained that H-POWER reduces the volume of waste going to the landfill by about 90%. They reviewed the siting history, including the 2019 Land Use Commission deadline, the 2020 enactment of Act 73 with landfill setback and conservation-district restrictions, and the 2021-2022 landfill advisory committee that evaluated six sites but recommended none because they were within the Board of Water Supply’s no-pass zone. The city said it ultimately selected a site in central Oahu, on agricultural land near Wahiawa and the Dole Plantation, as the best legally permissible option and described it as requiring about 150 acres, with 90 acres for the landfill itself.
City officials also described the proposed landfill design and safeguards, emphasizing a modern sanitary landfill with double liners, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring wells, and post-closure monitoring. They said the ash from H-POWER is dry and that leachate would be pumped to a wastewater treatment plant. They stated the site is away from residences and groundwater wells, accessible by highway, and can be permitted under state and federal rules, though they acknowledged that a full environmental review, public hearings, and multiple permits would still be required. When asked whether the new landfill could be operating before the 2028 closure date, the city said it did not yet know and that an extension of Waimanalo Gulch might be needed if the new site is not ready in time.
The Board of Water Supply strongly opposed the city’s decision to site a landfill above Oahu’s freshwater resources. Its representative said the agency’s mission is to protect safe, dependable water for the future and that it had disapproved all six previously proposed sites because they were located over freshwater aquifers. In response to questions from legislators, the Board said it could not guarantee the liner system would remain impermeable forever and warned that leachate can contain hazardous chemicals, including so-called forever chemicals. The Board characterized the proposal as a long-term risk to the island’s drinking water supply and compared the decision to past infrastructure choices that later proved problematic. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Finance Committee in Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 04:01 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- The next is the Tax Department promulgating a legislative rule regarding the soft drinks tax.
- The soft drinks tax does not exist any longer, so that one's being repealed.
- The next is the Tax Department promulgating a legislative rule regarding the soft drinks tax.
- The soft drinks tax does not exist any longer, so that one is being repealed.
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then considered a series of House bills and committee substitutes. House Bill 5438, dealing with changes to Step 7 of the school aid formula and allowable uses of certain education allocations, was amended to adopt the Education Committee’s changes and then reported to the full Senate. House Bill 4087 creating the West Virginia-Ireland Education Alliance was also reported, as was House Bill 4191, which expands child care tax credit eligibility for employer-sponsored facilities and changes subsidy payments from attendance-based to enrollment-based reimbursement; senators emphasized its workforce and economic development benefits. House Bill 5074, which reallocates medical cannabis fund balances and future revenues, was amended to increase the Child Protective Commission pilot funding from $3 million to $5 million and remove proposed ibogaine research funding for Marshall and WVU before being reported. House Bill 5353, regulating virtual currency kiosks and money transmission licensure, and House Bill 5527, creating licensure and oversight for wellness reimbursement program administrators, both received strike-and-insert amendments and were reported. House Bill 5687, which phases down the metallurgical coal severance tax and adds a temporary oil and gas tax reduction with county/municipal revenue adjustments, was amended and reported. House Bill 4418, creating an electronic system for municipal business and occupation tax filing and collection with a 1% administrative fee and a participation threshold, was also reported.
The committee then took up House Bill 4245, the Revenue Rules Bundle, which bundles 26 legislative rules from the Department of Revenue and related agencies. The bundle included alcohol, banking, insurance, racing, and tax rules, with several sunset extensions and repeals of outdated rules; the committee adopted a strike-and-insert amendment affecting a lottery consumer protection rule and a pre-need cemetery company rule, then reported the bill. House Bill 5168, providing a $12 million lottery-funded stream for emergency medical services, was amended to clarify the uses of the funds, rename one fund, require a 30% county match for mental health treatment spending, and create two additional county-based EMS funds; senators described it as a needed permanent funding source for EMS, and it was reported. Throughout the meeting, members generally supported the measures, with some discussion on technical details, funding allocations, and the impact of the bills on local services and workforce needs. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced that Senate House Bills 4004, 4006, and 4009 would not be taken up that day, and the committee adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor (3-5-26)
Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor
Transcript Highlights:
- Now we can drink blue. I'm super impressed about that.
- <00:16:12.280>
Now <00:16:12.440>we <00:16:12.560>can <00:16:12.760>drink - Now we can drink blue. we do bleed blue. Now we can drink blue.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00
Roll Call: 00:26
SB 343 Discussion: 01:00
SB 343 Voting: 02:25
SB 19 Discussion: 03:25
SB 19 Voting: 20:10, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor met with a roll call showing members present, then first took up Senate Bill 343, which would extend the Workers' Compensation Funding Commission and preserve the independent funding mechanism for the Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims. The chair explained that the bill would keep the current assessment structure in place beyond its scheduled 2029 expiration and support the department’s independence and budgeting flexibility. The committee voted 11-0 to report the bill favorably.
The committee then heard a presentation on Senate Bill 19, relating to a state mushroom. Senator Scott Madon and Representative Mitch Whitaker introduced students and a biology teacher from Letcher County Central High School, who presented research supporting the indigo milk cap (Lactarius indigo) as Kentucky’s state mushroom. The students described the mushroom’s blue color, ecological role, edible qualities, and possible educational and scientific value, and tied the proposal to Kentucky’s identity as the Bluegrass State. Senators praised the students’ presentation and the effort to involve young people in the legislative process, and one senator asked how to identify edible mushrooms, prompting advice that experience is important and that local mushroom groups can help. The committee then voted 11-0 to report Senate Bill 19 favorably.
Before adjourning, members briefly discussed the presentation and the educational value of involving students, with comments noting the strong participation of young women in science. Senate Bill 324 was on the agenda but was passed over and held for one week. The meeting then adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Licensing & Administrative Procedures May 6th, 2025
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Transcript Highlights:
- These drinks are marketed in a way that would not attract you and me; they wouldn't get our attention
- The legal drinking age is 21.
- Underage drinking is problematic in Texas. But we can change that. We can change it.
- This bill enables smaller restaurants to be able to purchase wines that are in good drinking windows
Keywords:
permit issuance, regulatory framework, business operations, efficiency, application process, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, lottery regulations, occupational licensing, fraud prevention, criminal background checks, lottery couriers, SB 1184, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, wine collection seller, collectible wine, vintage wine
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 01/29/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- You’d have to drink eight undiluted gallons directly from the leak to match the radiation dose we get
- You’d have to drink eight undiluted gallons directly from the leak to match the radiation dose we get
- You’d have to drink eight undiluted gallons directly from the leak to match the radiation dose we get
- You’d have to drink eight undiluted gallons directly from the leak to match the radiation dose we get
- You’d have to drink eight undiluted gallons directly from the leak to match the radiation dose we get
Summary:
The Minnesota Senate Energy Committee heard Senate File 426, authored by Senator Icorn, which would remove the 100-megawatt cap on hydropower for purposes of qualifying as an eligible energy technology under Minnesota law. Supporters said hydropower is carbon-free, reliable, flexible baseload power that can help Minnesota meet its 100% carbon-free electricity goal by 2040. Testifiers from Missouri River Energy Services and Minnesota Power described existing hydropower resources, including allocations from federal Missouri River dams, Minnesota hydro stations, and Manitoba Hydro, and argued that the bill would preserve and expand options for clean energy development.
Several members raised concerns about the bill’s purpose and potential environmental impacts. Senator McEwen questioned why the size limit should be removed without specific proposed projects or more information about the need for larger dams, citing concerns about fisheries, water resources, and land use. Senator Port and others asked about costs, environmental effects, and where new projects might be built. In response, supporters said the bill is intended to open the door to future projects and allow agencies to review proposals through existing permitting and environmental processes, rather than approving any specific dam.
Committee members offered mixed reactions. Senator Frentz said he supported the concept but recommended laying the bill over for further discussion and possibly sending it to the Environment Committee, noting environmental concerns and the need for more conversation. Senator Gruenhagen strongly supported the bill, arguing that it merely lifts a cap while leaving permitting and review requirements in place. Senator Hoffman also supported the bill, saying current policy blocks consideration of new projects and that the change would allow regulators to evaluate proposals on their merits. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the bill was left open for further consideration.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, December 11, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- water and to more for safe drinking water and to access<00:42:12.880>
water <00:42:13.280> - <01:09:12.080>
water improve the quality of drinking water improve the quality of drinking - I filed three drinking water is at risk.
- <01:17:59.760>
water projects near community drinking water projects near community drinking - Expensive water treatment is needed to provide safe drinking water for more than 600,000 Iowans.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Make America Healthy Again Kentucky Task Force (7-10-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Like Kelly said, these drinks have zero nutritional value and only nutritional risk, right?
- I won't go through all of these, but potential taxes on certain things like soft drinks, subsidizing
- restrict sugary soft drinks in SNAP? restrict sugary soft drinks in SNAP?
- ,<00:58:13.119>
subsidizing things like soft drinks, subsidizing things like soft drinks, - Senator Douglas, I just wanted a little bit of clarification. 60% of the soft drinks are sugar-free.
Summary:
The meeting opened with roll call and housekeeping, including moving standing attendees to an overflow room and asking the audience to avoid interruptions. The task force then heard testimony from Allison Adams of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, who presented statewide health trend data showing Kentucky ranked 41st overall and 44th in health outcomes, with especially poor performance on premature death, chronic disease, diabetes, and vaccination rates. She emphasized that Kentucky has the highest rates of residents with multiple chronic conditions, that diabetes remains above the national average, and that childhood immunization rates have worsened. She also highlighted major provider shortages in rural areas, noting that 43 of 120 counties meet shortage criteria and that more than half of primary care providers are concentrated in Fayette and Jefferson counties. Adams urged the task force to focus on prevention, early intervention, access to care, physical activity, and healthier school and community environments, and said the foundation is prepared to share results from its demonstration projects. Task force members asked follow-up questions about the age range for chronic-condition data and whether the diabetes figure reflected type 1 or type 2 diabetes; Adams said the chronic-condition measure spans all ages and that the diabetes figure likely reflects type 2, though she offered to provide the full report. The task force then approved the minutes from the prior meeting.
The committee next turned to SNAP benefits and heard from Lisa Dennis, commissioner of the Department for Community Based Services, and Roger McCann, director of the Division of Family Support. They explained that SNAP is not only a food assistance program but also a public health and family stability tool, arguing that poor diet contributes to chronic disease and that food insecurity is linked to family stress, child welfare involvement, and neglect-related CPS referrals. They cited research showing that more generous SNAP policies are associated with fewer CPS reports, fewer substantiated reports, and fewer foster care placements, and said SNAP helps reduce risk and promote stability across vulnerable populations including children, older adults, people with disabilities, and pregnant women. They also described SNAP-Ed as the nutrition education component that teaches healthy eating, cooking on a budget, and how to use fresh produce, but warned that recent federal legislation eliminates federal funding for SNAP-Ed beginning in federal fiscal year 2026. McCann outlined the remaining SNAP outreach and employment-and-training components, noting that outreach is typically run by nonprofits with a 50% match and that employment and training funds job-skills programs to help recipients move toward better jobs and self-sufficiency. The discussion emphasized that access to nutritious food, education, and job supports are all part of improving health outcomes and reducing food insecurity.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/20/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- And large lots and new turf can use as much as 200 gallons per person per day of drinking water.
- And large lots and new turf can use as much as 200 gallons per person per day of drinking water.
- water per person per day for drinking water per person per day for outdoor<00:35:32.800>
uses - And in 2023, per day of drinking water.
- ,<00:46:37.839>
swimming, pathways related to drinking, swimming, pathways related to drinking
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment Committee Meeting - 2026-04-09
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- But let's also make sure we're protecting drinking water, runoff, and manure management on and nearby
- rule to ensure it protects drinking rule to ensure it protects drinking water<00:55:48.760>
from - Every small town wanting millions of dollars for wastewater, for drinking water, millions and millions
- <01:24:09.800>
water, <01:24:10.080>millions <01:24:10.600>and for drinking - water, millions and for drinking water, millions and millions.<01:24:11.200>
And <01:24:11.760>
Keywords:
financial assurance, feedlot permits, manure storage, environmental compliance, agriculture regulation, abandoned infrastructure, pollution control, environmental impact, animal feedlot, livestock, regulations, Minnesota Rules
Summary:
The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes and then heard House File 4740, authored by Rep. Hansen, which would require feedlots with at least 1,000 animal units to provide financial assurance for closure costs. Hansen argued the bill would shift cleanup responsibility from taxpayers to owners, citing abandoned feedlots, changing ownership structures, and the 2024 Pure Prairie Poultry bankruptcy as examples of why public funds should not be used for closures and cleanup. He also said the bill would apply to new or renewed permits and suggested a statutory definition of abandoned feedlot storage units may be needed.
Farm and livestock groups testified in opposition. Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Milk Producers Association, Minnesota Pork Producers Association, and Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation said existing MPCA and county permit rules already require closure planning and reporting, and that the bill would add unnecessary costs and barriers for family farms, beginning farmers, and expansion. They warned the financial assurance requirement could function like an animal-unit cap, encourage fragmentation or out-of-state relocation, and impose annual costs that would not improve environmental outcomes. Several testified that true abandonment is rare and that current permitting and closure processes already address it.
MPCA staff said the agency has concerns with the bill, noted there is currently no formal fiscal note, and said the agency would need to ensure any appropriations cover ongoing staffing needs. MPCA officials explained that permitted feedlots already must notify the agency before closure, follow a checklist of closure requirements, and undergo follow-up inspection; they said abandonment notifications are uncommon and they are not aware of any currently permitted facilities in abandonment process. Members questioned whether the bill was needed, what form financial assurance would take, how other states handle similar requirements, and whether the proposal would unfairly burden smaller or family operations. No vote on HF 4740 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Over a shared drink, we get to reminisce about parts of our life, military service, raising a family,
- Over<00:08:16.600>
a <00:08:16.640>shared <00:08:17.000>drink, <00:08:17.560> - , soft drinks, and snack foods. you want to talk about the A8 amendment?
- drinks drinks and<00:48:25.840>
soft <00:48:26.240>drinks <00:48:26.760>and <00: - And soft drinks and snack foods.
Keywords:
alcohol consumption, nursing homes, assisted living, resident activities, Minnesota Statutes, seasonal liquor licenses, resorts, intoxicating liquor, county board, Brainerd, Northern Pacific Center, event center, liquor license, on-sale license, alcohol sales, special law, local option, Minnesota liquor law, chapter 340A, Sunday sales
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment May 19th, 2026
Natural Resources & Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- All of the drinking water and irrigation—you get your water from the Mississippi River. We do not.
- No, it's not within the Safe Drinking Water Act.
- The whole goal is governed under the Safe Drinking Water Act to protect the drinking water.
- The residents living next to these petrochemical facilities, breathing this air, drinking water... ..
- .petrochemical facilities, breathing this air, drinking water from the ground beneath these proposed
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Children and Family Law (02/20/2025)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- My mom was up all night doing drugs and drinking whatever friends, and, you know, it kept me up,' okay
- They were just drinking and drugging. If he said drugging, um, he wasn't—they weren't drugging.
- He's tired today because he was up all night drinking.'
- 20:35.760>
keeps <01:20:36.000>the <01:20:36.159>kid <01:20:36.360>up drinks - all night and keeps the kid up drinks all night and keeps the kid up that's<01:20:38.440>
that's<
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-06-02 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Does it make sure water is clean, drinking water? I don't understand.
- aquifers and developing alternative water supplies so that we can continue to have fresh water, drinking
- amendment, and members, let's do the right thing because you need water right now in this chamber to drink
- amendment, and members, let's do the right thing because you need water right now in this chamber to drink
- And members, let's do the right thing because you need water right now in this chamber to drink.
Summary:
The House took up the special order calendar for a proposed constitutional amendment on property taxes, CS/HJR 1F, which would create a new homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property, and restrict how counties and municipalities may use ad valorem tax revenue. The sponsor, Rep. Overdorf, said the measure would give homeowners tax relief and argued local governments could adjust spending or use other revenue sources. Opponents repeatedly questioned the ballot language, the lack of a fiscal estimate or backfill, and the potential impact on local services, public safety, and debt obligations. The House adopted the special order report and then debated the resolution and a series of amendments.
Several amendments were offered to carve out or protect specific services from the tax changes. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to protect Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was supported by members who said those entities fund early learning, mental health, aftercare, and other services for children and working families, but it failed 25-74. Rep. Cross offered an amendment to include water management districts in allowable ad valorem uses, warning of impacts on flood control, water quality, Everglades restoration, and water supply; that amendment also failed. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment requiring the Legislature to backfill public safety funding if local revenues fall, arguing police and fire services, staffing, and response times would be at risk; it failed 25-71.
The chamber then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other local senior programs, and opponents saying the proposal was outside the bill’s scope. Finally, Rep. Gant offered an amendment to protect veteran services, saying local governments fund housing, mental health, transition, and family support programs for veterans; debate emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and avoiding cuts to those services. The transcript cuts off during debate on that amendment, before a final vote is shown.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Originally, in this amendment, I had it come from the drinking water and groundwater trust fund.
- It breaks up into three funding sources: $5 million from capital bond, $5 million from a drinking water
- water and ground water water drinking water and ground water trust<00:55:19.080>
fund. - <00:56:02.040>
water million dollars from a drinking water million dollars from a drinking - asked Senator Waters whether this is a policy change different than anything they have to do with drinking
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, September 8, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- extravagant dinner in the newly paved area that once was the Rose Garden and had a three-course dinner and drinks
- extravagant dinner in the newly paved area that once was the Rose Garden and had a three-course dinner and drinks
- GANTT DINNER IN THE NEWLY PAVED AREA THAT ONCE WAS THE ROSE GARDEN AND HAD A THREE-COURSE DINNER AND DRINKS
- I think we all want to be sure that a water infrastructure system will provide clean drinking water when
- I THINK WE ALL WANT TO BE SURE THAT A WATER INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM WILL PROVIDE CLEAN DRINKING WATER WHEN
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/9/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- That therapy helped me quit drinking alcohol and helped me address debilitating symptoms stemming from
- In the end, I was drinking a lot of alcohol and smoking a ton of tobacco.
- I have six friends who have now been inspired by my healing, who have quit drinking themselves and started
- And I was starting to do with severe depression myself at the end, drinking a lot of alcohol and smoking
- I have 6 friends that have now been inspired by my healing who have now quit drinking themselves and
Keywords:
social work, licensure, employment titles, health occupations, professional standards, medication repository, drug donation, healthcare, Minnesota Statutes, pharmacy, public health, controlled substances, psilocybin, psilocin, psychedelic, psychedelic medicine, hallucinogen, mushrooms, magic mushrooms, therapeutic use
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (01/13/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- like 37 drinking water suppliers in New Hampshire, public drinking water suppliers, some of the most
- like 37 drinking water suppliers in New Hampshire, public drinking water suppliers, some of the most
- like 37 drinking water suppliers in New Hampshire, public drinking water suppliers, some of the most
- like 37 drinking water suppliers in New Hampshire, public drinking water suppliers, some of the most
- like 37 drinking water suppliers in New Hampshire, public drinking water suppliers, some of the most
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, that person would be under a court order, and that's what we desire for people that have been drinking
- They were pulled over, arrested for DWI, even though they were not drinking or under drugs.
- and he was running for re-election, and, you know, it put him in a bad spot, even though he wasn't drinking
- Because I think a lot of people's cars in this state are going to have interlock devices, whether they drink
- And let me make it clear: I do not drink and I've never drank before, okay?
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation, public safety, and local infrastructure measures. Several bills dealt with port and commission appointments or authority, including SB 420 adding Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation to the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission, SB 69 aligning appointments to the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission with redistricting, SB 438 increasing per diem for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, and SB 170 adding qualification and Senate confirmation requirements for Caddo-Bossier Port Commission members. The committee also approved SB 449 to give the New Orleans Public Belt more flexibility in procuring specialized materials, and SB 115 to allow DOTD to assume certain federal NEPA responsibilities to speed project delivery, with testimony emphasizing long permitting delays and the need for faster project completion.
Members also advanced multiple safety and enforcement measures. SB 40 expanded move-over protections for emergency and disabled vehicles, SB 55 clarified proper seat belt use, SB 278 required ignition interlock devices for DUI-related license reinstatement, SB 489 authorized third-party verification of insurance coverage through license plate inquiries, and SB 133 updated commercial vehicle parking and autonomous vehicle oversight provisions. SB 151 would flag OMV records for people who owe DNA samples tied to CODIS matches or qualifying arrests/convictions, and SB 48 would create Louisiana-Ireland driver’s license reciprocity. Most of these bills were reported favorably after brief testimony, with support from law enforcement, AAA, OMV, and other stakeholders.
The committee also considered several local resolutions and infrastructure studies. Rep. Dickerson’s resolutions on widening Highway 16, studying turn lanes on Highway 1024, and constructing a roundabout on Highway 1019 were all reported favorably. HCR 53 created a study committee on oversized vehicle permits with DOTD participation, HCR 60 asked DOTD to study I-12 and I-55 corridor improvements, and HR/HCR 170 and 68 sought federal funding to remove four closed bridges on US 90 in St. Tammany Parish. HR 191, as amended, requested a DOTD study of mountable median curbs on Range Avenue in Denham Springs. HB 762, amended to make certain OMV debt referrals permissive rather than mandatory, was reported favorably over some concern about debt collection impacts. HB 714, which would have addressed abandoned railroad lines, drew extensive debate over federal preemption, blight definitions, and whether a new commission was needed; the author ultimately moved to defer it, and the committee agreed. SB 330 on school-zone automated speed enforcement markings was amended to grandfather existing compliant pavement markings and rejected an amendment that would have exempted several cities from the law. The committee adjourned after reporting the remaining measures favorably and recognizing a departing staff member.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 5th, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Public Works
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, that person would be under a court order, and that's what we desire for people that have been drinking
- They were pulled over, arrested for DWI, even though they were not drinking or under drugs.
- and he was running for re-election, and, you know, it put him in a bad spot, even though he wasn't drinking
- Because I think a lot of people's cars in this state are going to have interlock devices, whether they drink
- And let me make it clear: I do not drink, and I've never drank before, okay?
Bills:
HR170, HR191, HR206, HR207, HR208, HCR53, HCR60, HCR68, HB714, HB762, SB40, SB48, SB55, SB56, SB69, SB115, SB133, SB151, SB170, SB235, SB278, SB330, SB420, SB438, SB449, SB489
Keywords:
U.S. Highway 90, US 90, Highway 90, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, DOTD, bridge removal, closed bridges, bridge demolition, transportation funding, federal appropriations, THUD appropriations, Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, infrastructure, road reconstruction, evacuation route, hurricane evacuation corridor, New Orleans metro area, Mississippi Gulf Coast, public safety
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, May 5, and considered a long agenda of mostly transportation, public safety, and local infrastructure measures. Among the bills reported favorably were Senate Bill 420, which adds Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation to the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission; Senate Bill 69, which updates appointments to the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission after redistricting; Senate Bill 40, which expands Louisiana’s move-over/safety protections for emergency and disabled vehicles; and House resolutions from Rep. Dickerson urging DOTD action on Highway 16 widening, turn lanes on Highway 1024, and a roundabout on Highway 1019. The committee also advanced HCR 53 creating a study committee on oversized vehicle permits, SB 438 increasing per diem for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, SB 449 giving the New Orleans Public Belt more procurement flexibility, SB 115 allowing DOTD to assume certain federal NEPA duties to speed project delivery, and SB 489 authorizing third-party verification of vehicle insurance coverage.
Members heard testimony on several safety and enforcement measures. SB 151 would flag OMV records for people who owe DNA samples under CODIS-related criminal provisions; State Police explained it would help law enforcement collect required samples and aid cold cases. SB 48 would create driver’s license reciprocity between Louisiana and Ireland, and SB 235 would clarify payment and liquidated damages rules for public contracts, with contractors and industry representatives saying it would help ensure timely payment to contractors, subs, and suppliers. SB 55 clarified that seat belts must be worn across both the lap and shoulder, and SB 278 required ignition interlock devices for DUI-related license reinstatement; committee members raised questions about due process, vehicle use, and how the devices would work, but both bills were reported favorably.
Several measures drew more extensive debate. HB 762, as amended, would give OMV discretion over referring certain debts to the Office of Debt Recovery or Attorney General, and the amendment passed 14-2 after discussion about relief for drivers who cannot pay. SB 330 on school-zone automated speed enforcement received an amendment preserving existing compliant pavement markings, but a separate amendment to exempt Shreveport, Gretna, Livonia, and Westwego from the law failed on a roll call vote. HB 714, as substituted, would have created a railroad commission and required railroads to address blighted or abandoned lines, but after concerns about federal preemption, definition of blight, and whether a new commission was needed, Rep. Phelps moved to defer the bill, and the committee agreed. The meeting ended with adjournment after a brief recognition of committee staff and visitors.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 23rd, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- state water plan, communities and populous counties along the Rio Grande that rely solely on it for drinking
- water need to develop brackish water resources to meet their current and future drinking water needs
- Bill 3898 would help address drinking water shortages and enable future water use planning.
- Not unhealthy; you can drink it, but... But it changes the habitat or the ecosystem.
- districts that you described, the discussions aren't just nice and friendly and cozy, like let's go have a drink