Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1475 will designate the interchange of I-35 and Indian Hills Road to be known as the Ubby
• Keith Memorial Interchange.
• This is for the interchange of I-35 and Indian Hills Road, which is on ODOT property.
• This is the interchange of I-35 and Indian Hills Road. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Bills: SB1966, SB175, SB1475, SB1950, SB2049, SB2052

Keywords: memorial highways, bridge designations, Oklahoma Statutes, commemorative markers, transportation, uninsured vehicles, reimbursement fund, towing services, commercial vehicles, public safety, memorial, infrastructure, dedication, Toby Keith, aviation, aircraft, surveillance, regulations, fees, Oklahoma statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2011, Union Pacific's fueling rail crew interchange operations were happening in El Paso.
• We interchange trains there with the railroad in Piedras Negras.
• We interchange with Ferromex, and then in Laredo and some other locations we We interchange with CPKCS
• There is a border interchange in El Paso and Juarez.
• The interchange is there to stay for many reasons.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there’s also an interchange improvement to 2,100 North.”
• “There’s also interchange improvements to 2,100 North. And let’s go to the next slide.
• “And of course we’ll have the frontage roads as well, and then there’ll be four interchanges, and that
• We did 12 interchanges as part of that project, but there’s also five planned interchanges.
• As part of that project, but there’s also five planned interchanges, and so we’ll be continuing to work

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then at some point in the meeting, somebody said, well, you know, if there's going to be an interchange
• And then at some point in the meeting, somebody said, well, you know, if there's going to be an interchange
• And then at some point in the meeting, somebody said, well, you know, if there's going to be an interchange
• And then at some point in the meeting, somebody said, well, you know, if there's going to be an interchange
• The meeting somebody said, well, you know, if there's going to be an interchange in Rockville, should

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This one transaction is more interchange than the credit union receives on a monthly basis.
• Eliminating interchange fees on taxes will not lower costs for businesses or consumers.
• Interchange fees allow community banks to invest time and resources into these services.
• It's amazing to me that in Europe, the total interchange fee is less than a half percent.
• So, and then someone mentioned, when was the last time this fee, interchange fee, was increased?

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion. AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes. The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a little bit of an overview: this interchange is the last remaining stoplight from Mankato up to
• <00:09:49.480> at<00:09:49.880> 169 2023 to construct The Interchange at 169 2023 to
• construct The Interchange at 169 and<00:09:50.600> 282<00:09:51.360> in<00:09:51.560><
• > is<00:10:45.440> the<00:10:45.680> last<00:10:46.279> remaining this interchange
• is the last remaining this interchange is the last remaining stoplight<00:10:47.240> from<00:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of course available to answer questions, but we don't feel like we need to interfere with that interchange
• of course available to answer questions, but we don't feel like we need to interfere with that interchange
• interfere don't feel like we need to interfere with<00:05:50.240> that<00:05:51.240> interchange
• between<00:05:52.199> DS<00:05:52.560> and<00:05:52.720> the with that interchange
• between DS and the with that interchange between DS and the department<00:05:53.520> so<00:05

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee met for joint decision-making on several measures related to elections, telework, procurement, hiring, public records, and public meetings. On Senate Bill 444, testimony was largely opposed or in comment, and the chairs said the bill raised real issues that needed more time; they deferred it for the year. Senate Bill 1091 on telework and space allocation drew support and discussion about DAGS’ role versus the Department of Human Resources; the committee agreed to amend it in a Senate Draft 1 to remove reference to OE, add a DAGS management analyst position, change “positions” to “allocations,” limit the assessment to executive branch departments in DAGS-managed or DAGS-leased facilities, and add a defective date, then passed it with amendments. Senate Bill 1057 on apprenticeship-related bid incentives received mixed testimony, including support from labor and opposition from some contractor groups, and was passed as a Senate Draft 1 with technical amendments and a defective date. Senate Bill 1065 on skills-based hiring, which would bar bachelor’s degree requirements for most state jobs with exemptions, had support from the Comptroller and outside groups and was passed with technical amendments and a defective date. The committee also took up several procurement and accountability measures. Senate Bill 92 on emergency medical response/defibrillators was deferred indefinitely because a pilot project is already underway in the Capitol building and the committee wants to use that information before expanding. Senate Bill 1175 on a past-performance procurement database was amended to add general fund appropriations and committee-report language about funding needs, then passed. Senate Bill 1587 on retainage was heavily amended to define total project budget, revise retainage language, leave key percentage and day limits blank for further review, limit application to contracts executed after January 1, 2026, and add a defective date; it passed as amended. Senate Bill 1543 on government accountability was amended to incorporate procurement officer changes and add language ensuring inherent government functions are not delegated to contractors, then passed. Senate Bill 1255 on government records was amended to clarify that records used in performing a government function are public records subject to UIPA, add contractor recordkeeping/access requirements, protect certain confidential contract information, and add a defective date; it passed. Additional measures were either deferred or advanced with amendments. Senate Bill 1513 on appropriations was deferred to a time certain on February 11. Senate Bill 1616 on care centers was converted into a feasibility study and passed with a defective date. Senate Bill 74 on state construction projects was deferred indefinitely due to concerns it could slow projects and duplicate another measure. Senate Bill 125 on state organizations and administrations was amended to codify Administrative Directive 19-02, with a note about a possible title issue, and passed. Senate Bill 786 on government records was deferred to February 11 for further amendment work. Senate Bill 1611 on government positions was amended by removing section two and passed. Senate Bill 1637 was deferred for the year after testimony indicated the action could already be done. Senate Bill 1651 on public meetings was amended to require board packets by the third business day before a meeting, remove the word “full,” and adjust notice language, then passed. Senate Bill 1617 on public meetings was deferred because the Office of Information Practices reported no complaints. Senate Bill 1253 on boards and commissions was deferred indefinitely due to no testimony. Senate Bill 1031 on advisory referendums was deferred to February 11 for possible amendments. Senate Bill 1306 on a procurement automation special fund was amended to align procurement statutes and add the School Facilities Authority executive director as a chief procurement officer, then passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So within the program corridor, the five-mile corridor, there are seven interchanges.
• within the area, looking at auxiliary lanes through the program area, and, as I said, improving interchanges
• It permits access to seven interchanges.
• It permits to seven interchanges.
• And Senator,... ...throughout the program area, which means there are seven interchanges that we would

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to do a semi interchange there.
• The interchange reconstruction has an anticipated cost of about $150 million.
• The biggest one we have is the South Raton Interchange Reconstruction.
• That was a Hatch Interchange Bridge Preservation Project.
• It's interchange ramps. Those Angler Road, which is just.

Transcript Highlights:

• Up first, we have HB 1025 relating to the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East
• HB 1025 relates to the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West.
• We’re going to be voting on HB 125, relating to the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Culture and Arts met on February 7 and heard testimony on two measures. HB 1025, relating to the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West, received support from the East-West Center, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and Friends of Civil Rights, with the Department of the Attorney General submitting comments. No opposition was noted, and the committee later voted to pass HB 1025 with amendments. The chair said the amendments would incorporate the Attorney General’s comments, add a preamble clarifying legislative intent, and change the effective date to July 1, 3000; the vote was unanimous among members present, with two members excused. The committee also heard HB 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts grant program under the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The SFCA supported the bill but asked that section 5 be deleted, saying the Works of Art Special Fund is not the right vehicle for performing arts and that the agency’s positions are currently federally funded and should be shifted to general funds. The Attorney General likewise recommended deleting section 5, warning that expanding the Works of Art Special Fund could jeopardize the state’s tax-exempt GO bond status, and suggested creating a separate special fund in chapter 9 instead. DBEDT stood on its written testimony, and several arts organizations and individuals testified in support, with the chair noting about 23 supporters overall. During questioning on HB 1378, members asked about possible federal funding losses. The SFCA director said the agency is in discussions with other state arts agencies about potential reductions from the National Endowment for the Arts and related White House requests, and that the immediate goal is to protect federally funded positions by moving them into the general fund. The committee did not take final action on HB 1378 and deferred decision-making until Wednesday, February 12.

Transcript Highlights:

• Francis interchange for Santa Fe.
• Additionally, this will bring an outdated interchange up to current standards.
• Additionally, there are some pictures here of our bridge crew fixing a rundown off of an interchange

Transcript Highlights:

• About $2.3 billion dollars in ramps that serve interchanges, $11.41 billion as our bridges, and our ancillary
• structures of signs, stripes, culverts, and things like that are about $3.72 billion, and the big interchanges
• them around the state, primarily in the metropolitan areas, that are the big, large volume moving interchanges
• About $3.59 billion is what the value of those interchanges are.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's additional Connecting Washington funds that have been identified for the Mill Plain Interchange
• are hanging out on the outside lanes because they are going between those seven closely spaced interchanges
• are hanging out on the outside lanes because they are going between those seven closely spaced interchanges
• That's because the interchanges are too closely spaced and they actually don't meet standards for freeway
• So you ought to be eliminating some of those interchanges for safety.

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The committee first received an informational update on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project from Carly Francis and Travis Brower. They described the project’s purpose as improving seismic resilience, safety, freight movement, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian access across the Columbia River, and said the updated cost estimate is $13.2 billion to $14.4 billion for the full corridor. They explained the increase from the 2022 estimate as driven by construction inflation, a more conservative inflation curve, schedule delays, more detailed engineering, and risk modeling. They also outlined the funding plan, including $2.1 billion in federal funds, $1 billion each from Oregon and Washington, and $1.5 billion in projected toll revenue, and said they are working to obligate federal funds by the end of September. The panel described a first funded phase that would include the bridge, highway connections, tolling infrastructure, bridge removal, and transit design, with light rail to Vancouver still intended but dependent on additional funding. Members questioned the risk of losing federal transit funds, whether bridge design decisions were being made with legislative input, and whether the space reserved for light rail could be used for buses if transit funding does not materialize. The committee then heard testimony on maintaining Oregon’s existing roads and bridges from representatives of Knife River, the Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon, and CRH. Witnesses said pavement and bridge preservation is severely underfunded, with ODOT needing about $400 million per year for pavement preservation but receiving roughly $100 million annually. They showed examples of deteriorating highways such as U.S. 97 and I-84 and argued that delaying maintenance leads to much higher reconstruction costs, more safety risks, and higher user costs. Knife River described layoffs and reduced work in Oregon because of limited preservation funding, while witnesses also said rising wages, equipment costs, fuel, and permitting delays are increasing project costs. Committee members asked about the role of prevailing wage, diesel equipment, hauling distances, and whether preservation work could be prioritized more effectively. Finally, economist Joe Cortright presented on recent ODOT megaproject cost overruns. He said Oregon has experienced persistent overruns driven by overly optimistic revenue forecasts, heavy reliance on debt, consultant costs, inflation above forecast, and projects that have become much larger in scope than originally presented. He cited major increases in the Interstate Bridge, Rose Quarter, and Abernathy Bridge projects and argued that some designs are far wider and more expensive than necessary. Cortright said better accountability, clearer priorities, and more disciplined project sizing are needed, and committee members pressed him on why agencies proceed with larger designs even when consultants recommend narrower, less expensive alternatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• I might say the words network geothermal or TENS, for which is an acronym, so my apologies if I interchange
• Nobody lost heat, which is important to note. interchange them.
• Uh and I'm going to interchange them.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4122, and Representative Halons moved that the bill be laid over for possible inclusion. The committee first adopted the DE3 author’s amendment without objection. Halons explained that the bill, developed through the Thermal Energy Network Deployment Work Group and extensive stakeholder negotiations, would allow public utilities to build thermal energy networks and recover costs, while keeping the projects under Public Utility Commission oversight similar to electric and natural gas services. He noted a small technical correction may still be needed in the cost recovery language. Testimony was uniformly supportive. Aurora Vautrin of 100% Campaign said the bill advances Minnesota’s leadership on thermal energy networks and thanked the authors, work group, labor, and utility partners. Jamie Fitzke of CenterPoint Energy described the company’s planned thermal energy network pilot as part of the 2021 Natural Gas Innovation Act framework, emphasizing that the technology is promising but still new, especially in Minnesota’s extreme cold climate, and that the amended bill reflects substantial compromise and preserves PUC oversight and customer protections. Kevin Pranis of LiUNA supported the bill as a way to create jobs and use existing labor skills from gas, water, and related infrastructure work, while also noting that geothermal cost and drilling challenges remain. Committee members expressed enthusiasm for the proposal and its potential to make Minnesota a leader in thermal energy networks. In closing, Halons said the bill had gone through many iterations and acknowledged the compromise language, but stressed that it is a major step because it explicitly authorizes utilities to build TENS and rate recover, creating a foundation for future utility planning. The bill was then laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know the policy politics at the time, but I do know that the Big Eye interchange was built soon
• The Tramway interchange is about milepost 234.
• To the sole areas of Bobby Foster interchange at $5 million.
• We will study the interchange and make whatever improvements we can to enhance the safety of the intersection
• The I-25 Gibson interchange reconstruction had $80 million, which is unfunded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Highway Beautification Act is to promote safety, not to have distractions in the proximity of interchanges
• Highway Beautification Act is to promote safety, not to have distractions in the proximity of interchanges
• Highway Beautification Act is to promote safety, not to have distractions in the proximity of interchanges
• Highway Beautification Act is to promote safety, not to have distractions in the proximity of interchanges
• Highway Beautification Act is to promote safety, not to have distractions in the proximity of interchanges

Keywords: 928, house, all

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• The FDA recently issued draft guidance on interchangeability stating health care professionals and patients
• The FDA recently issued draft guidance on interchangeability stating health care professionals and patients
• The FDA recently issued draft guidance on interchangeability stating health care professionals and patients
• The FDA recently issued draft guidance on interchangeability stating health care professionals and patients
• The FDA recently issued draft guidance on interchangeability stating health care professionals and patients

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Concurrent Resolution 155 by Senator Jones relative to the Officer Kirk Leeland Johnson Memorial Interchange
• President, I'd like to present SCR 155, which designates the interchange of... Mr.
• President, I rise today to present SCR 155, which designates the interchange of State Route 52 and Interstate
• 805 in San Diego County as the Officer Kirk Leeland Johnson Memorial Interchange.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• FY27, to the Department of Transportation to design and conduct an environmental analysis of the interchange
• limited, disciplined approach of $5.5 million to advance the design of the Loop 303 and the U.S. 60 interchange
• In fact, this traffic interchange shows it will ultimately fail and have severe backups, not even during
• strongly support SB 1204, which provides funding to advance the design of the Loop 303 and U.S. 60 interchange
• The U.S. 60 interchange. This project is no longer optional. It is urgent, and it's critical.

Bills: SB1001, SB1035, SB1056, SB1065, SB1138, SB1161, SB1204, SB1207, SB1248, SB1274, SB1284, SCM1002, SCM1006, SCR1020

Keywords: appropriation, economic security, blind individuals, older adults, state funding, Arizona Department of Corrections, ADC, corrections, prison, jail, correctional officers, prison guards, staffing, retention, salary increase, pay raise, wage increase, general fund, state budget, private prisons

Summary: The committee approved the January 27, 2026 minutes and held SB 1138 for further changes. It then heard SB 1035, which appropriates about $34 million from the General Fund for a 5% pay increase for Arizona Department of Corrections sworn officers and civilian employees, with an amendment extending the raise to private prison employees under contract. Supporters said DOC pay is not competitive and vacancies are high; opponents questioned paying private prison staff and raised concerns about private prison incentives. The committee adopted the amendment and gave SB 1035 a do pass recommendation on a 6-3 vote. The committee also approved two memorials to rename highways: SCM 1002 for L.F. Quinn Memorial Highway and SCM 1006 for PFC Michael Nolan Memorial Highway. Both measures drew emotional testimony about the honorees’ public service and military sacrifice, and both received do pass recommendations, with SCM 1002 passing 9-1 and SCM 1006 passing 9-1 after members discussed tribal jurisdiction and agreed to follow up with a letter to the tribe. SB 1065, which would appropriate $3.64 million for the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Military Veterans Fund, was supported by the sponsor and researchers who said the treatment can help veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, pain, and related conditions. Some members objected that the FDA has not approved HBOT for many of the claimed uses and questioned prior unspent funding, but the bill still received a do pass recommendation on a 6-4 vote. SB 1248, which clarifies funding and attendance-count rules for county jail and juvenile detention education programs, also passed unanimously. Later, the committee approved SB 1204, a $5.5 million General Fund appropriation to design and analyze improvements to the U.S. 60/Loop 303 interchange, after testimony from local officials and residents about severe congestion, crashes, and public safety delays; it passed 8-1. SB 1207, a $150,000 study on financing mechanisms for development-related infrastructure along the same corridor, also passed 7-1. Finally, SB 1001, which restores $1 million for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, passed 9-0 after testimony from blind seniors and advocates about long waitlists and the program’s role in preserving independence. The committee then began SB 1274, a police foundation specialty license plate bill, with sponsor and foundation testimony describing wellness, remembrance, and youth programs funded by plate revenues, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• would be true capacity, but there are also a lot of major complex system-to-system connections, interchange
• few: movable bridge, pedestrian bicycle detection, wrong-way driving technology at all of our interchanges
• a few movable bridge, pedestrian bicycle detection, wrongway driving technology at all of our interchanges
• , pedestrian safety. and bicycle detection, wrongway driving technology at all of our interchanges, pedestrian

Summary: The committee met to hear the Governor’s proposed budget for the Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development silo and to consider one bill. The Governor’s Office outlined a $117.4 billion state budget, including $18.3 billion for the TED area, with major allocations for the Department of Transportation, Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, State, Military Affairs, Emergency Management, and the Florida State Guard. Agency heads then presented their priorities, including housing and disaster recovery funds at Commerce; pay, vehicles, aviation, and data systems at Highway Safety; facility modernization, recruitment, retention, and maintenance at Military Affairs; election audit, conservation lab, and historic preservation funding at State; transportation, aviation, seaport, and safety investments at DOT; and emergency response, flood mitigation, grant systems, and alerting at Emergency Management. Members asked questions about Visit Florida’s private match, FHP’s role in immigration enforcement and body cameras, National Guard deployment tempo and staffing, State Guard staffing and facilities, arts grant rules, rail funding, and the number of detainees at the Everglades detention site. Several notable positions were expressed during questioning. Visit Florida said it met and exceeded its private match requirement and described the match as important to ensuring value from public dollars. The Highway Patrol said its aviation assets have been used more heavily in immigration enforcement and that in-vehicle camera systems were a higher priority than body cameras at present. The National Guard and State Guard both emphasized heavy operational demands, readiness needs, and the importance of additional funding for facilities, personnel, and equipment. The Department of State said its audit funding would help counties move to automated post-election audits and that its arts grant rule changes were intended to create more consistent scoring rather than reduce access. The committee then took up CS/SB 48 on accessory dwelling units. The bill requires local governments to allow property owners to voluntarily create ADUs, preserves homestead treatment for the primary residence portion, limits parking restrictions, and extends density bonus incentives to housing for military families receiving basic housing allowance. An amendment was adopted removing reusable tenant screening reports and clarifying that compliant ADUs are allowed by right without a separate hearing or permit. Testimony from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the bill, especially the long-term rental requirement, as a tool to help workforce housing. The committee reported the bill favorably by a roll call vote, and then adjourned.