Transcript Highlights:

• For now, we have set three goals: to help revive Terry County's economy, conserve water, and improve
• We've gone and done the wine tours and the brown water tours and all that kind of stuff, but...
• Billions of gallons of water per year as crumbling, leaky, and broken pipes allow water to seep...
• A master plumber does the correct pipe sizings for your water, sewer, and gas. ...ass, vent, and all

Bills: HB589, HB705, HB1842, HB1874, HB2349, HB2614, HB2827, HB3012, HB3214, HB3308, HB3385, HB3529

Keywords: cosmetology, licensure, interstate compact, state regulations, public safety, workforce mobility, charitable raffles, nonprofit, wildlife conservation, ticket sales, fundraising, master electrician, electrical work, occupational licensing, work scope, Texas law, Texas Real Estate Commission, TREC, real estate broker, sales agent

Transcript Highlights:

• now, 54% of the state of Texas is in drought. ...as a body are contemplating massive investments in water
• We would consider this as an incentive or a carrot to encourage water conservation.
• The puzzle to help with conserving water is one of many proposals this session that will come before
• We know that Texans are good at conserving water; we have a long history. ...of doing water catchment
• Members, this is a common-sense piece of legislation that will help make water conservation a priority

Bills: HB 103, HB 1256, HB1587, HB1632, HB2027, HB2525, HJR88, HJR138, HB103

Keywords: taxing unit, bond database, local government, transparency, civil penalty, education reform, funding allocation, school infrastructure, teacher recruitment, student achievement, tax exemption, water conservation, graywater systems, rainwater harvesting, ad valorem taxation, county commissioners, HB 1587, Texas sales tax holiday, back-to-school tax holiday, clothing tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• In context, it says surface water leased or purchased shall not be converted to groundwater via any methods
• I understand what you're trying to say there, that you're trying to say that you can't put surface water
• water than we actually need.
• To water right holders that you're looking to purchase their water rights.
• As we generate water and desal, the water has to go somewhere.

Transcript Highlights:

• in Minnesota surface waters, many of which are linked with health harms from cancer to hormone disruption
• <00:10:26.800> waters,<00:10:27.560> many<00:10:27.760> of in Minnesota surface
• waters, many of in Minnesota surface waters, many of which<00:10:28.040> are<00:10:28.120>
• MDA has detected clothianidin, which is just one of those neonics, in 80% of surface water samples statewide
• So, um, we do monitor surface water in wild rice production areas.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• flood and planes and and our water flood and planes and and our water projects,<00:37:52.560>
• But we've barely scratched the surface.
• But we've barely scratched the surface.
• , how many water rescues he was making.
• Scratch the surface due to permits, Division of Water, and money, and more money.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force opened its sixth meeting by approving the minutes and then taking up a presentation from University of Pikeville representatives and local leaders on an Eastern Kentucky Disaster Relief Center at Bear Mountain in Pike County. Speakers included Greg May, Rep. Ashley Tacket Laferty, Lori Worth, and Laura Damron. They described repeated flooding and other disasters in eastern Kentucky, the lack of a single prepared relief location, and the need for a centralized, elevated site that could serve as a flood and broader natural-disaster hub. The presenters said the Bear Mountain property, about 530 acres and well above flood levels, could support a multi-use facility combining disaster response functions with university and community uses. Proposed features included a command and communications center, distribution space, emergency shelter, medical and clinic support, food service, restroom facilities, RV hookups, and an indoor track/distribution building. They emphasized that the project would help avoid disrupting existing venues such as the Pikeville Expo Center and Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, while also supporting tourism and economic recovery. Committee members asked about community and emergency-management support, annual operating costs, and resilience standards such as tornado-related building codes. In response, the presenters said local stakeholders, including Appalachian Wireless, Pikeville Medical Center, Community Trust Bank, the city of Pikeville, and emergency management officials, had expressed support. They said the university planned to absorb some operating costs through multiple uses of the facility, community camps, and budgeted maintenance, and that construction documents were nearly complete with plans to begin building within months. After the presentation, the chair thanked the presenters and moved the committee into its recommendations discussion, noting the broader fiscal and humanitarian importance of disaster preparedness and resiliency and indicating that future legislation would likely follow from the task force’s work.

Transcript Highlights:

• surface water rather than the surface water rather than the characteristics<03:47:22.319> of<
• water is going to be from there to that surface water, which is outside the area that is being asked
• <03:52:04.560> be time to a surface water is going to be time to a surface water is going
• <03:52:06.560> water<03:52:07.120> which from there to that surface water which from
• <04:10:51.680> water<04:10:51.920> and issue of that surface water and issue of that

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• water repellent properties. water repellent properties.
• water systems starting in 2029. water systems starting in 2029.
• water system.
• Waters website. We added a new web page Waters website.
• that water.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Special Committee on Red Hill held an informational briefing at the State Capitol focused on updates from the Navy Closure Task Force Red Hill and NAVFAC Hawaii. Members and Navy officials opened by noting the meeting format, providing public links to tank closure supplement 4 and environmental remediation resources, and thanking Admiral Barnett for attending before his transition. The Navy emphasized that the Red Hill closure effort and the PFAS/PAS environmental remediation effort are separate but coordinated, and that both are long-term undertakings. For the closure effort, Navy officials reported progress on tank cleaning, ventilation, sludge removal, groundwater monitoring, and preparation for pipeline removal. They said supplement 4 to the tank closure plan was submitted in May and outlines the overall closure strategy, post-closure monitoring, and the decision to proceed with closure rather than wait for beneficial reuse decisions. They described completed ventilation of tanks 3 through 8, the start of tank 2 ventilation, removal of 283 gallons of sludge from the first six tanks, and plans to begin pipeline pigging and removal later this year. Officials also said all sludge samples tested so far were non-hazardous and that air monitoring has not shown elevated volatile organic readings during operations. NAVFAC Hawaii then outlined the PFAS/PAS remedial investigation under CERCLA, explaining the cleanup process, the nature of PFAS, and the role of aqueous film-forming foam as a source. The presentation said the Navy began investigating PFAS releases in 2014-2015, that the 2021 Red Hill fuel release led directly into remedial investigation work, and that current activities include quarterly groundwater sampling at 42 monitoring wells, installation of new shallow and deep wells, soil sampling where exceedances were found, fate-and-transport modeling, and human health risk assessments. Officials said data are publicly available on the Red Hill environmental website and that the next restoration advisory board meeting is scheduled for August 27. The Navy also gave a water resiliency update, saying it is upgrading the joint base drinking water system with pump, tank, and cybersecurity improvements and is installing treatment systems for the inactive Navy Aiea and Red Hill shafts ahead of EPA drinking water standards taking effect in 2029. No votes or formal committee actions were taken, as the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• soil and water districts and private individuals across the state.
• Well, I was talking about the cost of those... water samples.
• New Mexico's water is the San Juan River.
• I mean, that's putting the kid to go get water at the soccer field.
• Generating for surface transportation.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• not surplus lines, but the surface not surplus lines, but the surface property<00:06:41.440>
• parked and they go to surface property. parked and they go to surface property.
• money in and actually get this water money in and actually get this water system<00:58:52.640>
• Uh talked about the the water system.
• water rescue or swift water rescue.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 22 January, 2026: 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The meeting began with a budget presentation from the insurance commissioner’s office. The commissioner said most of the request was for personnel costs, including an increase above LBO and two additional IT positions tied to a possible conversion to a state-based system and cybersecurity needs. The office also discussed travel costs, contractual expenses, vehicle replacement, and hurricane mitigation funds, noting that some funds are in trust accounts and require legislative authority to spend. The commissioner also briefed members on possible policy changes affecting the ACA exchange and a proposed low-cost plan for the high-risk pool, warning that if coverage options are not developed, more people could shift into uncompensated care. Members asked about the budget request, the IT positions, and a constituent question about propane meter regulation, which the commissioner said falls under the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, though his office sometimes checks related issues informally. The committee then moved to the State Fire Academy hearing. The academy director described a workforce stabilization proposal focused on retaining and recruiting fire instructors, citing competition from local fire departments that pay more, a shrinking applicant pool, and a growing number of retirement-eligible staff. He said the academy’s instructors are being recruited away by municipalities, that recent applicant pools have produced very few qualified candidates, and that the academy may soon have to cut advanced courses if staffing does not improve. He referenced a State Personnel Board review that supported the need for compensation changes and said the academy is trying to remain competitive while continuing to train firefighters, hazmat responders, EMS personnel, and fire officers statewide. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the portion provided. Members mainly asked questions, requested written follow-up on some budget items, and indicated they would work with the agencies later in the session if pending bills or funding needs changed.

Transcript Highlights:

• With water being a key priority of this session, the time is now to protect our water, water lines and
• water infrastructure.
• SAS is an agency of the city of San Antonio, providing water, wastewater, recycled water services to
• You know, to say this is a water session is an understatement. We're all focused on water.
• If a water line gets hit, more than likely the water's going to surface.

Bills: HB206

Keywords: HB206, school district bonds, bond election, voter approval, Education Code, Chapter 45, Section 45.003, Section 45.0034, Texas schools, school finance, local tax election, bond referendum, school construction, capital improvements, election frequency, five-year waiting period, district bonds, public school funding

Transcript Highlights:

• That person dove into the water.
• It's often done in very shallow water, typically less than 10 feet deep.
• in up to 20 feet of water.
• often done in very shallow water often done in very shallow water typically<01:29:49.119> less
• stand and their head is above water stand and their head is above water while<01:29:55.880> weeds

Bills: HF1355, HF1469, HF1768

Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF1469, Minnesota, workforce development, job training, job skills training, reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, ex-offenders, inmates, recently released inmates, felony conviction, felony-level offense, corrections, prison release

Transcript Highlights:

• These are just thin layers of micro-surfacing that add a friction course and also provide a sealant to
• prevent water penetration.
• Water penetration into our subgrade.
• And you'll see a better surface once we chip seal. That is such good news.
• It's in the surface, and it doesn't seep into the ground.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE WATER DEPTHS ARE ALL IN THE CENTRAL EVERGLADES AND THERE'S NO WATER GETTING THROUGH.
• FOR EXAMPLE, COULD WE PROVIDE DEEP WATER INJECTION WELLS TO STORE SOME OF THIS WATER?
• WE CAN'T HAVE ANY OF THAT LAND BUT IT IS WATER SUPPLY LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE WATER SUPPLY.
• TO SURFACE WATER.
• WATER.

Transcript Highlights:

• Streets are large outdoor hard surfaces.
• Streets are large outdoor hard surfaces.
• Streets are large outdoor hard surfaces.
• Streets are large outdoor hard surfaces.
• <00:57:45.119> use get some snacks and get some water use get some snacks and get some water

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1480 on transportation and road usage charging. Supporters included the Department of Transportation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, county representatives, and the Tax Foundation, while an automotive industry witness opposed the bill, arguing it would be unfair to rural drivers and those with longer commutes. Committee discussion focused on equity, rural impacts, and whether the measure should be tied to future rail funding. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1480 pass with amendments, including broadening allowable uses of funds, clarifying language on infrastructure and safety, addressing motor scooters, and striking a proposed new subaccount; the recommendation was adopted by both committees, with one no vote in TCA. For SB 970 on taxation, the Tax Foundation said the employer transit tax credit would be more efficient as a direct subsidy program, and the Department of Taxation recommended several changes, including a sunset date of December 31, 2030, anti-double-benefit language, deletion of certain reporting requirements, and an effective date of December 31, 2025. The department estimated the bill would reduce revenues by about $11.6 million over the four-year period it would be in effect. The committees moved SB 970 forward with amendments to include bike share in the credit and add a defective date, leaving the department’s suggested changes for later consideration; the recommendation was adopted. The committees also advanced SB 1008 on parking and SB 1088 on electric vehicle charging infrastructure without amendments. DCAB strongly supported SB 1008, saying it would help counties enforce accessible parking design requirements, and noted a related bill without the EV portion. SB 1088 drew broad support from the Public Utilities Commission, State Energy Office, county and advocacy groups, and individuals; one question raised whether the bill should sunset, but the response was that Hawaii still lacks sufficient EV charging infrastructure and the measure expands eligibility for affordable housing. Both bills were recommended to pass unamended and the recommendations were adopted. The Transportation and Culture and Arts committee then heard SB 1011 on the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program, with testimony in strong support from individuals and the State Archivist, who suggested preserving award recipients’ archives, photos, oral histories, and clippings. The committee also heard SB 441 on the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, with support from the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaii Theatre Center, musicians, and others emphasizing cultural value, workforce stability, and statewide access to the arts. The transcript then moved to SB 1581 on the Hawaii Japan Pacific Peace Monument and SB 1577 relating to the State Foundation on the Arts; on SB 1577, the Attorney General warned that using the Works of Special Art Fund for operating purposes could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of related bonds and recommended deleting section five, while also pointing to the Performing Arts Special Fund as an alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:37:32.280> Resources the board of Soil and Water Resources the board of Soil and Water
• needed yet today with flood water needed yet today with flood water storage<00:41:14.599> being
• The DNR is required to reclassify all public water wetlands as either public water basins, which are
• The DNR is required to reclassify all public water wetlands as either public water basins, which are
• The DNR is required to reclassify all public water wetlands as either public water basins, which are

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome, Senator Waters. Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the committee.
• Senator David Waters, District 4, to introduce Senate Bill 272.
• They may not be good for horses because they have a rough surface.
• <01:31:14.400> and try to put down a hard pack surface and try to put down a hard pack surface
• <01:36:58.440> is it's beautiful it this the surface is it's beautiful it this the surface

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 16 by Harris relating to the oversight and financing of certain water infrastructure matters under
• the jurisdiction of the Texas Water Development Board referred to the Committee on Natural.
• Certain surface facilities in accordance with the National Electric Code referred to the Committee on
• to an exemption to fishing licenses required for certain residents engaging in fishing in public waters
• water in the manner that damages the property by another overflow of water diverted or impounded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Harris relating to the oversight and financing of certain water infrastructure matters under the jurisdiction
• of the Texas water development board referred the committee on natural resources.
• well line location like some parts of the existing public utility renovation site site or certain surface
• to an exemption to fishing licenses required for certain residents engaging in fishing in public waters
• water in the enter that damages the property by another overflow of water, diverted or impounded.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year through S.B. 437, all of these local ordinances were intended to be brought to the surface
• intended to be brought to the surface intended to be brought to the surface and<00:20:52.159>
• for a lookie we've stuff to the surface for a lookie we've had<00:21:08.679> significant<00:21
• I can think of some examples on the fire system for the water supply to say, like, we want a 20,000 or
• <00:34:13.119> supply<00:34:13.480> to the fire system for the water supply to the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up HB 428, with Philip Sherman of the Building Code Review Board presenting a detailed amendment intended to reorganize building-code statutes and limit local changes. He said the proposal would move code-related provisions into RSA 155-A, preserve municipalities’ ability to adopt and administer local enforcement mechanisms and additional non-state codes such as housing or property maintenance codes, but prohibit technical amendments to the State Building Code. He also explained that local administrative functions like permits, fees, certificates of occupancy, plan review, and staffing would remain local, while any local ordinance would still need BCRB confirmation. Members discussed the distinction between administrative and technical amendments, the need to keep fire-code provisions separate, and a date error in the draft’s submission deadline; Sherman suggested the effective-date language should be corrected to reference July 1, 2024. The committee did not vote on the amendment and instead agreed to circulate the draft and revisit it in a later subcommittee meeting before bringing it to the full committee. The discussion then shifted to fire-code issues, with State Fire Marshal Sean Tumi explaining that fire-code-related provisions should be cleaned up in the fire-code statutes and that the state should restrict technical local amendments while possibly allowing limited administrative local standards for transparency and operational consistency. He gave examples such as driveway access, sprinkler connections, key boxes, and other fire-system details that could benefit from local standardization if clearly disclosed. He noted that a separate Senate bill, SB 94, may be a more appropriate vehicle for some of the fire-code language. The chair again emphasized the need for further review and scheduled another subcommittee meeting before the matter would go to the full committee. The committee then began HB 244, and Sherman introduced it as a cleanup of the older municipal-building-code provisions scattered through the RSA 67X series. He said the bill would consolidate and update those references, continuing the effort to align municipal enforcement and appeals provisions with the statewide building-code structure. The transcript cuts off before any further action or vote on HB 244.

Transcript Highlights:

• a right to that water.
• How do we put our water to beneficial use and how do we appropriate our water?
• And we look at surface water in North Dakota.
• I really like this slide because it really shows proportionally the surface water flows in North Dakota
• You can see the Missouri by far has our greatest resource for surface water flow in North Dakota.

Summary: The committee met in Grand Forks, approved the February 26 minutes by voice vote, and recessed for a tour of the Mincota Power Cooperative headquarters before returning for presentations on large energy consumers, especially data centers. The first presentations focused on how North Dakota should respond to rapid growth in energy-intensive projects, with speakers emphasizing the need for reliable transmission, local decision-making tools, and factual information for county and township officials who are being asked to weigh major projects with limited staff and technical support. The North Dakota Transmission Authority director said local governments are being asked to make high-impact decisions on pipelines, transmission lines, large agriculture, wind, solar, carbon dioxide pipelines, direct-air capture, and data centers, and urged development of simple statewide decision tools and support from the League of Cities and Association of Counties. The Department of Environmental Quality’s air division director said North Dakota’s air remains among the cleanest in the nation, but large data centers can create air-quality concerns because of diesel backup generation; he said the department is requiring air monitors at some facilities and expects grid power and, potentially, cleaner natural gas backup to reduce emissions. Members asked about emissions standards, misinformation, monitoring costs, and staffing succession at DEQ. The Department of Water Resources director said North Dakota’s water law is based on common ownership and prior appropriation, and that data centers generally use relatively small amounts of water, often in closed-loop systems. He said the Missouri River and groundwater supplies are ample for projected needs, that the department’s permitting process protects senior water rights, and that even a worst-case data center scenario would use a very small share of Missouri River flow. Members asked about downstream impacts and compared data center water use with fracking. Later, McLean County State’s Attorney Ladd Erickson urged the committee to study how other states regulate data centers, warned against litigation-driven delays and overly broad local ordinances, argued reclamation bonding should be handled at the state level if at all, and said data centers can bring jobs and tax base but should remain subject to local zoning. The committee ended the morning session for lunch and later heard an EERC update from CEO Charles Gorecki on the center’s 75 years of work in energy and environmental technologies, especially oil and gas development and related research.