Video & Transcript Research : 'legislative reference bureau'

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NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Ways and Means (02/03/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • She is the Bureau Chief of the Bureau of Road Toll within the Department of Safety and the Division of
  • going to speak to the road toll Bureau going to speak to the road toll Bureau and<00:12:35.920><
  • We have a bureau of Aeronautics, a bureau of Rail and Public Transit.
  • <01:10:00.880> of bureau of Aeronautics a buau bureau of bureau of Aeronautics a buau bureau
  • <01:13:49.920> of operations that includes the bureaus of operations that includes the bureaus
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The Department of Safety presented an overview of highway fund and unrestricted revenue collections, focusing on the Division of Administration, the Road Toll Bureau, and the Division of Motor Vehicles. Amy Newbery explained that the main unrestricted funding sources are highway funds and general funds, with highway fund revenue of about $263 million in FY 2024 and a FY 2025 projection of $261.2 million. She said revenue growth has been modest and has not kept pace with costs, creating structural deficits that required general fund transfers of $50 million in FY 2022-23 and another $10 million in FY 2024-25 to balance the fund. Jennifer Hall described Road Toll operations, including motor fuel tax collection at the distributor level, compliance enforcement, and licensing for fuel distributors, transporters, IFTA carriers, and oil discharge/pollution control. Members asked about IFTA, dyed-fuel enforcement, the possibility of using the state forensic lab for dyed-fuel testing, and whether audit positions had been filled; the department said it recently hired a part-time fuel enforcement officer, still uses IRS testing, could explore lab testing, and had no audit vacancies. Hall also discussed factors affecting fuel-tax revenue, including gas prices, crude oil forecasts, weather, tourism, GDP, and inflation, and said FY 2024 road toll revenue was $127.5 million, above plan, with FY 2025 projected at $127.71 million. The committee then turned to DMV-related revenues. Newbery said motor vehicle registration revenue was $93.1 million in FY 2024 and is projected at $90.4 million in FY 2025, with the state share going directly to the highway fund. Members asked about the state/town fee split, the five-year registration cycle dip, the distribution of registration revenue by vehicle weight category, and the impact of electric-vehicle surcharges; the department said the five-year dip is still occurring and will fade over time, and it would follow up on the weight-category breakdown. The presentation also noted that driver-license revenues have stabilized, inspection revenues remain steady, plea-by-mail revenue was added to the highway fund in FY 2024, and general fund revenues tied to the department are relatively small and have declined as some functions moved to OPLC. No votes or formal actions were taken.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, May 13, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Speaker, I rise in support of my legislation, H.R. 10001, which requires the Bureau of Reclamation and
  • Speaker, I rise in support of my legislation, H.R. 10001, which requires the Bureau of Reclamation and
  • Speaker, I rise in support of my legislation, H.R. 10001, which requires the Bureau of Reclamation and
  • Speaker, I rise in support of my legislation, H.R. 10001, which requires the Bureau of Reclamation and
  • Speaker, I rise in support of my legislation, H.R. 10001, which requires the Bureau of Reclamation and
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Capital Budget (01/21/2026)

Capital Budget

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, but it references back to the very start of HB25.
  • Um but it references would be included.
  • So that's just to they're referring to.
  • Um, and then we forgot to reference the projects listed in paragraph 2, section 13.
  • The Bureau of Public Works.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Opening Day Floor Session 01-21-2026 10:00am

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • c><00:26:58.720> fireworks great job in getting fireworks great job in getting fireworks legislation
  • legislation among other things passed. legislation among other things passed.
  • [Applause and cheering] forward to this legislative session.
  • On forward to this legislative session.
  • involving a legislator. involving a legislator. >> File. >> File. >> File.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Water and Natural Resources Aug 18th, 2025

Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And we have several legislators here that we're going to start with introductions.
  • I'm a fiscal analyst for the Legislative Finance Committee. Finance Committee.
  • Bureau Chief, and also the WIC and Farmers Market Director within DOH.
  • Two of the immediate funding cuts within our Bureau and some other entities in the Bureau.
  • Owens on, I'm referring to, I think, I'm getting, yeah, page three.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, so it refers to it, you know, has to do with labeling that we discussed.
  • Um, you know, we have that disclaimer and so it references a lot of the RSAs for labeling.
  • <00:11:39.600> a that disclaimer and so it references a that disclaimer and so it references
  • page two, uh, line 11 and 24, it refers page two, uh, line 11 and 24, it refers to<00:18:02.080>
  • think this is an area where Farm Bureau think this is an area where Farm Bureau could<00:49:39.599
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee held a work session on House Bill 396, which would exempt meat and meat food products slaughtered and prepared in-state for in-state sale from certain inspections. Representative Comtois explained her amendment, saying she tried to address prior concerns by limiting the number processed monthly, adding a registration and disclaimer requirement, and folding beef, swine, sheep, and goats into the bill’s framework. Members discussed whether some sections from earlier language on bison, elk, and red deer had been inadvertently struck, and Comtois said she did not intend to remove those protections and would restore them if needed. Several members raised drafting and policy concerns. Representative Miner suggested the waiver language should be a signed, notarized statement kept on file rather than filed with the Department of Agriculture, and Comtois agreed. Representative Gruber and Representative Scully discussed labeling and wording, including clarifying that the meat would not be “exempt” from federal inspection in the same way as non-amenable species, and adding language that any prosecution would be federal rather than state. There was also discussion about whether ground meat should be included for the amenable species, with Miner and Comtois indicating that excluding ground meat would reduce risk. Commissioner Sean Jasper of the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food testified strongly against the bill, saying it was a step in the wrong direction, lacked consumer protections, and could jeopardize food safety and the state’s meat processing system. He argued that the federal exemption for non-amenable species could not simply be extended to new species by state law, warned that USDA could respond by withdrawing federal inspections, and said the bill would not solve the real bottlenecks in slaughter capacity. He also said he did not believe there was a general shortage of inspectors, and that the practical issue was producers not scheduling animals year-round, which forces facilities to scale to the slow season. No vote was taken during the work session, and members continued discussing possible amendments and wording changes.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/05/2025)

Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Most legislation tells us what we can do. Most legislation tells us what we can do, actually.
  • binds future legislators so they could binds future legislators so they could undo<00:19:27.720> this
  • the legislative season.
  • We get out a legislative update to the members each week during this legislative season.
  • legislation we look at all legislation legislation we look at all legislation that<04:06:04.159>
Keywords: 1189, house, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Agriculture & Livestock Apr 1st, 2025 at 02:00 pm

Agriculture & Livestock

Transcript Highlights:
  • I was here in the 86th and 87th legislative sessions.
  • Is that something that Farm Bureau agrees with?
  • I sure appreciate you for following this important piece of legislation.
  • Unfortunately, between what has been harvested and the outdated reference prices in federal legislation
  • Committee for Texas Farm Bureau.
Summary: The second bill, House Bill 3469, was introduced to address pest control regulations concerning nuisance birds. Representative Campos explained how the bill proposes non-lethal methods to deter these birds, such as the use of laser lights and sounds, which avoids conflict with both state and federal regulations. The committee heard impassioned testimonies from members of the public who shared firsthand experiences regarding the adverse effects of these birds on property and public health. The meeting concluded with both bills being left pending, reflecting a desire for further deliberation among the committee members.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

AGR Public Hearing - Fri Mar 7, 2025 @ 10:30 AM HST

Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:
  • Deputy Director, I have a quick question for Hawaii Farm Bureau.
  • I have a quick question for Hawaii Farm Bureau.
  • We have Hawaii Farm Bureau. Thank you, Chair.
  • Thank you, Hawaii Farm Bureau. Thank you.
  • Next to testify is Hawaii Farm Bureau. Hawaii Farm Bureau. Thank you. The testimony is in support.
Keywords: 910, house, all
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session - 2026-03-31 - 10:00AM

Vermont House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are you 657 for one legislative day.
  • <00:25:50.360> intent It seeks to clarify legislative intent It seeks to clarify legislative
  • counsel in our office of legislative counsel in our office of legislative<00:28:43.200> counsel,<
  • /c> legislative counsel, legislative counsel, associate<00:28:45.440> professor<00:28:45.960><
  • , Bureau, Bureau, senior<00:29:20.720> New<00:29:20.880> England<00:29:21.200> program
Keywords: 926, house, all
Summary: The House began with a devotional and then took up several Senate bills for first reading and referral: S. 323 on miscellaneous agricultural subjects, S. 325 on regional planning and Act 250 tier jurisdiction, and S. 328 on housing and common interest communities. The chamber then adopted House Resolution 16, reaffirming Vermont’s friendship with Taiwan and supporting stronger bilateral relations and Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after its reading, and remarks followed welcoming guests from Hazen Union School and Director General Charles Lao of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston. During the action calendar, the House postponed action on H. 657, relating to services for unaccompanied homeless youth, for one legislative day. It then passed H. 727 on sustainable data center deployment, H. 935 on emergency management, and H. 938 establishing the Vermont homelessness response continuum. The House also committed H.R. 15, another Taiwan friendship resolution, to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development. The main substantive debate centered on H. 941, relating to municipal regulation of agriculture. The committee explained the bill as a response to a Vermont Supreme Court ruling and described it as restoring limits on municipal regulation of farms while allowing narrow local exceptions and creating a stakeholder group to continue studying the issue. Testimony came from a broad range of agricultural, municipal, and policy stakeholders, and the committee reported a 7-0-1 vote. An amendment offered by Representative Durfee, based on feedback from the House Environment Committee, replaced a Tier 1A concept with parcel-size-based exceptions, clarified state authority over growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and adjusted the stakeholder charge; the House adopted the amendment and ordered the bill to third reading. The House also heard announcements about committee appointments, caucus meetings, a public hearing on community safety concerns, and then adjourned until April 1, 2026.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • HR 18 urges the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation to sponsor legislation relative to and urging
  • in other to what legislation is in other legislation legislation legislation legislatures<02:10:36.159
  • know as as you talk to other legislators know as as you talk to other legislators from<02:21:55.200
  • you're asking to draft legislation hates your idea deep down inside.
  • and you ask them to draft legislation and you ask them to draft legislation and<02:28:54.960>
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee opened a hearing on HR 18, a resolution urging New Hampshire’s congressional delegation to seek federal changes that would let very small slaughter plants use custom-exempt inspection criteria with a third-party inspector present, so beef, pork, lamb, and goat could be sold as individual cuts directly to consumers. Representative Judy Aron said the resolution was drafted in lieu of state legislation because the issue is governed by USDA rules, and she noted she was also working on an amendment to ensure the measure covered federal “very small” plants. Representative Miner asked for clarification about custom slaughter versus retail sales, and Representative Scully supported the resolution while suggesting language to make clear it applied only to local end consumers. Joyce Brady of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau testified in support, saying the state’s four USDA slaughterhouses and the bottleneck in custom cutting made the issue important. After no further testimony, the chair closed the hearing. The committee then moved into a work session on several bills. For HB 616, members discussed an amendment that had been revised after public comments and Commissioner Jasper’s feedback; Representative Guber said it balanced the competing positions, and Representative Penza and Representative Ger said the language now addressed concerns about animal suffering by allowing euthanasia if a treating veterinarian determines the animal is in extreme suffering. The committee then discussed HB 77, with Representative Penza describing changes to landfill-related standards, including replacing aquifer references with drinking water wells, removing a penalty section, changing discretionary language to mandatory language for the department, and adjusting an in situ soils standard. Members praised the compromise, though Representative Scully raised concerns about the 1,500-foot setback and suggested engineering controls such as berms; Penza responded that current rules do not include such controls and that the setback was intended to address surface spills. Several members said the bill reflected a hard-fought balance and should not be rewritten at the last minute. For HB 505, the freeze-dried food bill, Representative Aron explained that the amendment replaced a simple exemption with a requirement that homestead food operations selling freeze-dried foods from a farm stand, farmers market, or retail food store obtain a homestead food license under RSA 143-A:4. She said the amendment defines freeze-dried foods as fruits, vegetables, and commercially prepared dairy products, and delays the effective date 120 days to allow rulemaking. Members generally supported the approach as a light-touch oversight mechanism for potentially hazardous foods, though Representative Ktoa asked for clarification about how the amendment interacts with existing licensing and inspection exemptions, and Aron clarified that these products would not be exempt from licensing under the relevant law. The committee then turned to HB 250, concerning local authority over dog muzzling, where members broadly supported the amendment as a simple solution, while Representative Ktoa asked about the underlying definition of a vicious dog and whether all listed behaviors would warrant muzzling. The discussion noted that the amendment would allow towns to require muzzling for dogs meeting the statutory definition, while excluding hunting, working, herding, and similar dogs.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • We have obviously a nursing school as well, and just for reference, East Bay in the Bay Area.
  • The landmark legislation passed by this legislature in 2020 with Dr.
  • You guys know we sought legislation to curb some of the practices and prior authorization.
  • However, we do need legislation.
  • We sponsored the original legislation for licensure endorsement of out-of-staters.
Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate Business and Professions sunset oversight hearing focused first on the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), with committee chairs emphasizing oversight, consumer protection, workforce access, and economic mobility. BRN leaders reported improvements since the last review, including faster licensing timelines, streamlined enforcement, higher consumer satisfaction, growth in pre-licensure enrollment, and expanded data collection. Members questioned the board about nurse practitioner scope and supervision, international and military pathways to licensure, online nursing education and clinical requirements, rural workforce shortages, and the 30-unit LVN-to-RN option. BRN staff explained California’s tiered advanced practice system, the NCLEX and certification requirements, English proficiency rules, clinical hour standards, and the board’s role in approving programs and supporting schools through nursing education consultants. Several members and the board president also discussed the need to retain new graduates, improve diversity in the workforce, and better support nontraditional students and rural placements. Public comment on the BRN sunset review was extensive and largely supportive of the board, while also urging policy changes. Nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nursing education groups generally supported the BRN report and especially backed clarification of APRN-to-RN delegation authority under issue 13. Other commenters asked for clearer implementation of AB 890, more flexibility for clinical nurse specialists, streamlined renewals for nurse midwives, and changes to federal loan limits affecting graduate nursing education. Higher education representatives and private nursing schools raised concerns about duplicative BRN documentation, clinical placement bottlenecks, and barriers faced by out-of-state and online programs seeking to serve California students. The California Medical Association and some physician groups opposed easing transition-to-practice requirements for out-of-state nurse practitioners and cautioned against changes to specialty and delegation rules, while the California Nurses Association and others stressed the importance of community college pathways, new graduate support, and workforce retention. The hearing then moved to the Physical Therapy Board of California. Board leadership reported that the board oversees more than 41,000 active licensees, has seen about 15% growth since 2021, and continues to maintain high exam pass rates among California physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs. The board described its mission as consumer protection through licensing, enforcement, continuing competency oversight, and stakeholder engagement. The vice president’s remote testimony encountered technical problems, so the executive officer continued with a brief overview of the board’s work and its commitment to efficient service and public protection. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • Some of them are just documents that they can refer to.
  • Some of them are just documents that they can refer to.
  • Some of them are just documents that they can refer to.
  • going to be more than just legislators going to be more than just legislators it's<01:27:21.239>
  • year pass some really good legislation year pass some really good legislation so<01:28:28.800>
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The subcommittee work session focused on HB 153, a bill intended to improve law enforcement response to animal cruelty cases. The bill’s sponsor explained that the proposal would require one sheriff or deputy and one state trooper in each county to receive specific training in animal cruelty laws so they could serve as knowledgeable resources. The sponsor described real-world examples where agencies were unclear about jurisdiction, veterinary involvement, and response protocols, arguing that better training was needed because animal cruelty cases can require quick action and many towns do not have animal control officers. Jerry Sorenson, a retired UNH professor and longtime animal cruelty instructor, described the existing training structure at Police Standards and Training. He said recruits receive a required two-hour introductory block at the academy, while additional animal cruelty materials and a more comprehensive online resource library are available through the Benchmark system for certified officers. He noted that the older two-day in-service course he taught was more detailed and guided, but the current online materials are more of a self-study resource and are not mandated for in-service officers. He also said the committee could track usage through Benchmark analytics. Kurt Arenberg of the Humane Society of the United States and Rob Johnson of the Farm Bureau both supported the goal of ensuring a trained law enforcement contact is available statewide, but they questioned whether assigning one trained officer per county would be the best way to achieve it. They emphasized the need for a real-time response and for officers to know where to find help and guidance, rather than expecting one person per county to handle all cases. Vincent Greco of State Police said the agency is willing to help and has handled animal cruelty matters, but he said one trooper per county would not realistically meet the goal given coverage demands and vacancy rates; he suggested broader access to resources and training may be more effective. Representative Freeman asked how cases are handled now and was told State Police responses generally follow standard criminal investigation steps, with assistance from animal control, veterinarians, and other resources when available. No vote or final action was taken during the work session.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • Next up, we have the LASC endorsed legislation proposals.
  • This is endorsed legislation, and seeing none, it is adopted, Mr. Chair.
  • This bill does focus on reading and the parts that you're referring to.
  • Legislation. Thank you. Okay, another Office of Special Education.
  • Currently, it lives in the Curriculum and Instruction Bureau. Mr.
Keywords: 996, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Finance - 04/28/26

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:05:30.880> and have helped with this legislation and have helped with this legislation
  • Certainly it wasn't made available to legislators before that and this hearing.
  • <00:53:52.480> Should referred has a decision to make.
  • Should referred has a decision to make.
  • the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Finance Division III (02/13/2026)

Transcript Highlights:
  • , refer for interim study.
  • <00:04:38.560> That legislate refer for intram study.
  • That legislate refer for intram study.
  • which is section five, it references which is section five, it references President<01:44:03.679
  • this legislation. this legislation.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened on February 13, 2026, with the chair outlining the committee’s advisory role and the possible motions available under House Rule 45. The committee then took up House Bill 1569, concerning the Philbrook Center/state hospital campus property, and heard extensive testimony from Commissioner Charlie Arlinghouse. He explained that the property is currently one parcel and state law prevents subdivision unless a separate Senate bill, identified as SB 572, is enacted to fix the legal issue. He said HB 2 directed the sale of the property but did not address subdivision or marketing details, and he characterized the $5 million revenue estimate as speculative. He also said the state would first offer the property to the city or county, which he viewed as the most practical buyer and potential partner for any subdivision work. Members asked whether the building should be retained for transitional housing or sold, what would happen after July 1, 2026, and whether other vacant state buildings could absorb the current occupants. Arlinghouse said there are no firm plans for the building if it is not sold, and that HHS would remain until a sale occurs. He described the building as not especially historic or attractive and noted plumbing issues, while also acknowledging HHS’s view that it could serve as transitional housing. He said there is no reserve stock of office space, that the state already rents substantial office space in Concord, and that some nearby state buildings are either under renovation or only partially usable. He also said the Executive Council would have to approve any sale and that moving costs are usually not budgeted in advance, leaving the using agency to absorb them. Several members raised concerns about relying on asset sales to balance the budget, citing past examples where projected real estate revenue did not materialize on schedule. Arlinghouse agreed that one-time revenue should generally be used for one-time expenses, but said the state sometimes has legitimate reasons to sell assets and that such decisions depend on the state’s needs. He estimated the state rents roughly 100,000 square feet of office space in Concord at about $25 per square foot, and said he would provide a more exact figure later. In response to a question about whether the state should include a right of first refusal if the property is later resold, he said that idea had not been considered but could make sense, especially if the buyer is the city or county. No votes were taken during this portion of the work session.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JDC DEFER Public Hearing 03-14-2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • massive Bill and so the legisl massive Bill and so the legisl legislature<00:09:27.640> asked
  • <00:26:47.120> of Federal Bureau of Federal Bureau of Investigations Investigations Investigations
  • Those are the only errors that we are referring to, and not a whole slew of minor errors, unless the
  • So if those are the two minor errors we’re referring to, I think that’s correct. Yeah.
  • are the two minor errors we're referring are the two minor errors we're referring to<00:28:54.640
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Judiciary Committee continued hearing several bills. HB 399 would create an additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit; it drew support from the Judiciary, Public Defender, State Bar, Financial Services Association, and others, and there was no opposition. HB 560 would appropriate funds for Judiciary contracts with community-based organizations; many service providers and coalition representatives testified in support, emphasizing the growing gap between contract payments and the actual cost of services, especially for domestic violence, youth, legal aid, and other vulnerable populations. HB 648 would establish a two-year pilot program in the First Circuit probate and family court for guardianship and conservatorship-related resources; the Office of the Public Guardian and disability advocates supported it, while suggesting amendments to clarify that the bill refers to professional evaluations, including psychological, neurocognitive, or functional evaluations, rather than just physicians’ letters. The committee also heard HB 990, which appropriates funds for claims against the state, with the Attorney General noting 21 claims totaling about $6.5 million plus two additional resolved claims and requesting corrections to identify two matters as judgments rather than settlements. HB 991 would clarify that the Attorney General may conduct FBI fingerprint-based background checks on contractors and employees; it was supported by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center and others, with an amendment to include subcontractors. HB 998 would provide that omissions or errors in citations do not require dismissal or reversal if they do not prejudice the defendant; the Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported it, while one testifier opposed it, and members discussed whether the language adequately protects due process and how it would apply when identifying information is unavailable. Finally, HB 1174 would address payment-under-protest lawsuits by allowing interest earned on certain funds to be paid in non-taxation cases if the claimant prevails and by setting procedures for premature filings. After testimony, the committee moved into decision-making and recommended passage of HB 399, HB 560, HB 648, HB 990, HB 991, HB 998, and HB 1174, generally with amendments where noted, including effective-date changes and the requested clarifications. The measures were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Energy Resources Mar 17th, 2025

Energy Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Panel one, the chair calls his first panel from the Bureau of Economic Geology.
  • And, legislative and conservation director, conservation.
  • We've heard arguments for and against this legislation today.
  • And, uh, I'm, I'm the legislative chair for that, uh, for the legislative committee there for Texas Rural
  • So we can legislate that. It won't happen.
Bills: HB206
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Public Works and Highways (01/28/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • They submit them to Bureau Trails.
  • connectors they submit them to Bureau connectors they submit them to Bureau Trails<00:38:43.240>
  • assist um so the proposed legislation assist um so the proposed legislation specifies<01:02:33.279
  • maintenance um unit at uh at the Bureau maintenance um unit at uh at the Bureau of<01:09:37.239>
  • and here is the future legislation and here is the future legislation<02:19:07.040> so<02:19:
Keywords: 1189, house, all
Summary: The Public Works and Highways Committee heard testimony on House Bill 375, which would allow municipalities to designate certain road segments for ATV travel, create maps and signage for those routes, set seasonal limits, and require certain equipment on ATVs such as lights, a horn, flashers, and directional signals. The sponsor, Rep. Dan Maguire, said the bill is intended to support tourism and give towns a structured, optional way to permit ATV use on roads, not to override existing uses. Members asked about possible overlap with agricultural vehicle rules, golf carts, speed limits, and whether the bill could allow ATV use on busier roads or expressways; the sponsor said he did not intend to interfere with existing lawful uses and believed golf carts would only be included if they met the relevant statutory requirements. NHDOT State Maintenance Engineer Alan Hennessy said the department had concerns with language exempting municipalities and the Bureau of Trails from the permitting process, arguing that the existing permit system provides needed review, public notice, and signage requirements. He also raised questions about road funding and maintenance if ATVs were allowed on state highways. Fish and Game Captain Michael Eastman testified that his commission opposed the bill as written, citing concerns about the ATV definition, the distinction between ATVs, UTVs, and other OHRVs, and the potential impact on state highways and road maintenance. He said towns can already open roads to OHRV use under existing law, and he noted that accident data for road use would generally be handled by local police or State Police rather than Fish and Game. Craig Reny, chief of the Bureau of Trails, said the current Bureau of Trails/DOT permit process for highway crossings and connectors works well and is used to ensure safety through engineering review. He said his bureau was not taking a position on the bill but wanted to clarify that existing procedures already address many of the issues the bill appears to cover. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Culture, Recreation & Tourism May 12th, 2026

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • to in the legislation.
  • Have you registered testifying neutrally on behalf of Texas Farm Bureau?
  • [Warren Kood](member_123), [Texas Farm Bureau](member_123), we'll submit. Thank you.
  • The department shared this concern with the legislative session and last legislative session to make
  • the black legislative markers in place.
Keywords: 1184, house, all