Transcript Highlights:

• They've seen workforce productivity drop. They've seen the consequences of it.
• They've seen workforce productivity drop.
• ...ban on marketing to children, but that that was dropped from the final rule. Do we know why?
• Do we know why it was dropped? The packaging is childproof, required to be childproof.
• So why was it dropped? It gets to licensing, labeling, packaging laws, and precedents. Thank you.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, the fiscal note claims that out-of-state attendance would drop by between 5 and 20% if the bill
• <00:03:02.800> for out-of-state attendance would drop for out-of-state attendance would drop
• People start, their accountants tell them, "Hey, it's going to be dropping.
• People start, their accountants tell them, "Hey, it's going to be dropping.
• The point is it's not going to drop to 450% until 2029.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in fact, we're now spending a billion dollars a day, a billion dollars dropping bombs on Iran.
• And in fact, we're now spending a billion dollars a day, a billion dollars dropping bombs on Iran.
• And in fact, we're now spending a billion dollars a day, a billion dollars dropping bombs on Iran.
• And in fact, we're now spending a billion dollars a day, a billion dollars dropping bombs on Iran.
• A billion dollars dropping bombs on Iran.

Bills: HF1323, HF3500

Keywords: undocumented, financial aid, state policy, higher education, noncitizen eligibility, funding, storm damage relief, Bemidji State University, reforestation, state appropriations, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• As Operation Metro Surge continued, we started to see significant drops in visits to our libraries.
• As Operation Metro Surge continued, we started to see significant drops in visits to our libraries.
• I shared a percentage of the number of visits that dropped at our Oxboro Library. >> Okay.
• number of shared a percentage of the number of visits<00:42:54.560> that<00:42:54.800> dropped
• at our li at our visits that dropped at our li at our Oxboro<00:42:56.400> library.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , the sad part is I've had phone calls from constituents who have followed up on some of this and dropped
• , the sad part is I've had phone calls from constituents who have followed up on some of this and dropped
• I'm I'm afraid that a lot of is and then I'm I'm afraid that a lot of is getting<00:37:41.599> dropped
• c> just<00:37:42.960> because<00:37:43.200> of<00:37:43.440> all getting dropped
• uh just because of all getting dropped uh just because of all the<00:37:44.079> everything<00

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:01 Approve Minutes from June 11, 2026- 00:00:40 Staff Report on 2026 Child Fatality Panel Update- 00:01:17 Panel Staff Response to Report-00:21:12 University of Kentucky Name, Image, and Likeness-00:44:34 Kentucky State Police Update on SERVS-01:17:55 Adjornment-01:33:05, 958, all

Summary: The committee first established a quorum and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Members then received a staff report on the Kentucky Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel, including an annual LOIC evaluation of the panel’s operations, statutory compliance, case management system development, member experience, and written procedures. The report noted recent House Bill 778 expanded the panel’s access to records and to TWIST/I-TWIST, and recommended that staff request access and training promptly to avoid implementation problems. Analysts reported the panel has met statutory membership and meeting requirements, and that agency responses to the panel’s 2025 recommendations improved, with all responses meeting statutory content requirements though some were late. They also said the panel still lacks formal written procedures, so a prior recommendation was reissued. The report discussed the panel’s new case management system, now in testing with the Commonwealth Office of Technology, and a survey of panel members showing generally positive views of meetings and case discussions but recurring concerns about SharePoint access, time demands, virtual meetings, and the panel’s lack of enforcement authority. The report included a matter for legislative consideration suggesting the General Assembly may wish to seek additional testimony from agencies when responses are unclear or more information is needed. Panel staff responded that the work is difficult but important, said they are optimistic about gaining TWIST access, and acknowledged that written procedures have not yet been completed because they wanted to align them with the new system. They said both the system and procedures are hoped to be finished by the end of the year, with the new case management system expected to be implemented by September 1 after further testing and migration. Members also discussed trends in child fatality and near-fatality cases, including increases in reported cases since 2013, substance abuse, safe storage of firearms, and concerns about THC/CBD gummies reaching children. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• public for the drivers, um many times drivers are made to sit in the area and wait until they can um drop
• they can um drop off their load.<00:29:17.720> And<00:29:18.640> I<00:29:18.760> just
• And that's where, you know, where I admittedly had dropped off of it because I had seen all the stuff
• So I'd rather see something like that than to arbitrarily drop the speed limit, thinking that you're
• So I'd rather see something like that than to arbitrarily drop the speed limit, thinking that you're

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: House Transportation opened public hearings on three Senate bills and discussed a fourth scheduling issue. On SB 499, which would change Traffic Safety Commission reporting requirements, the sponsor’s representative said the bill would require annual aggregated data on the causes of traffic collisions in New Hampshire and recommendations to address them. Members asked about the added Trauma Medical Review Committee seat, and a representative explained that it is a longstanding state board of emergency and trauma professionals; the bill had already been amended and passed unanimously earlier in the process. On SB 500, concerning restroom access for certain commercial motor vehicle operators, the sponsor and trucking-industry supporters said the measure arose from concerns raised by female truck drivers and was intended to require larger commercial facilities with available public or employee restrooms to allow truck drivers to use them when there are no public safety concerns. Supporters from the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said driver shortages make it important to recruit and retain women, and that lack of bathroom access is a significant barrier. Committee members asked about the scope of the problem and whether the issue affected male and female drivers differently. The committee then heard SB 559, which would reduce the minimum allowable speed limit on locally controlled roads. Supporters, including bicyclists and the Bike-Walk Alliance, testified that lower speeds improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, citing personal crash experiences and national guidance supporting lower urban speed limits where warranted by traffic or engineering studies. They emphasized the bill would not mandate lower limits statewide but would give towns local discretion. Members questioned whether the group would support 15 mph limits and how congestion and travel-time concerns were weighed. A Department of Transportation official testified neutrally, saying the agency had no formal position but had concerns about public perception and possible spillover to unnumbered state roads. The chair also noted an earlier scheduling problem that prevented immediate executive action on a bill until later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• the last two-year cycle, our county received $2.47 million, and in the current two-year cycle that dropped
• A billion dollars, that was still a drop in the bucket for the need that was in Minnesota for housing
• A billion dollars, that was still a drop in the bucket for the need that was in Minnesota for housing
• A billion dollars is not a drop in the bucket. That is a very large number.
• A billion dollars is not a drop in the bucket. That is a very large number. It pales.

Bills: HF3403, HF3410, HF3424

Keywords: HF3403, emergency rental assistance, rental aid, homelessness prevention, housing crisis, imminent risk of homelessness, eviction prevention, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aids, general fund appropriation, Minnesota revenue commissioner, poverty level, low-income housing, housing stability, family homeless prevention and assistance, emergency housing assistance, eviction, rent, redemption

Transcript Highlights:

• . $5 million compared to the SBA is a drop in the bucket.
• really do not understand the public policy procedures of this bill. $5 million compared to the SBA is a drop
• > the<01:24:47.120> SBA<01:24:48.159> is<01:24:48.400> a<01:24:48.560> drop
• <01:24:48.800> in million compared to the SBA is a drop in million compared to the SBA is
• a drop in the<01:24:49.120> bucket.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, and approved the journal of Friday, February 6, 2026. Members then proceeded out of order to consider Senate Joint Resolution 8, honoring Colorado’s 2026 Winter Olympians and Paralympians. The resolution was read at length, and members spoke in support of Colorado athletes, training communities, families, and facilities. An amendment correcting an athlete’s state affiliation was adopted, and the resolution passed 63-0 with two excused. Representative Bottoms then asked to co-sponsor the resolution. The chamber also set several bills as special orders for February 9, 2026. It then considered House Bill 1020, concerning colorimetric field drug tests in drug possession cases. Sponsors said the bill addresses unreliable field tests and had support from the Judiciary Committee and stakeholders. The committee report and the bill both passed without opposition. House Bill 1040, concerning the sterilization rights of a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities, was also taken up. Sponsors said the bill seeks to undo a historical harm by removing language that allowed sterilization against a person’s wishes. Two amendments to the committee report were adopted: one narrowing language around an imminent threat to life or health, and another adding a petition clause. The committee report and the bill then passed. Finally, the House considered House Bill 103, which modernizes the Colorado Small Business Recovery and Resiliency Loan Fund. Sponsors said it would better support small businesses facing higher costs and access-to-capital challenges. One amendment to direct 30% of funding to rural counties, veteran-owned businesses, and minority-owned businesses was debated but failed after the sponsor urged a no vote, saying the bill already included distribution metrics and that a fixed percentage was not workable in statute. The bill itself was then discussed further, with concerns raised about state lending programs and the use of the term “equitable,” but the transcript cuts off before final action on the bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have built into our commissioner roadmap, and I do want to sort of drop some of that conversation
• And it's always 10 years, and one year drops off and one year adds on.
• few things dropping on.
• > dropping<01:49:57.119> on.
• And if there's a few things dropping on.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the draft minutes from September 26. Senator Gray then raised the idea of creating a continuing subcommittee or recurring agenda item on palliative care and hospice, noting that the issues are evolving and suggesting the committee revisit the idea in coming months. The bulk of the meeting focused on Department of Health and Human Services updates. Officials described contingency planning for SNAP amid the federal shutdown, including a USDA notice that November benefits may not be fully funded, letters to participants warning of possible delays, and coordination with the New Hampshire Food Bank and local pantries. They said New Hampshire serves about 42,000 SNAP households, with average benefits around $300 a month, and that the department is also preparing to transfer funds for a special fiscal committee meeting. WIC was discussed separately: officials said WIC benefits had been extended through November 7 using additional USDA funds, but that some community agency-based WIC services may need to pause while money is redirected to food benefits. Officials also outlined New Hampshire’s rural health transformation grant application under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill, describing a potential five-year, up-to-$1 billion opportunity focused on critical access hospitals, small rural hospitals, federally qualified health centers, community mental health centers, and EMS. Members asked about transportation, workforce, and nursing retention; officials said transportation is included in the proposal, housing is not, and workforce supports may include lower tuition or awards but not loan repayment or traditional scholarships. They also said the final application would be submitted in early November and that priorities would be adjusted depending on the eventual federal award. Finally, Medicaid director Henry Lipman gave a quarterly postpartum coverage update. He said postpartum coverage is now nearly universal nationwide, and in New Hampshire 2,351 women had used the benefit through May 2025. He reported that mental health services were the most frequently used postpartum service, followed by preventive care, substance use disorder treatment, and cardiovascular-related care, and noted that Medicaid women have experienced a disproportionate share of maternal deaths. Committee members asked about rural distribution and the share of women receiving mental health services, and Lipman said the department would follow up with additional data. The meeting then moved into the annual update on New Hampshire’s 10-year mental health plan, with staff describing progress toward a more integrated continuum of care and improved data infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said people across the country are making decisions to drop programming, and that is concerning.
• We want to drop it to 10 or 12 sports. We want to drop it down<01:01:39.599> there."
• Excel Center and they uh dropped out.
• Excel Center and they uh dropped out. there<01:23:44.639> are<01:23:44.800> barriers<01
• There are barriers in life that caused them to drop out when they were 18.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:28 Kentucky Recovery Vocational: Workforce Reimagined 00:01:31 Update on College Athletics and 25RS SB 3 00:24:39 Goodwill Kentucky Excel Center 01:09:53, 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Kentucky Recovery Vocational Workforce and Re-entry Incorporated, led by Executive Director Jerick D'vor, on its vocational training model for people in recovery and formerly incarcerated individuals. He said the nonprofit operates in Russell Springs and serves students from across Kentucky, offering manufacturing and welding training tied to recovery services through Spark Recovery. D'vor emphasized that the program combines treatment, soft-skills coaching, job placement, and continued support after employment, arguing that training should begin around 90 days into recovery rather than earlier. He reported strong outcomes, including 292 students served, 259 certificates earned, and 250 job placements, with many participants placed in manufacturing jobs and 17 welders trained and placed through the new welding academy. Members praised the program but asked about funding, retention, and employability barriers. D'vor said the pilot was supported by opioid abatement grant funding, and the program now relies mainly on donor contributions and Spark Recovery’s investment in clients, with possible future support from additional opioid abatement funds or 1915(i) mechanisms. He said participants are not charged tuition and that the organization provides soft-skills training and job coaches. In response to questions about long-term outcomes, he said the program does not yet have a full alumni tracking system but is exploring technology options and continues to provide post-employment support for 90 days. After approving the committee minutes, members received an update on college athletics and Senate Bill 3 from University of Louisville Athletic Director Josh Heird and University of Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart. They said Kentucky’s NIL framework and reporting requirements are working reasonably well and praised the state for not trying to create a competitive advantage in the evolving college sports environment. Heird reported that 521 student-athletes have signed up for NILGO and about 240 deals have been approved through the system, while noting the need to ensure NIL agreements are legitimate marketplace deals rather than artificial payments. The discussion also touched on the House settlement, the $600 approval threshold, and broader federal changes affecting college athletics.

Transcript Highlights:

• Across the state, stations have reported drops ranging from 13% to 43%.
• Across the state, stations have reported drops ranging from 13% to 43%.
• Across the state, stations have reported drops ranging from 13% to 43%.
• Across the state, stations have reported drops ranging from 13% to 43%.
• Across the state, stations have reported drops ranging from 13% to 43%.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Back in the 80s, the question was whether optometrists could administer drops for dilation or drops for
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are used for people that have glaucoma that require treatment beyond eye drops
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are used for people that have glaucoma that require treatment beyond eye drops
• :52:56.319> treatment<00:52:56.839> beyond<00:52:57.839> eye<00:52:58.079> drops
• that require treatment beyond eye drops. that require treatment beyond eye drops.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We are also installing that technology now at our collection sites, so drop-off sites in other areas
• We are also installing that technology now at our collection sites, so drop-off sites in other areas
• We are also installing that technology now at our collection sites, so drop-off sites in other areas
• As you can imagine, a truck that's being dropped off at one station, the material is sorted and put on
• you know, 30, 40 trucks lined up to drop you know, 30, 40 trucks lined up to drop material<00:46

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the drop-dead date would be when the contract is signed with a third-party vendor and it's approved
• I think the drop-dead date would be when the contract is signed with a third-party vendor and it's approved
• I think the drop-dead date would be when the contract is signed with a third-party vendor and it's approved
• I think the drop-dead date would be when the contract is signed with a third-party vendor and it's approved
• I think the drop-dead date would be when the contract is signed with a third-party vendor and it's approved

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Primary and Secondary Education Committee met and first considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 43, a proposal tied to the Southern Regional Education Board’s crisis recovery network. Senator West and Dr. Puit explained that, for an additional $10,000 in dues, Kentucky would help create a network of 40 trained counselors in each of the 16 Southern states to provide post-crisis stabilization and psychological first aid after events such as the Marshall County shooting. They emphasized that the effort would be complementary to local and state response, would run through the school district, would not replace therapeutic services, and would allow districts to coordinate parent notifications and other protocols as usual. Members asked about parent involvement and whether pastoral counselors could participate; the presenters said local districts would remain in charge and that pastors could be included if properly credentialed. The committee then voted, and SCR 43 passed with the expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee next took up Senate Bill 207, the School of Innovation Act, with a committee substitute. Senator West described the bill as creating an optional path for districts to contract with an outside education service provider for a three-year school-of-innovation model, aimed at turning around low-performing schools or supporting other schools that want to innovate. He said the model would preserve core district functions such as transportation, facilities, and SEEK funding, while allowing waivers from certain statutes and regulations inside the school building. The committee substitute also added a high-quality instructional materials component, creating a vendor-supported repository of vetted instructional materials that KDE would still control, with testing data used to evaluate whether the materials were improving outcomes. Members questioned how the proposal differed from existing district-of-innovation law and what safeguards would exist for students. Senator West said the bill would repeal the unused district-of-innovation framework and replace it with a clearer process and guardrails, including KDE oversight, attendance rules, and authority to shut down a school arrangement for financial malfeasance. He also said the model could work with local partners, including superintendents’ associations, and could be used by magnet or other schools, not only low-performing ones. The discussion also touched on whether the bill would allow more flexibility in choosing third-party providers and whether it could support longer-term recovery and even philanthropy in schools. The transcript ends during the discussion of SB 207, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I wish I could do this right now, but I would love to drop the mic. Mahalo.
• I wish I could do this right now, but I would love to drop the mic. Mahalo.
• I wish I could do this right now, but I would love to drop the mic. Mahalo.
• I wish I could do this right now, but I would love to drop the mic. Mahalo.
• I wish I could do this right now, but I would love to drop the mic. Mahalo.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 281 SD1, which would define and prohibit torture as a Class A felony. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, HPD investigators, and other supporters said the bill is needed because existing laws do not adequately capture torture, especially cases involving children and vulnerable persons. Several testifiers emphasized that starvation is a common method of torture that often leaves little visible evidence, and they urged the committee to restore the original starvation language removed from the measure. The Office of the Public Defender said it did not oppose the bill’s purpose but raised concerns that the language was too broad and could create trial issues, particularly around minors and vulnerable people, and suggested narrowing amendments. The chair indicated the testimony had made a strong impression and said the committee would try to move the bill forward. The committee then heard SB 292 SD1, relating to sexual exploitation and safe harbor protections for survivors seeking medical or law enforcement help. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the measure, noting that a prior version raised equal protection concerns that were no longer present, and said survivors should be able to seek help without fear of prosecution. Written support was also noted from several advocacy and state groups. Testimony in support focused on retaliation fears, trafficking, and the need for manpower and resources to address exploitation and related crimes. Finally, the committee took up SB 295 SD1, which would increase penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and treat a violation of one as a second offense for the other. The Public Defender’s Office objected to the mandatory jail component, arguing judges should retain discretion and that there was no clear evidence mandatory jail deters violations. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action or vote on SB 295 was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• that's uh true for cannot use eye drops that's uh true for a<00:32:56.600> member<00:32:56.919
• drops.
• We'd have to hold her down to squeeze those drops in her eye. I think they burned.
• drops.
• We'd have to hold her down to squeeze those drops in her eye. I think they burned.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The RMV also services business customers at our service centers through a drop-off service.
• of the work dropped off can be watched and understood when they're ready for pickup.
• It's a type of pavement that does allow water to drop through the top course of pavement.
• I have noticed fewer dropped trips. I've noticed more frequency and lower headways.
• And as you also mentioned, we're not dropping the trips that we were.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The chairs and members opened with thanks to UMass, university leadership, court officers, and legislative staff, and Chancellor Javier Reyes highlighted UMass Amherst’s research, workforce, sustainability, and transportation contributions, including energy research, transit operations, and partnerships with MassDOT. The hearing then moved to MassDOT and MBTA testimony on the administration’s transportation funding package, including House 2, the FY26 Fair Share supplemental, and a proposed four-year Chapter 90 authorization. MassDOT officials described the budget as part of a broader multi-year transportation investment strategy, citing funding for operations, snow and ice removal, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, the Merit Rating Board, sustainable aviation fuel credits, micro-transit and last-mile grants, unpaved road improvements, bridge and pavement work, and housing-related transportation infrastructure. They emphasized workforce expansion, capital delivery capacity, safety improvements, and local aid, including the new lane-mile-based Chapter 90 formula intended to benefit rural communities. Officials also discussed major projects and programs such as Grant Central, culvert and unpaved road grants, work zone speed cameras, congestion hotspot fixes, the Sagamore and Bourne Bridge projects, and MBTA operating support and safety upgrades. Testimony from the MBTA and rail/transit staff focused on improved ridership, service frequency, accessibility, and safety, including progress on the Green Line Train Protection System, reduced delays, expanded bus and commuter rail service, and the South Coast rail extension. Regional transit authorities reported increased ridership and described new fare-free, connectivity, and community transit grants. Aeronautics testimony covered airport capital work, drone and data programs, sustainable aviation fuel efforts, and workforce development in aviation maintenance. Committee members then asked questions, especially about Western Massachusetts priorities, Chapter 90 funding, bridge repairs, snow and ice costs, Cape Cod bridges, Buzzard’s Bay rail, and Compass Rail/West-East Rail. Officials said several federal rail grants were moving forward, that Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, and that the administration remained committed to pursuing federal funding and multi-year transportation investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• :09.760> part about the the design part about the the design part actually<00:20:11.240> drop
• What changed um to make us feel like we're dropping in the rankings?
• What changed um to make us feel like we're dropping in the rankings?
• What changed um to make us feel like we're dropping in the rankings?
• <00:45:56.560> It's dropping in the rankings? It's dropping in the rankings?

Bills: SB2607, SB2031, SB2043, SB2623, SB2876, SB2396, SB2964, SB2089

Keywords: landscape architecture, licensure, educational requirements, examination, professional standards, consumer protection, junk fees, live-event tickets, short-term lodging, transparency, pricing disclosure, deceptive practices, insurance, captives, regulations, policyholders, SB2623, Hawaii pharmacy law, Board of Pharmacy, registered pharmacy technician

Summary: The committee first heard HCR 168 and HR 158, which would create a temporary working group to study utility capacity, coastline infrastructure lifespan, and the costs of needed expansions. Public Utilities Commission staff said the commission was not the right entity to direct all of the work because it lacks authority over many affected agencies. Members discussed whether the study should be limited to a coastal area or broadened to the whole island, and in decision-making the committee amended the measure to focus on the County of Honolulu, correct references to the Public Utilities Commission, and revise the working group membership to include the PUC chair, legislative designees, and directors or designees from DLNR, DOT, HIEMA, and DCCA Consumer Advocacy. The committee then passed both resolutions with amendments; the vote was adopted unanimously, with some members excused. The committee next considered HCR 145 and HR 137, which would convene a working group on climate change impacts on insurance availability and affordability. The Insurance Division stood on its written comments, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission supported the intent, and the Attorney General opposed the measure, warning that a working group could create discoverable materials that might complicate the state’s climate litigation and noting a technical ambiguity in the reference to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund administrator. After questions about discovery and the lawsuit, the committee amended the resolutions to replace the administrator reference with the chair of the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund Board of Directors, remove the Attorney General as convener while keeping the office as a member, and have the working group share findings and recommendations with the House CPC and Senate CPN committees instead of issuing a report. The committee passed the measures with amendments, with Rep. Martin voting with reservations. In the later agenda, the committee heard SB 2607, SD 1 on landscape architect licensure. The Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects supported the bill, explaining it modernizes licensure requirements to align with national standards and clarifies the profession’s design-focused role. The bill was discussed as distinguishing landscape architecture from groundskeeping and from civil engineering drainage work. No opposition was heard. The committee also heard SB 2031, SD 2 on consumer protection and price transparency for live ticket events and short-term lodging. The Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill, saying it largely mirrors an FTC rule requiring all-in pricing and would give the state enforcement authority and remedies. The Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill as drafted and sought a limited exemption for credit card issuers relying on third-party hotel information, while the Hawaii Hotel Alliance supported the measure but asked for language deeming compliance with the federal rule sufficient for short-term lodging. Committee members questioned whether those proposed exemptions would conflict with federal law or weaken state enforcement, and the discussion focused on preemption, liability, and the value of state remedies such as restitution.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it would be simple if it was chemical to drop it out. It would probably use that.
• We've dropped a drill in those wetlands, and it's actually in the smaller maps or the smaller pieces
• We've dropped a drill in there.
• We've dropped a combine in there, and people have dropped other pieces of equipment.
• How wealthy are they, and what kind of lawsuit are we going to be in if this level is dropped?

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• second slide, I'm just curious, because in May it was up over almost 400, and it had a significant drop
• I think it would be simple if it was chemical to drop it out. It would probably use that.
• We have dropped a drill in those wetlands, and it's actually in the smaller maps or the smaller pieces
• We've dropped a drill in there.
• We've dropped a combine in there, and people have dropped other pieces of equipment.

Summary: The committee opened its third interim meeting with roll call, approved the November 13, 2025 minutes, and the chair reviewed prior committee work, including a denied request for a fertilizer-capacity study and a planned later discussion of the Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger issue. Commissioner Doug Goring then presented Department of Agriculture updates on uncrewed aerial systems grants to detect noxious weeds, the state’s irrigation potential, the low-carbon fuels program for ethanol plants, the Environmental Impact Mitigation Fund, model zoning ordinances for animal feeding operations, and fertilizer production and supply in North Dakota. Members asked about funding sources, fertilizer storage and availability, natural gas and water needs for future fertilizer plants, and how the model zoning website would help counties and townships apply setback and odor tools. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Water Resources’ economic analysis tool for water conveyance and flood-related projects. Dr. Dwayne Poole explained that the department is proposing changes to better account for end-of-useful-life conditions and updated hydrologic data, while still limiting the model to direct, demonstrable costs and benefits. He said the goal is to make the analysis more realistic and consistent without changing statute, and he provided examples of how project benefits could change as drains age or as rainfall and flood data evolve. Committee members and water-user representatives generally supported continued work on the proposal, while raising concerns about downstream impacts, closed-basin projects, and whether the changes would meaningfully affect project approvals. The committee then heard from John Paskowski, state engineer, on Devil’s Lake, the West End and East End outlets, and the Tolna Coulee control structure. He reviewed lake history, outlet capacities, sulfate and downstream flow limits, and explained that the control structure is intended to prevent a catastrophic uncontrolled release by slowing erosion and head cutting. Members asked about water quality trends, the length of the downstream flow constraint, and whether the Tolna Coulee area had been studied for possible natural overflow or silt buildup. The discussion emphasized ongoing flooding concerns, mitigation for affected landowners, and the need to balance outlet operations with downstream water quality and infrastructure protection.