Video & Transcript : 'fairgrounds' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Committee Sep 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It allocates $40 million for fairground upgrades.
- Yes, in Section 233, it gives $40 million for fairground upgrades. Is this in Prop. 4, you mean?
- Yes, those dollars would go to CDFA's existing fairgrounds, fair and expo program to support necessary
- upgrades for fairgrounds for, I believe, emergency response situations and just general upgrades.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on the September budget package, which included SB 105 and a series of trailer bills covering health, human services, education, resources, child care, transportation, labor, public safety, housing, revenue, background checks, collective bargaining, and a special election. The Department of Finance described the package as largely technical and clarifying, but also responsive to state and federal changes, especially H.R. 1. Key items included roughly $3.3 billion in Proposition 4 climate and environmental spending, $540 million in discretionary greenhouse gas reduction funds, and major responses to H.R. 1 such as CalFresh error-rate mitigation, food bank support, and Medicaid-related changes. Other notable provisions included vaccine policy flexibility, an Abortion Access Fund, a gender-affirming care program, community college basic-needs and aid changes, CEQA and coastal permit exemptions tied to the 2028 Olympics, invasive mussel prevention funding, a civic media program, labor and pension-related provisions, and special election administration changes.
Members raised questions and concerns about several parts of the package. There was support for climate, water, transit, offshore wind, food security, and health investments, but also significant criticism of the lack of cleanup language for SB 131 and its advanced manufacturing exemptions, with multiple members saying promised fixes had not materialized and expressing concerns about tribal consultation, labor standards, and environmental protections. Members also questioned the scale and timing of some Proposition 4 allocations, including fairground upgrades, regional conveyance, and a UC Davis alternative protein research center. The Department of Finance said some programs would roll out over time and that certain funding levels reflected current implementation capacity.
The hearing also featured discussion of Bay Area transit financing, with Finance saying SB 105 directs the department and CalSTA to examine loan or other financing options rather than immediately providing loans. Members and public commenters also discussed the state’s response to H.R. 1, with advocates supporting food bank, health care, and immunization provisions while warning of ongoing harm to immigrants, foster youth, and other vulnerable groups. Public testimony broadly supported the health, food, water, offshore wind, and golden mussel provisions, while many speakers echoed legislative concerns about SB 131 and urged cleanup action in the next session. No votes were taken because the hearing was informational only, though the chair noted votes on the bills were expected later that night or the next morning.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (3-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- appropriated some money pending a plan from them regarding the next phases of the expansion at the fairgrounds
- uh expansion the next phases of of the uh expansion at<00:02:50.200><c> the</c><00:02:50.400><c> fairgrounds
- <c> uh</c><00:02:52.040><c> this</c><00:02:52.360><c> is</c><00:02:52.560><c> simply</c> at the fairgrounds
- and uh this is simply at the fairgrounds and uh this is simply the<00:02:53.080><c> resolution</c><00
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 545, a routine claims bill. Representative Tim Truett explained it as a measure to pay debts the Commonwealth owes. The bill received a motion, a second, and a roll call vote, and passed with favorable expression and no nay votes.
Members then considered House Joint Resolution 54, which related to the Kentucky State Fair Board’s expansion plan. The chair explained that the resolution simply acknowledged receipt and approval of the plan so previously appropriated funds could be released. The resolution passed by roll call with no nay votes and was reported favorably to the floor.
The main discussion centered on House Bill 694, concerning the Kentucky Teachers Retirement System medical insurance fund and the 2010 “shared responsibility” agreement. The bill would redirect employer contributions from local districts from the health side to the pension side once the plan reaches 100% funded. The chair and Senator Givens argued the bill was a continuation of the state’s long-term commitment to TRS and taxpayer responsibility, while Senator Neal raised concerns about fairness, the timing of the change, and whether the original agreement and statutory trigger for TRS board recommendations had been honored. Testimony from KEA President Eddie Campbell and former Jefferson County Teachers Association president Brent McMahan supported the 2010 agreement but urged the committee to pause the bill, saying the parties should return to the table and that the current proposal could conflict with the original understanding, create actuarial and legal issues, and potentially affect school district finances and bond ratings. Despite those concerns, the committee voted 8-1 to pass House Bill 694 with favorable expression, with Senator Neal voting no and explaining his objection as a process and good-faith concern.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 26 (2-12-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We're expanding, I think, the fairgrounds now.
- We're expanding, I think, the fairgrounds now.
- We're expanding, I think, the fairgrounds now.
- We're expanding, I think, the fairgrounds now.
- I think the fairgrounds now. We have a plan for expansion because it's an economic driver.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- In **SB 233**, it allocates $40 million for fairground upgrades.
- Yes, those dollars would go to CDFA's Sting Fairgrounds Fair and Expo program to support necessary upgrades
- for fairgrounds, I believe for emergency response situations.
Committee:
House Budget
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Military and Veterans Affairs Aug 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- One sent to New Mexico is currently on the State Fairgrounds.
- I am very concerned about the possibility of the State Fairgrounds being relocated. being relocated and
- the fate of the bicycle if there is a relocation of the fairgrounds.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- The LFC recommendation was intended to support general infrastructure improvements at the fairgrounds
- We still don't exactly know what the future of the fairgrounds is going to be.
- Senator Trujillo, I think there is still some work that needs to be done at the existing fairground location
- I have the same questions that Senator Trudeau had. had on the state fairgrounds.
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs Jan 28th, 2025
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Just to say, on May first at the Socorro County Fairgrounds, my center, the Utton Center, will be hosting
- Again, that's the Socorro County Fairgrounds on May 1st.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-06 - 11:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In particular, relative to the Vermont State Fairgrounds.
- I'm just wondering if the committee contemplated supporting the Vermont State Fairgrounds in their quest
- And I notice Vermont State Fairgrounds.
- </c> "Fairgrounds in their quest to mitigate the 3-acre stormwater impervious surface rule to the benefit
- Fairgrounds in their quest to um Fairgrounds in their quest to um mitigate<00:51:06.360><c> the</c><00
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Feb 12th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I think everyone heard that the Evergreen State Fairgrounds was open to move livestock or to move farm
- you're going to hear from Jay Gordon after me, you cannot move 4,000 head of milking cows to a fairground
Committee:
House Agriculture & Natural Resources
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Jan 22nd, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- It's the International District in the State Fairgrounds.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Sub. on Economic Development, Pub. Protection, Tourism, and Energy (2-3-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- H member showing my project animal at the Expo Center that commonly is referred to as the state fairgrounds
- H member showing my project animal at the Expo Center that commonly is referred to as the state fairgrounds
- H member showing my project animal at the Expo Center that commonly is referred to as the state fairgrounds
Summary:
The Budget Subcommittee met without a quorum at first, then approved the minutes once a quorum was reached. The first presentation was from the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction within the Public Protection Cabinet. Commissioner Max Fuller and Deputy Commissioner David Moore reviewed the department’s licensing structure, noting about 50 license types and roughly 42,000 active licenses, with most tied to plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work. They compared Kentucky’s fees and requirements with neighboring states and said Kentucky is generally in line or slightly below surrounding states when local and contractor licensing requirements elsewhere are considered.
The department also described staffing and inspection pressures. Officials said boiler inspections have a measurable backlog, with about 18% of state-jurisdiction boilers and pressure vessels past due statewide and a higher percentage in Jefferson County. They said building code plan review turnaround has risen from about 30 days to roughly 33–35 days, and that some areas are struggling to maintain same-day plumbing inspections and three-day HVAC inspections. Members asked whether the agency could handle increased housing construction, especially in rural areas; the department said it had requested additional plumbing staff and a plan reviewer, particularly for the Bowling Green/Warren County area, and noted that electrical inspectors are stretched across the state and are also pulled into disaster response work.
The committee then heard from Kentucky Venues and the Kentucky State Fair Board on the Kentucky Exposition Center renovation and related operations. David Beck, board chairman David Williams, CFO Tony Shrek, and others said the project is progressing ahead of schedule, with keys to the new building expected in December and the facility already booked for future events. They reported strong tourism and economic impact, including record activity at the Exposition Center and downtown convention center, and said the Farm Machinery Show and other events continue to drive demand. Members asked about budget status, and the presenters said inflation, delayed access to funds due to the RFP/design process, and added costs have left them short of money to finish all planned work. They identified phase three funding needs, including food and beverage service improvements and completion of Freedom Hall seating, and said they are considering bringing food and beverage operations back under their control to improve efficiency and revenue. The meeting ended with no formal votes on the presentations and an announcement that the committee would meet again the following Tuesday.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee, May 15, 2026
Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, so State Fairgrounds has been phenomenal.
- Uh, so State Fairgrounds has been phenomenal.
- Uh, so State Fairgrounds has been phenomenal.
- </c><02:36:45.760><c> in</c> there at the State Fairgrounds in there at the State Fairgrounds in Douglas
- <c> has</c><02:36:48.680><c> been</c> Uh, so State Fairgrounds has been Uh, so State Fairgrounds has
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 066 Mar 21st, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, please, you're all welcome to come to Sterling tomorrow at 11:00 and to the fairgrounds, and please
- So, please, you're all welcome to come to Sterling tomorrow at 11:00 and to the fairgrounds, and please
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 13th, 2026 at 09:32 am
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- What comes to light is the neighborhoods that surround the fairgrounds.
- We have over 230 shows that we use at the fairgrounds across different facilities.
- The continued investment into the Fairgrounds is warranted.
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 11:00 AM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- that reduction from last year is because of non-recurring expenses, where we did some work on the fairgrounds
- <c> on</c><00:47:39.440><c> the</c> where we did some work on the where we did some work on the fairgrounds
- 41.280><c> and</c><00:47:41.680><c> some</c><00:47:41.920><c> other</c><00:47:42.079><c> areas</c> fairgrounds
- uh and and some other areas fairgrounds uh and and some other areas for<00:47:42.640><c> them.
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Commerce and Economic Development Jan 26th, 2026 at 01:36 pm
House Commerce & Economic Development Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- That is the fairgrounds in the International District.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 26th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- a check over the weekend and bring it by to our office for the Oi legislative drive out at the fairgrounds
Bills:
SB1246 , SB1510 , SB1979 , SB1929 , SB1930 , SB1976 , HCR1019 , SB1459 , SB1673 , SB1500 , SB1447 , SB1646 , SB2007 , SB1275 , SB2074
Keywords:
environmental permitting, Oklahoma, Department of Environmental Quality, public participation, regulatory framework, administered applications, energy, wind energy, financial assurance, property restoration, environmental regulation, mining, blasting, residential protection, buffer zone, Department of Mines, public utilities, electric transmission lines, landowner rights, payment regulations
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee, February 27, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- And that is traditionally when our county fairs are held, and so many of us use our fairgrounds for voting
- use</c><00:26:58.880><c> our</c> held and so many of us use our held and so many of us use our fairgrounds
- for voting places and fairgrounds for voting places and especially<00:27:04.000><c> since</c><00:27:
- you, another crazy idea is maybe we could even get more people to vote because everyone's at the fairgrounds
- "...those county fairgrounds, those county-owned buildings, are designed for that accessibility concern
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Commerce and Economic Development Jan 27th, 2025
House Commerce & Economic Development Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- That's the southeast metro portion of the city; it's the International District in the fairgrounds.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It helps with the fairgrounds. It helps promote overnight stays in Grimes County.
- We don't need the fairgrounds, quite honestly. We don't need the promotion.
- We don't need the fairgrounds, quite honestly. We don't need the promotion.
Bills:
HB 1039 , HB2289 , HB2370 , HB2404 , HB3066 , HB3076 , HB3117 , HB3118 , HB3169 , HB3178 , HB3179 , HB3182 , HB3196 , HB3241 , HB3377 , HB3500 , HB3567 , HB3715 , HB3954 , HB4098 , HB4109 , HB4222 , HB4226 , HB4412 , HB4659 , HB4682 , HB4683 , HB4755 , HB4926 , HB5165 , HB5562 , HB5596
Committee:
House Ways & Means
Summary:
The committee heard a long series of bills, most of them expanding or adjusting hotel occupancy tax or qualified hotel project authority for specific local governments. Measures discussed included HB 2404 for Childress County; HB 3066 for Allen’s Kalahari resort project; HB 4682 for Plano; HB 4683 for Anna; HB 3076 creating a project finance zone in Frisco; HB 3567 for Wichita County; HB 3715 for McAllen; HB 1039 for Alpine; HB 3182 for Burleson; HB 4926 for Grimes County; HB 4222 for Victoria County; HB 3377 for Katy; HB 4659 for Addison; HB 3241 for Georgetown; HB 4098 for Taylor; HB 3178 for Kerr County; HB 3179 for Mason County; HB 2289 for New Braunfels; HB 4412 for Kermit; HB 5165 for Monahans; HB 3500 for Bastrop; and HB 3169 for Carrollton. In each case, authors and local officials described tourism, convention, hotel, airport, or mixed-use development needs and argued the bills would help attract visitors, investment, and jobs. One non-hotel-tax bill, HB 4226, would exempt Texas food banks from sales tax on vehicle purchases and rentals, with testimony emphasizing the scale of food bank operations and the savings’ impact on meal delivery and disaster response.
Testimony was generally supportive from city officials, economic development representatives, and industry groups such as the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association. Several witnesses described major private projects, including Kalahari in Allen, a proposed hotel and conference center in Addison, a mixed-use project in Georgetown, and a large development tied to Samsung growth in Taylor. For HB 4226, food bank representatives said the bill would help them purchase refrigerated trucks and other delivery vehicles, while an opponent questioned the fiscal note and the scope of the exemption. HB 4926 drew opposition from Camp Allen, whose representative argued a new county hotel tax would raise costs for guests and could hurt the retreat center’s operations. HB 3178 also drew an objection from a Kerr County resident who argued the tax would grow county government and pointed to event center losses, though the author said the revenue would support tourism-related county uses.
The committee took no final votes on the bills in this transcript. After each bill was laid out and testimony concluded, the chair repeatedly asked whether there was objection to leaving the bill pending; in each instance, no objection was heard, and the bills were left pending. Several committee substitutes were offered and then withdrawn or noted as conforming drafts, but no bill was reported out or otherwise acted on beyond being left pending.