Transcript Highlights:

• But of course, speeding is not just a problem on interstates. People speed on all types of roads.
• we do on those interstates and freeways.
• And it's a two-lane road with speed limits that went between 35 and 45 miles an hour. Next slide.
• So the average hip height of an American is about 35 inches.
• So the average hip height of an American is about 35 inches.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met on October 16, 2025, for a budget and revenue overview, a traffic safety presentation, and a discussion of potential transit and active transportation grant programs. Committee staff reviewed the adopted 2025-27 transportation budget, noting $15.5 billion in expenditures, the large share for WSDOT, and the mix of revenue sources including fuel tax, vehicle-related fees, federal funds, Climate Commitment Act revenue, and new 2025 revenues from SB 5801 and SB 5802. Staff said the 2025 session produced a balanced four-year plan, preserved major project schedules, maintained highway preservation funding, and added money for culverts, local preservation, and other priorities. They also described a September forecast showing lower motor fuel consumption than previously expected, but still enough revenue growth to keep the transportation plan balanced. For the 2026 supplemental, staff said agency requests were relatively modest overall, with most capital requests reflecting reappropriations and timing shifts rather than new projects, while WSDOT’s addendum identified much larger future needs for maintenance, preservation, paving, culverts, and safety work. Senators asked for more detail on how revenues are distributed by fund type and geography, how much of the maintenance and preservation request is actual maintenance versus equipment, whether paving needs could be supported through bonding, and how electric vehicle sales trends might affect forecasts. The committee then heard a remote presentation from Dr. Jessica Chikino of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on traffic safety trends and countermeasures. She said U.S. traffic fatalities have risen sharply over the past decade, with especially large increases for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, and argued that the U.S. lags other high-income countries in roadway safety. Her presentation highlighted IIHS’s “30 by 30” goal to reduce fatalities 30% by 2030 through safer speeds, stronger impaired-driving countermeasures, better pedestrian protection, and safer commercial vehicles. She discussed research linking higher speed limits to higher fatality risk, the benefits of lower urban speed limits, speed safety cameras, traffic calming, lighting, pedestrian beacons, and safer intersection design. She also described ongoing work with Bellevue on smart signal technology and pedestrian safety pilots. Committee members thanked her for the presentation and said they would share the materials with others. In the final work session, the committee revisited transit and active transportation grant concepts that had been included in the Senate budget proposal but did not advance in 2025. Barb Chamberlain of WSDOT’s Active Transportation Division explained how grant programs need runway, staff capacity, applicant readiness, and clear criteria, and compared program design to getting a plane off the ground. She discussed the proposed Senior Transportation Emphasis Program and regional trails/cycle highways concepts, noting that some projects could be structured as funding-first programs while others would work better as project-line or project-first models. She said regional trail projects are already eligible under existing programs but often score lower because current criteria emphasize safety and population served. Justin Leighton of the Washington State Transit Association then reviewed transit grant programs and argued that transit safety and security needs remain underfunded, including operator barriers, lighting, shelters, behavioral health coordination, and non-uniformed security staff. He said many transit capital programs are oversubscribed, that operator barrier retrofits alone could cost $20 million to $30 million, and that agencies face uncertainty about how recent sales tax changes apply to security-related contracts. No votes were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> 20<00:35:04.640> to<00:35:04.960> 25%<00:35:05.920> is<00:35:06.160>
• >> Okay.<00:35:07.760> So,<00:35:09.040> let's<00:35:09.280> go<00:35:09.440
• So<00:35:18.480> where<00:35:18.720> this<00:35:19.280> uh<00:35:19.920> the<
• <00:35:47.839> the<00:35:48.079> reality<00:35:48.400> of<00:35:48.560> it
• matched<00:35:55.599> with<00:35:56.160> USDA<00:35:56.960> federal<00:35

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :35:04.480> level,<01:35:04.880> I<01:35:05.120> could<01:35:05.199> have
• As someone that<01:35:08.960> fully<01:35:09.280> intends<01:35:09.679> to<01:35
• I<01:35:19.679> don't<01:35:19.840> wish<01:35:20.000> to<01:35:20.159> carry
• I'm trying<01:35:23.120> to<01:35:23.280> make<01:35:23.360> a<01:35:23.600>
• <01:35:25.280> safety<01:35:25.520> of<01:35:25.760> myself,<01:35:26.239> my

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have no interstates in District 2. We didn't have any interstates.
• It doesn't have an interstate, and that's what I was trying to get at.
• Positions: General administrative supports 35 positions in maintenance.
• You'll note we do have interstates.
• Probably realize is going to be the connection between 550 and Interstate 40.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, as the Bureau of the Interstate Stream Commission evaluates the projects.
• The funds will go to the Interstate Stream Commission.
• And the Interstate Stream Commission, the Secure Bureau has managed these funds.
• Since then, the Interstate Stream Commission has managed to approve more projects.
• We have over 35 state parks. What do we do for business? Our business is thriving.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul, and a lot of times you get stuck in traffic on Interstate 35, and it's backed up for miles and
• Uh, originally I wanted to test it on I-35 between Fargo and Burnsville, and they didn't think that was
• Paul, and a lot of times you get stuck in traffic on Interstate 35, and it's backed up for miles and
• Paul, and a lot of times you get stuck in traffic on Interstate 35, and it's backed up for miles and
• Paul, and a lot of times you get stuck in traffic on Interstate 35, and it's backed up for miles and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The discussion focused on Minnesota legislation for autonomous vehicles, with Sen. John Jasinski arguing the state should create a clear statewide regulatory framework that welcomes driverless ride-share services without imposing so many rules that companies avoid investing here. He said autonomous vehicles are already testing and mapping in the Twin Cities area, and that the main benefits would be improved accessibility and independence for people who cannot drive because of disabilities or medical conditions, as well as broader transportation options for work and travel. Jasinski described his bill, Senate File 4010, as a public-safety framework that would rely on existing MnDOT and governor’s connected automated vehicle task force structures rather than creating a new, more restrictive process through DPS. He contrasted that approach with Sen. Dibble’s bill, which he said would be much more restrictive and could amount to "death by regulation." He also said he supports some guardrails, such as geomapping around downtown events, safe loading and unloading zones, and procedures for human takeover if a problem occurs, but wants to avoid a patchwork of city-by-city rules. He said the legislature is considering several autonomous-vehicle bills this session and that the timing reflects years of study by the state task force. Jasinski also discussed his earlier bipartisan Senate File 75, which authorized MnDOT to research autonomous mower technology after he noticed traffic delays caused by ditch mowing along highways. He said that pilot is still in testing at an MDOT facility, but he sees potential for the technology to reduce traffic disruption, improve worker safety, and lower costs. No votes or formal committee actions were described in the interview.

Transcript Highlights:

• > November<00:35:09.119> in<00:35:09.240> November<00:35:09.560> of<00:35:09.720
• of 16 I voted<00:35:10.480> no<00:35:10.640> on<00:35:10.760> the<00:35:10.839>
• > S<00:35:19.560> A<00:35:19.640> sitting<00:35:19.960> state<00:35:20.240><
• ><01:35:02.239> that<01:35:02.400> interstate companies if there was that interstate companies
• if there was that interstate commerce<01:35:03.159> and<01:35:03.320> a<01:35:03.440><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:40.160> is<00:35:40.280> a<00:35:40.440> core<00:35:40.880> principle
• in the<00:35:41.640> Minnesota's<00:35:42.280> correction<00:35:42.800> systems
• are<00:35:44.079> focused<00:35:44.599> on<00:35:44.880> putting<00:35:45.640>
• > uh<00:35:45.839> people<00:35:46.839> uh<00:35:47.079> and are focused on
• of<00:35:51.240> what<00:35:51.440> we<00:35:51.680> do<00:35:52.119> to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills and a Department of Corrections budget overview. On Senate File 9, Senator Rest explained a bipartisan campaign finance refund bill that had previously moved through the Elections Committee and the tax bill process. Members asked about the $10 minimum contribution threshold for reporting and refund eligibility, and Rest said it was a reasonable number suggested by Senator Karan to make the system more efficient. The bill also included data practices language classifying certain refund-related information as private data, with a separate nonpublic classification noted for receipt validation reports. The committee voted to recommend the bill to pass and re-refer it to the Taxes Committee. The committee then took up Senate File 11, a sales tax exemption for firearm safety devices such as trigger locks and gun safes. Rest described the bill as an extension of prior tax exemptions and clarified that it does not apply to the firearm itself. An A1 clarifying amendment defining “government entity” by reference to statute was adopted. Members discussed the bill’s scope and data privacy language, including a provision making purchase or transfer information private if collected by a government entity. The committee then voted to recommend the amended bill to pass and re-refer it to the Taxes Committee. Next, the committee heard Senate File 456, a bill to update Minnesota’s drug statutes to address fentanyl more directly. Anoka County Assistant County Attorney Sebastian Mesa and Senator Oumou Verbeten testified in support, arguing that fentanyl has become more dangerous than methamphetamine and that the law needs to be updated to give prosecutors a better tool. Members discussed overdose trends and whether more recent statistics were available; one member noted 2023 fentanyl deaths exceeded 1,000, while another said national fatal overdoses had declined since mid-2023. The bill was laid over, with the committee noting it would wait for fiscal analysis before further action. Finally, Commissioner Paul Schnell gave an overview of the Department of Corrections, describing its mission, staffing, prison population, community supervision responsibilities, and budget context. He emphasized rehabilitation, evidence-based practices, reentry support, and the public safety benefits of reducing recidivism. No vote was taken on the department presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• 35:45.280> guy<00:35:45.520> and<00:35:45.760> it<00:35:46.000> it assure
• ><00:35:46.720> him<00:35:47.200> we<00:35:47.440> took<00:35:47.680> us<
• 00:35:48.000> four<00:35:48.400> years<00:35:49.280> to<00:35:49.520> get
• <00:35:53.359> He<00:35:53.520> only<00:35:53.680> had<00:35:54.000> he
• He only had he had one<00:35:55.599> uh<00:35:55.839> a<00:35:56.000> DUI<00:35:

Bills: HB274, HB287, HB301, HB157, HB254, HB88, HB274, HB287, HB301, HB157, HB254, HB88

Keywords: Crenshaw County, county board of education, school board, board of education, term limits, term length, elected officials, local constitutional amendment, Alabama Constitution, education governance, local legislation, November 2026 election, ballot measure, constitutional amendment, school board elections, law enforcement, transparency, reporting, public safety, regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• :10.560> uh<00:35:10.640> and<00:35:10.760> thanks<00:35:10.960> to<00:35
• > all<00:35:15.040> aosom<00:35:15.640> in<00:35:15.800> New<00:35:16.000
• not<00:35:25.320> just<00:35:25.440> for<00:35:25.599> the<00:35:25.720>
• <00:35:28.240> forward<00:35:28.839> join<00:35:29.119> me<00:35:29.280> in
• AP possums<00:35:31.920> by<00:35:32.040> voting<00:35:32.359> on<00:35:32.599>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :34.880> uh<00:35:35.000> the<00:35:35.160> last<00:35:35.359> two<00:35:
• > uh<00:35:38.680> those<00:35:38.839> two<00:35:39.000> testifiers<00:35
• were in opposition<00:35:41.280> okay<00:35:42.119> uh<00:35:42.240> moving<00:
• 35:42.480> on<00:35:42.920> back<00:35:43.079> to<00:35:43.440> S opposition
• /c><00:35:45.440> State<00:35:45.720> procurement 586 uh State procurement 586 uh State

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered SB 1023, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and free-roaming cats, with funding sources including an income tax checkoff. The Department of Taxation had no substantive comment, while the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the measure but opposed any trap-neuter-release or re-release approach, saying spay-neuter is important but release does not reduce cats on the landscape. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about creating another special fund and tax checkoff, saying the fund may not meet statutory criteria and could create administrative burdens. The Hawaiian Humane Society strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently provides little funding for animal overpopulation control and that the measure would help nonprofits and align conservation and animal welfare goals. Several other supporters testified, including a cat sanctuary representative who described the need for a dedicated funding mechanism and a possible Oahu sanctuary to remove cats from sensitive areas. After questions about the effectiveness of trap-neuter-release and the need for alternative management tools, the committees voted to recommend passage with amendments, including blanking appropriation amounts, moving them into the committee report, setting the effective date to July 1, 2050, and noting Budget and Finance concerns; the recommendations were adopted in both committees, with some members voting with reservations. The hearing then moved to SB 1120, relating to transportation and a clean fuel standard. The Department of Transportation said it supported the intent but wanted more information on economic impacts. Electrify America and Neste supported the bill, saying a clean fuel standard would help finance EV charging, encourage investment, and expand lower-carbon fuel options such as renewable diesel. In response to questions from senators about rural and agricultural transportation needs, witnesses said the standard could support both electrification where feasible and cleaner liquid fuels in the interim for equipment that cannot yet be electrified. DOT also described county transit efforts and said it was working with Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island on assessments for zero-emission bus replacement and charging infrastructure. The committees also heard testimony on SB 586, relating to climate change and zero-emission buses by 2045, with the State Procurement Office supporting the intent but suggesting the language be moved to a different statute; DOT said it was providing pass-through funding to counties and had some zero-emission bus purchases and charging stations on order. The discussion emphasized infrastructure costs and implementation challenges, but no final vote on SB 1120 or SB 586 was described in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:35:18.320> um<00:35:18.480> the<00:35:18.880> air<00:35:19.119> council
• c> that<00:35:21.280> these<00:35:21.599> appeals<00:35:22.079> would<00:35:
• > has<00:35:27.760> uh<00:35:28.880> authorized<00:35:29.440> me<00:35:29.599
• <00:35:52.480> The<00:35:52.640> public<00:35:52.880> is<00:35:53.040> better
• > in<00:35:55.680> our<00:35:55.920> board<00:35:56.480> rather<00:35:56.800

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:29.200> got<00:35:29.480> questions<00:35:30.040> or<00:35:30.120>
• :35:33.000> to<00:35:33.120> talk<00:35:33.440> about<00:35:33.920> this
• 00:35:37.600> changes<00:35:38.120> if<00:35:38.280> we<00:35:38.400> need
• And<00:35:40.320> with<00:35:40.440> that<00:35:40.720> I<00:35:40.760> move<
• /c><00:35:41.200> to<00:35:41.359> give<00:35:41.560> the<00:35:41.640> bill<

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is an interstate highway. It weeds. It is an interstate highway.
• They<00:35:00.320> have They have They have >> They<00:35:00.960> have killing
• <00:35:22.560> time.
• Thank<00:35:29.839> you<00:35:30.000> very<00:35:30.240> much. Okay.
• So, once again, how about a 10-minute recess till 35. We are in recess.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Interstate Stream Commission with Jonathan Martinez and Manuel Luna from the Office of the State
• Chief with the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission.
• There were 52 individual appropriations totaling about $35 million.
• Stream Commission to facilitate these interstate transfers.
• Our Interstate Stream Commission and New Mexico Department of Justice have been amazing.

Transcript Highlights:

• See, the 30 or 35 percent, I always get those mixed up, is the local...
• See, the 30 or 35 percent, I always get those mixed up.
• Chairman, Representative Nelson, yes, you're correct, it's a 35% sales tax.
• BNSF Railway, a major interstate commerce route, is inundated.
• It goes to the interstate commerce that it's significant.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information. The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability. The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I'll give you an example out here on Interstate 44 between Ninth Street Expressway or Route 66 and
• We only have 35 bridges in the state of Oklahoma that are in that poor category.
• That again, 35 is one of the most heavily traveled interstates we've got.
• We really need a port of entry down there on that interstate location coming in.
• We currently have House District 35 in process. In fact, tomorrow is the Republican runoff.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• See, the 30 or 35 percent, I always get those mixed up, is the local...
• See, the 30 or 35 percent, I always get those mixed up.
• Yes, you're correct, it's a 35% sales tax.
• BNSF Railway, a major interstate commerce, is inundated.
• Give you an idea of the interstate grade raises.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion. The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand. A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting. The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• So 35% is roughly. $14 million, $150,000, roughly.
• So, Madam Chair, we are limited to 35% of our governmental gross receipts tax.
• So, it was our first attempt at working with the Interstate Stream Commission.
• What is a typical Interstate Stream Commission?
• So, Madam Chair, we work with the Interstate Stream Commission.

Transcript Highlights:

• where commercial vehicles are diverting onto State Highway 75 to avoid the DPS weigh station on Interstate
• All those who have helped make the Koreatown sign exist sign at the 35 highway in lower Lane.
• You also put Koreatown exit sign at the 35 highway and dwelling.
• Whether on a county road or an interstate, 80,000 pounds becomes the maximum allowable weight.
• This permit does not allow the 5% or the 10% on the interstate.

Bills: HCR 114, HB 137, HB 283, HB 1398, HB 1960, HB 2153, HB 2431, HB 2638, HB 2699, HB 2999, HB 3208, HB 3389, HB 3413, HB 3510, HB 3642, HB 3859, HB 3974, HB 3986, HB 4142, HB 4173, HB 4174, HB 4542, HB 4605, HB 4663, HB 4731, HB 5064, HB 5216, HB 5218, HB 5332, HB 5453, HB 5577

Keywords: memorial, pedestrian bridge, Houston, Sergio Ivan Rodriguez, city council, oversize vehicles, transportation permits, Hidalgo County, port authority, highway routes, healthcare, insurance, mental health, treatment access, state funding, transportation, axle weight, aggregates, regulations, Texas law