Video & Transcript : 'forest practices' :

Page 64 of 500
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session 2/20/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:10:10.160><c> Act</c> approach of the data Practices Act approach of the data Practices Act restoring
  • </c> of money to deal with data practices of money to deal with data practices requests<00:15:43.000>
  • </c> budget to deal with any data practice budget to deal with any data practice requests<00:16:31.040
  • It doesn't create any additional data practice requests.
  • </c> or 1365 which is the the data practices or 1365 which is the the data practices section<00:56:26.039
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Expanding Nuclear Energy in Minnesota – Senator Nick Frentz Mar 10th, 2025

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • concerned in the same way we're concerned by people who live on the side of volcanoes or who live where forest
  • c><00:04:53.280><c> who</c><00:04:53.440><c> live</c><00:04:53.720><c> where</c><00:04:53.880><c> forest
  • </c> of volcanoes or who live where forest of volcanoes or who live where forest fires<00:04:54.800><
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Commerce (03/04/2025)

Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • by and large it's probably kind of a gimmick, and gimmicks come and go, but we are legalizing a practice
  • take them to a table away from the bar, so that part of it is already happening and is standard practice
  • Anyway, that's what our practice is, and the bill caught my attention because it addresses a problem
  • Anyway, that's what our practice is, and the bill caught my attention because it addresses a problem
  • Anyway, that's what our practice is, and the bill caught my attention because it addresses a problem
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

PSM-WLA, PSM Public Hearings 02-04-2026

Public Safety and Military Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:43:32.400><c> that</c> traditional and cultural practices that traditional and cultural practices
  • This is a best practice. Please pass this measure. Thank you.
  • There are some scattered practice.
  • 01:15:32.239><c> that</c><01:15:32.400><c> the</c> practice around the country that the practice around
  • This is common practice. This is because of what we all know.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures. SB 2723, which would designate April 27 as State Sheriff’s Day, was supported by the Department of Law Enforcement and a long-serving sheriff, who described the historical roots of Hawaii’s sheriffs in the Kingdom of Hawaii and said the bill would recognize that legacy. HGA submitted written comments, and there was no opposition or vote taken on the measure during the excerpt. The committees then heard SB 17 on wildfire mitigation. The Public Utilities Commission, DLNR, the State Fire Council, OPSD, the Attorney General’s office, and Kamehameha Schools all testified, mostly in support of the bill’s intent but with suggested amendments. Several witnesses said the bill should better define the working group’s structure, staffing, and funding, and the Attorney General noted constitutional concerns about placing the group outside a principal department and pointed out possible overlap with Acts 302 and 303 from the prior year. Committee members questioned whether SB 17 duplicated earlier wildfire legislation, and witnesses generally said it did not directly conflict but overlapped with existing efforts. On SB 2358, which would require reimbursement for search-and-rescue costs when people leave trails and enter closed areas, the State Fire Council and the Hawaii SAR Alliance testified in opposition or caution, arguing that reimbursement could deter people from calling for help and that Hawaii’s SAR system still has structural and administrative gaps. A committee member asked whether other jurisdictions had used similar measures without discouraging rescues; the Fire Council said Kauai has a similar law but it has not resulted in invoices being sent. No action was taken in the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 2475 on Red Hill remediation funding and reimbursement from the Department of Defense. The Board of Water Supply, DLNR, and other testifiers supported the bill, emphasizing the need for long-term research, monitoring, and cleanup, while also noting the unique groundwater conditions and the importance of keeping the funds focused on Red Hill contamination response. Committee members asked about existing federal and state funding, whether the state had received any direct federal money, and what would happen if reimbursement is not obtained. DLNR said it was still working through the reimbursement mechanism and that some federal funding had gone to the Red Hill registry, but not directly to the state for this purpose.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • He said it really helps physicians' practices, rural clinics, and others to promote vaccination.
  • I serve as the Statewide Fire Protection Forester for DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
  • for dlnr division of Forestry Forester for dlnr division of Forestry and<04:02:10.159><c> Wildlife</
  • I grew up on Smokey the Bear, only you can prevent forest fires.
  • I grew up on Smokey the Bear, only you can prevent forest fires.
Keywords: 910, house, all
MO
Transcript Highlights:
  • When the pilgrims landed on the East Coast, they viewed a forest that in some places stretched from sea
  • When the pilgrims landed on the East Coast, they viewed a forest that in some places stretched from sea
  • When the pilgrims landed on the East Coast, they viewed a forest that in some places stretched from sea
  • House Bill 3283 establishes a common-sense and practical timeline, with internal mechanisms by which
  • A specific timeline, progression criteria, and agreed-upon understanding of good faith are practical,
Keywords: 959, house, all
Summary: The House first established a quorum, then took up several bills for perfection and printing. House Bill 2297, a fence-law bill, was presented as a way to let livestock owners enter up to 10 feet onto neighboring property to repair fences, remove trees and debris on the fence line, and avoid trespass liability while repairing damage caused by livestock escaping. Supporters said the measure addresses a real rural problem and protects farmers who are already responsible for keeping animals contained; the bill was adopted and perfected and printed after debate over property rights and access concerns. The chamber then considered House Bills 2142 and 2058, a film and television tax incentive measure. Supporters said Missouri’s film credit program has produced strong economic returns, created jobs, and attracted productions, and they argued for combining separate film and TV funding buckets while removing a proposed sunset extension. An amendment to keep the sunset at 2029 was adopted, and the bill was then adopted, perfected, and printed. The House also took up House Bill 3004, a hardwood labeling bill requiring products sold in Missouri to be labeled accurately as wood or non-wood materials; supporters framed it as truth-in-advertising and protection for the state’s timber industry, while one member questioned how the law would apply to online and out-of-state sellers. The bill was adopted and perfected and printed. Next, the House considered House Bills 3283 and 3306, which set a timeline and process for public-sector collective bargaining disputes, including negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, and defined “good faith” in bargaining. An amendment narrowed the bill so it would not apply to teachers, police, or other excluded public employees under existing law. Supporters said the bill would prevent years-long contract disputes and save taxpayer money, especially for firefighters and other first responders; the substitute was adopted and perfected and printed. Finally, House Bill 2536, a bill on sex-designated restrooms and other private spaces in government-controlled settings, drew extensive debate. The sponsor said it was intended to protect privacy and safety in restrooms, changing rooms, sleeping quarters, schools, airports, correctional facilities, and similar spaces, and an amendment clarified exceptions for corrections officers and other public safety duties. Opponents argued the bill would target transgender people, create enforcement problems, and rely on signage rather than preventing crime; supporters said it was needed to protect women and girls. The amendment was adopted, and debate continued on the bill as amended.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Investment Committee 3/24/26

Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:
  • In<00:54:03.760><c> practical</c><00:54:04.400><c> terms,</c><00:54:05.120><c> a</c><00:54:05.280><c>
  • framework</c><00:54:06.200><c> like</c> In practical terms, a framework like In practical terms, a framework
  • Like I'm all for harvesting more of the forest before it dries up and burns.
  • Like I'm all for harvesting more of the forest before it dries up and burns.
  • </c><01:21:25.480><c> before</c> for harvesting more of the forest before for harvesting more of the
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Local Government Jan 19th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • These designation requirements apply to agricultural lands, forest lands, mineral resource lands, and
  • state, and any city within that county, may adopt development regulations to assure that agriculture, forest
  • and a border that touches another state to adopt development regulations around agricultural lands, forest
  • Forest lands and mineral resource lands adjacent to short-line railroads, and removes the provision that
  • certain areas and have development regulations and other things not related to agricultural lands or forest
Summary: The Senate Local Government Committee heard briefings and public testimony on several bills. SB 6064 would let qualifying regional fire protection districts or authorities take over administration and enforcement of the International Fire Code within their boundaries, with notice to counties and equivalent jobs for displaced workers; supporters said it would improve consistency and local control, while counties, fire marshals, and builders opposed it as unnecessary and likely to add permitting complexity and delay. SB 6101 would require county coroners to be appointed rather than elected, while preserving appointed medical examiners in larger counties; the sponsor cited the Yakima County coroner controversy as the reason for the bill, and opponents argued it would reduce voter accountability and could increase costs, though some supporters said appointment would professionalize death investigations and improve consistency. SB 6077 would extend from 21 to 28 business days the deadline for assessors and taxpayers to exchange valuation evidence before property tax appeal hearings, with supporters saying the change would give taxpayers a fairer chance to respond and opponents saying the bill should also address long delays in scheduling hearings themselves. The committee also heard SB 5820, which would repeal Clark County-specific Growth Management Act authority allowing freight rail-dependent uses on certain resource lands adjacent to a short-line railroad. The sponsor and supporters said the 2017 law was a poorly written special exemption that threatens agricultural and resource lands and should be repealed; opponents, including the railroad operator, business groups, and local officials, argued the rail overlay supports economic development, jobs, and low-emission freight movement and that the county should retain local control. Testimony on SB 5820 also raised concerns about safety, land-use conflicts, and the meaning of “adjacent,” with some witnesses saying the land is currently underused and others saying it is needed for future industrial and rail-served development. Finally, the committee heard SB 6013, an agency-request bill updating ski-area terminology and safety provisions to include aerial tramways, toes, and conveyors in the state’s ski lift regulations. State Parks supported the measure as a technical update to align safety inspections, insurance requirements, and rider conduct rules with current equipment terminology. The transcript ended before any vote or executive action was taken on these bills, and the chair noted some previously scheduled executive session items were moved to a later date.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

CPN-WTL, CPN-LBT, CPN-TCA, CPN DEFER, CPN, CPN-EDT DEFER Public Hearings 02-07-2025

Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> commercial transaction or trade practice commercial transaction or trade practice of<00:25:58.559
  • </c><00:58:37.640><c> to</c> use only the best practices to use only the best practices to reconstruct
  • Utilities shouldn't be penalized for safe practices in those instances.
  • Utilities shouldn't be penalized for safe practices in those instances.
  • Utilities shouldn't be penalized for safe practices in those instances.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee first took up SB 1 and SB 1561 on vegetation management near utility lines and wildfire prevention. Testimony focused on requiring DLNR to create and update wildfire hazard maps, setting vegetation-trimming responsibilities for property owners near rights-of-way and utility lines, and authorizing utilities to enter property to remove hazardous vegetation. DLNR, the PUC, and Hawaiian Electric all testified, with Hawaiian Electric asking for clearer access language, after-the-fact notification in imminent-risk situations, and liability limits. Committee members discussed balancing wildfire response with property rights and the need for clearer responsibility and enforcement, including on easements and utility poles. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1 pass with amendments, incorporating comments from testimony, and SB 1561 was deferred. The next major item was SB 640 on artificial intelligence disclosures. The bill would require businesses and individuals in commercial transactions to clearly disclose when consumers are interacting with an AI chatbot or similar technology, and it would create private rights of action and penalties. TechNet, the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about vague definitions, overbroad application, enforcement, and the private cause of action; the Chamber also argued the bill could burden small businesses that use AI tools for routine functions. In response to questions, OCP said the measure was ambiguous as to who it applies to and that the remedies and treble-damages provisions were unclear. The committee recommended SB 640 be deferred. The committee also heard SB 454 on prorating the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax when a vehicle is rented for only part of a day. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the proposal would make the tax system fairer but more complex and would require better recordkeeping by rental companies; the Department of Taxation and Enterprise Mobility also submitted comments. Senator Melby noted possible effects on the special highway fund and said that could affect his vote. The measure was referred onward, with the discussion indicating it would proceed to Ways and Means. Finally, the committee heard SB 1272 on towing, which would create a licensing framework for tow companies. Testimony from tow-industry representatives strongly supported the measure, describing unlicensed or noncompliant operators, poor insurance practices, and the need for accountability and consumer protection. They said a licensing board would give regulators a clearer enforcement avenue and help ensure fair treatment of vehicle owners. The hearing ended before a final action was taken on SB 1272 in the portion provided.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Education Finance - 02/18/26

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:04:03.760><c> Lake,</c><00:04:04.080><c> and</c> Lake Park, Centennial, Forest Lake, and Lake
  • Park, Centennial, Forest Lake, and I<00:04:04.560><c> have</c><00:04:04.799><c> one</c><00:04:05.840
  • We have White Bear Lake, Centennial, Mameidi, Mounds View, and Forest Lake in our school districts, and
  • There's recorder concerts that you practice for.
  • There's that first day practice for.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Public Works and Highways (02/04/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><01:42:19.360><c> service</c><01:42:20.360><c> and</c> the forest service and the forest service
  • Forest Service as well. We work very well together. Representative Bogert: Thank you, Mr. Chair.
  • I know some past practices is that the person had to be not living anymore.
  • I know some past practices is that the person had to be not living anymore.
  • I know some past practices is that the person had to be not living anymore.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 561, sponsored by Representative Nancy Murphy, which would limit the state’s ability to discontinue, reclassify, or revert state-owned highway property to municipalities without local approval. Murphy and other supporters argued the bill would protect towns from unfunded mandates and prevent property tax increases caused by taking on costly road maintenance. Representative Wendy Thomas, Rosemarie Rung, Merrimack Town Council Chairman Finley Rothhouse, and Town Manager Paul McAuliffe all testified in support, describing the financial burden of the planned transfer of Continental Boulevard in Merrimack and warning it would set a harmful precedent for other communities. The Department of Transportation’s Steve Leon explained the department’s current authority and processes for discontinuance and reclassification, said active highways are not surplus property, and noted that the Supreme Court’s Town of Nelson decision held such reclassifications were not an unfunded mandate. The committee then closed the public hearing on HB 561. The committee next took up House Bill 578, presented by Representative Mooney on behalf of Representative Bill Boyd, to require sound barriers along the F. Everett Turnpike in Merrimack. Supporters said widening the turnpike would increase noise in nearby neighborhoods and that a 2019 NHDOT study identified 17 neighborhoods with noise levels above federal standards, though only four were included for mitigation under the current project. They argued the remaining neighborhoods should also receive relief and cited quality-of-life and property-value concerns. Senator Tim McGuire also testified in support, saying residents were experiencing unexpected and severe noise impacts and urging the committee to act outside the usual criteria to approve the barriers. The transcript provided does not show a final committee vote or action on HB 578.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 04/03/25

Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> will build on current DNR best practices will build on current DNR best practices in<00:43:03.599
  • These communities have innovative, practical solutions to their environmental challenges, but lack the
  • :09.599><c> to</c><00:46:09.839><c> their</c> innovative, practical solutions to their innovative, practical
  • , the county lands, and public forest, the county lands, and public access<01:14:18.880><c> points,</
  • We show respect for these living beings through our cultural practices.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'll add to that wildfire mitigation, fuels reduction that we could be doing in our forested lands.
  • I'll add to that wildfire mitigation, fuels reduction that we could be doing in our forested lands.
  • So we are proposing to continue that practice.
  • So we are proposing to continue that practice.
  • Paul Mason, with Pacific Forest Trust.
Keywords: 988, house, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/19/2026 - House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation

Artificial Intelligence & Innovation

Transcript Highlights:
  • And that combination of expertise that we've really brought together, we feel, builds a practical and
  • there, and they were able to look and see that it was on Coconino, Apache, and the Tonto National Forest
  • How many do you foresee needing to cover all of our forests? Yeah, Mr.
Bills: SB1020
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Appropriations Committee May 23rd, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • AB 706, Aguiar-Curry, forest and wildfire preservation funds: do pass as amended to prohibit ratepayer
  • AB 706, Aguiar-Curry, forest and wildfire preservation funds: due pass as amended to prohibit ratepayer
  • AB 1337, Ward, Information Practices Act: do pass with author’s amendments to eliminate the state administrative
Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held its May 23, 2025 suspense hearing and opened by emphasizing the difficult budget environment, rising costs for constituents, and the need to make tough choices. The chair said many bills would be held, amended to reduce costs, or made two-year bills because the state could not afford broad program expansions this year. The committee also noted the agenda was organized alphabetically by author and that results would be posted later that day. The committee then acted on a large suspense file, taking up hundreds of Assembly bills across topics including housing, health care, education, labor, public safety, climate, water, transportation, elections, and technology. Many bills were held in committee, while many others were approved with cost-saving, clarifying, or author’s amendments. Examples included measures on CalABLE, Covered California enrollment, wildfire and insurance issues, reproductive health, school and college programs, prison and juvenile justice matters, AI and data privacy, and local government and utility regulation. Several bills were converted to two-year bills to continue discussion. Throughout the hearing, the committee repeatedly voted on bills by A roll call or B roll call, often with Republicans not voting on amended measures. Some bills were advanced with notable amendments, such as narrowing scope, removing appropriations, delaying implementation, or striking costly provisions. The committee also approved a number of committee bills and omnibus measures, including emergency management, judiciary, insurance, and water-related bills. At the end of the hearing, the chair stated that the committee had moved 435 bills to the Assembly floor, either as do pass or do pass as amended, and adjourned the meeting.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • The speaker said that, based on what they heard from the folks at Rochester, that is the practice and
  • Based on what they heard from the folks at Rochester, that is the practice and it will be in the plan
  • The speaker said that, based on what they heard from the folks at Rochester, that is the practice and
  • </c><00:49:47.559><c> uh</c><00:49:47.720><c> and</c> that that that is the practice uh and that that
  • that is the practice uh and that<00:49:48.520><c> that</c><00:49:48.760><c> that</c><00:49:48.880><c
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The Solid Waste Subcommittee met to discuss proposed amendments to HB 171 and HB 215. For HB 171, Representative Gerna outlined technical changes to a landfill moratorium bill: DES would be allowed to accept applications only to review them for completeness, a notwithstanding clause would override automatic approval timing rules, the word “fully” would be removed, and an unnecessary reference to perennial water bodies would be deleted. Members raised concern about whether applications deemed complete during the moratorium would still have to comply with later changes in law or rule. Director Mike Whap of DES said applicants would likely need to amend applications if policy changes occurred, and suggested the bill could explicitly state that later changes apply to pending applications. The subcommittee generally supported the revised language and agreed the amended bill could go directly to executive session, though one member said the underlying legislation was ill-advised but preferred the amended version over the original. The committee then turned to HB 215, which would create a two-stage landfill siting review centered on a “net public benefit” determination before full technical review. Representative Gerna explained that the amendment would define net public benefit, require an independent third-party assessment paid for by the applicant, and set up a process for selecting the contractor from a list submitted by the applicant, with DES and the host community involved and the commissioner choosing if no agreement is reached within 60 days. Members asked how “host community” would be defined; DES said it would generally mean the municipal governing body, though that body could appoint others. The amendment also broadened the factors considered in both harms and benefits, including human health, property values, tourism, recreation, wildlife, local economic benefits, and infrastructure improvements. The discussion also added a provision directing DES to consult with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources as needed when reviewing the third-party assessment. Director Whap said interdepartmental consultation is normal and that DES would likely adopt rules to guide the process. Members questioned whether the new framework would be too vague or burdensome for applicants, but Whap said it would not be designed to stack the deck against applicants and that the process should provide clearer, more balanced criteria. No votes were taken during the meeting, and the subcommittee appeared to continue refining the amendment language before further action.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Ways and Means (03/18/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • practice.
  • I practice all over the country.
  • I'm a practice of one doctor.
  • Some practice in health care facilities; others practice as co-partners in private small family practices
  • This practice, in particular, Dr.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 224, which would redirect most money from New Hampshire’s renewable energy fund back to electric ratepayers. The bill sponsor argued the measure would lower energy costs, noting recent utility rate increases and estimating annual savings of roughly $2.5 million to $7.3 million for ratepayers. Supporters said the fund has accumulated money that should be returned to customers rather than used for subsidies, and they emphasized that the state has already rebated similar funds from RGGI for years. Opponents, including Rep. Kat McGee, argued the renewable energy fund is a successful, nonlapsing dedicated fund that supports local clean-energy projects, energy resilience, emissions reductions, and private investment. McGee said the fiscal note overstated the benefit of rebates and understated the loss of investment, claiming the average annual rebate would amount to less than $10 per customer while the program has helped leverage significant private dollars and nearly 10,000 projects. She urged the committee to reject the bill as a poor deal for the state and ratepayers. Committee members questioned the fiscal note, the size of the rebate, whether the bill would set a precedent for other dedicated funds, and whether the program’s incentives amount to picking winners and losers. The Department of Energy testified neutrally, explaining how the renewable energy fund works, including renewable energy credits, alternative compliance payments, and the fund’s use for renewable energy initiatives. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS House Floor - 24 February, 2026; 2:00 PM

Mississippi House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Lady from Forest, Miss McGee. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
  • </c> Lady<00:21:36.720><c> from</c><00:21:36.920><c> Forest,</c><00:21:37.320><c> Miss</c><00:21:37.520
  • </c> Lady from Forest, Miss McGee. Lady from Forest, Miss McGee.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

January 15, 2025 - 03:30 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'll skip the obvious that we have the Stanley Cup Panthers and practicing my district and playing and
  • represent House District 27, which is parts of Volusia, Lake, and Marion County, including the National Forest
  • I'm a practicing environmental scientist, so I'd like to give the trees some of your votes.
  • represent House District 27, which is parts of Volusia, Lake, and Marion County, including the National Forest
  • I'm a practicing environmental scientist, so I'd like to give the trees some of your votes.
Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met to organize for the session, take roll, and hear introductory remarks from members and agency heads. Members briefly introduced themselves and their districts, with several noting transportation, economic development, emergency response, military, and hurricane recovery issues in their areas. Chair Shove then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction and current-year budget, noting a total of about $20.3 billion, with most funding coming from trust funds and only a small share from general revenue. The committee also heard that upcoming meetings would include presentations from major agencies in the subcommittee’s purview. The first agency presentation was from the Department of Military Affairs and the Florida National Guard. Major General John Haas described the Guard’s three missions—supporting national security, responding to state emergencies, and adding value to the state—and highlighted deployments for hurricanes, border security support, and ongoing support to the Department of Corrections. He emphasized that the Guard is understrength relative to Florida’s size and demand, said recruiting is strong, and identified force structure growth as the main challenge. Members asked about aircraft, funding sources, and recruiting; Haas explained the Guard’s helicopter and fixed-wing fleet, said aircraft purchases are funded through legislative appropriations, and reported strong interest in the Florida State Guard’s recruiting pipeline. Executive Director Mark Thieme then described the Florida State Guard’s expansion into air, ground, and maritime capabilities, including Black Hawks, boats, drones, canine search-and-rescue teams, and ground support units. He said the agency supported immigration enforcement and hurricane response, and asked for continued legislative support to expand aviation, maritime, and medical capabilities. Members praised the Guard’s disaster response work and asked about aircraft, funding, and staffing. Secretary Cord Byrd of the Department of State followed, focusing on election administration, election security, the SunBiz and voter registration IT systems, arts and culture, corporations, libraries, and historical resources. He said Florida’s election system remains a national model, reported two prosecutions for non-citizen voting, and discussed modernization needs for legacy IT systems. The committee also asked about voter lookup tools, password privacy for SunBiz, and arts funding vetoes. Secretary Alex Kelly of the Department of Commerce described the agency’s broad portfolio, including workforce, economic, community, and international commerce functions, plus housing recovery, broadband, small business support, rural infrastructure, defense-community grants, and law enforcement recruitment bonuses. He said access to capital is the biggest barrier for small businesses and noted ongoing work with CareerSource, the Department of Corrections, and other partners on workforce and reentry. Secretary Jared Perdue of the Department of Transportation then outlined FDOT’s record budget and five-year work program, emphasizing emergency response, preservation and maintenance, safety, and major investments in roads, ports, airports, transit, and spaceport infrastructure. He said the department has removed millions of cubic yards of storm debris, is ahead of schedule on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, and faces a large unfunded project backlog. Members asked about supply chain issues, project priorities, and workforce needs, and Perdue said FDOT is open to collaboration on recruitment and retention.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Ways & Means Feb 26th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • Forest landowners understand the need for more transmission capacity.
  • Forest landowners can offer important insights to these and other issues if we're included on the board
  • Forest landowners can offer important insights to these and other issues if we're included on the board
  • NIPPC is committed to working with forest landowners and the bill sponsors on other refinements to the
  • Nipsey's committed to working with forest landowners and the bill sponsors on other refinements to the