Transcript Highlights:

• So there are other projects in here, traditional large industrial development projects.
• projects that are not as mature.
• Raymond: How many projects is that? Chairman Gleason: That is eight projects currently.
• Vega: infrastructure transmission specifically that is based on real projects and real load.
• from the speculative projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pablo Vargas: So there are other projects in here, traditional large industrial development projects.
• projects that are not as mature.
• Raymond: How many projects is that? Chairman Gleason: That is eight projects currently.
• Vega: infrastructure transmission specifically that is based on real projects and real load.
• from the speculative projects.

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss data centers and their impact on Texas's energy infrastructure. The meeting featured testimony from key representatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and ERCOT, who outlined the evolving landscape of energy generation and the challenges posed by the rapid growth of data centers. Notably, ERCOT reported over 450,000 MW of generation resources planned for connection, with a significant portion attributed to data centers, which now represent around 87% of new large load interconnection requests. The committee explored proposed changes to the interconnection process, including a new 'batch study' approach aimed at streamlining the approval of multiple projects simultaneously. This change is intended to address the challenges of managing numerous simultaneous requests and to provide more certainty for developers regarding their energy needs. Testimonies emphasized the importance of ensuring that the costs of infrastructure upgrades are borne by the data centers rather than residential ratepayers, with discussions around the financial commitments required from developers. Several data center developers also provided testimony, highlighting the economic benefits of their projects, including job creation and increased local revenues. They expressed concerns about the potential for a moratorium on future growth due to the new interconnection rules and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address water usage and environmental impacts. The committee plans to continue discussions on these topics in future hearings, with a focus on balancing economic growth with energy reliability and resource management.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the Colonia Infrastructure Board will prioritize projects that are important to the community, and
• We size our projects.
• How do you develop a project? What is a good project? How do we do that?
• But on an infrastructure project, we want to make sure that it's at least 10% of the loan.
• So on an infrastructure project, 10%. On an equipment project, it could be 100%.

Transcript Highlights:

• These projects address basic infrastructure needs that allow our prisons to operate safely.
• These projects address basic infrastructure needs that allow our prisons to operate safely.
• projects address basic infrastructure projects address basic infrastructure needs<00:35:01.280><
• This planning project will provide a clearer picture of the kinds of infrastructure needed to ensure
• Many of the prospective projects are to safeguard infrastructure from further deterioration.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And that really is for the 2031 project, a program of projects.
• projects.
• Our project done.
• of their project.
• of their project.

Bills: HF4807

Keywords: overweight vehicles, aggregate mining, local ordinance restrictions, legislative audit, transportation, resource inventory

Transcript Highlights:

• So there are other projects in here, traditional large industrial development projects, but the large
• Then if the project says great that works for me, I can use that capacity, it's enough for the project
• projects that are not as mature.
• new infrastructure here.
• from the speculative projects.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• projects.
• The infrastructure fund allocates 4.5 percent for the colonia infrastructure fund, totaling $80 million
• with their projects.
• When it comes to capital and infrastructure projects, currently there are 28 land-grants that are political
• be drawn down from those project funds to pay for whatever the project is.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE MAIN CURVE RIGHT NOW IS INFRASTRUCTURE.
• FIBER INFRASTRUCTURE AS WELL INCLUDING FIBER INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE AREA.
• OF CAPITAL INVESTMENT FOR THAT PROJECT AND A LOT OF YOUR HYPER SCALE PROJECTS RIGHT NOW ARE MUCH LARGER
• A LOT OF THOSE PROJECTS ARE OLD.
• FOR REFRESH PURCHASING NEW INFRASTRUCTURE BUT WHAT HAPPENS TO THE OLD INFRASTRUCTURE?

Transcript Highlights:

• That's exactly what the Delta project is designed to do: adapt our infrastructure to handle both extremes
• The projects that I've been dealing with have been more local projects on FM roads and so forth.
• Senate Bill 7 created the Flood Infrastructure Fund. That's used to fund projects...
• The projects, $49 billion.
• unlike a water supply project, unlike a wastewater project.

Summary: The House Committee on Natural Resources met to focus on flooding issues across Texas, with particular attention to South Texas and the recent catastrophic flooding in Central Texas. Chair Harris and Vice Chair Martinez emphasized that flooding is a statewide problem requiring continued legislative attention. The committee heard invited testimony from Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes and Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 General Manager Raul Sassine, who described the March flood event in Hidalgo County, including more than 20 inches of rain, six deaths, over $100 million in local damage, widespread road flooding, and repeated shutdowns of Interstate 2 and its frontage roads. They argued that existing drainage systems are under capacity, that TxDOT projects must account for downstream drainage impacts, and that local governments have already invested heavily in mitigation through bonds and partnerships. Fuentes and Sassine also described the county’s long-term flood mitigation and water-reuse efforts, including the Delta region water management project, which would capture stormwater, runoff, and treated effluent, reduce flooding, and create potable water supply. They said the drainage district manages about 780 miles of channels and 1,100 acres of detention facilities, has used prior Flood Infrastructure Fund and GLO grants, and has ongoing applications for additional state and federal assistance. Members discussed the need for TxDOT coordination, emergency access on frontage roads, local “skin in the game,” and the possibility of combining flood control with aquifer recharge and water supply projects. Texas Water Development Board Executive Administrator Brian McMath then presented an overview of the state’s flood planning and funding framework, including the post-Harvey legislative changes that created the Flood Infrastructure Fund, the Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund, and the regional/state flood planning process. He summarized the first state flood plan adopted in 2024, noting that about one in six Texans live or work in known flood hazard areas and that regional plans identified 4,609 flood risk reduction solutions with an estimated cost of $54.5 billion. He also reviewed TWDB programs for flood grants, community assistance, flood insurance compliance, stream gauges, TexMesonet, flood mapping, and the TexasFlood.org viewer. Members asked about drainage fees, technical assistance, gauge placement, the relationship between flood maps and FEMA FIRMs, and whether flood mitigation funds could support aquifer storage and recovery or recharge projects; TWDB staff said such projects can be eligible if they include flood mitigation components, but direct technical assistance cannot be paid from Flood Infrastructure Fund dollars. The committee concluded by expressing interest in further study of combining flood mitigation with aquifer recharge, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• for all three in the infrastructure for all three projects<00:39:05.079> the<00:39:05.400>
• And so when this opportunity came up where DHS would do this Kola project, pay for the infrastructure
• And so when this opportunity came up where DHS would do this Kola project, pay for the infrastructure
• And so when this opportunity came up where DHS would do this Kola project, pay for the infrastructure
• And so when this opportunity came up where DHS would do this Kola project, pay for the infrastructure

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Hawaiian Affairs committee heard a budget presentation from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on its biennium requests for critical projects, repairs and maintenance, and operations. DHHL described its role in administering the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust, noted the large beneficiary wait list, and said prior funding, including Act 279, has helped the department accelerate land development and reduce vacancies. Officials said they have about 47,219 applications involving 29,548 Native Hawaiians, roughly 28 projects underway, and that about $471 million of a $600 million appropriation has been encumbered, with the remaining lapse-fix funds expected to be resolved before the June 30, 2026 deadline. DHHL emphasized that its current request would support additional lot development and could help produce roughly 6,000 units from the existing project pipeline, with another phase of requests potentially adding about 2,000 more units. The department said it is prioritizing shovel-ready projects, accelerating lease awards and orientations, and using a mix of approaches including paper leases, rental-with-option-to-purchase, owner-builder, and loan programs. Officials also discussed a shift toward denser urban development, citing projects in West Oahu and Honolulu, and said the department is working to reduce its vacancy rate and move beneficiaries onto the land more quickly. Members questioned why Oahu, despite having the largest wait list, was receiving comparatively lower amounts, and DHHL responded that land availability and cost drive those decisions, with Oahu having limited developable land and very high acquisition costs. The department pointed to land acquisition on Kauai and other islands, and to urban high-rise projects that can yield far more units on small parcels. Members also raised long-term maintenance and wildfire risk, asking whether current acquisition and development choices account for future infrastructure costs; DHHL said maintenance is a growing concern, especially on large unused or isolated lands, and that it is pursuing Firewise planning, federal funds, and partnerships to reduce risk. The discussion also touched on mixed-use and community-led development, with DHHL explaining that it leases land to nonprofit homestead associations under general leases with milestones, business-plan requirements, and land-use restrictions to support local services and community goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• demand for water infrastructure funding. demand for water infrastructure funding.
• <00:10:29.839> projects.
• projects.
• . infrastructure. infrastructure.
• really is for the most part project. it. really is for the most part project. it.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• projects.
• projects.
• projects, These grant-only dollars, while very helpful to specific infrastructure projects and small
• And this ranges from everything from the infrastructure projects needed to support the project, but also
• In some cases, these projects bring additional infrastructure capacity to a community rather than simply

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not an insular campus infrastructure project. It's a St.
• Paul community infrastructure project.
• Paul community infrastructure project.
• Paul community infrastructure project.
• Paul community infrastructure project.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and public infrastructure projects happen, that they are there for the, for the ages and for the long
• Um, and infrastructure and building loans, it's a max of 10% of their projects.
• Efficiency, um, projects happen.
• Chair, yes, so workforce housing for vertical and infrastructure and low income only for infrastructure
• So that is uh, on a project by project basis, we have that monthly informal communication.

Transcript Highlights:

• projects.
• projects.
• Importantly, we also asked cities about infrastructure planning and project delivery.
• Importantly, the survey also asked cities about factors contributing to Project delays or infrastructure
• And you have large infrastructure projects that haven't been done over years, and there is an issue with

Summary: During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects. Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars. The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh emergency towards infrastructure.
• The other thing is sometimes these funds were used to fund the whole project, 100% of the project.
• projects or consolidate all the leftover money into one bigger project.
• projects are economic development.
• projects. >> Thank you, Ms.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :10.560> projects<00:04:10.920> include<00:04:11.280> roofs request these projects
• This would be the next major project and a series of projects from bonding bills that have funded the
• component of a public infrastructure component of a public infrastructure associated<00:14:51.440
• to those to providing the infrastructure to those to those those those projects<01:02:55.279> in<
• Available for project completion?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• projects?
• being selected as one of FEMA's 2021 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities projects.
• Some projects are better gray projects, and some projects are better as environmental restoration.
• We typically have far fewer resources than the private sector and only pursue gray infrastructure projects
• As we march through this multi-phase project, we want the full-phase project... ...chime in on project

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on flood risk and flood management in California, with opening remarks emphasizing that flooding is a statewide and growing threat due to climate change, including the possibility of extreme losses in a worst-case event. Members noted recent flooding in places such as San Diego, the Tulare Basin, and Pajaro, and framed the hearing as a way to better understand prevention, response, and how to capture excess water for later use. Jeffrey Mount of PPIC gave the main overview, describing California’s high flood exposure, the different flood types the state faces, and the mix of structural and non-structural tools used to manage them. He stressed that levees, dams, bypasses, land-use planning, flood insurance, and emergency response all matter, but that risk is rising because current standards are based on past hydrology rather than future climate conditions. He also warned that flood management is underfunded, that the National Flood Insurance Program is weak, and that federal support is increasingly uncertain. Members asked about groundwater recharge, permitting, NOAA and federal cuts, and which communities are most at risk; Mount said recharge can help but does not eliminate flood risk, and that small Central Valley communities and heavily developed floodplains are especially concerning. State officials Laura Hollander of the Department of Water Resources and Jane Dolan of the Central Valley Flood Protection Board described the state’s role in forecasting, emergency response, grants, planning, and the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan. They highlighted aging infrastructure, the need for better coordination, and the state’s special liability in the Central Valley after the Paterno decision. Dolan reviewed the history of major floods and said the plan calls for about $1 billion per year over 30 years to meet current needs, while Hollander said the state works with local and federal partners on preparedness, response, and subventions projects. Both emphasized that floodplain planning, regional coordination, and faster permitting are important, but that more consistent funding is needed. A later panel from local flood agencies and districts reinforced those points, arguing that the state’s annual flood funding is below identified needs and that a proposed statewide flood and dam safety bond was reduced substantially in the broader climate bond package. Witnesses urged more routine maintenance funding, support for regional flood planning, and continued federal-state-local partnerships to reduce risk and maintain eligibility for federal assistance. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the informational hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if their projects or their list of things are huge, then refine the list so that it meets Hawaii
• you actually bringing back and<01:17:39.080> if<01:17:39.280> their<01:17:39.560> projects
• or<01:17:40.800> their<01:17:41.000> list<01:17:41.240> of and if their projects
• or their list of and if their projects or their list of things<01:17:41.640> are<01:17:41.760

Bills: HB389, HB1166, HB1510, HB1541, HB1605, HB1661, HB1663, HB1678, HB1769, HB1785, HB1801, HB1802, HB1815, HB1824, HB1838, HB1840, HB1853, HB1860, HB1891, HB1952, HB1960, HB1969, HB1970, HB1972, HB1976, HB2050, HB2094, HB2104, HB2158, HB2165, HB2171, HB2208, HB2246, HB2271, HB2300, HB2310, HB2315, HB2319, HB2338, HB2339, HB2343, HB2443, HB2498, HB2551, HB2599, HB2606, SB17, SB83, SB99, SB148, SB411, SB709, SB847, SB874, SB888, SB1032, SB1166, SB2001, SB2014, SB2031, SB2041, SB2050, SB2057, SB2061, SB2074, SB2075, SB2089, SB2095, SB2101, SB2102, SB2108, SB2109, SB2110, SB2125, SB2135, SB2138, SB2140, SB2146, SB2151, SB2152, SB2175, SB2203, SB2239, SB2246, SB2247, SB2253, SB2261, SB2268, SB2271, SB2272, SB2320, SB2340, SB2347, SB2353, SB2363, SB2367, SB2372, SB2376, SB2386

Keywords: HB389, uncrewed aircraft, drone, drones, UAS, unmanned aerial vehicle, misuse of uncrewed aircraft, criminal offense, felony enhancement, drone crime, public safety, police, deputy sheriff, fire department, intoxicated operation, registration number tampering, property damage, bodily injury, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Package, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• have now is actually rehabilitative and program space that we lack because of the age and the infrastructure
• at the current and the infrastructure at the current old<00:02:25.920> triple<00:02:26.160>
• Uh, so, the new jail project, we envision working with OHA twice to work with them.
• Uh, so, the new<00:05:13.840> jail<00:05:14.120> project,<00:05:14.919> we<00:05
• :15.080> envision<00:05:15.600> working new jail project, we envision working new jail

Bills: HB389, HB1166, HB1510, HB1541, HB1605, HB1661, HB1663, HB1678, HB1769, HB1785, HB1801, HB1802, HB1815, HB1824, HB1838, HB1840, HB1853, HB1860, HB1891, HB1952, HB1960, HB1969, HB1970, HB1972, HB1976, HB2050, HB2094, HB2104, HB2158, HB2165, HB2171, HB2208, HB2246, HB2271, HB2300, HB2310, HB2315, HB2319, HB2338, HB2339, HB2343, HB2443, HB2498, HB2551, HB2599, HB2606, SB17, SB83, SB99, SB148, SB411, SB709, SB847, SB874, SB888, SB1032, SB1166, SB2001, SB2014, SB2031, SB2041, SB2050, SB2057, SB2061, SB2074, SB2075, SB2089, SB2095, SB2101, SB2102, SB2108, SB2109, SB2110, SB2125, SB2135, SB2138, SB2140, SB2146, SB2151, SB2152, SB2175, SB2203, SB2239, SB2246, SB2247, SB2253, SB2261, SB2268, SB2271, SB2272, SB2320, SB2340, SB2347, SB2353, SB2363, SB2367, SB2372, SB2376, SB2386

Keywords: HB389, uncrewed aircraft, drone, drones, UAS, unmanned aerial vehicle, misuse of uncrewed aircraft, criminal offense, felony enhancement, drone crime, public safety, police, deputy sheriff, fire department, intoxicated operation, registration number tampering, property damage, bodily injury, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Package, Hawaii Revised Statutes