Video & Transcript : 'Paul P. Mendes' :
Page 68 of 385
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (02/24/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- :37:14.960><c> um</c><00:37:15.359><c> published</c><00:37:15.880><c> by</c><00:37:16.280><c> S&P<
- /c><00:37:16.839><c> Global</c><00:37:17.839><c> and</c> actually um published by S&P Global and
- actually um published by S&P Global and that<00:37:18.440><c> median</c><00:37:18.960><c> is</c><
- </c><00:49:55.799><c> first</c><00:49:56.000><c> one's</c><00:49:56.240><c> on</c><00:49:56.440><c> P<
- /c> okay the first one's on P okay the first one's on P six<00:49:58.200><c> going</c><00:49:58.640><
Summary:
The Public Works and Highways committee held a capital budget orientation led by Legislative Budget Assistant Office staff, who walked members through the budget materials, the capital budget process, and the committee’s compare sheet. The presentation explained that agencies begin developing capital requests nearly a year in advance, submit them by May 1, and that the governor’s recommended capital budget is a reduced version of the much larger agency wish list. Members were told the agencies initially requested about $1.1 billion in projects, the catalog was trimmed to just over $400 million in general fund projects, and the governor’s recommendation in the pink book totals about $143 million in general fund capital appropriations. The committee also reviewed the prior capital budget and related statutes and committee procedures.
Several specific projects drew discussion. The Department of Education’s CTE projects were explained as having been shifted into the operating budget in the prior cycle and now returning to the capital budget recommendation; members asked whether there was a backup CTE project and whether local approval had been secured for the named project. The Cannon Mountain tramway request was highlighted as a $20 million recommendation, with the presenter explaining that an earlier $18 million appropriation would be lapsed back to the general fund to help balance the budget. The Department of Corrections’ new prison project was also discussed; members were told the state has already appropriated $50 million for planning and site evaluation, but the governor’s current capital budget does not include a new prison construction appropriation because the project is not yet ready for that phase and may need to be funded differently, possibly through a separate, staggered appropriation.
State Treasurer Monica Mezzapelli then presented on debt affordability and the state’s borrowing capacity. She said the state’s credit position has improved, with the debt-to-revenue ratio falling from 8.2% in 2015 to 3.8% in 2024, and explained that RSA 6-C limits debt authorization to 10% of unrestricted prior-year revenue. She noted that the Treasury’s planning assumes $60 million in annual bond issuance, with the prison-related $40 million now expected to be issued in 2026 rather than 2025 because the project is not ready to spend the funds. She said the state can still borrow more, but additional debt service must be paid from operating funds, and recommended keeping capital bonding in the $120 million to $130 million range to preserve affordability and the state’s credit rating.
Members asked for clarification on the CTE funding shift, the prison schedule, and the meaning of the large agency request totals. The chair and treasurer discussed the governor’s $143 million recommendation versus the committee’s usual target range, and the treasurer said $130 million would be more comfortable than $140 million, with $135 million described as a possible compromise. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the portion provided; the meeting was informational and ended with the presenters offering to answer follow-up questions as agencies come before the committee.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board Mar 31st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So when I'm showing you 21 times for the forward P/E on the S&P 500, that's a valuation measure.
- If you take earnings times this P/E ratio, it tells you roughly what the market is valued; that's down
- which has a lot of high-tech companies that are very large and growing fast, the 20.3 times forward P/
- So we look at everything in a P&L business case sense.
- That's why I always hedged at that 30%, saying at that point, it becomes a P&L issue.
Summary:
The committee met to approve prior minutes and receive updates on the Legacy Fund transparency website and fund performance. Staff reported the website procurement was in contract negotiations, with a planned go-live around November 1, and that the site would provide downloadable, more transparent information on fund holdings, allocations, history, and legislative appropriations while protecting confidential data. The investment office then reviewed performance through January 2026, describing strong returns relative to benchmarks, noting real estate and fixed income as weaker areas, and explaining that the fund’s diversification and internal management had helped offset market volatility, including recent geopolitical impacts.
Members also discussed the in-state investment program, especially the Bank of North Dakota’s CD-match allocation. Several members questioned whether the program had been static for years and whether the uncommitted balance should remain parked there if it was not being used. The committee voted to pause further transfers into the program until the Bank provides a report and the committee can consider possible statutory changes; the motion also requested a cost-benefit analysis from RVK, and it passed by roll call vote.
In the afternoon, RVK presented its review of the investment policy statement as it relates to the in-state investment program. The consultant said it found no major policy impediments, and that implementers and stakeholders generally felt the program was proceeding as intended. RVK emphasized best practices such as third-party due diligence, competitive risk-adjusted returns, diversification, pacing, and exit strategies, while cautioning that required lower-return investments or spending commitments can create pressure on the fund’s long-term real value. The consultant also raised ancillary concerns about state-level concentration risk, the need to distinguish between public and commercial infrastructure, and the lack of a central repository for all state funding commitments to the same projects.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Families and Children.(2-17-26)
Families & Children
Transcript Highlights:
- through</c><00:20:53.679><c> 20</c><00:20:53.919><c> or</c><00:20:54.080><c> or</c><00:20:54.640><c> P<
- </c> through through 20 or or P through 20. through through 20 or or P through 20.
- Lexon and Louisville children who<00:21:40.000><c> come</c><00:21:40.240><c> from</c><00:21:40.400><c> p<
- /c><00:21:40.880><c> primarily</c><00:21:41.520><c> black</c> who come from p primarily black who come
- from p primarily black communities<00:21:42.640><c> know</c><00:21:42.960><c> children</c><00:21:43.120
Committee:
Senate Families & Children
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/03/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #3
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative P. Contreras? No comment. Okay, great.
- Ranking Member P.
- Ranking Member P. Contreras? Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, exactly.
- Ranking Member P. Contreras.
- Democrats are fighting to expand health care access, and I will also note that at the same time, Member P.
Summary:
The caucus reviewed a long minority calendar covering a wide range of bills, with sponsors giving brief descriptions and members frequently raising concerns about constitutionality, cost, federal preemption, and policy impacts. Topics included medical intervention and vaccination/mask prohibitions, state treasurer investment rules, vacant state positions reporting, shooting range closure limits, congressional term limits, audit penalties, cellphone use while driving, procurement restrictions tied to China, air ambulance regulation, hospital immigration-status reporting, SNAP purchase restrictions, school assessment changes, school contract transparency, religious excusals from school, student contact information, fitness reporting, and several property tax, water, and agriculture measures. Members also discussed bills on AI-generated sexual material consent verification, DEI liability, hate-crime sentencing, commercial driver forfeiture tied to immigration status, speed-limiting devices for repeat speeding offenses, PFAS firefighting foam, name changes for sex offenders, abortion-inducing drugs, prisoner transition services, sexual extortion penalties, solar radiation management bans, and cultivated-cell food labeling and sales bans.
Several bills drew explicit opposition or requests to pull them from consent, especially those affecting abortion access, immigration-related hospital reporting, school testing, religious release programs, DEI policies, and cultivated-cell foods. Members noted that some measures appeared duplicative, overly broad, or likely unconstitutional, and in multiple cases referenced prior vetoes or prior-year versions of the same bills. Supportive comments were also made on selected bills, including the PFAS foam prohibition, the assistive technology study committee, the digital goods consumer protection bill, and the prisoner transition services extension.
The caucus also considered water and infrastructure measures, including brackish groundwater funding and studies, water augmentation authority bonds, Pima County water rates, groundwater transport rules, and HOA drought watering limits. Toward the end, members reviewed election-related memorials and resolutions, including a proposal to limit voting centers, a memorial urging withdrawal from the United Nations, and another urging defunding the IMF; all three were noted as being on consent and were pulled for further discussion. The meeting closed with announcements, including a note about a local missing-person concern and a caucus recognition program called the Affordable Arizona Award.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Jul 18th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- explain a little bit more about what the policy benchmark is and how it relates to, say, what's the S&P
- policy benchmark, and then how is that compared to what's more of a standard comparison, which is the S&P
- So to your point, S&P 500, bonds, alternatives, stuff like that.
- So for S&P 500, you know, just SPY, stuff like that.
- If our board said one time that we should only be in one hundred percent S&P 500 stuff, that would be
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I think Senator Dibble, you're presenting because Senator P is not here or is she remote?
- Senator Dibble, you're presenting because Senator P is not here or is she remote?
- summary<00:22:11.520><c> I</c><00:22:11.600><c> think</c><00:22:11.760><c> Senator</c><00:22:12.120><c> P<
- 00:22:12.400><c> might</c><00:22:12.600><c> not</c><00:22:12.799><c> be</c> summary I think Senator P
- might not be summary I think Senator P might not be available<00:22:13.360><c> Senator</c><00:22:13.679
Committee:
Senate Transportation
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Veterans and Military Affairs Apr 16th, 2026
Veterans and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Because right now, those things you listed, veterans 100% P&T veterans are already getting all three
- Because right now, those things you listed, veterans 100% P&T veterans are already getting all three
Bills:
HB3257
Committee:
Senate Veterans and Military Affairs
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs met with a quorum and considered three nominations to the Oklahoma Veterans Commission and one bill. The committee heard presentations for Rick Munchler, Robert W. Allen Jr., and Matthew Dukes, each described as having extensive military, public service, and veterans’ advocacy backgrounds. In each case, senators moved do pass, there were no substantive questions or debate, and each nomination received unanimous 5-0 approval to advance to the full Senate for confirmation.
The committee also heard House Bill 3257, which would extend certain state benefits available to veterans who are 100% disabled due to a service-connected disability to veterans who are 100% disabled as a result of negligence or malpractice at a VA hospital under federal law. The author explained the bill would align state recognition and benefits with federal disability determinations in those cases, while noting the property tax exemption issue is constrained by the state constitution. After brief questions about the bill’s scope, the committee voted 5-0 to pass the measure to the full Senate.
At the close of the meeting, the chair noted another committee meeting would be needed the following week to consider additional Veterans Commission nominees, and the committee adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- money could have made a big, big difference in someone's life over there as opposed to ending up in a P&
- L line. ...there as opposed to ending up in a P&L line in a company's log.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Ways & Means Feb 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- person, please come to the front row and be ready: Brian Haywood, Patrick Connor, Sean Graham, and Paul
- Paul. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair.
- Madam Chair, members of the committee, Paul Jewel, on behalf of the members of the Washington State Association
- The list of substances considered to be P-450 enzyme inhibitors includes countless harmless common ingredients
- The list of substances considered to be P-450 enzyme inhibitors includes countless harmless common ingredients
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee met on February 6, 2026, and first voted to suspend the five-day notice rule for all bills on the agenda. Senators Braun and Gildon objected, arguing the bill needed more public review and that the fiscal note had only just been released, but a roll call vote passed 15-9 and the committee proceeded to Senate Bill 6346.
Staff briefed SB 6346 as a proposal to create a 9.9% income tax on Washington taxable income above a $1 million per-household standard deduction, with a $50,000 charitable deduction, apportionment rules for nonresidents and certain professions, quarterly estimated payments, and credits for capital gains tax and certain business taxes. Staff said the tax would begin in 2029 and eventually raise about $3.5 billion annually from roughly 30,000 taxpayers. The bill also would expand the Working Families Tax Credit, create a sales tax exemption for grooming and hygiene products, increase the small business B&O tax credit and filing threshold, and end the B&O surcharge on high-grossing businesses one year early. Members questioned the bill’s constitutionality, its exemption from referendum, treatment of student athletes, natural-resource industries, and whether real estate gains would be captured.
Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including labor groups, educators, health care advocates, counties, child care workers, and some business owners and high-income individuals, said the bill would make the tax code more progressive and provide stable funding for health care, education, child care, public defense, and other services, while expanding the Working Families Tax Credit. Opponents, including many small business, construction, housing, and taxpayer advocates, argued the measure would function as a tax on pass-through businesses and retained earnings, harm housing production and investment, encourage wealthy residents and businesses to leave the state, and violate the state constitution or the will of voters. No final action on SB 6346 was taken during the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1148 provides a simple clarification in the B&P Code that allows state-mandated security
- At this time in the B&P Code, Section 7583, currently reads that security officers must complete all
- I want to thank both the Assembly Health and B&P committees for the amendments they both worked on, and
- We are very appreciative of the work of both B&P committee staff and the amendments that will be taken
Summary:
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a long agenda of licensing, consumer protection, and sunset-review bills. Early items included SB 1148, which would let aspiring security guards complete all required training before a guard card is issued; SB 342, which would soften the penalty for contractors who were licensed during part of a project but had a brief lapse; and several sunset bills for boards and bureaus, including the Board of Registered Nursing (SB 1302), the Board of Naturopathic Medicine (SB 1303), the Respiratory Care Board (SB 1304), the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (SB 1363), and the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (SB 1368). The committee also heard SB 1311, which makes various updates to DCA boards and programs, and SB 1314, which restricts new tobacco retailers from locating within 600 feet of schools or daycare centers and bans nitrous oxide sales and related paraphernalia.
Testimony was generally supportive on the training, sunset, and licensing cleanup bills, though several measures drew “opposed unless amended” or neutral positions over scope and implementation details. On SB 1314, supporters including prosecutors and school administrators argued it would reduce youth exposure to tobacco, while gas station, convenience store, cigar lounge, pharmacy, and business groups raised concerns about impacts on existing businesses, transferability of tobacco licenses, and possible de facto limits on future stations; some public health groups shifted to neutral after amendments. On SB 1302, nursing groups supported the board sunset bill, while the California Medical Association objected to allowing out-of-state nurse practitioner transition-to-practice experience to count without a California attestation process. On SB 1304, health facilities and long-term care groups supported the board extension but sought broader clarification so LVNs could perform respiratory tasks consistently across settings.
After quorum was finally established, the committee voted to send the consent calendar bills SB 1376, SB 1391, SB 1416, and SB 1315 to Appropriations, and then approved SB 342, SB 1148, SB 1302, SB 1303, SB 1304, SB 1311, SB 1314, SB 1363, and SB 1368, all moving forward to the Committee on Appropriations. SB 1314 passed with some no votes, while the other measures advanced with broad support. The hearing ended after additional members were added on the record and the committee adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget 2nd Revision: HB1782 (Moore) laid over. Added to 3/4 A and B Full agenda Mar 3rd, 2026 at 04:30 pm
Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- this bill does not attempt to govern that or change any any of those kinds of relationships or loss p
- call for question or debate I'll ask staff to please open the cuue staff take it or a Clear the vote p
- Ranson i ranson votes ai to clear the vote p re s ent ative of25ii andunay report that out as a due pass
- are prepared for knowing when they are being scammed, and I think that is an important thing to teach p
Bills:
HB1242 , HB1250 , HB1590 , HB1752 , HB1979 , HB1983 , HB2952 , HB2961 , HB2967 , HB2973 , HB2988 , HB3031 , HB3047 , HB3052 , HB3066 , HB3086 , HB3175 , HB3177 , HB3178 , HB3240 , HB3404 , HB3429 , HB3548 , HB3638 , HB3671 , HB3704 , HB3759 , HB3831 , HB3904 , HB3920 , HB3944 , HB3969 , HB3973 , HB3975 , HB3976 , HB3978 , HB3983 , HB3984 , HB4092 , HB4118
Committee:
House Appropriations and Budget
Keywords:
HB1242, cervidae, deer, elk, sales tax exemption, agricultural exemption, livestock, ranching, farm tax, agricultural sales tax, Oklahoma Tax Commission, agriculture, producer sales, private treaty, special livestock sale, tax relief, farm products, rural economy, local law enforcement, Public Safety Technology Revolving Fund
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Utilities -continued- Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have P&Z.
- So I think you probably did a lot of good due diligence, you and the P&Z, but the other commissioners
- We have we have we have P and Z. The only thing I did not like about solar they came to us.
- So I think you probably did a lot of good due diligence, you and the P&ZP, but the other commissioners
Summary:
The House Utilities Committee resumed and then concluded a hearing on HB 2402 and HB 2816, both dealing with utility-scale solar development. The chair asked witnesses to testify for informational purposes where they supported some provisions but opposed others, and the discussion centered on setback distances, taxation, cropland conversion caps, local control, and decommissioning/oversight. Several witnesses described concerns about large solar projects encircling farms, impacts on neighbors, glare, fire risk, wetlands, and property values, while others emphasized the need for reasonable statewide standards and the importance of preserving Chapter 100 agreements and county flexibility.
Testimony from landowners and advocacy groups largely urged stronger protections: higher setbacks, more local authority, lower caps on cropland conversion, and higher tax rates than the bill’s proposed $2,500 per megawatt. Some witnesses argued solar should be taxed as commercial property rather than agricultural land, while others raised constitutional concerns about changing agricultural assessment. A county commissioner described local regulations his county adopted, including road agreements, decommissioning bonds, hydraulic studies, and buffering, and said counties need clearer rules, especially where there is no zoning.
Industry and utility representatives said the bills were generally workable but wanted further discussion on setbacks and tax treatment. They argued tax comparisons should account for the full package of taxes and incentives, not just nameplate taxes, and said higher taxes can raise electricity costs for customers. Ameren Missouri said most of the bill was acceptable, but cautioned about how real property would be assessed and noted its current and planned solar buildout. The committee took no vote; after hearing the final witness, the chair closed testimony on HB 2402 and HB 2816 and adjourned the committee.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 8th, 2025 at 03:00 pm
Appropriations - Human Resources Division
Transcript Highlights:
- They also provide a lot of tools for us, kind of like add-on tools for our P&P staff or parole and probation
- They also provide a lot of tools for us, kind of like add-on tools for our P&P staff or parole and probation
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 2399, concerning therapeutic leave days for psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTFs). Sarah Aker from the Department of Health and Human Services explained the current Medicaid rate-setting methodology, how occupancy affects rates, and why paying the full rate for leave days would create additional fiscal impact. Members debated whether the bill should pay the full Medicaid rate, a flat reduced rate, or a tiered rate, and discussed whether a cap or department authorization should be used to control use of leave days. The department said it was not supporting the change as it was not in the governor’s budget, though it supported family engagement in care.
After discussion, the committee settled on a compromise motion to set therapeutic leave days at a $500 daily rate and require department authorization of the number of leave days. The motion passed 6-2, with Representative Anderson voting no and the rest of the recorded members voting yes. The committee then moved on to Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation budget materials, where Michelle Zander walked through detailed population and rate calculations for women’s and men’s facilities, county holds, deferred admissions, transitional facilities, work release, and proposed reentry, man camp, and Grand Forks-related costs. Members asked about the county jail reimbursement rates and the overall pool of funds, and Zander explained the calculations and noted the proposal was roughly break-even depending on assumptions.
The committee also heard an overview of DOCR IT requests from Amy and NDIT staff, including data processing, medical modules, a new client management system, body scanners, data management tools, facility management software, medical software upgrades, college solutions, and body cameras/tasers. Staff explained that the new client management system would likely be a multi-phase project with a wide cost range based on vendor selection and scope, and that the current request was for phase one. Members emphasized the importance of better data tracking, staff safety tools, and information that could help explain programming and release outcomes to the public. The committee planned to continue with Veterans Affairs the next day and then return to Senate Bill 2015.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Generally speaking, if the P-TET, or if the SALT cap is extended and P-TET is also extended under this
- proposal, P-TET is largely revenue neutral for the state.
- But regardless, that's very small in comparison to the overall size of the P-TECH program.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections Jun 1st, 2025 at 03:03 pm
Legislative Operations and Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's spelled P-E-R-S-A-U-D-S-A-M-O-R-A.
- This is Lynn Chapman, L-Y-N-N-C-H-A-P-M-A-N, and I'm the State Vice President of Nevada Families for
- My name is Cynthia Perrine, C-Y-N-T-H-I-A-P-E-R-I-N-E.
Committee:
Senate Legislative Operations and Elections
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There being five ayes, zero nays, and zero P&Vs, the motion prevails.
- There being 5 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 P&Vs, the motion prevails.
- There being five ayes, zero nays, and zero P&Vs, the motion prevails.
Committee:
House S/C on Juvenile Justice
Keywords:
juvenile justice, correctional facilities, reform, rehabilitation, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, alcohol awareness, court-ordered programs, substance misuse education, deferred disposition, youth, parole reform, inmates under 18, mental health, educational achievement, reintegration, foster youth, behavior intervention, community services, diversion policies, HB 5653
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Apr 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- In order to prove that, you would have to apply, and I would assume putting in balance sheets and P&Ls
- have to demonstrate that to the Department of Commerce, but my guess is that would be submission of P&
- Because it seems to me that their competitors would go and say, hey, I want to... ...I want the P&Ls
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development considered a full agenda of transportation, economic development, housing, emergency services, and specialty license plate bills. Several measures were explained and advanced without opposition, including the Department of Transportation agency bill (CS/CS/SB 1662), a Purple Heart toll exemption bill (CS/SB 574), a Florida Highway Patrol specialty plate bill (CS/SB 824), a construction disruption assistance loan program for small businesses (CS/CS/SB 324), a manufactured housing assistance bill for local housing plans (CS/SB 1714), a foreign agents registration bill (CS/CS/SB 766), military academy specialty plates (CS/SB 1024), a Safe Coastal Wildlife specialty plate (CS/SB 1246), an emergency services warning-light bill (CS/SB 1644), the Florida Wildflower specialty plate (SB 1152), and a toll exemption bill for 100% disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients (CS/SB 532).
The committee adopted amendments on several bills. On CS/CS/SB 1662, Senator Collins’ strike-all amendment made a range of DOT-related changes, including the Florida Transportation Academy, seaport and airport accountability provisions, and allowing cranes to move under special blanket permits at night. On CS/CS/SB 324, the committee adopted a delete-everything amendment and a further amendment removing liability language; the bill would create a revolving loan program for small businesses harmed by public works construction, with members raising concerns about eligibility, verification of losses, and public records issues for financial documents. On CS/SB 766, an amendment clarified definitions and aligned the bill with federal FARA standards, including a 20% beneficial ownership threshold. On CS/SB 532, an amendment added Purple Heart recipients to the toll exemption.
Testimony and debate were generally supportive, with several outside witnesses appearing in favor of the bills, including Florida PBA, the Florida Manufactured Homeowners Federation, the Florida Manufactured Housing Association, the Center for Security Policy, and the Florida Wildflower Foundation. Members highlighted constituent impacts and policy concerns on a few measures, especially the construction disruption loan bill and the disabled veteran toll exemption, where some senators suggested narrowing the scope or adding protections. All bills considered were reported favorably, and senators later requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected tabs before the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Apr 10th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- In order to prove that, you would have to apply, and I would assume putting in balance sheets and P&Ls
- have to demonstrate that to the Department of Commerce, but my guess is that would be submission of P&
- Because it seems to me that their competitors would go and say, hey, I want the P&Ls and balance sheets
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met to consider a full agenda of bills, beginning with CS/CS/SB 1662, the Department of Transportation agency bill. Senator Collins presented a strike-all amendment that retained creation of the Florida Transportation Academy, clarified the Florida Transportation Research Institute, restored legislative budget commission review for certain work program amendments, adjusted small-business and supply-chain grant provisions, added airport and seaport accountability measures, and allowed special blanket permits for oversized cranes to travel at night under FDOT safety protocols. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also favorably reported SB 574, allowing Florida Purple Heart license plate holders to pass tolls free, and CS/SB 824, creating a specialty plate supporting Florida Highway Patrol troopers and scholarships.
The committee then took up CS/SB 324, which creates a revolving low-interest loan program at the Department of Commerce for small businesses harmed by significant public works construction. Senator Smith described a local example involving prolonged sewer work in Orlando that hurt businesses in the Lake Ivanhoe district. Members raised concerns about fiscal impact, eligibility standards, proof of loss, business age, and whether financial records should be protected from public disclosure. The bill was amended to remove a hotline, add a webpage, and refine liability language, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee also favorably reported CS/SB 1714, requiring local housing assistance plans to include support for mobile home owners, including lot-rent assistance; CS/SB 766, revising registration requirements for agents and organizations tied to foreign countries of concern; and CS/SB 1024, creating specialty plates for the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy.
Additional measures approved included CS/SB 1246, authorizing a Save Coastal Wildlife specialty plate with proceeds going to the Zoo Miami Foundation; CS/SB 1644, expanding warning light use for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and organ transport vehicles, with discussion focused on Hatzalah emergency services; SB 1152, increasing the Florida Wildflower specialty plate fee to support conservation, research, and native seed industry development; and CS/SB 532, exempting 100% disabled veterans from tolls. An amendment to SB 532 also added Purple Heart recipients to the toll exemption. Several members requested to be recorded voting in the affirmative on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned after all bills were reported favorably.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
HF2258 heard in House workforce, labor and economic development committee 3/25/25
Transcript Highlights:
- /c><00:10:53.519><c> thank</c><00:10:53.639><c> you</c><00:10:53.800><c> chair</c><00:10:54.000><c> P<
- /c><00:10:54.320><c> thank</c> perspective too thank you chair P thank perspective too thank you chair
- P thank you<00:10:54.519><c> Mr</c><00:10:54.720><c> chair</c><00:10:55.120><c> um</c><00:10:55.760>
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- recommendation on S SP 1092 Arts chair's recommendation on S SP 1092 is<00:15:15.000><c> to</c><00:15:15.279><c> P<
- c> with</c><00:15:16.440><c> amendments</c><00:15:17.440><c> okay</c><00:15:18.040><c> uh</c> is to P
- pass with amendments okay uh is to P pass with amendments okay uh chair<00:15:18.800><c> V</c><00:15:
Committee:
Senate Government Operations
Summary:
The joint hearing of the Government Operations and Transportation, Culture and the Arts committees considered three bills. SB 1092 would establish a transportation demand management program for state employees, including a parking cash-out option. Testimony was largely in support, including from state planning, energy, labor, and several individuals, while committee members raised concerns about whether the program was mandatory and whether there was a full implementation plan. The bill’s proponents said it was voluntary and intended to reduce long parking waitlists by incentivizing employees to opt out of parking. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1092 be passed with amendments, and the measure was adopted in both committees.
SB 1093 would create a parking demand management program and require DAGS to transition state employees from monthly parking to daily-rate parking. Testimony included strong opposition from most individuals and several agencies, with one supporter. A committee question focused on the loss of pre-tax payroll deductions under a daily-rate system, and the Deputy Attorney General explained that the current monthly arrangement allows deductions from gross pay, which would not work the same way with daily payments. Given the opposition and concerns, the committees recommended deferral indefinitely.
SB 1121 would establish a procurement preference, beginning in 2027, for construction companies with electric vehicles. Testimony included comments from DAGS, the Department of Transportation, and others, with opposition noted from DOT. Committee members questioned charging infrastructure and battery disposal for electric vehicles used in construction. After discussion, the committees concluded it was in the best interest to defer the measure.