Video & Transcript Research : 'instream flow'
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Rodney Scott, of Oklahoma, to be Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. Apr 30th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I watched CBP officers fine-tune operations to maximize the flow of legal trade and travel that fuels
- the ports can cover more area, but at the ports of entry, the immediate result of slowing down that flow
- can show how we save man-hours but the most important thing you mentioned already is reducing the flow
- The actual seizures, not the total flow, but the known seizures. Are made at ports of entry?
- To expedite the flow of people through the border that we've already identified that trusted travelers
Keywords:
Customs and Border Protection, Rodney Scott, border security, asylum, transparency, Hernandez Rojas, migrant treatment, public testimony
Summary:
The meeting centered on the nomination of Rodney Scott to serve as the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Throughout the session, various senators expressed concerns regarding CBP's recent practices, including issues related to border security and the treatment of migrants. Questions were raised about Scott's involvement in previous incidents, particularly surrounding the controversial death of Mr. Hernandez Rojas while in custody, which sparked a heated discussion about accountability and transparency in current border policies. Senators emphasized the importance of balancing efficient border security with humane treatment of individuals seeking asylum.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Mar 18th, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- to reduce pollution through state departments or existing grants within these departments. funds to flow
- Considering that the fund didn't have any money in it, you can't really start flowing money in if it
- It does that by allowing a variety and a wide diverse range of revenues to flow into the funds.
- Anything in excess would flow into the Medicaid trust. Mr.
- themselves, and the original purpose of the strategic water reserve was to improve stream flows.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 7 on Accountability and Oversight Feb 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And if there's action in Washington that is going to further restrict the flow of back into California
- The first is that I will provide an overview of how federal funding flows from the federal government
- And there are three major pathways, major flows in this flow chart.
- So that's essentially the bottom part of the flow chart.
- Can you speak of the flow of California's dollars and contributions to the state?
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 13, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Clark mentioned, we have to monitor our cash flows accordingly.
- Clark mentioned, we have to monitor our cash flows accordingly.
- So the money doesn't flow between, say, housing and athletics or wellness.
- So the money doesn't flow between, say, housing and athletics or wellness, and so, you know, there is
- And for us at UCF, we want to make sure we step into that flow and we continue to grow this metric as
Summary:
The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to hear an overview of State University System finances from the Board of Governors and detailed budget presentations from Florida State University, the University of Central Florida, and the University of North Florida. The witnesses explained how university budgets are organized into fund categories such as education and general, contracts and grants, auxiliaries, local/designated funds, capital projects, and component units such as direct support organizations. They also described carry forward funds, the statutory reserve and spending-plan requirements, the PICO/HECO capital outlay process, and how universities use investment accounts, audits, and board oversight to manage restricted and unspent funds. The universities emphasized that most operating dollars are restricted to specific uses and that state support helps keep tuition low.
Members asked about differences in funding levels among institutions, especially why FSU receives more funding than UCF despite lower enrollment. Officials said preeminence funding, performance funding, and special legislative appropriations explain much of the difference, and the Board of Governors noted that Florida now has four preeminent universities, with UCF nearing that status. Questions also focused on what happens to unspent carry forward money, how it is invested, and whether the Board of Governors or Legislature can require funds to be returned; officials said the money is invested conservatively, subject to board and audit oversight, and can roll forward under a detailed spending plan, though the Legislature can change funding levels. The committee also discussed capital projects, with members asking about delays, inflation, and whether more projects should be phased or funded faster; witnesses said PICO funds remain with the state until needed and are reimbursed as construction proceeds.
A substantial portion of the discussion covered athletics, research, student fees, and endowments. The universities said athletics is generally expected to be self-supporting, though limited use of auxiliary or carry forward funds may be allowed for projects benefiting the broader student body. They also described the financial pressures from name, image, and likeness changes and new NCAA-related costs, and said institutions are planning for those changes now. On research, the universities explained sponsored research funding, indirect cost recovery, compliance obligations, and tech transfer, but did not provide specific commercialization revenue figures and said they would follow up. Members also asked about student fee increases, student input, counseling and wellness funding, and how housing costs affect affordability; the universities said student committees and boards review fees, and aid packaging is intended to keep student debt low. Endowments were described as being held in separate foundations/DSOs with independent investment committees and used mainly for scholarships, faculty support, and research.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/20/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- :07:32.759>
would organization of the discussion would organization of the discussion would flow - >
offer <00:07:34.319>the <00:07:34.520>best <00:07:34.800>opportunity flow - happened and flowed across the dod<00:29:46.279>
or <00:29:46.519>the <00:29:47.159> - the Departments and the re revenues flow the Departments and the re revenues flow to<00:47:57.839
- <00:48:47.520>
as formula the state specials flow as formula the state specials flow as directed
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- I want business to flow too.
- I want business to flow too.
- into it because it has to flow into it because it has to flow somewhere.<01:18:33.840>
They - going to flow it off into it. going to flow it off into it.
- can guarantee you they are going to flow can guarantee you they are going to flow in<01:26:09.120
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with a prayer by Pastor Jeremy Ward and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sophia Woods. A quorum was established with 27 senators present, and the Senate adopted routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the previous day’s journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The chamber also referred Executive Message 69, appointing Brandy Williams to the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards and Education Commission, to the Committee on Confirmations.
The Senate received several Judiciary Committee reports. House Bills 41 and 149 and Senate Bills 230, 87, 169, 238, and 233 were reported favorably, with amendments on Senate Bills 87, 169, and 233. Those measures received second reading and were placed on the calendar for the next legislative day. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 31, commending Mackenzie Grace Stigel, and Senate Joint Resolution 32, recognizing the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science for its national ranking; guests from the school were welcomed in the gallery.
The Rules Committee report was then adopted by a 33-0 vote, setting a special order calendar that included Senate Bill 71 on administrative rules, along with several other bills on dredging, county subdivisions, legislative matters, public corruption, rural hospital investment, minority affairs, campaign finance, and natural resources. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 71, the “sound science” bill, which would limit state agencies from adopting environmental rules more stringent than federal law and require science-based standards where federal law is absent. Senator Coleman-Madison offered an amendment to preserve stronger scientific and causal standards, arguing the bill could weaken protections in heavily burdened communities; the amendment failed on a roll call vote of 25 nays to 1 yea. Senators then continued debating the bill’s effect on ADEM’s authority, emergency rulemaking, federal standards, and environmental enforcement in Alabama.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's precipitation, stream flow, and fill back up, basically.
- Could be a minimum amount of spring flow that you want to preserve.
- We cleared them all. all out and it started flowing again.
- And those losing streams can sometimes go dry or have lower flow. flows.
- and stream flows and things like that.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Education (3-3-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Transportation will flow down through the district.
- Outside private money could flow into the district.
- Outside private money could flow into the district.
- >
down formula the Lo the money flows down formula the Lo the money flows down through<00:29:30.440 - eventually see more money uh flowing eventually see more money uh flowing into<00:30:08.880>
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Education met with a quorum and first took up Senate Bill 68, which was presented by Kentucky Department of Education staff as a cleanup measure to reduce duplicative or outdated reporting requirements. The bill, as amended by a committee substitute, would streamline reporting on local wellness policies, school breakfast programs, school budgets, audits, and school nutrition assessments, while preserving existing requirements to adopt wellness and physical activity policies and maintain audit obligations. Members asked whether removing reporting on physical activity and related topics would weaken oversight; KDE responded that districts would still have to adopt the policies and be reviewed under federal nutrition monitoring, but the state reports were often incomplete, hard to compare, and not especially useful. The committee adopted the substitute and passed SB 68 unanimously.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 207, the School Innovation Act, sponsored by Senator West. The bill would create an optional program allowing school districts to apply to the Kentucky Board of Education for waivers from certain administrative regulations and establish three-year “schools of innovation,” potentially with third-party partners, to give struggling schools more flexibility and a fresh start. Senator West said the model was inspired by a visit to a school of innovation in South Carolina and by examples from South Carolina and Indiana, and he argued that the bill would let districts try new approaches without mandating participation. He also said existing “district of innovation” language in statute is a relic and that the bill would replace it with a school-based model.
Committee members asked about fiscal impact, eligibility, and whether the bill was limited to failing schools. Senator West said the fiscal note was indeterminate because participation is voluntary and could range from none to many districts, but he expected little direct budget change and possible outside philanthropic funding if a district chose to participate. He said the bill does not limit participation to the bottom 5% of schools and would be left to local district discretion. Members also raised whether high-performing or specialized schools could use the model; West said yes, if a district chose. Supportive testimony emphasized that the bill could reduce burdensome oversight and allow schools more flexibility to innovate. The discussion ended with continued questions and no final action recorded in the excerpt.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/12/2026 - House Rural Economic Development
Rural Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- dedicated sentry lane going from the Mexican side, and it sits on top of the stormwater tunnels that flow
- dedicated sentry lane going from the Mexican side, and it sits on top of the stormwater tunnels that flow
- So it causes concerns for just local flow of traffic, as well as traffic trying to flow into Mexico.
- left is the same thing as southbound, but this is actually in the port of entry and how that traffic flows
- So Nogales, Sonora sits at an elevation that's a little bit higher, so all water flows into...
Keywords:
utility consumer, rate intervention, public service corporation, Arizona Revised Statutes, residential rates, consumer protection, appropriation, Apache Junction, tourism, recreation, Superstition trails, funding, infrastructure, C-PACE, capital expenditure, special assessment, property improvement, local government financing, energy efficiency, water conservation
Summary:
The committee began with a presentation on the modernization of the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona. Testimony from the port authority chair, a county supervisor, and the Nogales mayor emphasized that the port is outdated, flood-prone, congested, and a safety concern because CBP facilities and traffic lanes sit on or near the international boundary and stormwater infrastructure. Speakers said the port is critical to local and state commerce, tourism, and tax revenue, and requested state support and letters backing federal funding efforts. Members discussed the sewer/stormwater flooding issue, the estimated $1.5 billion to $2 billion cost, and the need for federal action; the chair said a letter of support would be prepared for committee members to sign.
The committee then heard and passed HB 2237, which appropriates $4.5 million for Apache Junction’s Superstition Trails and visitor gateway project, and HB 2926, the Workforce Housing Accelerator Act. HB 2926 would create expedited permitting for workforce housing, provide a single point of contact, reduce the state portion of prime contracting tax for qualifying projects, and lower the population threshold for certain industrial development authority bond actions. After an amendment, the bill passed 6-1. Testimony in support came from the sponsor and housing advocates, who said the bill would help address Arizona’s missing-middle housing shortage and reduce regulatory delays.
The committee also passed HB 2113, which would require RUCO to intervene in utility rate cases when proposed residential rate increases are 100% or more. The sponsor argued RUCO should focus more on rural customers facing large percentage increases, while RUCO’s director said the office has only nine staff, a $1.9 million budget, and limited capacity, warning the bill could increase costs and delay cases. Members discussed rural ratepayer impacts, and the bill passed 5-1-1. HB 2824, authorizing local C-PACE programs for voluntary financing of commercial property improvements, also passed unanimously after testimony that it would support energy, water, and infrastructure upgrades without state general fund exposure. Finally, HB 2939, a rural investment tax credit bill tied to large qualifying investments and net new jobs, passed unanimously after Lucid Motors testified in support. The committee held HB 2950 due to time and adjourned, noting it would be heard first next week.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on State & Local Government (3-3-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- More concerning is the fact that TRS has experienced an annual negative cash flow of over $900 million
- /c><00:05:39.360>
over <00:05:39.560>$900 <00:05:40.160>million negative cash flow - of over $900 million negative cash flow of over $900 million in<00:05:41.160>
recent <00:05:41.639 - facing yearly siky bucket TRS is facing yearly negative<00:14:50.360>
cash <00:14:50.600>flow - ><00:14:50.880>
and <00:14:51.040>while <00:14:51.600>increment negative cash flow
Summary:
The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first took up Senate Bill 193, described as a simple measure to restore a wallet card for jailers to carry when outside the jail. The chair noted the fiscal impact was essentially zero, there were no questions, and the committee voted to pass the bill 9-0.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 9, a proposal focused on the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS). The sponsor argued TRS remains underfunded despite large state contributions, cited rising unfunded liability and negative cash flow, and said the bill is intended to standardize and limit what sick leave, personal leave, and annual leave can count toward retirement calculations. The bill would generally cap TRS retirement credit at 10 sick days and 2 personal days per year, prevent annual leave from being rolled into sick leave, require more uniform reporting and oversight from participating districts and agencies, and shift costs to districts that offer benefits beyond TRS limits. The sponsor also said the bill would add 30 maternity leave days, allow voluntary supplemental contributions for Tier Four teachers, and include a floor amendment directing the state auditor to audit TRS and report on agency leave policies.
During the presentation, the sponsor emphasized fairness, transparency, and accountability, and used a hypothetical high-salary administrator to illustrate how leave payouts can increase retirement benefits and create additional unfunded liability. Senator Mills thanked the sponsor and said members had been working to understand the issue, but no committee action on Senate Bill 9 was completed in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (02/18/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, we don't want the stuff to flow out of the landfill area into drinking water.
- You know, we don't want the stuff to flow out of the landfill area into drinking water.
- You know, we don't want the stuff to flow out of the landfill area into drinking water.
- The leachate would flow if, God forbid, there was a leak.
- when it flows it's going to go and flow when it flows it's going to go and flow to<02:48:33.000>
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Commission to Study Stable Tokens (05/13/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- the flows the flows uh,<00:48:36.440>
between <00:48:37.720>uh, <00:48:38.200>institutions - financial uh flow. financial uh flow.
- little bit about tokenized deposit flow. little bit about tokenized deposit flow.
- Uh, flowed through.
- flow into tokenized deposits. flow into tokenized deposits.
Summary:
The meeting opened with roll call, confirmation of a quorum, and approval of the April 6 and May 4 minutes, with minor corrections noted to the May minutes. The main presentation came from JD of Link Network, introduced by Dan Cohen, who described Link’s work with crypto.com and other market participants on tokenized money market funds and real-time settlement for institutional clients.
JD gave a detailed history of his earlier work developing the Arca U.S. Treasury Fund and ArCoin, emphasizing that the project was built within existing SEC and 1940 Act frameworks and was intended to use blockchain technology for a traditional asset rather than create a crypto product. He said the effort involved years of discussions with the SEC, multiple custodians, and partners such as U.S. Bank, T-Zero Securities, and Tassat, and that the model eventually led to Link’s settlement system. He highlighted concerns that shaped the design, including regulatory compliance, privacy for institutional users, and the need to bridge traditional banking hours with 24/7 digital asset markets.
The presentation also described Link’s features, including segregated and bankruptcy-remote fund structures, tokenized deposit and treasury fund settlement, and “yield in transit,” which allows interest to accrue and be distributed daily down to a two-second block. JD said the platform is being expanded for use cases such as exchange liquidity, cross-border capital movement, off-exchange collateral, stablecoin bridging, treasury management, and peer-to-peer settlement. He closed by posing policy questions for the commission about the use cases for stablecoins versus tokenized money market funds in New Hampshire and whether the state could issue or administer a security-based program with appropriate compliance controls.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- But you look at the debate in it, there's a cash flow problem.
- And this, as you look at Pulaski County, may be having cash flow problems.
- Last year, $120 million was taken out of a one-time account to keep this program cash flowing.
- It is not cash flowing. It is in the red and it's underwater.
- And now we're using one-time money to cash flow this?
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Environment and Natural Resources Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The river has lost flow, considerable flow, over the last 10 to 20 years, and And with the drought now
- It probably will stop flowing before rainy season starts.
- We do need to increase flows.
- We would prefer that increased flows were handled more expeditiously now through limited permits and
- Look, I know that this rule needs to be ratified so that we can restore water flow.
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and took up several environmental bills and one confirmation. First, the committee considered SB 1422 on surface waters, which was amended with a strike-all focused on coral reef protection and designation of coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure. Senator Garcia described the amendment as a way to support restoration, disaster resilience, and access to federal funding; Audubon Florida waived in support. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS for SB 1422 favorably.
The committee next considered SPB 7034, a DEP rule ratification concerning the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee River minimum flows and levels and recovery strategy. Senator Rodriguez explained the rule would replace prior MFLs and allow longer permits, while opponents from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates argued the plan relies too heavily on one future wastewater reuse project, delays restoration, and lacks a clear funding source. DEP and JEA waived in support. After debate, the committee approved the motion to submit the proposal as a committee bill; the measure was favorably reported, with Senator Smith voting no.
The committee then heard SB 1510 on DEP-related matters, as amended. The strike-all addressed Outstanding Florida Springs B-MAP mediation plans, septic system upgrades where sewer is unavailable, rural cost-share eligibility, notice to property owners, rulemaking procedures, and land acquisition governance, while removing biosolids and fee provisions. Florida Springs Council opposed the 60-day delay for B-MAP effectiveness, saying it could slow restoration and allow more conventional septic systems to be installed before stricter requirements take effect. DEP and others supported the bill. The committee reported CS for SB 1510 favorably. It also heard SB 1196 on waste facilities, which would prohibit new ash-producing incinerators and waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of certain federally authorized water impoundment areas, with an amendment narrowing the bill to Miami-Dade and Broward County. Supporters, including the City of Miramar, said it would protect water resources and Everglades restoration; opponents from the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition warned it would limit local solid waste options and could force more landfilling. The committee adopted the amendment and reported CS for SB 1196 favorably.
Finally, the committee considered SB 912 on battery collection and recovery, establishing a battery stewardship program and requiring producers and retailers to join a stewardship organization by 2028. Supporters from the battery industry and recycling sector said the bill would reduce fires and keep batteries out of the waste stream. The committee adopted the amendment and reported CS for SB 912 favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and then adjourned.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board Mar 31st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, is it cash flow that becomes a problem with real estate?
- Leased out, if those lease rates are lower because there's less demand, you know, the cash flows are
- We haven't seen them flow through the fund recently. You know, if I may, Chairman, continue.
- We haven't seen them flow through the fund recently. You know, if I may, Chairman, continue.
- But the profits flow back here, we're still getting some benefit.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Jan 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The last slide here will be our minimum flows and levels.
- Geological Survey, and we received federal funding to support water flow measurements associated with
- And each of those springs has an adopted minimum flow and level as required by statute.
- Johns River and restore those flows.
- Another priority is $1.8 million for minimum flows and levels establishment.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from the Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida water management districts for FY 2026-2027. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and priorities within the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Common themes included reduced budgets from the prior year due to completion of major projects, continued reliance on state appropriations and ad valorem revenue, rising construction and maintenance costs, and the need to maintain aging infrastructure while advancing alternative water supply, springs restoration, flood control, and land management projects.
Committee members repeatedly asked how much of each district’s budget and personnel were devoted to the core missions, how maintenance and operating projections were developed, and how projects were selected. The districts generally said most spending was tied to core responsibilities, with administrative overhead relatively small, and explained that budgets are built through a mix of staff analysis, governing board direction, strategic basin planning, and cooperative funding with local, state, and federal partners. Several districts highlighted specific projects, including Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Taylor Creek Reservoir improvements, Crane Creek, Everglades restoration, and various springs and watershed projects. The districts also noted challenges from hurricanes, inflation, cybersecurity, and aging water control structures.
South Florida Water Management District’s presentation focused on Everglades restoration and the large-scale infrastructure needed to move, store, and clean water in South Florida. The director said the district’s $1.05 billion preliminary budget is largely for flood control, water supply, ecosystem restoration, and maintenance of extensive canals, levees, pumps, and reservoirs, and emphasized that recent restoration investments are producing measurable water quality and salinity improvements. No votes were taken on the district budgets, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Jan 21st, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- The last slide here will be our minimum flows and levels.
- We received federal funding to support water flow measurements associated with flood protection and flood
- And each of those springs has an adopted minimum flow and level as required by statute.
- Johns River and restore those flows.
- Another priority is $1.8 million for minimum flows and levels establishment.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from all five water management districts for FY 2026-2027: Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and how most of its spending is tied to the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Several directors noted budget reductions from the prior year largely because major projects were completed or because grant/appropriation funding is not yet fully reflected in preliminary budgets. Committee members repeatedly asked how districts project operations and maintenance costs, how projects are selected, and what share of staff and spending is devoted to core missions versus administration or regulatory work.
Northwest Florida Water Management District said its preliminary budget is $93.4 million, down about 15%, with 97% of spending tied to core responsibilities and a request for additional regulatory services funding. Suwannee River Water Management District presented a $70.4 million budget, emphasized its rural/agricultural character and spring protection work, and highlighted the Water First North Florida reclaimed-water recharge project; members also discussed its need for an additional FTE to handle consumptive use permit reviews tied to a new lower Santa Fe rule. St. Johns River Water Management District presented a $181 million budget, highlighted major water supply, water quality, flood protection, and land management projects such as Taylor Creek Reservoir, Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Crane Creek, and Lake Jessup restoration, and said about 93% of its budget supports core missions.
Southwest Florida Water Management District presented a $227.6 million budget, with major spending on alternative water supply, water control structure repairs, watershed projects, and land management; officials said 93.4% of the budget supports core missions and discussed rising construction costs for aging infrastructure. South Florida Water Management District presented the largest budget at $1.05 billion, focused on Everglades restoration, flood control, water supply, and ecosystem recovery; the director described major reservoirs and treatment projects, the EAA Reservoir, and ongoing efforts to improve water quality and restore flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay. The committee took no formal votes on the district budgets and adjourned after the presentations and questions.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice May 6th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- The only concern I have, Senator, when I just heard you read that list, is traveling against the flow
- And traveling against the flow, like you could do as much harm and damage traveling with the flow, yet
- The only concern I have, Senator, when I just heard you read that list, is traveling against the flow
- I've defended a lot... ...against the flow of traffic.
- And traveling against the flow, like you could do as much harm and damage traveling with the flow, yet
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 6, 2026, and considered a series of juvenile justice, criminal procedure, public corruption, domestic violence, sentencing, and victim-notification measures. Early in the meeting, SB 396 was amended and reported favorably to allow children in Office of Juvenile Justice custody to attend review hearings by secure video conference, with OJJ staff also participating virtually. SB 181 was amended and reported favorably to create a limited raffle license for nonprofit health care organizations within a single health system. SB 81, a bill requiring prosecutorial consent before a defendant may waive a jury trial in a non-capital felony case, drew extensive debate; supporters said it would align Louisiana with federal practice and other states, while opponents argued it would give the state more power and reduce defendants’ control over their own trial rights. After testimony from district attorneys, defense lawyers, and advocacy groups, the committee reported SB 81 favorably by a 7-3 vote.
The committee then took up SB 207, which extends the prescriptive period for prosecuting certain corruption offenses committed by elected officials and public employees to 10 years after they leave office. Supporters said it would help prevent officials from using their influence to avoid prosecution; opponents raised concerns about optics and scope. The bill was reported favorably by an 8-3 vote. SB 92, requiring district attorneys to submit sexual assault kits to the statewide tracking system, was also reported favorably without objection. SB 156, which increases the maximum penalty for negligent homicide and includes special treatment for cases involving children under 13, was reported favorably after sponsors said they would make a technical fix before floor debate. SB 58, imposing a mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated flight from a law enforcement officer and dedicating fine revenue to pursuit training and technology, was reported favorably after supporters cited fatal high-speed pursuits and law enforcement backing.
Later, the committee approved SB 97, the constitutional amendment companion to SB 81, after similar testimony for and against the proposal; it was reported favorably by a 7-3 vote. SB 141, moving the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Policy Board’s functions to the Louisiana Supreme Court, was reported favorably without objection. SB 410, increasing penalties for accessories after the fact to sex offenses, was also reported favorably. The committee then considered HB 251, which requires notice to victims or their families in resentencing proceedings; after amendments and testimony about post-conviction procedure and possible unintended consequences, it was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HCR 50, a resolution calling for reports on opioid abatement and treatment programs in correctional facilities and guidance on available funding; the sponsor described it as a study effort to improve access to treatment and recovery, and the resolution was moved favorably.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- depending on how much water flows depending on how much water flows through<00:23:19.240>
the - So, you mentioned that you do get revenue on the water that flows through.
- Is that similarly that you would have revenue off of what flows through?
- It's based on the water flow, so the more water that flows, the more money the town of Derry makes.
- The more water that flows, the more money the town of Derry makes.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel and Public Retirement (7-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- as in place to make sure the money flows as less<00:24:46.320>
and <00:24:46.480>less < - the master selling agreement money flows the master selling agreement money flows through<00:31:
- <00:31:28.080>
uh <00:31:28.240>flow money would actually flow uh flow money would - actually flow uh flow through<00:31:28.640>
the <00:31:28.720>formula <00:31:29.120> - Yep. to make money and they're able to cash to make money and they're able to cash flow<01:00:37.680>
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:15
Office of the Secretary of State 00:01:59
Office of the Attorney General 00:12:40
Department of Agriculture 00:22:44, 958, all
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement heard presentations from the Secretary of State, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Agriculture. Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office had no major new budget or authority requests, but he updated members on voter-roll maintenance, ongoing litigation over a law preventing voting in multiple states, the Safe at Home program for domestic violence survivors, human trafficking outreach, reduced spending, and new anti-fraud measures for business registrations and electronic service of process.
Members then discussed Adams’ remarks, especially his criticism of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. One senator objected that the organization should not be shut out of the legislative process, citing First Amendment concerns. Adams responded that he was not seeking to ban anyone from speaking, but wanted lawmakers to remember the harm he believes the group’s litigation does to election integrity and bipartisan reform. Representative Jackson praised Adams and his staff for their work.
Deputy Attorney General Rob Duncan outlined the office’s work, including criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, body armor grants, administrative hearings, domestic violence and violent crime initiatives, election security, child support services, and the new Office of Data Privacy. He said the child support program transition from CHFS had created budget shortfalls and that the office would seek additional funding next session. In response to questions from Representative Lockett, Duncan said he did not yet have exact cost figures but expected funding needs and noted barriers related to personnel, budgeting, and integration. The committee also heard from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, who highlighted the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy’s 25th anniversary, the new Office of Economic Development, and the role of Miss Kentucky in promoting agriculture. He said the department would seek recruitment and retention funding, possible staffing for EV station inspections, and continued support to make the agriculture economic development fund permanent.