Transcript Highlights:

• So this seems to be a lot like collecting tolls on a toll road. We do that automated.
• I told him if there are any analogies that we could use, and he said toll roads.
• So that we can continue to have good roads in Oklahoma that aren't toll roads.
• They can be roads that don't require an extra toll fee on them.

Bills: SB1312, SB1323, SB1599, SB1863, SB1932, SB1950, SB1956, SB1958, SB1966, SB1970, SB2052

Keywords: vehicle registration, automatic payments, Service Oklahoma, taxes, motor vehicle, prepayment program, memorial designation, highway, Sheriff Marty Grisham, transportation, Oklahoma Statutes, memorial bridge, dedication, Oklahoma, commemoration, memorial highway, road designation, John Skelley, motor carrier, administrative hearing

Transcript Highlights:

• State and federal law prevents you from being able to put a toll on a road that was already built with
• taxpayer dollars if there is no extension or expansion of the road that the tolling is paying for.
• is paying for. ...or expansion of the road that the tolling is paying for, and that they could build
• a new one and toll it, but that still doesn't explain what to do in the interim before you have the
• toll in place.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of water, parks, transportation, species protection, and fisheries bills. AB 430 would require the State Water Resources Control Board to publish an economic and environmental impact study when emergency water regulations are extended over multiple years; the author and supporters from agricultural and water groups said it would add transparency without limiting emergency authority. AB 1139 would expand a CEQA exemption to let county park agencies open existing roads and trails for non-motorized recreation, with supporters emphasizing access to nature and opponents warning about impacts to sensitive habitat, tribal resources, and fire risk. AB 929 would temporarily exempt small community water systems and managed wetlands from certain SGMA pumping reductions and fines; supporters said it would protect vulnerable communities and wetlands, while farm and water coalition opponents argued it would undermine basin-wide groundwater management and shift burdens to other users. AB 1225, creating an Accessibility Advisory Committee for State Parks, drew broad support and passed unanimously. The committee also heard AB 514, which would encourage local water suppliers to develop emergency water supplies for drought and service interruptions; it passed with broad support, though one member cautioned against using scientific research as a loophole. AB 550 would let developers seek incidental take permits for species under consideration for listing, aimed at reducing delays for clean energy projects; environmental groups supported the goal but asked for clearer standards, limits on using research as mitigation, and a fee provision, and the bill passed as amended. AB 697 would authorize an incidental take permit for the State Route 37 interim project in Solano and Marin counties, balancing congestion relief and habitat restoration; supporters stressed long commutes and urgent restoration deadlines, while opponents raised climate, sea-level-rise, and tribal concerns. The bill passed, with some members noting they would continue to work on the measure. Other measures discussed included AB 975, which would give Sutter County a narrow, temporary exemption from streambed alteration agreements for certain damaged small bridges and culverts; county officials described repeated flood damage and long permitting delays, and the bill passed as amended. AB 1056 would phase out transferability of set gillnet permits after 2027, allowing only a final family transfer; supporters framed it as a gradual response to bycatch concerns, while fishing industry opponents said it would unfairly target an existing fishery and set a bad precedent. The committee also took up AB 1146, described by the author as a response to politically motivated water releases; supporters from conservation and water organizations backed the bill. Several bills were voted out to Appropriations, some were left open for later action or add-ons, and the committee repeatedly noted it was working through the agenda without a quorum early in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> It turns out that the toll increase bill that was coming from the Senate is now on the table in
• Also, the governor has said she is opposed to a toll increase.
• out that the toll increase bill<00:19:57.039> that<00:19:57.280> was<00:19:57.440>
• <00:20:08.880> So, she is opposed to a toll increase.
• So, she is opposed to a toll increase.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• neutrality is that the canal must be open to all nations for transit, that's Article 2; equitable tolls
• And finally, Article 3.1c requires that, quote, "tolls and other charges be just, reasonable, equitable
• We are hearing that the toll structure disadvantages U.S. companies, that the Canal Authority has begun
• The regular toll revenue has increased in terms of the canal.
• As a single waterway, we cannot afford unilateral toll hikes that choke out competition and leave our

Transcript Highlights:

• My concern is, where in Florida statutes does it say that the statute of limitations will be tolled during
• Where is it stated that the statute of limitations is tolled? You're recognized. Thank you, Mr.
• however, the statute of limitations for any petition, writ, or action brought under this paragraph is tolled
• And so I filed an amendment that says that, that tolls the statute of limitations period for that brief
• And so I filed an amendment that says that, that tolls the statute of limitations period for that brief

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a long agenda of 20 bills, beginning with CS/HB 1173 on the Florida Trust Code, which clarified that the Florida Attorney General is the only public official with standing to enforce charitable trusts administered in Florida; it was amended and reported favorably. The committee also unanimously or near-unanimously approved several claims and relief bills, including HB 6507 for Marcus Button, HB 6523 for Darlene Engerville and J.R., HB 6525 for Eric and Jennifer Miles, HB 6529 for J.N., and HB 6519 for the estate of Beniel Hambier, all involving settlements or compensation for injuries or wrongful death. Other measures reported favorably included CS/HB 213 on commercial squatters, CS/HB 1447 on trespass at large-scale ticketed events, CS/HB 515 updating the Uniform Commercial Code for virtual currency and related technologies, CS/HB 1007 on gift card fraud, CS/HB 1049 on protection of court officials, CS/HB 1219 on non-compete and garden leave agreements, CS/HB 399 on stolen valor in the ethics code, CS/HB 57 on xylazine regulation, HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, and CS/HB 265 on enforcing terrorism-related judgments against frozen assets. Most of these bills had support from industry, law enforcement, or affected parties and passed with little or no opposition. The most contested measure was CS/HB 1517, which would expand Florida’s wrongful death statute to include parents of unborn children as survivors. Supporters argued it would allow families to recover damages when negligence causes the loss of a pregnancy, while opponents—including the ACLU of Florida, Planned Parenthood affiliates, reproductive rights advocates, and some committee members—warned it could be used to advance fetal personhood, chill medical care, and empower abusive partners or others to sue over abortion-related conduct. The sponsor said the bill remained within the wrongful death framework and included protections for mothers and lawful medical providers, but the committee still reported it favorably on a 14-6 vote. CS/HB 903, a corrections bill addressing inmate litigation, sentencing, execution methods, tracking devices, health services, and offender review appointments, also drew debate over a proposed tolling amendment and due process concerns; the amendment failed and the bill passed 16-5. CS/HB 57 on xylazine likewise saw debate over whether penalties should target users or traffickers, but the committee rejected a narrowing amendment and passed the bill 20-1. Several bills were amended in committee, often with technical or clarifying changes, including CS/HB 1219, HB 1351 on sexual offender and predator registration, and HB 901. Public testimony was generally supportive on the non-controversial bills, especially from law enforcement, business groups, and affected claimants. At the end of the meeting, Rep. Gottlieb offered a personal correction, acknowledging he had wrongly criticized FOP in a prior meeting after learning the organization had, in fact, contacted him. The committee then adjourned after completing the full agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• , a physical toll, and ultimately financial tolls on a district and their staff.
• , a physical toll, and ultimately financial tolls on a district and their staff.
• , a physical toll, and ultimately financial tolls on a district and their staff.
• , a physical toll, and ultimately financial tolls on a district and their staff.
• , a physical toll, and ultimately financial tolls on a district and their staff.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And after a few months when it wasn't solving itself and I could see that it was taking a toll on my
• it<00:01:06.640> was<00:01:06.800> taking<00:01:07.120> a<00:01:07.160> toll
• <00:01:07.520> on I could see that it was taking a toll on I could see that it was taking
• a toll on my<00:01:07.880> mental<00:01:08.240> health my mental health my mental health

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The transcript describes Abijahs on the Backside, a Minnesota equine-assisted therapy program that helps first responders process trauma and anxiety using retired racehorses. Speakers explain that the sessions are less like traditional talk therapy and more of a full-body, experiential approach that uses the horses’ behavior to help responders externalize feelings, reduce barriers, and work through stress. One horse, Figaro, is highlighted as an example of a retired racehorse finding a new purpose, while another horse, Finn, became a meaningful symbol of faith for a participant. First responder Angela Casey shares that after a traumatic call, she realized the experience was affecting her mental health, family life, and work, and she sought help through the program. She and others say the therapy helped them remain on active duty and better manage their roles as officers, parents, spouses, and community members. A particularly moving story involved a first responder who had contemplated suicide before a session and later returned to work after the horse’s behavior helped her process that crisis. Senator Eric Pratt is identified as the author of Senate File 901, which funded the program. He says he sought co-authors with mental health or first responder backgrounds, and that the bill received strong bipartisan support in committee and throughout the legislative process. Supporters argue the program is effective, backed by science and testimonials, and worth funding because it helps keep first responders healthy, on the job, and serving their communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 748, by Representative Bro, is an act in Title 17 relative to toll exemptions on ferries,
• House Bill 896, by Representative Bro, is an act to amend Title 48 relative to toll operations to provide
• for toll signage, toll dispute procedures, and toll customer service centers.
• House Bill 896, by Representative Bro, is an act to amend Title 48 relative to toll operations to provide
• for toll signage, toll dispute procedures, and toll customer service centers.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Managed lanes are also known as express toll lanes, choice lanes, et cetera, and California is one of
• , I believe... ...express toll lanes, choice lanes, etc.
• They manage, can just... express toll lanes, choice lanes, etc.
• So like you said, just like a toll. So it's not a large amount. They could work. Okay.
• So like you said, just like a toll. So it's not a large amount. They could work their way up.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee first took up three highway naming resolutions on its consent calendar: ACR 109, SCR 78, and SCR 90. The committee approved the consent calendar with 11 aye votes and no no votes, then adjourned the bill-hearing portion. Members also recognized committee science fellow AJ Mendeola for his service, noting his contributions to bill analysis and staff support. The committee then held an informational hearing on alternatives to the gas tax, focused on the projected decline in fuel-tax revenue and the need for a more sustainable transportation funding model. The chair and invited experts described how inflation, improved fuel efficiency, and growth in electric and other alternative-fuel vehicles are eroding gas-tax revenues. Presenters from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the University of California discussed state options such as higher or indexed gas taxes, EV registration fees, road usage charges, delivery fees, public EV charging fees, transportation network company fees, and managed lanes, emphasizing tradeoffs among revenue adequacy, fairness, administrative cost, and public acceptance. Committee members raised concerns that mileage-based fees or EV fees could function as new taxes on commuters and lower-income drivers, especially if the gas tax is not repealed. Presenters responded that road usage charges are generally intended as replacements for the gas tax, not additions, and argued that mileage-based systems better preserve the user-pays principle while being less tied to vehicle fuel efficiency. They also noted that flat EV registration fees are easy to administer but can be less equitable because they are not linked to actual road use. Officials from Hawaii, Utah, and Oregon described their state programs and policy choices. Hawaii said its new road usage charge began July 1, 2025, for EVs, offers a choice between a per-mile charge and a flat annual fee through 2028, and will transition to mandatory EV participation before expanding to all light-duty vehicles by 2033. Utah described its voluntary EV road usage charge program, quarterly reporting, privacy protections, and legislative scenarios for removing the cap or making participation mandatory. Oregon outlined its constitutional cost-responsibility framework and broader transportation funding challenges, including reliance on user fees and limited use of general-fund support.

Transcript Highlights:

• They both use the toll credits.
• they<00:05:13.240> both<00:05:13.479> use<00:05:13.840> the<00:05:13.960> toll
• And if we were to pass these bills, then the increased demand for the turnpike toll credit usage will
• credit usage will also turnpike toll credit usage will also accelerate<00:05:50.880> the<00:05
• Since we're on that subject, I'd ask that we move to Senate Bill 155, the other highway toll credit,

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What was the amount of missed tolls, if you have that number off the top of your head?
• The fact is that when driving for Uber and Lyft, you actually get charged more for the tolls because
• I think the tolls themselves are like two or three bucks a piece, so I was looking up on the website
• I believe it's one dollar per paid toll, and that continues to increase the longer you don't pay them
• So it's a... ...toll and that continues to increase the longer you don't pay them.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a public hearing on several bills related to driver’s license suspensions, junior operator training, online driver education, and regulation of e-bikes/scooters. A major focus was the Road to Opportunity Act (H. 3662/S. 2368), which would end license suspensions and registration holds for unpaid fines and fees unrelated to road safety, create hardship waivers and payment options, and replace suspension with nonrenewal in some cases. Supporters included the Attorney General’s office, ACLU, CPCS, Greater Boston Legal Services, transportation and anti-poverty advocates, and several affected residents who described job loss, housing instability, and difficulty paying toll and fee debts. They argued the current system punishes poverty, disproportionately affects Black and Latino residents, and is costly to enforce. Some testimony also noted that the bill would preserve suspensions for dangerous driving offenses. District Attorney Marion Ryan testified in favor of two bills: one allowing partial payment plans for certain RMV penalties and another closing a loophole that makes the penalty for violating a hardship license less severe than driving after a full suspension. Senator Sear and Representative Reed also spoke for the Road to Opportunity Act, while the AAG said the Attorney General supports it. Committee members asked about RMV implementation and whether the agency supports payment plans; Ryan said the RMV has been cooperative but believes legislation is needed. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on bills affecting young drivers. Senator Lovely and Representative Cruz supported a bill to create a junior operator license training fund, expand access for low- and moderate-income families, require refunds in some cases, and allow earlier passenger privileges. Another bill would make virtual instructor-led driver education permanent; AAA and several driving school owners supported it as an access and convenience measure, while other instructors opposed it, arguing in-person instruction is safer and more effective. Finally, Senator Collins and others testified for a transportation safety bill regulating motorized bicycles, scooters, e-bikes, and mopeds, increasing fines, requiring insurance for commercial use, and requiring public hearings and accessibility review for new bike lanes. Advocates for blind and disabled pedestrians supported that bill, while some transportation and business voices backed it as a safety and planning measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so the other question we were asked was if there was a toll increase.
• if<00:12:40.639> there<00:12:40.800> was<00:12:40.880> a<00:12:41.040> toll
• were asked was if there was a toll were asked was if there was a toll increase increase increase
• And so if that argues for getting the toll increase and converting that to turnpike-funded... you know
• The toll increase projects that are currently in the plan funded with federal money could be switched

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of its public-private partnership contracting practices, comparing and contrasting the Belle Chasse toll
• of its public-private partnership contracting practices, comparing and contrasting the Belle Chasse toll
• and Development to study the Belle Chasse Bridge down in Plaquemines Parish, and particularly the toll
• of its public-private partnership contracting practices, comparing and contrasting the Belle Chasse toll
• and Development to study the Belle Chasse Bridge down in Plaquemines Parish, and particularly the toll

Bills: SCR12, HB1259, HB221, HB509, HCR117, HCR58, SCR29, SCR33, SB295, SB312, SB326, SB348, SB485, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR32, HCR5, HCR95, HB75, HB198, HB244, HB302, HB325, HB623, HB719, HB749, HB755, HB761, HB797, HB823, HB1028, HB1049, HB1194, HB1199, HB1201, HB1222, HB17, HB27, HB36, HB41, HB73, HB140, HB166, HB181, HB211, HB223, HB226, HB271, HB308, HB337, HB399, HB410, HB487, HB690, HB712, HB730, HB750, HB759, HB762, HB775, HB906, HB966, HB968, HB1006, HB1009, HB1018, HB1036, HB1062, HB1081, HB1086, HB1098, HB1107, HB1112, HB1203, HB1215, HB1220, HB1242, HB1252, HB1256, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB283, SB300, SB341, SB382, SB387, SB389, SB401, SB408, SB449, SB469, HB74, HB119, HB134, HB368, HB414, HB552, HB732, HB776, HB848, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1117, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB149, SB441, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB784

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, HB1259, mask penalty, masked felony, face covering, conceal identity, evade identification, sentencing enhancement, enhanced penalty, felony sentencing, crime deterrence, public safety, Louisiana criminal law, R.S. 14:313.2, R.S. 14:313, R.S. 14:329.7

Transcript Highlights:

• They're going to spend more in gas money and tolls to get here than they will with the extra fee.
• an increase in tolls an increase in tolls including<00:49:07.040> a<00:49:07.760> 100<
• So he was just saying the toll increase and this together could be an impediment.
• fact that a toll um increase is coming. fact that a toll um increase is coming.
• Um so he was just saying the toll Um so he was just saying the toll increase<00:52:32.800> and

Keywords: 9:00am HB 155 9:30am HB 1102 10:30am HB 1109 11:00am HB 1356 11:30am HB 1469 1:00pm HB 1323 2:00pm HB 1376, 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with unanimous committee approval of amendment 2026-2021S to HB 2. Senator Lang explained the amendment corrected a drafting error so that $2.5 million in state funds, matched with federal money for a total of $5 million, could be spent during the biennium rather than lapse at the end of the fiscal year. The money is intended to stabilize Medicaid per diem rates for county nursing homes, and members agreed without objection to adopt the amendment and continue working from the bill as amended by the Senate. The committee then discussed HB 155 and a proposed amendment, 2026-201H, dealing with the business enterprise tax. The House side described the proposal as a compromise that would raise the filing threshold from $250,000 to $375,000 and create a trigger that would reduce the BET rate by 0.05% for each $100 million in combined business tax surplus, down to a floor of 0.25%. Senate members opposed lowering the rate at this time, arguing that tax relief should focus on the filing threshold, which they said would remove filing burdens for about 3,500 small businesses, and that rate cuts should be considered in a budget cycle rather than an off-year. Concerns were raised that one-time revenues, such as tax amnesty receipts or federal repatriation-related surpluses, could unintentionally trigger reductions. Representative Sweeney later offered a revised approach by moving the effective date of the trigger mechanism to January 1, 2028, and said he was also willing to carve out tax amnesty revenues or adjust the effective date to avoid using one-time funds. The Senate remained unwilling to agree to a rate reduction, though it expressed openness to raising the filing threshold further. The committee ultimately did not resolve the business tax issue and recessed to continue discussions at a later time. The final item discussed was HB 1102, concerning an increase in the research and development tax credit paired with changes to state park fees. House members supported the R&D credit increase but opposed tying it to higher park fees, citing concerns about tourism, especially at border parks, and noting that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources had said it did not need the increase. Senate members defended the park fee changes as a fairness issue, arguing that New Hampshire residents should pay less than out-of-state visitors and that the department had not raised rates in many years. No vote was taken on this item during the discussion captured here.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, House Bill 493, relating to tolling and storage of motor vehicles.
• <00:13:05.320> and<00:13:05.560> storage 493 um relating to tolling and storage 493
• We've had everybody come to the table, and when we talk about the toll association, when we talk State
• /c><00:14:25.079> talk<00:14:25.279> about<00:14:25.399> the<00:14:25.519> toll
• and when when we talk about the toll and when when we talk about the toll Association<00:14:26.399

Keywords: Roll Call 00:23 Roll Call Approval of Minutes 00:57 HB 664 Discussion 01:26 HB 664 Vote 08:25 HB 682 Discussion 10:46 HB 682 Vote 12:12 HB 493 Discussion 13:00 HB 493 Vote 20:20 HJR 5 Discussion 21:14 HJR 5 Vote 25:08 Kavis and Sherriff’s Inspection Discussion 27:40 Admin. Reg Consideration 35:40, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved prior meeting minutes, and then took up several transportation-related measures. House Bill 664, concerning work zone safety, was amended by the committee to clarify that a peace officer may issue a citation based on images from an automated speed enforcement device. Representative John Blanton said the bill was prompted by the 2019 death of Jared Lee Helton in a work zone and is intended to slow drivers, protect workers, and improve safety. The bill would allow automated devices to transmit speed and rear license plate images to an officer, require active worker presence and warning signage with flashing lights, keep the $500 fine, and direct fines to the work zone safety fund. After questions about whether citations would be mailed and whether a worker must be present, the committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 664 favorably with expressions of opinion that it should pass. House Bill 682, sponsored by Representative Ken Upchurch, was also amended by a committee substitute and reported favorably. The bill gives cable operators and broadband providers the same reimbursement treatment as other public utilities when their facilities must be relocated for construction projects. House Bill 493, sponsored by Representative Steve Pollock, was taken up next and, after a committee substitute was adopted, was reported favorably. Pollock described the bill as a transparency measure for towing and storage, creating a certification process through the Transportation Cabinet, requiring public rate sheets, and setting rates to be reasonable and customary in Kentucky. The substitute removed an initial $1,500 cap, extended notice timing to up to five days in some cases, and clarified fees related to investigations and fatalities. Senators asked about regional differences in towing rates, and Pollock said the cabinet would consider different situations and that posted rates would govern. House Joint Resolution 5, designating honorary road and bridge names, was amended by both a committee substitute and committee amendment and then reported favorably. Representative Josh Branscum said the resolution honors various Kentuckians and is especially in memory of Russell County Deputy Joshua Fipps, who was killed in the line of duty in September 2024. The committee approved the resolution and a title amendment. Later in the meeting, Senator Armstrong asked to be recorded as voting aye on HB 664, HB 682, and HB 493. The committee also received an update from Transportation Cabinet IT Director Heather Stout on the CAVIS system, including improved performance, upcoming integration with KY ELT, centralized lien management, online boat renewals, permanent fleet plates, rolling replating changes, temporary tag printing, insurance modernization, and an electronic sheriff’s inspection system expected to reduce fraud and streamline transfers. No vote was taken on the CAVIS update, and the committee also began consideration of a referred administrative regulation on hazardous materials endorsement requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I thank the senator for making reference to the increase paying more in tolls and gas in order to
• an increase in tolls an increase in tolls including<00:49:07.040> a<00:49:07.760> 100<
• Um, I think Representative Ulery was talking about the fact that a toll increase is coming.
• So he was just saying the toll increase and this together could be an impediment.
• So he was just saying the toll increase and this together could be an impediment.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first adopted amendment 2026-2021S to correct a drafting issue in the budget language so that the $2.5 million appropriation for Medicaid per diem rate stabilization at county nursing homes can be spent during the biennium rather than lapsing at the end of the fiscal year. Senator Lang explained that the funds are matched with federal dollars for a total of $5 million and are intended to prevent rate reductions that could shift costs to county property taxpayers. The amendment was adopted unanimously by both chambers, and the committee proceeded on the bill as amended by the Senate. The main discussion then focused on HB 155 and a proposed amendment to the business enterprise tax. The House proposal would lower the BET rate in stages when combined business tax revenues exceed certain thresholds, while the Senate opposed an immediate rate reduction and argued that tax changes should be handled in a budget year. Senators emphasized that raising the filing threshold to $375,000 had already removed about 3,500 small businesses from filing requirements, and they preferred further relief through threshold changes rather than rate cuts. House members argued that the trigger-based reduction was a reasonable, tested mechanism and would provide future tax relief without taking effect unless revenues rose enough. Members debated whether the trigger could be distorted by one-time revenue spikes, such as the recent tax amnesty receipts and prior federal repatriation-related revenue, and Representative Sweeney said he was willing to adjust the effective date or carve out amnesty revenue. The committee did not reach agreement on the BET reduction, and the chair called a break and then continued the meeting later with a new proposal to delay the trigger’s effective date to January 1, 2028. Senator Lang rejected that version but offered a counterproposal to raise the filing threshold to $400,000, and the parties ultimately agreed to continue discussions and reconvene later. The meeting also took up HB 1102, concerning the research and development tax credit and state park fees. The House position was to support the R&D tax credit but remove the park-fee provisions, citing testimony from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that it did not need the increase and concerns about discouraging tourism, especially at border parks. Supporters of the park-fee language argued that the department had not raised rates in years, could set its own rates, and should be able to charge nonresidents more while keeping New Hampshire residents’ fees lower. The discussion remained unresolved, with members debating the likely effect on tourism and fairness to residents versus the need for additional revenue.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• audits are working, which is the reason why we know about the problems with the vendor system for the toll
• And so I think this is an example where, yes, something went wrong on the Highway 125 toll program, but
• Transportation Plan is not at the The reason why we know about the problems with the vendor system for the toll
• And so I think this is an example where, yes, something went wrong on the Highway 125 toll program, but
• First and foremost, the toll road issue was the result of a whistleblower and involved a federal investigation

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee met to consider new audit requests and received a status update from the State Auditor, who reported 10 JALAC audits in progress, several statutory audits underway, and that all audits approved in 2025 are moving forward. The committee first approved a consent calendar covering audits on University of California library resources, law enforcement information sharing, EDD unemployment insurance claims, and Housing and Community Development housing development monitoring. One requested audit on local law enforcement and human trafficking had been withdrawn before the hearing. The committee then debated and approved an audit request from Assembly Member DeMaio on the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and its road project management and use of transportation funds. DeMaio argued the audit was needed to examine whether restricted funds, voter-approved revenues, and project commitments were properly used, while SANDAG officials said the agency already undergoes extensive oversight and that its funding sources and project uses are governed by multiple existing audits and reporting requirements. Several members questioned whether the audit would duplicate existing reviews, but the motion passed after roll call. Next, the committee approved Senator Valadares’s audit request on Board of State and Community Corrections Proposition 47 grant administration. Supporters said the audit would assess whether grant recipients and BSCC oversight are producing reliable outcome and recidivism data and whether the funds are achieving public safety goals; BSCC responded that it already has internal controls, that the State Controller conducts biennial audits, and that its reported outcomes show reductions in homelessness, unemployment, and recidivism among participants. The committee also approved Senator Cortese’s audit of CalHR’s dental benefits procurement and contract oversight, prompted by concerns about stagnant annual maximums, provider network losses, and out-of-pocket costs for employees and retirees. CalHR said its current dental network remains strong, that it recently completed an RFP adding MetLife as a second carrier beginning in 2027, and that it maintains performance guarantees in its contracts. All three regular-calendar audit requests were approved, and the committee then completed add-on votes approving the earlier consent calendar items before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• As it was said earlier, one of them was coming off of the toll road in Brownsville, getting ready to
• It shut down that toll road, I believe, for a month because it caused a great amount of damage.
• And they went right through the tolling authority. ...so obviously a lot of things had to be lined up
• Terrorist organizations control the Mexican toll roads adjacent to the Texas-Mexico border.
• According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, terrorist organizations control the Mexican toll

Bills: SB2199, SB2200, SB2201, SB2949, SB2332

Keywords: overweight vehicle, vehicle weight limits, hazardous materials, hazmat, cargo tank, fuel transport, trucking, commercial vehicle, Transportation Code, criminal penalty, second-degree felony, loading violation, truck weight, axle weight, gross weight, public safety, commercial carrier, Texas, commercial truck, truck route

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1333, by Harrison, relating to toll collection enforcement by toll project entities, authorizing an
• HB 1333 by Harrison relating to a toll collection enforcement by toll project entities authorizing an

Summary: The House met to read a large slate of newly filed bills and resolutions and refer them to committees. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including health care and insurance, public education, elections, criminal justice, public safety, taxes, transportation, agriculture, environmental regulation, higher education, housing, and local government. Several proposals focused on abortion and reproductive health, firearms, voter registration and ballot access, school curriculum and accountability, property tax and homestead issues, and state contracting and agency oversight. A number of constitutional amendments were also filed, including proposals on initiative and referendum, veto override authority, vaccination refusal, parental rights in education, gun rights, Medicaid expansion, and various tax exemptions. No substantive debate, testimony, or votes occurred during this portion of the meeting; the clerk simply read the bills and resolutions and announced their committee referrals. The list included both general legislation and joint resolutions, with many items sent to standing committees and several to subcommittees. The House then adjourned without objection until 2 p.m. on Tuesday.