Video & Transcript Research : 'priority'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Prioritizing Public Safety – Senator Ron Latz Apr 14th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um so it seems like a lot of your priorities will be able to come through.
- Um so it seems like a lot of<00:08:35.360>
your <00:08:35.519>priorities <00:08:35.919>< - >
be <00:08:36.320>able <00:08:36.479>to <00:08:36.640>come of your priorities - will be able to come of your priorities will be able to come through.<00:08:37.519>
Uh <00:08:
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Preston Griffith, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary, and Dario Gil, of New York, to be Under Secretary for Science, both of the Department of Energy. Apr 10th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- to advance the department's mission efficiently and effectively, and deliver on the president's priorities
- American energy dominance and fulfill the president's priorities.
- Know that this is a bipartisan request to make sure that we follow through with those priorities.
- What are your thoughts on probably the most important priorities we can take to really make sure we have
Keywords:
nominations, Undersecretary of Energy, Undersecretary of Science, Preston Griffith, Dario Gil, energy policy, scientific innovation
Summary:
The meeting was convened to discuss several significant nominations, particularly focusing on Preston Wills Griffith III for Undersecretary of Energy and Dr. Dario Gil for Undersecretary of Science. The committee underscored the importance of these roles in shaping American energy policy and scientific innovation. The discussion highlighted the nominees' backgrounds, with Griffith having extensive experience at the Department of Energy and the White House, and Gil bringing expertise in quantum technology and energy research. Members expressed a strong desire to understand the nominees' perspectives on current challenges facing the energy sector, including regulatory mandates and national security concerns. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensuring thorough evaluations of the candidates and their proposed approaches to pressing issues.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Investing in Disability Services – Senator Jim Abeler Feb 24th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That’s your priorities.
- that's<00:09:23.160>
your budget there it is that's your budget there it is that's your priorities - :25.839>
I <00:09:25.920>don't <00:09:26.120>think <00:09:26.519>we priorities - but um I don't think we priorities but um I don't think we should<00:09:26.839>
cut <00:09:27.000
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 4, 2025 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- It was Kid Care, House Bill 121, and it was a bipartisan bill, and it was also a speaker priority, because
- And it was a bipartisan bill, and it was also a speaker priority, because it's all about helping the
- This is one of their priorities. Involved, all of our local United Ways.
- This is one of their priorities, because we're all about the ALICE families, we're all about economic
Summary:
The committee received a briefing from AHCA Deputy Secretary Brian Meyer and Florida Healthy Kids CMO Ashley Carr on implementation of HB 121, which was enacted in 2023 to expand Florida’s KidCare/CHIP eligibility from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level and replace the sharp premium “benefits cliff” with a tiered premium glide path. Sponsor Rep. Bartleman described the bill as a bipartisan effort to help working families keep children insured while moving toward economic self-sufficiency. The presenters explained that the program remains a joint federal-state structure, with Medicaid unchanged and the bill affecting only the CHIP-related portions of KidCare.
AHCA said implementation has been delayed by federal CMS actions. The agency reported that CMS first rejected a state plan amendment approach, then required revisions to the premium tiers under a new maintenance-of-effort interpretation, and later issued a new interpretation of continuous 12-month eligibility that would prevent disenrollment for nonpayment of premiums. AHCA said it submitted an 1115 waiver, but negotiations over special terms and conditions reached an impasse, and the state has filed litigation challenging CMS’s interpretation. Members asked about the cost of litigation, the effect on future bills, the review process for CMS documents, disenrollment and reenrollment rules, and whether any additional legislative action is needed; AHCA said no further state action is needed at this time and that the key issue is the pending federal litigation.
Several members and the sponsor emphasized the need for immediate implementation and asked about possible interim relief. AHCA said current coverage remains in place under the preexisting program, that there is a 30-day grace period for premium payment, and that reenrollment does not require a penalty or back payment, though coverage is not active during lapsed periods. The committee also heard public comment from Nicholas Hessing of the Children’s Services Council of Broward County and the Florida Alliance of Children’s Councils and Trusts, who supported HB 121 and said the expansion could make about 17,600 additional children eligible in Broward County alone. The meeting ended with Rep. Bartleman thanking staff and expressing hope that the new federal administration would allow the program to move forward, and the chair adjourned the meeting.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs Jan 28th, 2025
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- They just haven't made it a priority to ensure that they...
- When we started the Land-Grant Interim Committee in 2003, there was a handful of priorities that the
- Actually, the primary priority... of that first interim committee was the enhancement and empowerment
- One of the priorities that the Land-Grants brought forth, Madam Chair, in the 2003 Interim Committee
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2024-11-19 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In the last few weeks, reporters have endlessly asked me, 'What will your priorities be as Speaker?'
- I announce a priority. I give a fancy name.
- My priority for the 2025 and 26 sessions is to serve the people of Florida.
- We are the people's house, and it is the people of our state that should be our priority.
Summary:
The House convened for its organization session, opened with prayer, the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. The Secretary of State’s certification of the 2024 election was accepted as prima facie evidence, the members-elect were seated, a quorum was established, and the newly elected and returning members were sworn in by Florida Supreme Court justices. The chamber also recognized the Governor, Cabinet members, former speakers, former members, and other guests in attendance.
The main business of the session was the election of House leadership and adoption of the chamber’s rules. Representative Fentrice Driskell was nominated by the Democratic caucus and delivered remarks emphasizing constituent service, opposition oversight, and priorities such as hurricane recovery, insurance affordability, reproductive rights, gun violence, education, and poverty. Representative Daniel Perez was nominated by the Republican caucus, seconded, and then elected Speaker by unanimous vote after a motion to close nominations and dispense with a roll call. Perez was sworn in and said his priority would be serving Floridians through practical action, fiscal discipline, and reforms that reduce bureaucracy and special-interest influence.
The House then adopted House Resolution 10, establishing House rules for the 2024-2026 term, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 20, establishing joint legislative rules. Representative Gottlieb spoke in opposition to the rules, arguing that recent changes restricted debate and reduced deliberation. The House also appointed a committee to notify the Senate that the House was organized, elected Representative Wyman Duggan as Speaker Pro Tempore by unanimous vote, and announced caucus leadership selections, including Duggan as Speaker Pro Tempore and Driskell as Democratic minority leader.
The session concluded with administrative motions authorizing technical corrections to the rules, spreading the organization-session remarks upon the journal, and adjourning sine die.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2024-11-19 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In the last few weeks, reporters have endlessly asked me, what will your priorities be as Speaker?
- I announce a priority. I give a fancy name.
- My priority for the 2025 and 2026 sessions is to serve the people of Florida.
- We are the people's house, and it is the people of our state that should be our priority.
Summary:
The House convened for its organization session with prayer, the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem, followed by introductions of guests including state officials, former House leaders and members, and members of the judiciary. The Secretary of State’s certification of the 2024 election was accepted as prima facie evidence of the members-elect’s election, a quorum was established, and the newly elected and returning members were sworn in by Florida Supreme Court justices. The House then formally declared the members duly elected and qualified to serve in the 92nd Florida House.
The chamber proceeded to the election of Speaker. Representative Fentrice Driskell was nominated and seconded, and she delivered remarks emphasizing the role of the minority caucus, the need to address issues such as hurricanes, insurance and condo costs, gun violence, education, poverty, and protecting rights. Representative Daniel Perez was then nominated and seconded; after speeches highlighting his leadership and style, the House adopted a motion to dispense with the roll call and record a unanimous vote for him. Perez was sworn in as Speaker and said his priority would be serving the people of Florida, focusing on practical action, fiscal discipline, competition, and reducing barriers for residents and businesses.
After the Speaker’s remarks, the House adopted House Resolution 1-0 establishing House rules for the 2024-2026 term, despite opposition from Representative Gottlieb, who argued the rules continued to restrict debate and limit the opposition’s voice. The House also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 2-0 establishing joint legislative rules. The chamber then appointed a committee to inform the Senate that the House was organized, elected Representative Wyman Duggan as Speaker Pro Tempore by unanimous vote, and announced party leadership and administrative appointments. The session concluded with motions to authorize technical corrections to the rules, spread the organization session remarks upon the journal, and adjourn sine die.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I can assure you that keeping New World screw worm out of the United States is the highest priority for
- I don't know what EPA's timeline will be, but I know it's a priority for them.
- And then there's other technology... ...will be, but I know it's a priority for them.
- Because of screwworm, because it's a priority for the Secretary, obviously for you all in Texas, and
- We've made it one of our top priorities at the association.
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on preparedness for the New World screwworm threat and brought together the House Committees on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism and Agriculture and Livestock. USDA officials, Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, and Texas Animal Health Commission leadership described the pest as a serious risk to livestock, wildlife, rural economies, and beef prices, and emphasized coordination among federal, state, industry, and Mexican partners. Witnesses repeatedly stressed that Texas is currently seeing no confirmed U.S. detections, but that recent confirmed cases in northern Mexico, including Nuevo León, remain a concern because of their proximity to the border.
USDA testimony outlined current surveillance and response efforts, including more than 120 screw worm-specific traps along the Texas border and neighboring states, thousands of additional dual-purpose traps, wildlife inspections, weekly coordination with Mexico’s Senasica, and a new USDA New World Screwworm Directorate. Officials said the existing Panama sterile fly facility is maxed out at about 100 million flies per week, while a dispersal facility in Tampico is helping move flies farther north in Mexico. They also described plans for a retrofitted sterile fly facility in Metapa, Mexico, expected to come online in 2026, and a new domestic production facility at Moore Air Base, with phase one targeted for late 2026 or early 2027 and phase two adding substantially more capacity later.
Members pressed USDA on timelines, production capacity, the reliability of Mexican reporting, the risk from wildlife, and whether modular or mobile facilities could be deployed faster. USDA said it is also exploring innovative technologies, including a genetically engineered sterile male fly, but that such tools still require EPA review and field validation. Commissioner Miller highlighted Texas biosecurity efforts, five permanent inspection stations, cooperation with FDA and EPA on treatments such as Exzolt, and other pest issues affecting Texas agriculture. He also noted research into fly bait and private-sector efforts to speed sterile fly production.
Texas Animal Health Commission officials described extensive state preparedness work, including weekly coordination calls, field response trainings, outreach to producers and veterinarians, and a Texas Screwworm Response Team. They said Texas has trained more than 100 inspectors and other personnel, with additional trainings planned, and that the state is expanding its cattle fever tick rider program. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing; the main action was the exchange of testimony and questions about readiness, surveillance, and facility timelines.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Indian Affairs Sep 25th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, is there really that need and what your priorities are in planning ahead? I'm sure Ms.
- It seems like the funds that come from the state of New Mexico do not take priority, but those are the
- We partner with the nations, peoples, and tribes to uplift their early childhood priorities specific
- children who we are serving is reflective in the work and the priorities moving forward into how we're
- The needs of their local priorities.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Academic expectations, maintaining registration priority pursuant to Section 58108, when that's clear
- We have this as a high-priority support. Thank you. Thank you.
- Elizabeth Boyd, speaking on behalf of the Academic Senate of the CSU, we have this as a high-priority
- Investment priorities prioritize programs leading to living wage jobs in high-demand occupations.
- Paid work-based learning opportunities are a priority need for our students.
Summary:
The committee first adopted its 2025-26 rules on a 7-0 roll call, then approved three consent items—AB 88, AB 240, and AB 313—on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. The hearing then moved to AB 648, which would give community college districts the same zoning authority as the UC and CSU systems to build student and staff housing on property they own or lease. The author and supporters argued the bill would help address severe housing insecurity and homelessness among community college students, while opponents and some members raised concerns about local control, zoning exemptions, and the impact on nearby communities. AB 648 passed the committee on a 5-2 vote and was sent to the Local Government Committee.
The committee next heard AB 466, which would require California Community Colleges and CSU campuses to provide organ and tissue donor registry information during student orientation, and request UC campuses to do the same. Supporters shared personal stories about transplants and donation, saying college orientation is a good opportunity to increase registrations. Some members worried about information overload during orientation and suggested campuses have flexibility in how they present the material, but the bill advanced on a unanimous 7-0 vote to Appropriations.
AB 326 followed, proposing campus-by-campus external audits of the CSU every three years and public release of the audits. The author, faculty supporters, and a student argued that systemwide audits do not provide enough transparency about how money is spent at individual campuses, citing examples of financial mismanagement and fee increases. CSU opposed the bill, saying it already conducts annual consolidated external audits and that campus-level audits would add cost without added benefit. After extensive discussion about transparency, audit scope, and implementation, the bill passed 6-1 to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 335, which would create a California Black-Serving Institution Grant Program to support Black student success and broader underserved student services; supporters emphasized persistent equity gaps and low completion rates, while an opponent argued the bill needed to be carefully amended to comply with Proposition 209 and equal protection requirements. The transcript ends during that item’s discussion, before a final vote is shown.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President Trump's priorities, alongside the priorities of the American people, are interwoven within
- 02:27:34.800>
working Democratic priorities will help working Democratic priorities will help - <04:23:32.080>
Within national security priorities. Within national security priorities. - <05:09:01.920>
I protect key democratic priorities. I protect key democratic priorities. - Instead of prioriti prioritizing lesson.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- state of education in Arizona if we kind of reset and allow the voters the opportunity to reset the priority
- And the least we can do is make sure that our priorities are correct, and that the money that we give
- I'm happy that it seems like we can all agree that teacher pay needs to be a priority.
Keywords:
kinship care, child welfare, foster care, relative placement, child protection, child neglect, financial resources, behavioral health, Christian Science treatment, parental rights, group homes, children's rights, safety protocols, employee training, mental health, child safety, oversight, independent committee, transparency, accountability
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Government considered only SCR 1032, along with a strike-everything amendment. The amendment would require school districts, subject to voter approval, to dedicate at least 60% of operational spending to teacher pay, with a phased-in increase starting in FY 2028 for districts below that threshold. It also would penalize noncompliant districts by requiring unexpended Classroom Site Fund monies to revert, making districts ineligible for those funds until back in compliance, and directing JLBC to exclude those districts from per-pupil calculations. The Superintendent of Public Instruction could grant limited waivers of the forfeiture provisions for up to one year, not more than two consecutive years for the same district.
Supporters, including representatives of Heritage Action, the Goldwater Institute, and the Center for Arizona Policy, argued that Arizona has increased school funding substantially while teacher pay has remained flat in real terms, and said the measure would improve accountability and ensure more money reaches teachers rather than district administration. They cited Auditor General findings and prior voter-approved efforts such as the Classroom Site Fund and teacher pay initiatives as evidence that districts have not prioritized classroom spending as intended. A rural school coalition testified in opposition, saying the proposal would be difficult for small districts to meet because it could force cuts to other essential costs such as fuel, insurance, facilities, and other operating needs, and that the Auditor General’s classroom-spending categories may not accurately reflect actual teacher pay. One committee member also raised concerns that the measure could harm special education and other legally required student services.
During discussion, the sponsor said charter schools were excluded because they are private businesses under the state’s framework, despite receiving public funds. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then voted 4-3 to give SCR 1032, as amended, a do pass recommendation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So they're the ones that set the priorities for the agenda, correct?
- I'm saying the flood bills were not the priority of this body, unfortunately. Okay, but.
- But then when you guys realized that that was a priority, why not come back to the state of Texas?
Bills:
HB18
Keywords:
HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance
Summary:
The meeting of the committee focused on the discussions surrounding HB18, which aims to prevent legislators from financially benefiting when they break quorum. Chairman Shaheen emphasized that this bill addresses the integrity of the Texas legislature and responds to constituent concerns about lawmakers being absent and raising funds simultaneously. Throughout the meeting, members discussed the implications of enforcing penalties for breaking quorum and the balance between legislative strategy and financial transparency. Various representatives expressed their views, with some supporting the bill for enhancing accountability, while others argued that it imposes unfair restrictions on a constitutional tactic historically used by minority factions.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Press Conference: Lt. Governor Dan Patrick Feb 12th, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There's also another bill, I believe it's Senate Bill 8, which is a priority bill on 287G.
- I made this a priority with him.
- I said we need to pass school choice, which is a priority, and we need to pass bail reform.
Keywords:
SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, emergency priorities.
- Uh,<00:47:17.280>
emergency <00:47:17.760>priorities. - So, these are Uh, emergency priorities.
- <01:14:03.360>
that research are are the two priorities that research are are the two priorities - <01:18:40.960>
than government has different priorities than government has different priorities
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Audit Commission 11/4/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<01:25:56.080>
it the extent it wasn't a priority, it the extent it wasn't a priority, it - priority is where we can reap the value. priority is where we can reap the value.
- And for some reason, this seems like a priority now, but it didn't when four of the five priority issues
- And for some reason, this seems like a priority now, but it didn't when four of the five priority issues
- five priority issues were not resolved. five priority issues were not resolved.
Summary:
The committee heard a presentation from the legislative auditor on a performance audit of the governor’s office and lieutenant governor’s office covering July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024. The audit reviewed receipts, inventory, payroll, and non-payroll expenditures and found 12 findings, concluding the office generally did not comply with the criteria tested because of internal control deficiencies. The auditor said four of five prior findings that remained relevant were not fully resolved, and that the problems were widespread across financial operations, creating opportunities for waste and fraud, though no evidence of wrongdoing or misuse of funds was found.
The main findings involved weak segregation of duties, late vendor payments, inaccurate reimbursements and vendor payments, missing documentation, and poor receipt management. Auditors said one employee handled purchasing, receiving, payment processing, and inventory functions without adequate oversight; vendors were often paid late, resulting in more than $1,000 in late/reactivation fees; reimbursements and some state airplane payments contained errors; and many vendor payments, reimbursements, and purchasing card transactions lacked required support. The office also failed to collect about $12,000 for events at the governor’s residence, did not fully process several deposits, and lacked documentation for some billed or deposited amounts.
Members reacted strongly to the repeated control failures and the lack of documentation, with several saying the issues were pervasive and concerning even if the dollar amounts were not large. Questions focused on whether the problems reflected different treatment of vendors versus employee expenses, whether restitution was being sought, and whether legislation was needed. The auditor responded that the state already has the necessary policies and procedures, and that the issue is implementation and oversight by the governor’s office, not new legislation. The auditor also said the governor’s office had been receptive and had begun taking steps to address the findings.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - Part 1)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I always enjoyed working with her to advance Iowa's priorities at the federal level.
- <00:35:40.000>
We <00:35:40.320>also priorities at the federal level. - We also priorities at the federal level.
- <02:29:56.000>
So, <02:29:56.240>American laws is not a priority. - So, American laws is not a priority.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/06/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We had, I believe, a few of those calls were addressed, and we only went to the high-priority addressed
- We had, I believe, a few of those calls were addressed, and we only went to the high-priority addressed
- We had, I believe, a few of those calls were addressed, and we only went to the high-priority addressed
- It doesn't account for, and this is in Hennepin, it doesn't count for every PR priority call we went
- as well so things tended to priorities as well so things tended to get<01:38:16.080>
a <01:38:
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee met on February 6, 2025, for an update on emergency medical services (EMS) policy and implementation. Senator Seberger described the work of the EMS Task Force, which traveled statewide to hear concerns from providers about staffing, reimbursement, and retention. She said the task force led to the Sprint Medic model and two innovation zones in Otter Tail and St. Louis counties, and she urged continued monitoring and possible reconstitution of the task force to evaluate what is working and what could be expanded statewide. She also said future EMS work should continue to explore alternative response models and telemedicine, but that the most immediate need is additional funding, especially to address unpaid non-transport calls.
Dylan Ferguson, director of the newly formed Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services, gave a detailed update on the office’s structure and priorities after the transition from the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. He described the office’s three divisions, the appointment of deputy directors, the first meetings of the advisory councils, and work on a statewide EMS strategic plan. He also reviewed the $24 million emergency ambulance aid program, explaining its 40-40-20 formula, the emphasis on rural services, the reporting and spending deadlines, and the positive response from ambulance providers. He noted that the $6 million Sprint paramedic grant program is underway, with Otter Tail County moving forward and St. Louis County still finalizing its application.
Ferguson also outlined the office’s budget request for modest staffing and contract-cost increases, two rulemaking efforts to update outdated ambulance vehicle standards and expand medication options for basic life support services, and ongoing data collection on workforce needs, violence against EMS providers, and ambulance crashes. He highlighted the paramedic scholarship program administered by the Office of Higher Education, saying nearly 300 scholarships have been awarded. Members and Senator Seberger praised the EMS reforms and emphasized that non-transport calls create significant unreimbursed costs, especially for rural and volunteer services, but no votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (01/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- That's what we see predominantly, but they can also be used in other cases such as for transit priority
- Budgets are about priorities. As I look at the budget, we have a lot of priorities.
- , and so that's a real-world example of how trying to spend too much money and not keeping your priorities
- too much money and not<02:14:01.679>
keeping <02:14:02.000>your <02:14:02.239>priorities - <02:14:02.840>
straight not keeping your priorities straight not keeping your priorities straight
Summary:
The Public Works and Highways Committee heard testimony on House Bill 375, which would allow municipalities to designate certain road segments for ATV travel, create maps and signage for those routes, set seasonal limits, and require certain equipment on ATVs such as lights, a horn, flashers, and directional signals. The sponsor, Rep. Dan Maguire, said the bill is intended to support tourism and give towns a structured, optional way to permit ATV use on roads, not to override existing uses. Members asked about possible overlap with agricultural vehicle rules, golf carts, speed limits, and whether the bill could allow ATV use on busier roads or expressways; the sponsor said he did not intend to interfere with existing lawful uses and believed golf carts would only be included if they met the relevant statutory requirements.
NHDOT State Maintenance Engineer Alan Hennessy said the department had concerns with language exempting municipalities and the Bureau of Trails from the permitting process, arguing that the existing permit system provides needed review, public notice, and signage requirements. He also raised questions about road funding and maintenance if ATVs were allowed on state highways. Fish and Game Captain Michael Eastman testified that his commission opposed the bill as written, citing concerns about the ATV definition, the distinction between ATVs, UTVs, and other OHRVs, and the potential impact on state highways and road maintenance. He said towns can already open roads to OHRV use under existing law, and he noted that accident data for road use would generally be handled by local police or State Police rather than Fish and Game.
Craig Reny, chief of the Bureau of Trails, said the current Bureau of Trails/DOT permit process for highway crossings and connectors works well and is used to ensure safety through engineering review. He said his bureau was not taking a position on the bill but wanted to clarify that existing procedures already address many of the issues the bill appears to cover. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 120 May 14th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They did the same thing 26 years ago when they made education a priority with Amendment 23.
- What the majority leader is juggling so many different priorities is juggling so many different priorities
- weren't just his; his priorities are our priorities as...
- His priorities are our priorities as individuals and what matters to us.
- I said, “I'm very well aware because when I was at CCI, I voted against this to be a priority.”