Video & Transcript : 'charter fishing' :
Page 76 of 381
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 10, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And now, in first place, from Puck Lake View Charter High School in Silar, we have Neva Cortez's piece
- And now, in first place, from Puck Lake View Charter High School in Silar, we have Neva Cortez's piece
- And now, in first place, from Puck Lake View Charter High School in Silar, we have Neva Cortez's piece
- And now, in first place, from Puck Lake View Charter High School in Silar, we have Neva Cortez's piece
- , charter, and homeschool options.<07:50:17.840><c> Parents</c><07:50:18.320><c> Challenge</c><07:50:
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- the charter public charter school for charter school staff to provide the services; they can contract
- > for</c> the Charter Public Charter School for the Charter Public Charter School for Charter<00:56:32.520
- schools, because we do not oversee charter schools' special education in charter schools.
- the charter schools.
- I would suggest the commit ad and public I would suggest the commit ad and public charter charter charter
Committee:
Senate Education
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Feb 3rd, 2026
House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- If you guys could walk me through this, I love to fish, and very seldom do I take bait with me when I
- go fish in the upper Pecos.
- He asked whether, by pushing some of this to Game and Fish, the memorial would restrict that ability.
- A witness responded, saying that currently they are not restricting any bait, fish, or fishing that someone
- The speaker said the memorial would not do anything to restrict fishing or insect use.
Keywords:
insects, ecosystem, education, public awareness, wildlife conservation, state agency involvement, New Mexico, equine welfare, animal rescue, shelter funding, trust fund, veterinary care, water project fund, water project finance act, New Mexico Finance Authority, water infrastructure, water grants, water loans, regional water planning, water rights adjudication
Summary:
The committee first heard House Memorial 26, a student-presented memorial encouraging state agencies to participate in insect education and conservation efforts, including free workshops sponsored by Wild Friends. The young witnesses emphasized the ecological and agricultural importance of insects, especially pollinators, and clarified that the memorial would not restrict fishing bait or other insect use. After brief questions about fishing, the University of New Mexico connection, and a planned BioPark bugarium, the committee approved the memorial on a due pass motion by unanimous consent.
The committee then heard House Bill 243, which would provide more stable funding for shelters that care for homeless, abused, abandoned, or surrendered horses, donkeys, and mules. The bill would appropriate $500,000 to the existing Equine Shelter Rescue Fund, move administration of the fund from the Livestock Board to the Department of Agriculture, strengthen grant and reporting requirements, and create an Equine Welfare Trust Fund seeded with $5 million. Supporters from Animal Protection New Mexico, the Livestock Board, and the Department of Agriculture said the shelters are essential, underfunded, and at capacity, and that the bill would provide a more reliable funding stream. Some public testimony raised concerns about how animals are tracked and whether any horses could end up at auction or slaughter.
Committee discussion focused on whether equine care should be funded through recurring appropriations instead of a trust fund, whether the Livestock Board or Department of Agriculture should administer the money, and whether the bill could affect wild or free-roaming horses. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would not change the Livestock Board’s enforcement role and that the trust fund was intended to create long-term support. A motion to table the bill failed, and the committee then voted 4-4 on the due pass motion, so HB 243 did not advance. One member explained his support but said the bill was not a good long-term solution.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 109, which would temporarily, through December 2029, allow the New Mexico Finance Authority to award water project funds without separate legislative authorization after projects have already been vetted. The sponsor and NMFA and Water Trust Board witnesses said the current authorization step delays projects for months, increases costs, and especially hurts small rural communities and acequias. They said the bill keeps existing oversight and evaluation processes, adds technical assistance for smaller applicants, and was amended to extend the sunset date to 2029 and remove an unconstitutional two-thirds-extension requirement. The committee approved HB 109 on a due pass motion by a vote of 7-1.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 5th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There is an attack on charter schools. They want to destroy charter schools in California.
- The traditional charter schools and the charter schools make each other better.
- I've had kids go to charter schools. I have a kid right now enrolled in a charter.
- False choice of good charters versus bad charters. False choice. We're shutting charters.
- charters, choice will remain.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 30th, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- of new charters.
- And charters, on the other hand, are.
- to really understand what those contracts look like, look like charter to charter.
- So, um, you know, I think, I think it really could depend charter by charter, but, but certainly, um,
- To be clear, I am for charter schools.
Committee:
House Delivery of Government Efficiency
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 4, 2025 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a charter, right?
- It's a charter, right?
- school to a charter school?
- now the charter school...
- They have a good charter school.
Summary:
The committee first took up PCS for HB 123, which would change the process for converting a public school to a charter school by requiring approval from a majority of parents at the school, allow municipalities to apply to convert certain schools under limited circumstances, and address surplus school property in districts with declining enrollment. The sponsor said the bill is meant to give parents the primary say and to prevent districts from holding unused property. Opponents, including the Florida PTA, several members, and public speakers, argued the bill excludes teachers, school boards, and other stakeholders, could disenfranchise parents who do not live in the municipality, and could create enrollment, transportation, and equity problems. After debate, the bill passed 13-5 and was reported favorably.
The committee then heard HB 597 on diabetes management in schools. The bill would allow school districts and charter schools to procure and store glucagon pens for emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia, permit trained personnel to administer them, require 911 to be called after use, and add limited liability protections. The sponsor said the medication is inexpensive and could save lives for the roughly 7,000 diabetic K-12 students in Florida. An amendment clarified that public and charter schools are both covered. The bill drew support from the American Diabetes Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Florida PTA, and members from both parties praised the measure. It passed unanimously and was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard HB 85 on hazardous walking conditions, which would add walking along freeways, expressways, and their ramps as a hazardous condition requiring bus service for elementary students within two miles of school. The sponsor described personal examples of children walking near dangerous roads and said the bill is intended to prevent injuries and deaths. An amendment narrowed the language by deleting “state highway.” Public testimony included a parent who described her child being hit by a car and urged broader coverage, while members raised concerns about bus shortages and fiscal impact. Most members spoke in support, emphasizing student safety, and the bill was reported favorably after debate.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC) Mar 20th, 2026
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)
Transcript Highlights:
- The Game and Fish State Police Subcommittee met on Tuesday, March 17, at the Joe Hogan Fish Hatchery
- Fish Hatchery facility.
- The Game and Fish. State Police Irvin, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- The Game and Fish State Police Subcommittee met on Tuesday, March 17 at the Joe Hogan Fish Hatchery in
- Fish Hatchery facility.
Committee:
All ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- for wildlife and the traveling public; enhance or maintain ecological connectivity for Washington's fish
- for wildlife and the traveling public; enhance or maintain ecological connectivity for Washington's fish
- The Department of Fish and Wildlife, however, would do the majority of the coordination and updating
- The Department of Fish and Wildlife, however, would do the majority of the coordination and updating
- I'm the Director of Conservation for the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Committee:
House Transportation
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/25/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And and like I said, fishing game is very dependent on licenses.
- fishing game that needs to arrest me, not the Derry police.
- </c> and you just don't like hunting fishing and you just don't like hunting fishing or<00:18:12.520>
- For the record, Colonel Kevin Jordan from Fish and Game.
- </c><01:09:24.679><c> game</c> Colonel Kevin Jordan from fishing game Colonel Kevin Jordan from fishing
Committee:
Senate Energy and Natural Resources
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Government Structure - Room 210, 3 February, 2026; 11:00 A.M.
Government Structure
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Fish<00:05:06.400><c> and</c><00:05:06.560><c> do</c><00:05:06.720><c> pass.
- </c> >> Fish and do pass. >> Fish and do pass.
- The<00:05:07.759><c> motion</c><00:05:07.919><c> is</c><00:05:08.160><c> Thomas</c><00:05:08.400><c> Fish
- </c> >> The motion is Thomas Fish. It do pass. >> The motion is Thomas Fish.
- >> Titus Fish do pass committee sub. >> All right. Motion is titles fish at Duke ask me sub.
Committee:
Joint Government Structure
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill authorizes a job-engine charter school to be a conversion charter school and provides that a
- The charter school developers, be it a job-engine charter school in this case, have to present a plan
- The charter school developers, be it a job-engine charter school in this case, have to present a plan
- The charter school developers, be it a job-engine charter school in this case, have to present a plan
- We have charter schools that are established for general purposes, and then we have charter schools that
Committee:
Senate Education Pre-K - 12
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 considered a series of education-related bills, many of them after adopting amendments. SB 1122 on Florida Virtual School was amended to remove virtual preschool provisions and then passed favorably, with the sponsor describing it as a clarifying bill about FLVS operations, revenue sources, reporting, and student access. SB 1374, on school district reporting requirements for educator arrests and misconduct, was also approved; it requires faster district action and reporting when instructional personnel are arrested for certain offenses and clarifies that self-reports are not admissions of guilt. SB 1402, on student enrollment and dropout retrieval programs, was amended and passed to broaden eligibility for dropout retrieval services and allow certain virtual providers to receive a school improvement rating instead of a school grade. SB 364, moving the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys from the Department of Education to Florida Memorial University, was amended and reported favorably.
The committee also approved SB 772 on diabetes management in schools, which would allow districts to obtain and store glucagon for emergency use by trained school staff or nurses, with liability protections included. SB 1102 on school readiness programs for children with disabilities passed after testimony that it would expand identification of disabilities, require more training for providers, and direct special-needs funding toward better-supported classrooms. SB 1382, also on school readiness, was approved and would change the definition of economically disadvantaged families, adjust priority tiers, and update the waitlist and forecasting process for child care assistance.
The most debated measure was SB 140, which was substantially rewritten by delete-all amendment to create “job engine charter schools,” allow municipalities to seek charter schools aimed at attracting industry, authorize parent votes for conversion of existing public schools, and set requirements for district five-year property plans and surplus property use, including affordable housing and charter school purposes. Supporters argued it could aid economic development and repurpose underused property, while opponents raised concerns about privatization, reduced stakeholder input, unclear voting procedures, and loss of district control over property. Despite extensive debate and multiple public speakers against it, the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 430, a merged AED and cardiac emergency response bill requiring public schools to have a cardiac emergency plan, trained staff, and an operational AED in a publicized location, with reimbursement provisions and liability protections; it passed after supporters emphasized life-saving benefits and manageable training costs. The committee adjourned after recording additional members’ votes on selected bills.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (01/14/2026)
Resources, Recreation and Development
Transcript Highlights:
- They plan the cuts working with fish and game biologists, taking fish and game and animal habitat into
- They plan the cuts working with fish and game biologists, taking fish and game and animal habitat into
- They plan the cuts working with fish and game biologists, taking fish and game and animal habitat into
- They plan the cuts working with fish and game biologists, taking fish and game and animal habitat into
- um fishing game stuff like that. um fishing game introduced<04:37:58.320><c> turkeys</c><04:37:58.799
Committee:
House Resources, Recreation and Development
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Jul 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- That may be true for some charter cities.
- Fish, you want to elaborate.
- Alex Fish, Special Assistant Attorney General on the DOJ Housing Portfolio.
- Fish, you want to elaborate.
- Alex Fish, Special Assistant Attorney General on the DOJ Housing Portfolio.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 41 by Senator Wiener, which would regulate pharmacy benefit managers by increasing transparency, banning patient steering and spread pricing, and requiring full pass-through of rebates. Supporters, including independent pharmacists and health advocates, said PBM practices are driving up drug costs and closing neighborhood pharmacies. Opponents from PBM and health plan groups argued the bill overlaps with recently enacted licensing and reporting requirements, would not lower consumer prices, and may be preempted by ERISA. Members discussed confidentiality issues, consumer savings, and the relationship between SB 41 and the new budget trailer bill; the author asked for an aye vote.
The committee then took up SB 378, also by Senator Wiener, aimed at online marketplaces that advertise illegal intoxicating hemp and unlicensed cannabis products. Supporters from labor, public health, and the licensed cannabis industry said online sales are undermining regulated businesses and exposing children to unsafe products. Opponents from tech and hemp industry groups warned the bill is overbroad, could sweep in general-purpose platforms and lawful hemp wellness products, and raises Dormant Commerce Clause and First Amendment concerns. The author said he would narrow the bill, remove industrial hemp references, and address strict liability and standing issues; members largely focused on how to target illegal products without capturing lawful marketplaces.
SB 243 by Senator Padilla addressed AI companion chatbots, with supporters including Common Sense Media and transparency advocates warning that these systems can be addictive, manipulative, and dangerous for minors and vulnerable users, citing studies and the death of a Florida teenager. The bill would require disclosures, anti-addiction design limits, self-harm protocols, audits, reporting, and a private right of action. Tech and business groups opposed the measure as overly broad and said its definitions could sweep in general-purpose AI tools; several members supported the goal but questioned the breadth of the definitions and the private right of action.
Finally, SB 522 by Senator Wahab would extend just-cause eviction protections to rental units that were previously covered by the Tenant Protection Act but were destroyed in disasters and later rebuilt. Supporters, including Los Angeles city officials and tenant advocates, said the bill would help keep displaced renters housed after wildfires and other disasters. Apartment and realtor groups opposed it, arguing it would remove a key exemption needed to finance rebuilding and could discourage post-disaster reconstruction. Members expressed support for tenant protections in disaster areas, and the author asked for an aye vote.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Fish are stocked in both coastal and inland waters each year, and in fact, last summer we released the
- LeSue. and Billy the Fish, wherever he may be. God bless him. Still swimming.
- Hunting fish and all that. We're members.
- along with the fish and wildlife that inhabit our water and woods.
- One of our flagship. is our star fishing tournament, that's State of Texas Angler's Rodeo.
Committee:
House Culture, Recreation & Tourism
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 2nd, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the remainder comes from revenue generated by license sales for hunting, fishing, and boating.
- House Bill 1470 is before you today to adjust fees on hunting, fishing, and watercraft.
- And also Section 4 allows Game and Fish to administer an electronic test for guides and increases the
- The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is charged with stewardship of the state's fish, game, and
- The department sets fish and game regulations, including issuance of hunting and fishing licenses and
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, pledge, roll call, and a quorum present, then approved a motion to lay over House Bill 1525 for one legislative day. It also voted not to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2294, 2297, 2070, 4017, and 2262, appointing conference committees for each. The chamber then took up a series of House bill amendments and final-passage votes.
On amendments, the Senate adopted changes to House Bill 1229 on fleeing law enforcement and driving-record transparency after debate over insurance impacts and public safety; House Bill 1510 on teacher retention, on-site child care, and licensure study language; House Bill 1160 to restrict student personal electronic devices during instructional time; House Bill 1429 to address drone harassment and stalking of animals; House Bill 1203 to harmonize medical marijuana provisions; House Bill 1600 to create a UND immigration clinic with reporting requirements; House Bill 1130 to broaden K-12 funding formula changes and reduce state fiscal impact; House Bill 1279 to modify the coal conversion tax exemption; House Bill 1442 to adjust membership and scope of a state task force; and House Bill 1464 to convert a maternal care services proposal into a study and remove the appropriation. The Senate rejected an amendment to House Bill 1022 concerning the Retirement and Investment Office bonus program, then passed the bill. It also passed House Bill 1234 on a $90 million transfer to reduce PERS liability, while rejecting a floor amendment to it.
On final passage, the Senate passed House Bills 1008 (Public Service Commission budget), 1218 (temporary moratorium and study on economic analysis for drain projects), 1234 (PERS funding transfer), 1146 (PERS defined contribution cleanup and emergency clause), 1355 (expanded notice for administrative rulemaking), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes and guide/outfitter updates), 1029 (Capital Grounds Planning Commission duties), 1017 (Game and Fish budget), 1374 (township supervisor open-meeting exemption for on-site inspections), and 1064 (NC-SARA membership and distance education regulation). It defeated House Bill 1583 on false political advertisements with civil-action language and House Bill 1393 on earned wage access provider regulation. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of House Bill 1326 on self-defense and unlawful firearm possession by felons.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Feb 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Environment, Energy & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- I also serve on the Columbia River and a tribal fish commission as a Yakama delegate.
- Losing this provision will kill more fish in the Columbia River.
- This was a catastrophic event for the fish and the tribe.
- Please add the curtailment provision back to the bill for the protection of both consumers and fish.
- Curtailment authority protects ratepayers, public safety, and fish.
Committee:
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology
Keywords:
weatherization, energy efficiency, community projects, sustainability, environment, coal-fired plant, preferential treatment, energy policy, electric generation, regulatory reform, pollution control, efficiency, appeals process, environmental regulation, hearing board, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This includes the impact of federal dams on our fish rooms in the Columbia and Snake Rivers and like.
- I currently chair our new form committee of the Energy Committee, Fish and Wildlife, Legislative Law
- Energy facilities that damage rivers, fish runs, cultural landscapes, or access routes may therefore
- But I was a fish biologist for 18 years before taking this position.
- And my official title was fish passage biologist at Cle Elum.
Summary:
The committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5821, which would direct the Department of Commerce, if funded by gifts or grants, to develop a nuclear power strategic framework and integrate it into the state energy strategy. Supporters, including Sen. Braun, Energy Northwest, public power representatives, and several pro-nuclear advocates, said Washington needs to keep advanced nuclear on the table to address rising electricity demand, reliability concerns, and clean energy goals. Opponents, including the Sierra Club, Columbia Riverkeeper, tribal representatives, and other environmental advocates, argued the bill gives nuclear special treatment, lacks sufficient guardrails on waste, safety, cost, and public process, and was rushed without adequate tribal consultation. Several tribal testifiers said the bill should require early, meaningful government-to-government consultation and stronger protections for treaty rights and cultural resources.
The committee then held a work session on a Washington State Institute for Public Policy report reviewing state policies supporting small modular reactors. Staff and researchers explained that the report surveyed 79 policies in 35 states and found most states are still in preliminary planning stages, with policies focused on feasibility studies, siting, workforce development, permitting, financial support, and market integration. Members asked about water use, waste, footprint, and whether the report covered fusion; the researchers said it was limited to fission and that water needs vary by reactor design. Some senators noted the need to consider lifecycle impacts and compare nuclear with other energy technologies.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 6010, which would change FSEC tribal consultation procedures by exempting most government-to-government consultations from the Open Public Meetings Act when there is no deliberation or commitments, requiring all FSEC members to participate in consultation, and giving tribes a chance to review and correct the consultation summary before it goes to the governor. Tribal witnesses and environmental groups supported the bill as a way to improve confidentiality and meaningful consultation, while the Association of Washington Business opposed it, saying it could add delays and suggesting timelines. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6004, which would update contracting statutes so public entities can contract for renewable or non-emitting generation capability under CETA definitions; utilities supported the update as a modernization, while consumer and environmental opponents warned it could shift financial risk to ratepayers, especially for nuclear projects. No votes were taken in the transcript.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Transportation Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Floyd Self on behalf of Charter Communications.
- So does that mean proposed charter schools will...
- Okay, so you made the comment whenever a charter, wherever a public school opens up, a charter school
- We know charter schools are good. They exist, those things.
- And so, you know, obviously charter schools are public schools.
Summary:
The Transportation Committee took up several bills and amendments related to traffic safety, utilities, schools, and motor vehicle administration. Senator Pizzo’s SB 1782, as amended, expanded reckless driving per se to include certain high-speed behaviors; the late amendment removed impound language but kept mandatory court appearance, and the bill was reported favorably. Senator McLean’s SB 818 on utility relocation was amended to include an important state interest finding; after testimony from county groups opposing the cost shift to local governments and Charter Communications supporting the bill, it was also reported favorably.
The committee also approved SB 1644 on emergency vehicles, after a delete-all amendment broadened warning-signal use for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and related vehicles. Senator Trumbull’s SB 1348 on DHSMV services was amended to streamline local delivery of motor vehicle services and remove certain fines, waiting periods, and CDL retesting provisions; it passed favorably with support from Florida Tax Collectors. Senator McLean’s SB 1188 on local governing authorities and charter schools drew the most debate, with supporters arguing local governments were using traffic and site-plan rules to block charter schools and opponents warning the bill would tie the hands of local governments and create a blanket preemption; it was reported favorably.
The committee then passed SB 636, which limits use of the far-left lane on high-speed roads except for passing, exiting, move-over compliance, or traffic conditions, and requires FDOT signage. Senator Arrington’s SB 1152 increased the Florida Wildflower specialty plate fee from $15 to $25 to raise more money for wildflower research and habitat programs; it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of multiple appointments to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and Florida Transportation Commission, and then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 5th, 2026 at 08:31 am
House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- One thing that I think makes us distinct is just how much our members love to fish.
- Fishing is a big deal in our organization. It's actually a really big deal in New Mexico.
- Fishing is a big deal in our organization. It's actually a really big deal in New Mexico.
- It's a big part of fishing and it's driving a big part of our economy, our outdoor economy.
- It would promote recreational use, fishing, hunting.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- One thing that I think makes us distinct is just how much our members love to fish.
- Fishing is a big deal in our organization. It's actually a really big deal in New Mexico.
- It's a big part of fishing and it's driving a big part of our economy, our outdoor economy.
- And I hear the stories about the places where people used to fish.
- It would promote recreational use, fishing, hunting.
Summary:
The House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee met on February 5 and heard three measures. House Bill 246 would provide state matching funds for local governments already approved for federal flood mitigation assistance to buy out and rehabilitate floodplain properties, especially in Lincoln County, to reduce repetitive flood damage and restore land to a more natural floodplain. Supporters included county officials, emergency management, and a racetrack lobbyist, all emphasizing public safety, reduced disaster costs, and community recovery. Some members raised concerns about pre-flood property valuation and anti-donation issues, but the bill passed on a do-pass motion.
House Bill 271 would appropriate funds through the Office of Natural Resources Trustee for natural resource recovery and public land access, including disaster recovery projects and expansion of recreational opportunities. Supporters argued it would help restore watersheds, improve access to public lands, and support hunting, fishing, and local outdoor economies. Several members questioned whether the bill was too open-ended, whether it could affect grazing or other existing rights, and why the trustee’s office was the right vehicle; the sponsor and trustee said the office has a transparent public process and that the bill would not create new eminent domain authority or adverse changes to existing rights. The committee approved the bill 9-1, with one member explaining support but noting lingering concerns.
House Bill 254 would allow investor-owned electric utilities to count avoided greenhouse gas emissions when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency programs under the utility cost test. The sponsor and utility witnesses said this would help expand programs such as heat pumps, HVAC upgrades, and all-electric development, while opponents worried it could function as a rate increase or “double dipping” because customers already pay fees supporting efficiency programs. The committee passed the bill 7-3. Finally, House Joint Memorial 3 would ask the Environment Department to study PFAS exemptions and report back during the interim as rulemaking on the PFAS Protection Act proceeds. The memorial drew both support and opposition, with critics saying it conflicted with existing statute and was unnecessary, while supporters said it would ensure a thorough review of federal changes and consumer-product exemptions. The memorial passed 8-2, and the committee then adjourned.