Transcript Highlights:

• We could cut all of the DNR, every single thing they do, every person over there, every job, every state
• We could cut all of the DNR, every single thing they do, every person over there, every job, every state
• We could cut all of the DNR, every single thing they do, every person over there, every job, every state
• We could cut all of the DNR, every single thing they do, every person over there, every job, every state
• We could cut all of the DNR, every single thing they do, every person over there, every job, every state

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The governor discussed Minnesota’s budget outlook ahead of a supplemental budget release next month, saying the state remains financially strong but should be cautious because of federal uncertainty and a structural imbalance in spending. He said the administration’s approach will be measured, with limited new spending and possibly modest revenue measures, while prioritizing a bonding bill and maintaining the state’s AAA bond rating, reserves, and middle-class tax cuts. He also praised the 2023 legislative session and bipartisan cooperation as the basis for the state’s current position. A major topic was spending growth in special education and the broader human services system. The governor said special education is a fundamental service the state is legally and morally obligated to provide, but costs need to be managed more efficiently. He pointed to legacy IT systems in the Department of Human Services and county service delivery as expensive, antiquated, and error-prone, and said the state needs a multi-year modernization plan and continued reorganization. He argued that reforms such as prepayment verification and other fraud controls should reduce costs without cutting services. The governor also addressed federal actions affecting Medicaid and other programs, sharply criticizing efforts to withhold funds and claims of widespread fraud. He said Minnesota’s Medicaid error rate is lower than the national average and argued that the federal government’s approach would harm children, pregnant women, and seniors without improving fraud prevention. He also said the state’s gun violence prevention and fraud-fighting packages are expected to be relatively close to budget neutral. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the meeting, which was primarily a press availability and Q&A.

Transcript Highlights:

• The DNR did what they did in interpreting it and provided this document to them.
• The DNR has concerns about the changes proposed in this bill.
• I've heard that you or the DNR had put out suggestions for fences.
• My question is for the DNR again.
• There should be one, the state or the DNR.

Transcript Highlights:

• And DNR is very good. We actually Yeah. And DNR is very good.
• First up we have DNR with comments.
• First up we have DNR with comments.
• First up we have DNR with comments.
• We're going to push out the date that DNR sets the rules to 2030. That DNR sets the rules to 2030.

Bills: HB1817, HB2056, HB2616, HB1718, HB1842, HB1740, HB1919, HB1616, HB1774, HB1984, HB1603, HB2171

Keywords: fishing regulation, ʻamaʻama, striped mullet, bag limit, overfishing, Hawaii fisheries, funding, appropriations, Honolulu, housing, construction, grant-in-aid, community development, Banyan Drive, Hawaii community development authority, cultural revitalization, special fund, public safety, economic development, affordable housing

Summary: The committee heard HB 1817, which would create a daily bag limit for amaa/ama fish to protect Hawaii’s fisheries. DLNR said the biggest stressor on amaa populations is diversion of freshwater flows that cut off food sources for juvenile fish, and suggested that place-by-place rulemaking with fishers and stakeholders would be the most effective approach. A teacher and several Waialua Elementary students testified in strong support, describing research on declining catch data, cultural importance, and the need to preserve the fish for future generations. Other supporters said the fish is being outcompeted by invasive species and cited historical declines, including testimony that bag limits in Hilo Bay have helped increase populations. Committee members asked DLNR about traditional and cultural gathering rights, whether the bill’s bag limit would apply to native Hawaiian practices, and whether the limit was 10 per day or per season. DLNR said constitutional Hawaiian practices are protected, but also noted that if the bag limit is set in statute it would limit the department’s flexibility to tailor rules by area. Members also asked about other conservation efforts, and DLNR said fish pond revitalization and amaa production are underway statewide. One member raised concern that a statewide statutory limit might not fit conditions on every island, and DLNR said it has authority to adopt area-specific rules through rulemaking, though that process can take months to more than a year. The committee then moved to HP 206, an appropriations measure for the City and County of Honolulu involving school land transfers, and HP 266B relating to Banyan Drive. On HP 206, the county said the request is a one-time item and estimated costs were about $3.25 million, with the city and county already spending more than $350,000 on the transfers. On HP 266B, HCDA said it is conducting a master planning effort for Banyan Drive and plans a community visioning exercise this summer. Testimony from the Banyan Drive redevelopment agency emphasized the need for more flexible land-tenure rules, while OHA supported the bill with amendments to include cultural specialists and lineal descendants in the redevelopment process and to protect ceded lands. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We really deeply value and appreciate the work of the DNR grant administrators.
• We hold the DNR in very high regard. They do exceptional work and have been amazing partners.
• The DNR and the metropolitan area receive 40% each of the parks and trails Legacy fund.
• greater min Minnesota by paying the DNR greater min Minnesota by paying the DNR a<01:03:57.799><
• as the metro and the DNR as the metro and the DNR and<01:04:56.440> as<01:04:56.599> Renee

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One is that it reverses the roles of the Office of Planning and DNR, turning DNR into an agency that
• Um, I believe that like from a turning DNR into a agency that reviews turning DNR into a agency that
• um method and somehow switch back DNR um method and somehow switch back DNR and<00:29:24.399>
• DNR, Division of Forestry and Wildlife. DNR, Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
• turned into DNR turned into DNR >> and<01:34:43.199> a<01:34:43.520> record<

Bills: HB1846, HB2205, HB1802, HB1571, HB2047, HB2434, HB2426, HB2361, HB2395, HB1712, HB2544, HB1619

Keywords: coastal erosion, shoreline properties, regional planning, mitigation districts, sediment management, environmental impact, public access, community financing, shoreline erosion, emergency permits, coastal management, erosion control, Hawaii Revised Statutes, HB1802, conservation banking, conservation bank, mitigation banking, compensatory mitigation, incidental take permit, incidental take license

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1846, relating to shoreline mitigation districts. DLNR and the Office of Planning opposed the bill, arguing it would improperly shift regulatory roles between the agencies and prioritize private land interests over public trust and natural and historic resources. Supporters, including the Shoreline Preservation Coalition, Kahana Bay residents, and Hawaii Realtors, said regional planning is needed to address severe erosion, especially in Kahana, and that better coordination between state and county agencies could help move stalled projects forward. Testifiers emphasized that shoreline conditions vary by area and that science-based, region-specific solutions are needed. Members asked questions about whether existing law already allows regional planning and emergency shoreline responses. DLNR said it already has authority to process regional projects and cited an existing draft EIS for Kahana Bay that would proceed through normal permitting and public hearing channels. Supporters responded that the bill would provide a clearer regional planning framework and help communities facing urgent erosion impacts. No vote was taken on HB 1846 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2205, relating to emergency erosion mitigation. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it already has authority to issue emergency permits and had recently done so quickly for a collapsed sidewalk at Queen Surf Beach, and warning that the bill’s language could weaken Act 16 by changing a prohibition on shoreline hardening to a requirement to merely minimize it. Kahana Bay representatives and other supporters argued the bill would create a limited, regulated short-term pathway for emergency shoreline solutions while long-term plans are developed, and said current permits have expired or stalled, leaving dangerous sandbags and no practical relief. Additional testimony from a private homeowner stressed that erosion is threatening homes and that private owners are often bearing the cost of protecting public shoreline access. The discussion remained focused on balancing emergency protection, public access, and long-term shoreline management, and no final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this would exempt some common agriculture practices from permitting, which currently DNR does not
• This just takes away the requirement of the permitting that DNR would like to see.
• Unless it's specifically for improvements approved by the DNR.
• What it does is it gives DNR really the same powers they have now.
• You know, you have inspectors from DNR.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Conservation and Natural Resources Committee first took up Senate Bill 953, as amended by a House committee substitute combining provisions from House Bill 1885 and Senate Bill 1397. Members discussed changes to the Missouri Clean Water Commission’s conflict-of-interest rules and a provision giving a person who contracts for storage rights in a Corps of Engineers reservoir exclusive rights to return flows. The committee also added House Bill 1376 language to exempt certain non-point source agricultural activities from permitting. Some members raised concerns about conflicts of interest and potential impacts on neighbors and water quality, while supporters said the changes were cleanup language and would not change pollution levels. The substitute was adopted and the bill was voted do pass by a 6-5 roll call, with one present. The committee then heard House Bill 3193, a plastic waste reduction bill for Missouri state parks and historic sites. Sponsor Representative Wellenkamp said the bill would reduce plastic bottles, bags, and Styrofoam/styrene containers in parks and encourage alternatives, while allowing exceptions where needed. Supporters from conservation groups, a bird observatory, and private citizens said plastic waste harms water quality, wildlife, tourism, and cleanup efforts, and several noted the need to consider accessibility and disability-related needs such as straws and packaging. One opponent from the beverage industry argued that plastics are highly recyclable and that education and recycling are better solutions than bans. No vote was taken on HB 3193. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3320, the Drinking Water Transparency and Accountability Act. The bill would direct DNR to assign A-F grades to community water systems based on violations, finances, operations, and infrastructure, post the grades publicly, and impose stronger oversight on systems graded D or F. Supporters, including Missouri American Water, the Missouri Chamber, and some public witnesses, said the bill would improve transparency and help communities understand and address aging infrastructure and financial problems. Opponents from municipal utilities, water associations, and the Missouri Municipal League said the information is already available, that a single letter grade would oversimplify a complex system, and that the bill could create confusion, alarm, and unnecessary costs. The hearing on HB 3320 ended without a vote, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this would exempt some common agriculture practices from permitting, which currently DNR...
• Common agriculture practices from permitting, which currently DNR does not permit for any of this, and
• This just takes away the requirement of the permitting that DNR would like to see.
• What it does is it gives DNR really the same powers they have now. Right now, if DNR...
• You know, you have inspectors from DNR.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 953, which the chair described as protecting environmental funds and, through a committee substitute, adding provisions from House Bill 1885 and Senate Bill 1397. Members discussed changes to the Clean Water Commission conflict-of-interest rules and a water-storage/right-to-return-flows provision for Corps of Engineers reservoirs. The committee also adopted an amendment from House Bill 1376 that would exempt certain agricultural nonpoint sources and agricultural stormwater discharges from permitting requirements, prompting debate over potential effects on accountability and future litigation. After roll call, the committee voted 6-5-1 to report the House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 953 do pass. The committee then heard House Bill 3193, a plastic waste reduction bill for Missouri state parks and historic sites. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would phase out certain single-use plastics in parks, including Styrofoam, plastic bags, and plastic water bottles, while allowing exceptions where needed. Supporters included environmental advocates, the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the Missouri Stream Team Watershed Coalition, and Missouri beverage industry representatives who emphasized litter reduction, microplastics, tourism impacts, and the need for reasonable alternatives. Some members raised concerns about disability access and the need for substitutes such as bendy straws or reusable containers, but the hearing concluded without opposition testimony. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3320, the Drinking Water Transparency and Accountability Act. The sponsor said the bill would require DNR to assign A-F grades to community water systems based on compliance, finances, operations, and infrastructure, post the grades publicly, and impose stronger oversight on systems graded D or F, including limits on new debt and restrictions on using water revenues for unrelated purposes. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency and help communities understand system problems earlier, while opponents from municipal utilities and water associations argued that current consumer confidence reports already provide the information, that a single letter grade oversimplifies a technical field, and that the bill could create confusion or unfairly damage trust. The committee heard both support and opposition, plus informational testimony, and then adjourned without taking final action on HB 3320.

Transcript Highlights:

• we have representatives from the Senate and the House here today, as well as a representative from DNR
• Our bill's trying to just make sure basically we've had some issues throughout the country that DNR are
• I'm the Assistant Attorney General, and the DNR is my client.
• The use of surveillance cameras on private land is not a practice the DNR typically engages in.
• Exigent circumstances—would that allow the DNR to be able to do that?

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• quite a few people, and they came and they had the ability to speak on that, and whether or not the DNR
• It would request an exception for color variants and not the color variants as the DNR is proposing.
• ...color variants as the DNR is proposing in its rule to describe color variants as certain types of
• it would also ask for a modification to the prohibition in the rule on using certain snake tools on DNR
• Whether the idea that it depends on our relationship with the DNR, it's like, oh, so if we're really

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh we have the uh DNR agenda here today.
• 00:07:32.880> hunter Minnesota DNR relies on hunter Minnesota DNR relies on hunter participation
• I think as the DNR management funding.
• Uh, program leader with Minnesota DNR.
• outdoor experience across all DNR outdoor experience across all DNR managed<00:42:15.119> lands

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We passed our budget last July, nine months ago, and then we get a request from the DNR on March 31st
• Governor Evers saw fit to veto that money and gave none of it to Brule, and all the DNR chose to close
• chose to close. ...set for different hatcheries, made fixes to a hatchery that the DNR now chose to
• The DNR dropped this on us in late March, gave us their artificial deadline of April 12th, a deadline
• The next item, also DNR, requests expenditure authority to fund activities in the Bureau of Wildlife

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have DNR State Historic Preservation Division.
• Next, we have DNR State Historic Preservation Division.
• <00:47:52.599> State that okay next we have DNR State that okay next we have DNR State historic
• So every fishery could be affected. and start holding DNR accountable and start holding DNR accountable
• First up, we have DNR in support.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 946 on wastewater management, which would clarify that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/26 applies to treatment plants. Testimony was in support from the Department of Health, Maui County Council, Mayor Bisson, and individuals, and no one testified in opposition. SB 849 on wildlife conservation would prohibit intentional taking, harming, or killing of the Hawaiian hawk (ʻio) and increase penalties for taking native aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants; DLNR supported the bill, noting the ʻio was delisted federally in 2020 and that the measure also updates penalties and adds a rehabilitation/community service option. No questions were raised, and the bill drew support testimony only. For SB 330 on invasive species prevention, the Attorney General raised a supremacy clause concern with language requiring state enforcement of federal quarantines and recommended reverting to a prior version with a catchall for federal regulation. The Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species supported the bill as a way to close a biosecurity gap, while the Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent but wanted to avoid acting without a cooperative agreement with USDA and suggested deleting the portion allowing action without such an agreement. The committee also heard SB 1393 on public land use, which would require the School Facilities Authority to consult with DOE and other agencies before land conveyances or leases and repeal a requirement that DOE transfer title upon request; both SFA and DOE supported the measure, with DOE emphasizing the need for early communication and consultation, and members asked about possible disagreements or stalemates. The committee then heard SB 321 on private roads and ways, which would deem certain privately owned roads and similar ways transferred to adjacent owners or community associations if conditions are met. The Hawaii Land Title Association said the bill as drafted would create uncertainty and proposed a court process to clarify ownership and create a recordable order; written support came from the Mortgage Bankers Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Financial Services Association, and one individual. SB 66 on housing permitting would require permit decisions within 60 days for certain housing projects and deem permits approved in some circumstances; DLNR’s historic preservation office supported the intent but noted county historic preservation roles, OHA suggested amendments to clarify county duties, and DPP opposed the time limits as risky for health and safety reviews, warning about back-and-forth review cycles and possible mismatches between approved plans and field work. Realtors, NAIOP, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii YIMBY, and the Maui Chamber supported the measure, while Lahaina Strong, Hawaii Good Neighbor, and two individuals opposed it. Finally, the committee heard SB 1170 on expeditious redevelopment of affordable rental housing, which would speed permits for rebuilding permanently affordable multifamily rental housing damaged by natural disasters and exempt certain projects from EIS requirements. HHFDC supported the bill, citing the Front Street Apartments rebuild and the long SMA permit timeline on Maui, and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the intent while suggesting technical placement of amendments. Testimony in support also came from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and Joe Blanco, who described difficulties rebuilding a project originally developed under older statutory requirements and said the bill’s added language addressed those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Advanced directives being DNRs are a kind of advanced directive.
• And her mother's physician called her and said, don't you think your mother needs to have a DNR?
• her selfish, ultimately called this woman's sister who attempted to get her to authorize a DNR.
• Fortunately, she survived and that DNR was retracted.
• it introduces guardrails to hopefully prevent people with disabilities being pressured into signing DNRs

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities’ Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met to hear a presentation from Colin Killick of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network on disability discrimination in crisis standards of care during COVID-19. He described how Massachusetts and other states initially used standards that prioritized longer life expectancy and, in some cases, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), which he argued devalued the lives of disabled people and older adults. He also discussed related issues such as denial of transplants, pressure on disabled patients to sign do-not-resuscitate orders, and inequities affecting communities of color. He said disability advocates, legal groups, and public officials pushed back through litigation, media, and organizing, leading to revisions of Massachusetts’ standards and the eventual inclusion of disability advocates in the drafting process. Killick also discussed vaccine rollout, saying disabled people were initially under-prioritized but later gained broader access and more accessible vaccination options such as ASL interpretation and in-home vaccination. He closed by urging support for S. 869, an act relative to preventing discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health care, which he said would ban disability-based discrimination in crisis standards, prohibit QALYs in health care decision-making, and add protections against coerced DNRs. He noted the bill had been favorably reported out of the Health Care Financing Committee but still needed support. In questions, members asked why the bill had not advanced further; Killick said earlier opposition from QALY supporters had been resolved, and the main barrier now was lack of legislative prioritization. Members thanked him for the presentation and for the work on revising crisis standards. The subcommittee then completed roll call, approved the prior minutes, and adjourned, noting the next meeting would be August 31.

Transcript Highlights:

• Council will remain over at DNR it makes Council will remain over at DNR it makes sense<00:06:17.520>
• Hawaii Invasive Species Council from DNR Hawaii Invasive Species Council from DNR to<00:07:06.080
• ,<00:07:25.680> but the staff and projects are at DNR, but the staff and projects are at DNR
• /c> his is uh remains in DNR still is in DNR his is uh remains in DNR still is in DNR until<00:09:03.440
• <00:10:45.360> has uh, where it is situated with DNR has uh, where it is situated with DNR

Bills: HB1601, HB1828, HB1616, HB1603, HB1606, HB1604, HB1605

Keywords: biosecurity, invasive species, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, Department of Land and Natural Resources, appropriation, agriculture, land use, farm dwelling, renewable energy, income qualification, solar energy, geothermal resources, hydropower, agricultural tourism, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, land leases, Hawaii

Transcript Highlights:

• And when I say commissioner, I mean DNR-administered and county-administered other natural resources
• What we see happening are groups, nonprofit groups buying property and then reselling to the DNR, who
• who uses that then reselling to the DNR who uses that money<01:10:57.360> to<01:10:57.600>
• resources lands, and those include all lands that were not on tax rolls when the DNR acquired them,
• resources lands, and those include all lands that were not on tax rolls when the DNR acquired them,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My question actually related to DNR, sorry. DNR, who owns the planes that are used in firefighting?
• My question actually related to DNR, sorry. DNR, who owns the planes that are used in firefighting?
• My question actually related to DNR, sorry. DNR, who owns the planes that are used in firefighting?
• My question actually related to DNR, sorry. DNR, who owns the planes that are used in firefighting?
• My question actually related to DNR, sorry. DNR, who owns the planes that are used in firefighting?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• addresses the DNR components.
• addresses the DNR components.
• addresses the DNR components.
• addresses the DNR components.
• However, 62% of those permits were from state agencies, including DNR, PCA, and then also Bowser.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• gy assistant director for the DNR gy assistant director for the DNR enforcement<01:21:34.159>
• My question is for the DNR again.
• My question is for the DNR again.
• My question is for the DNR again.
• My question is for the DNR again.

Bills: HF1621, HF1701, HF1796, HF1676, HF40, HF1428, HF1540

Keywords: HF1621, CelluComp, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, appropriation, grant, commercialization, fiber-based barrier packaging, packaging materials, PFAS, perfluoroalkyl substances, polyfluoroalkyl substances, plastic reduction, sustainable packaging, environmental health, materials innovation, bio-based packaging, food packaging, agriculture finance, one-time grant, state subsidy

Transcript Highlights:

• Starting on line 229 is the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. of $140,000 for DNR administrative costs
• <01:10:46.880> were and Trail Commission and the DNR were and Trail Commission and the DNR
• <01:21:28.640> I the DNR state parks and trails fund.
• I the DNR state parks and trails fund.
• also want to speak to this from the DNR also want to speak to this amendment?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It looks like we have someone from DNR, right? Okay.
• Last year, in 2025, the DNR trained about 770 watercraft inspectors statewide.
• Um so there, you know, the DNR is training their employees once a year, which is needed.
• <01:19:56.280> on think you have to work with the DNR on think you have to work with the DNR
• An EIS would proactively require the DNR to study the impact of a given project.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all