Transcript Highlights:

• Really a trophy walleye in Lake Washington. Lake Washington should not be a walleye fishery.
• No, these are all lake residents.
• Northern pike have been a problem in the Columbia Basin, Lake Roosevelt, and Lake Pend Oreille since
• we're seeing in Lake Roosevelt.
• we're seeing in Lake Roosevelt.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 5838, which would add a federally recognized tribal representative to the State Board of Natural Resources. The Department of Natural Resources commissioner and tribal leaders said the change would bring Indigenous knowledge and a voting voice to decisions on trust lands, while preserving existing tribal consultation. Some county and economic interests said they were not opposed to tribal participation but stressed the board’s fiduciary duty to trust beneficiaries and asked for more review of the board’s purpose; one witness questioned whether the beneficiaries had been consulted. The prime sponsor, Senator Claudia Kaufman, said the bill is about inclusion and equity and indicated openness to an amendment adding both eastside and westside tribal representation. The hearing closed with 142 written comments reported: 33 pro, 107 con, and 2 other. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5960, which would require Fish and Wildlife to designate at-risk ungulate populations and take predator mitigation actions when populations fall below specified benchmarks. Senator Shelley Short said the bill responds to declining deer and elk numbers and a lack of management, especially in northeast Washington. Supporters argued the bill would codify existing agency plans and restore balance in wildlife management, while opponents—including conservation groups, the Sierra Club, and several scientists and advocates—said the state’s predator-prey study found wolves were not the main driver of ungulate declines, pointing instead to habitat, forage, weather, disease, and vehicle collisions. Ranching and farm groups supported the overall goal but objected to the bill’s in-state wolf translocation provisions. The Department of Fish and Wildlife said it recognized the bill’s intent but opposed it because some directives were impractical, costly, or would require legislative approval. The hearing closed with 1,197 written comments reported: 843 pro, 352 con, and 2 other. The committee then held a work session on Lake Washington salmon predation. Larry Phillips and Muckleshoot Fisheries Director Jason Schaffler described a coalition effort to reduce predation on juvenile salmon in the Lake Washington system, saying invasive and predatory fish such as walleye, rock bass, American shad, northern pike, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass are harming sockeye and Chinook recovery. They said sockeye returns have fallen from hundreds of thousands to about 18,000 in recent years, ending tribal and sport fisheries, and argued that targeted predator removal, supported by prior state and county funding, could help restore runs. Senators asked about the methods and funding, and the presenters said fishing and netting are being used to suppress larger predatory fish and that more sustained investment is needed. Finally, the committee began public hearing on Senate Bill 1697, which would make federally recognized tribes eligible recipients for county conservation futures funds. Testifiers from the Washington Farmland Trust and the Tulalip Tribe said the bill would expand voluntary conservation partnerships, help tribes steward farmland and habitat, and make it easier to leverage county funds with other grants. They described past projects where tribal participation improved conservation outcomes but said tribes could not directly access conservation futures dollars under current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• private landowner lake.
• </c> do with fish that are in their own Lake do with fish that are in their own Lake for<00:08:32.200
• or any other private limit in my lake or any other private landowner<00:09:07.399><c> Lake</c><00:09
• They stocked them in Carpenters Lake, and that lake feeds directly into the Ohio River.
• They stocked them in Carpenters Lake, and that lake feeds directly into the Ohio River.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 01:45 SB 245 Discussion 02:20 SB 245 Roll Call Vote 04:12 SB 112 Discussion 05:25 SB 8 Discussion 25:20, 958, all

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting and then took up Senate Bill 245, which would give the legislature more authority to review appointments to the Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission and clarify language about commissioners serving before confirmation. The sponsor said the bill was meant to allow a deeper background review and prevent unconfirmed appointees from voting on budget matters. The bill was adopted with a sub and title amendment, and Senator Boswell explained his yes vote as a way to ensure timely and proper confirmation votes in the future. The committee then discussed Senate Bill 112, concerning fishing on privately owned lakes and ponds. Senator Boswell argued that landowners should be able to fish on their own property without a license and should control fish harvest on private waters, while still requiring permission for others to fish. Commissioner Rich Storm opposed the proposal, saying landowners already may fish on their property, warning that the bill could reduce fishing-license revenue and federal grant support, and noting the department’s work stocking fish, maintaining access, and funding conservation programs. Senator Webb said he was exploring possible compromise language, and other members raised concerns about pay lakes, youth access, and potential abuse of exemptions. Boswell ultimately withdrew the bill voluntarily, and the committee agreed not to vote on it that day. Finally, the committee heard a discussion-only presentation on Senate Bill 8, focused on long-term energy policy and the role of the Public Service Commission. The sponsor said Kentucky needs a broader energy strategy to address growing demand from new industries such as large data centers, grid capacity limits, and the need for expertise and possibly different pay scales to recruit qualified staff. Members responded positively to the discussion, noting the importance of the PSC and the need for continued work on the issue, but no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the big lakes. the big lakes.
• </c> Hampshire Lakes. Hampshire Lakes.
• </c> lake community. lake community.
• </c><00:31:44.000><c> Living</c> Lake Smart Lake Lake Friendly Living Lake Smart Lake Lake Friendly Living
• </c> damage to our lakes. damage to our lakes.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Effingham,</c><01:31:19.520><c> Lake</c> Province Lake in Effingham, Lake Province Lake in Effingham,
• </c><01:33:38.400><c> The</c> lakes, but also in the lake as well.
• The lakes, but also in the lake as well.
• </c> lakes association. lakes association. &gt;&gt; No.<01:40:27.679><c> Correct.
• </c> have around our our lakes in the state. have around our our lakes in the state.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All this because it speaks to why protecting lake water and creeks that feed into this lake are so important
• We have Longhorn Caverns State Park, we have Lake LBJ, we have Inks Lake, we have the Colorado River.
• We currently get water out of Lake Bridges.
• And I guess so I guess was it a lake runaway or lake bridge port like bridge west side yes sir we're
• We have one source, Bridgeport Lake.

Bills: HB1520, HB1525, HB1530, HB1535, HB2068, HB2091, HB2347, HB2372, HB2805, HB2815, HB2867, HB3154, HB3482, HB3483, HB3663, HB3781, HB3901, HB3915, HB4135, HB4153, HB4158, HB4329, HB4331

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Kin Lake rendering.
• You can This is the Kin Lake rendering.
• This is Ken Lake.
• ,</c><00:21:16.480><c> and</c> Kentucky Dam Village, Kin Lake, and Kentucky Dam Village, Kin Lake, and
• <00:28:50.799><c> and</c><00:28:51.520><c> uh</c><00:28:51.840><c> KDV</c> Lake and uh KDV Lake and uh

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Protection received a detailed update from Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Meyer on capital projects funded through HJR 76, HJR 56, and House Bill 6. He said the department is making steady progress on a large portfolio of park improvements, with regular quarterly reporting to the legislature and ongoing coordination with the Finance Cabinet, the Energy and Environment Cabinet, the Commonwealth Office of Technology, and local utilities and governments. He emphasized that ADA accessibility is a priority across projects and noted that many completed items, including campground bathhouse renovations, broadband upgrades, life safety improvements, playground replacements, and some furniture and mattress upgrades, are already drawing positive feedback. The presentation focused heavily on campground, utility, and infrastructure work. Meyer described $40 million in campground upgrades split between western and eastern Kentucky, including projects at Ken Lake, Carter Caves, My Old Kentucky Home, Cumberland Falls, and others. He also outlined $20 million in utility improvements, including a federal matching grant for grid resiliency at Ken Lake and Kentucky Dam Village, plus wastewater and electrical infrastructure work at parks such as Dale Hollow, Blue Licks, Natural Bridge, and Cumberland Falls. Additional categories included building systems, life safety, structural repairs, accommodations and hospitality upgrades, pool and beach work, dam safety, playgrounds, and golf course improvements. Members asked about the status of Lake Barkley utilities, the possibility of transferring upgraded utility infrastructure to local providers after repairs, and how park repair priorities are set. Meyer said park managers report issues through regional directors and that projects are prioritized through a running capital list, similar to a long-range transportation plan. He said the department has already spent the current $20 million allocation and is requesting $40 million in the next budget cycle, adding that the department believes it could spend and complete projects if that amount is appropriated. The commissioner also said the department is managing 284 additional capital projects outside the main funding streams, totaling nearly $70 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am an alumnus of Lake-Sumter State College.
• Everybody’s accepted in Lake County.
• But the vision I have for Lake-Sumter is...
• Lake Sumter State College.
• For Lake-Sumter to develop also a construction technology program.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider a slate of trustee confirmations for several Florida state colleges and universities. Chair Harrell outlined the process, including swearing in nominees, allowing brief presentations and questions, taking public comment after each nominee, and voting on the full slate at the end unless a member was pulled for separate consideration. One nominee, Edward Fleming, was not heard and was deferred to a future meeting. The committee also dealt with several technical issues for remote participants before proceeding through the agenda. Nominees and reappointees emphasized their personal ties to their institutions and focused their remarks on workforce development, affordability, and partnerships with local employers. Several highlighted nursing and allied health programs, with committee members repeatedly asking about NCLEX pass rates; reported figures included Polk State at 100%, Lake-Sumter at 97.5%, Northwest Florida State at 100%, Daytona State at 95%, Pasco-Hernando at 97% for associate degree and 100% for practical nursing, Pensacola State at 90% practical nursing and 85% RN, and Hillsborough College at 87.5%. Other priorities mentioned included construction technology, agriculture and ag technology, surveying/geodetic programs, maritime and diesel mechanics, aircraft maintenance, dual enrollment, AI, cybersecurity, and support for military and veteran transitions. After hearing from all nominees, the committee asked whether any names should be voted on separately; none were requested. Senator Bradley moved a block vote to recommend confirmation, the motion was approved by roll call, and all nominees heard that day were recommended for confirmation except Tab 10, Edward Fleming, who was postponed to a later meeting. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds is a statewide coalition of some 50 volunteer lake associations
• , plus many individual lake stewards.
• The Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds is a statewide coalition of some 50 volunteer lake associations
• [applause] Vermont Lakes and Ponds. The Federation Vermont Lakes and Ponds.
• </c><00:09:45.040><c> and</c> preservation of Vermont's lakes and preservation of Vermont's lakes and

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Veterans on the Lake Resort is located on the cusp of the Boundary Waters, on Fall Lake, Minnesota, and
• on</c><00:03:19.319><c> the</c> veterans on Lake Resort located on the veterans on Lake Resort located
• </c> uh cusp of The Boundary Waters fall Lake uh cusp of The Boundary Waters fall Lake Minnesota<00:03
• </c> a rock trench uh type system and Lake a rock trench uh type system and Lake County<00:23:10.600>
• </c><00:32:14.399><c> County</c> possible uh Lake County possible uh Lake County has<00:32:16.840><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or two of our lakes actually.
• want poop in our lakes.
• We have Lake LBJ, we have Inks Lake, we have the Colorado River.
• Is there plans to connect, uh, why is, uh, Lake Bridgeport to the all the other connecting lakes down
• We have one source, Bridgeport Lake. Uh, RSUD pulls from that lake.

Bills: HB 1520, HB 1525, HB 1530, HB 1535, HB 2068, HB 2091, HB 2347, HB 2372, HB 2805, HB 2815, HB 2867, HB 3154, HB 3482, HB 3483, HB 3663, HB 3781, HB 3901, HB 3915, HB 4135, HB 4153, HB 4158, HB 4329, HB 4331

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain.
• or Lake Maurepas.
• or Lake Maurepas.
• But in this side of lake, it may not, on the southeast side of Lake Pontchartrain, there might not be
• Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> And is that Ken Lake?
• </c><00:17:44.480><c> Cumberler,</c><00:17:45.120><c> Lake</c> Pine Mountain, Lake Cumberler, Lake Pine
• Mountain, Lake Cumberler, Lake Cumberland,<00:17:45.840><c> and</c><00:17:45.919><c> John</c><00:17:
• </c> the the dining room at Lake Barkley. the the dining room at Lake Barkley.
• Currently, Lake pools for review.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Energy and Environmental Protection met at 9:00 a.m., approved the June 3 minutes, and heard a presentation from the Department of Parks and the Finance Cabinet on Kentucky State Parks capital projects. Commissioner Mark Keelin and Scott Baker described the scope of the state parks system, the ongoing coordination with DECA/Finance Cabinet, and the status of projects funded through House Joint Resolution 76, House Bill 553, House Joint Resolution 56, and House Bill 6. They said 36 of 44 state parks have received renovations or upgrades, with 66 projects completed and 17 under construction, and outlined work on campgrounds, utilities, wastewater systems, broadband, building systems, safety upgrades, ADA improvements, pools, golf courses, marinas, and lodge accommodations. The presenters highlighted several completed or active projects, including campground upgrades at Carter Caves, Ken Lake, and My Old Kentucky Home; utility and grid-resilience work at parks such as Kentucky Dam Village and Kincaid Lake; wastewater projects at parks including E.P. Tom Sawyer, Carter Caves, Dale Hollow, and Blue Licks Battlefield; and building and hospitality renovations at parks such as Lake Barkley, Baron River, and Cumberland Falls. They also noted completed playground upgrades, lock system replacements, beach refurbishment, and golf course improvements, and said the parks system is managing additional internal projects beyond those discussed. The department emphasized that parks often serve as sheltering locations during disasters and that infrastructure replacement is a high priority. Scott Baker then explained DECA’s role in managing the Commonwealth’s capital construction program, saying it oversees about 1,300 active projects across 28 cabinets and agencies, including 149 parks projects. He described DECA’s team-based approach, with dedicated project managers and field staff assigned to parks, and said monthly status meetings and more frequent check-ins are used to keep projects moving. In response to committee questions, Keelin and Baker said projects are assigned to DECA based mainly on the need for architectural or engineering services, while smaller or less complex work can be handled in-house by parks staff or the P11 construction crew. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a rendering of Kin Lake.
• </c> This is a rendering of uh Kin Lake. This is a rendering of uh Kin Lake.
• </c> projects are taking place at Kin Lake projects are taking place at Kin Lake State<00:10:24.000><
• </c><00:16:03.519><c> have</c> Jenny Wally and Dell Hollow Lake have Jenny Wally and Dell Hollow Lake
• Dam Village and Kin Lake. Uh additional Dam Village and Kin Lake.

Keywords: 00:02 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:44 Approval of Minutes 01:56 Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet 54:59 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy received an update from Kentucky State Parks and the Finance Cabinet on the status of major capital projects funded through recent legislative appropriations. Commissioner Mark Keelin, Deputy Commissioner Chris Perry, and Finance Cabinet/DECA representatives described progress on campground upgrades, utility and broadband improvements, building systems repairs, life-safety work, accommodations and hospitality renovations, pool and beach projects, playgrounds, golf course improvements, marina work, and wastewater upgrades across the state park system. They emphasized that Kentucky has 44 state parks and that the funding has supported completed work and projects still under construction or in design. The presentation highlighted funding tied to House Joint Resolution 76, House Joint Resolution 56, and House Bill 6. Parks reported roughly $72 million invested to date, with 66 projects completed and 17 under construction, including campground renovations at sites such as My Old Kentucky Home, Kin Lake, Carter Caves, Cumberland Falls, and others; broadband projects at several campgrounds; electrical grid resilience work at parks including Kentucky Dam Village and Kin Lake; and completed life-safety upgrades such as lock systems. Officials also noted pool and beach work, ADA improvements, lodge and guest room renovations, marina replacements, and wastewater plant upgrades. DECA said it currently manages 1,335 active capital projects statewide, including 149 for Parks, and credited additional project management capacity and regular coordination meetings for accelerating delivery. Committee members asked for a copy of the presentation and pressed the department for more detailed accounting of House Joint Resolution 56, including how much money remains, which projects are complete, and whether current appropriations are sufficient to finish the listed work. The department also requested a larger maintenance pool appropriation of $40 million for the next budget, arguing that routine and emergency maintenance needs across 44 parks exceed current resources and that preventative maintenance would reduce long-term costs. No votes were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:34:55.560><c> State</c> at Ken Lake State at Ken Lake State Park<00:34:57.720><c> significant
• </c> electrical infrastructure at Ken Lake electrical infrastructure at Ken Lake and<00:36:50.280><c>
• Lake Malone campgrounds.
• Lake Malone campgrounds.
• </c> include the following Yatesville Lake include the following Yatesville Lake State<00:46:36.280><

Keywords: Reuploaded to restore full meeting 00:13 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:14 Approval of Minutes 01:40 Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet 27:44 Department of Parks 59:23 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its second Budget Review on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy and first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. Members then heard a presentation from the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Tourism on the 1% tourism marketing fund. Witnesses explained that the fund supports statewide tourism promotion, advertising, research, regional marketing, and matching grants to local tourism commissions, and that it cannot be used for capital construction. They reported that the General Assembly and governor increased appropriations in the 2024 session, adding $3 million in FY25 and $7 million in FY26, and set aside funding for the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority, the National Quilt Museum, and the Southern Kentucky Tourism Initiative. Tourism officials emphasized that Kentucky tourism is a major economic driver, citing 2023 figures of $13.8 billion in economic impact, 79.3 million visitors, $9.7 billion in direct spending, more than 95,000 jobs supported, and nearly $1 billion in state and local tax revenue. They said the department now uses targeted digital and over-the-top advertising in selected domestic and international markets, with 62% of media placements digital and 80% of the budget spent out of state. Members asked about market selection, how the department measures return on investment, and what attracts visitors from places such as Dallas, Orlando, Toronto, and Washington, D.C.; officials said research shows a mix of family visits, outdoor recreation, and varied Kentucky offerings, and that 81% of overnight visitors are repeat visitors. They also discussed the potential impact of tariffs and trade tensions on bourbon-related tourism and international visitation, especially from Canada, and officials said they were monitoring the situation with U.S. Travel Association and Brand USA. The committee then heard from Kentucky State Parks officials on capital projects funded through HJR 76, HJR 56, and House Bill 6. They said they are providing quarterly project reports and have been meeting regularly with the Finance Cabinet’s engineering and contract staff. The presentation focused on campground utilities, broadband, and structural upgrades, including $40 million for campground improvements across the park system, with completed bathhouse renovations at Barren River and Nolin Lake and additional projects underway or in planning. Officials said the work is based on camper survey feedback, such as requests for better Wi-Fi, sewer and electric upgrades, frost-free spigots, and improved site layouts, and noted that the My Old Kentucky Home campground project is under construction and expected to be completed by spring 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lake Washington should not be a walleye fishery. We started that work in Lake Sammamish as well.
• In '25, we detected another walleye in Lake Sammamish.
• In Lake Washington, these American shad appear to be residents.
• Northern pike have been a problem in the Columbia Basin, Lake Roosevelt, and Lake Pend Oreille since
• we're seeing in Lake Roosevelt.

Bills: SB5838, SB5960, SB6097

Keywords: tribal representation, natural resources, board of natural resources, environmental policy, community involvement, ungulate populations, wildlife management, habitat restoration, conservation, sustainability, Indian tribes, conservation futures program, federal recognition, environmental protection, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The safe yield of Silver Lake was established in 1900 as 4.3 million gallons per day.
• it with diversion into Silver Lake when Monponset Pond levels are high.
• The introduction indicates juvenile alewife in Silver Lake in the hundreds of millions.
• That's why 20,000 river herring got into Silver Lake last year.
• Orleans has 63 ponds and lakes and 50-plus miles of coastline.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources opened its first hearing with introductory remarks, instructions on three-minute testimony limits, and notice that written testimony would be accepted. The committee then heard testimony on several local bills, beginning with H. 984, which would change water management for Silver Lake, Furnace Pond, Monponset Pond, and the Jones River system. Supporters said the 1964 water arrangement has harmed water levels, water quality, and habitat, and argued the bill would add needed environmental oversight without cutting Brockton off from water. Testimony emphasized impacts on alewife, freshwater mussels, drought conditions, and the need for more balanced management; no vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard H. 1069, a proposal to raise the parking surcharge at Douglas State Forest from $1 to $5 to help Douglas cover emergency response costs at the DCR park. Supporters said the town bears the burden for rescues, brush fires, and other incidents and has used the current surcharge for equipment like drones and ATVs. Another bill, H. 994, would let Orleans regulate fertilizer use locally; the town argued that nutrient pollution has worsened water quality in Cape Cod ponds and coastal waters, while opponents from the lawn care and landscape industries said Massachusetts already has a strong statewide nutrient-management system and warned against a patchwork of local rules. The committee also took testimony on H. 1073 concerning wastewater treatment and disposal options at Joint Base Cape Cod for the town of Sandwich. Supporters said the base could help meet Sandwich’s immediate and long-term wastewater needs and that the region has already invested in planning. In addition, Senator Driscoll testified in support of S. 575, to add transparency to the Blue Hills Reservation Trust Fund, and S. 574, to establish memorial markers honoring law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. He also supported related park-naming legislation, including a bill to rename Farragut Park and dedicate athletic fields there. Finally, a marine trades representative supported a bill to expand pleasure boat access to Boston Harbor, arguing that boating supports the local economy and that boaters are strong environmental stewards. The hearing concluded after all registered testimony was heard, with no committee action reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• From the tributaries to the lakes, you can see that there are a variety of ponds or lakes and ponds identified
• </c> Vermont tributaries uh going into Lake Vermont tributaries uh going into Lake Champlain,<00:14:01.440
• Uh from the tributaries to the lakes.
• </c><00:14:46.240><c> lakes</c><00:14:46.480><c> and</c><00:14:46.639><c> ponds</c> of uh ponds or lakes
• lakes and ponds of uh ponds or lakes lakes and ponds identified<00:14:47.920><c> across</c><00:14:48.320

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lake kosaka flows into Center Harbor of Lake kosaka flows into Center Harbor of lake<00:26:49.360><c>
• the lake the land surrounding the lake the lake is<00:29:13.519><c> feeding</c><00:29:13.880><c> from
• lake.
• </c><00:37:34.760><c> or</c> lake um can protect the lake or lake um can protect the lake or potentially
• lake.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 105, which would create a new conservation license plate and direct the added fee to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. The sponsor, Rep. Rosemarie Rung, said the bill would create a non-tax revenue source to help address toxic cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire lakes, ponds, and rivers. She described the public health, environmental, and economic harms from blooms, the high cost of watershed management plans and mitigation projects, and the limited current funding available through state and federal sources. She argued that a voluntary plate program could provide sustainable support and raise awareness. Supporters, including Reps. Katie Pell and McDonald, said the bill would help affected lake communities and tourism-dependent areas. New Hampshire DES testified neutrally but confirmed that blooms have increased sharply, that the agency has issued more than 120 warnings in the past two years, and that the existing mitigation fund is nearly depleted after one-time appropriations. DES said the proposed plate would not solve the entire funding need but could provide dedicated revenue for studies and implementation projects. DMV testified that the operational impact of adding a new plate would be minimal. New Hampshire Lakes also supported the bill and said survey results suggested some current Moose plate holders and new registrants would likely choose the Loon plate. Committee members asked about the health effects of cyanobacteria, the expected revenue from the plate, and whether the problem is natural or human-driven. Testimony said exposure can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal illness, and more serious liver or neurological effects, with pets and children at higher risk; one witness also cited research suggesting aerosolized toxins may affect people several kilometers from a bloom. DES explained that while lake sediments can release nutrients, the underlying problem is largely driven by watershed inputs and worsened over time. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair invited written testimony and additional questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pontchartrain to Lake Morpaw.
• Pontchartrain and Lake Marpaul?
• The thought is, I've seen lots of hoop netters fish in Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain.
• England to be the lighthouse keepers at Lake Banshack on Lake Pontchartrain.
• , the Lake Marlapar area.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm on a lake association, or I'm on a lake, and I have a lake association.
• The lake has four of them. We pay for those batteries out of our lake association.
• Because, again, they're on the lake. It's mostly meant for lake access AED access.
• <c> four</c><00:32:00.720><c> of</c> Lake Association uh the lake has four of Lake Association uh the
• it's mostly meant they're on the lake it's mostly meant for<00:32:38.760><c> Lake</c><00:32:39.159><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all