Video & Transcript Research : 'bicycles'

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HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

House Chamber - Thu Feb 6, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 14

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Eduardo Hernandez, who's also the policy advocate, or I'm sorry, advocacy director for the Hawaii Bicycling
  • director for um or I'm sorry advocacy director for the<00:12:47.880> Hawaii<00:12:48.360> bicycling
  • <00:12:49.040> League<00:12:50.040> thank<00:12:50.199> you the Hawaii bicycling
  • League thank you the Hawaii bicycling League thank you welcome<00:12:50.560> to<00:12:50.680>
Keywords: 910, house, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate - Finance Mar 20th, 2025

Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • offered to this judge whether the 11-year-old threw a can of paint on a wall or ran down a man on his bicycle
  • They ran over someone on purpose in a car; the person was on a bicycle.
  • through a house and killed somebody, or intentionally drove down the street and ran a guy with a bicycle
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Health and Human Services (03/19/2025)

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • And as you know, brain injuries can come from, like myself, falling off my bicycle and hitting my head
  • A child who falls off their bicycle and has an acquired brain injury.
  • A child who falls off their bicycle and has an acquired brain injury.
  • A child who falls off their<00:10:57.279> bicycle<00:10:58.000> and<00:10:58.320> has
  • has an acquired brain their bicycle and has an acquired brain injury.<00:11:02.040> Um<00:11:
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Transit obstruction camera systems 3/17/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, the impacts to bicycle riders and their safe use of the bike lanes is also not acceptable.
  • c><00:05:17.919> the<00:05:18.160> impacts<00:05:18.479> to<00:05:18.720> bicycle
  • <00:05:19.120> riders lines. um the impacts to bicycle riders lines. um the impacts to bicycle
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The committee heard House File 3966, a bill authorizing transit agencies and local governments to use bus-mounted cameras to enforce existing rules against illegally parked or stopped vehicles in bus lanes, bus stops, and bike lanes. Representative Jones, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is intended to protect transit investments, improve bus speed and reliability, and keep lanes clear for riders. The bill was amended with the A1 author’s amendment before testimony began. Testimony was generally supportive. A representative from the City of Minneapolis said bus and bike lanes are frequently blocked, citing repeated blockages at 7th Street and Nicollet Mall and Lake Street at Lyndale Avenue, and said the city was working with the author on technical details. A representative from Hayden AI also supported the bill, describing automated enforcement systems used in other cities and arguing they improve safety, accessibility, and transit performance. She said the system only captures violations, deletes other footage, uses human review before citations, and does not use facial recognition. Members raised questions about cost, privacy, who receives citations, and whether the cameras could capture other data or non-vehicle obstructions. The author and testifier said the bill is limited to parked or stopped vehicles, that data protections mirror existing camera laws, and that citations go to the vehicle owner or lessee, with appeals available for stolen vehicles or other defenses. A proposed oral amendment to delete an appropriation section was discussed but not pursued. After debate, the committee voted on the motion to re-refer House File 3966, as amended, to the Judiciary, Finance, and Civil Law Committee; the motion failed.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • The existing street and bridge layout do not offer pedestrian or bicycle accommodations. ...and bridge
  • layout do not offer pedestrian or bicycle accommodations.
  • easements that are proposed, the constraints of the existing right-of-way would not enable pedestrian or bicycle
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hearing on several late-file bills and home rule petitions, with testimony focused mainly on coastal access and wildlife management, rodenticide restrictions, and a local land-use request. Rep. Scarsdale testified for H.5113, which would name an accessible trail in Groton’s J. Harry Rich State Forest the Marion Stoddard River Walk in honor of the activist who helped restore the Nashua River. Groton Trails Committee chair Paul Fung also supported the bill, describing the trail, educational signs, and DCR’s involvement. Rep. Sweezey presented a package of Duxbury Beach bills—H.5141, H.5140, and H.5139—intended to align state shorebird protections more closely with federal standards, create parity in beach management tools, and require periodic review of outdated recreational-use guidelines; he said the bills were developed with local and agency input and aimed to balance conservation with beach access. A large portion of the hearing concerned local petitions to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and other pesticides. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Sierra Club, Animal Defenders International, wildlife rehabilitation groups, and residents from towns including Grafton, Billerica, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Eastham, and Truro argued that these poisons harm raptors and other non-target wildlife through secondary poisoning, persist in the environment, and are increasingly ineffective. Several speakers said local town meetings had approved the restrictions and urged favorable reports on the petitions. Opponents, including a representative of the New England Pest Management Association, argued that regulation should remain at the state level under MDAR to avoid a patchwork of local rules and noted that the agency was already reviewing rodenticide regulations. Committee members asked questions about agency consultation, the relationship between state and federal bird listings, and how local beach rules would work in practice. The committee also heard testimony on H.4700 and related local pesticide-reduction petitions for Eastham and Truro, with witnesses describing groundwater concerns, pesticide drift, and wildlife impacts. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.2961, a Dighton bill authorizing the use of a small portion of conservation land for public way purposes to replace the Pleasant Street Bridge and add pedestrian and bicycle accommodations; the witness said the affected area was limited and necessary for safety improvements. The hearing ended after testimony concluded, with the chair turning the gavel over and the committee adjourning.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm a resident here of Santa Fe, a member of the Santa Fe Bicycle Club, Seniors on Bikes, which is about
  • And I also sit on the City of Santa Fe's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
  • It's for vehicles... or bicycles, things that don't have four walls of sorts. Is that correct?
Keywords: 996, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Senate Floor Session - 05/01/25

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We do support from the sales tax in the metropolitan area that's dedicated to bicycle and pedestrian
  • Now, we've got bicycle welfare into the law.
  • <02:51:28.240> This<02:51:28.479> would bicycle welfare into the law.
  • This would bicycle welfare into the law.
  • <02:52:06.960> means<02:52:07.200> of bicycles are an important means of bicycles are
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • It's also a nuisance if it runs after or chases bicycles, motor vehicles, motorcycles, or other vehicles
  • records, the dog has been appropriately immunized against rabies. ...or if it runs after, chases bicycles
  • In my time of bicycling, I have had some scary experiences with being chased down by a pack of dogs.
  • In my time of bicycling, I have had some scary experiences with being chased down by a pack of dogs.
  • I think in here where it says, you know, if it's running after somebody who's on a bicycle, if it bites
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee worked through a draft bill amending animal cruelty and protective custody provisions, focusing on how animals may be seized, cared for, and returned, and on what rights owners have when animals are taken. Members discussed adding language requiring officers to inform a charged person in writing of the right to petition for a veterinarian of their choice, clarifying that any documents presented for signature must be fully and honestly explained, and revising language so confiscated animals cannot be altered without notarized owner authorization. They also considered a new prohibition on using confiscated animals for fundraising or donations, ultimately preferring the term “financial gain” over “profiteering.” The discussion also covered protective custody procedures, including adding “municipal animal control officer” to the list of officers involved, allowing return of animals to the owner or caretaker if no charges have been filed or no warrant establishing probable cause has been sought or issued, and clarifying the distinction between criminal seizure and temporary protective custody. The commissioner’s comments led to several proposed deletions or revisions, including removing language viewed as redundant or inconsistent with protective custody, and striking references to live racing provisions that are no longer relevant. Members further addressed lactating animals, agreeing to add language that confiscated lactating animals should not be separated from their nonweaned offspring. They also discussed a proposed confidentiality provision requiring people assisting in investigations or taking possession of seized animals to sign a binding nondisclosure agreement, though members noted similar protections may need to be duplicated in the temporary custody section as well. The conversation was largely about drafting and legal clarity, with no final vote or formal action recorded in the excerpt.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Taxes Committee 4/21/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, that fund is dedicated to bicycle and pedestrian projects in the region, and there is ample resources
  • Uh, that fund is dedicated to bicycle and pedestrian projects in the region, and there is ample resources
  • Uh that fund is dedicated to bicycle<00:21:34.720> and<00:21:35.039> pedestrian<00:21:35.520
  • > projects<00:21:35.919> in<00:21:36.080> the bicycle and pedestrian projects in
  • the bicycle and pedestrian projects in the region<00:21:36.799> and<00:21:37.039> there
Bills: HF2438
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm a volunteer with the Florida Bicycle Association. Thank you very much, Mr.
  • Bicycling is an important part of Florida's economy.
  • department has... ...Committee has funded and the Department has invested in safer facilities for bicycling
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met to review its fiscal year 2025-2026 budget proposal and several bills. The chair outlined a roughly $18 billion budget area, including major funding for the Department of Transportation work program, Visit Florida, library/cultural/historical initiatives, affordable housing, National Guard tuition assistance, and Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles needs. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical adjustments and then approved the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee next heard and approved CS/SB 666, creating a Miami Northwestern Alumni Association specialty license plate, with proceeds supporting scholarships, academic, athletic, and arts programs at Miami Northwestern Senior High School. Members praised the school’s academic and athletic achievements, and the bill was reported favorably without opposition. The committee also heard extensive testimony on CS/SB 1318, which would rename Florida’s texting-while-driving law as the hands-free driving law and expand the prohibition to handheld use of wireless devices, including in work zones. Supporters, including law enforcement, health care, bicycling, and crash victims’ advocates, argued it would save lives and make enforcement clearer; some senators supported the goal but raised concerns about enforcement, privacy, and impacts on drivers with older vehicles. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then approved SB 1408, designating memorial highways in Hillsborough and Charlotte counties for Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen and Sergeant Elio Diaz, and SB 1516, creating the International Aerospace Innovation Fund to be administered by Space Florida to support partnerships between Florida and international aerospace companies. Both bills were reported favorably with little debate. Senators also requested to be recorded in the affirmative on selected bills, and the meeting adjourned.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session 4/28/25 - Part 2

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • by those under the age of bicycles by those under the age of 18.<01:55:50.320> Evaluate<01:55
  • <01:56:02.400> make electric assisted bicycles. make electric assisted bicycles. make recommendations
  • And we're even talking about electronic bicycles as well.
  • <02:06:15.199> So about electronic bicycles as well.
  • So about electronic bicycles as well.
Keywords: 1183, house
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session Mar 24th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • HCR 116 by Gomez, redesignating Brownsville as the official bicycling capital of the Rio Grande Valley
  • for the Committee on State Affairs, HCR 116 by Gomez, redesignating Brownsville as the official bicycling
Summary: The House met briefly to read a large number of first-reading bills, joint resolutions, and concurrent resolutions and refer them to the appropriate committees. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including public health, education, criminal justice, taxation, transportation, water and natural resources, elections, housing, veterans issues, local government, and constitutional amendments. Several bills focused on school policy, health care regulation, property tax and sales tax changes, criminal penalties, and local or state agency authority. Among the notable items were proposals on name and sex changes on birth records, college admissions inquiries into criminal history, foster care contractor liability, school nutrition and assessment policy, election procedures, homestead and franchise tax exemptions, public retirement system reporting, and numerous transportation and infrastructure measures. The House also received resolutions designating local honors and observances, including Brownsville as the bicycling capital of the Rio Grande Valley, Port Aransas as the fishing capital of Texas, and Selena Quintanilla Perez Day. Some measures proposed constitutional amendments on legislative procedure, homestead taxation, and election-law enforcement authority. No debate or testimony occurred in this segment; the action was limited to first reading and referral. The session also referred several resolutions to the Local and Consent Calendars. At the end of the proceedings, the House adjourned without objection until 2 p.m. Tuesday.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 26, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • This measure relates to the regulation of electric bicycles, and it has a lot of different parts to it
  • Hernandez, Hawaii Bicycle League, not present. Next, Zach Goodman, President?
  • <01:04:12.720> and<01:04:12.960> other electric bicycles and other electric bicycles
  • Hawaii Bicycling League: not present in support. Perry Aerosmith. Aloha.
  • or high-speed electric device bicycle or high-speed electric device for<02:20:02.640> violations<
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2592, which would clarify the powers of the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority regarding land use on Mauna Akea and related property transfers. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the rural property transfer but objected to language transferring conservation district use permits, saying CDUPs normally run with the land rather than being assigned to specific telescopes or observatories. The University of Hawaiʻi and the observatories generally supported the bill but urged clearer language, especially on the transfer of real property assets, related obligations and liabilities, and the inclusion of milestones for the transition. Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill’s overall intent but warned that some language could be overbroad and might improperly waive future beneficiary claims. Several testifiers opposed the measure, arguing it ignored DHHL lands and beneficiary rights, while others supported it as a way to clarify the authority’s role. Members questioned DLNR about the practical effects of transferring CDUP responsibility, and the committee emphasized that the bill was narrowly focused on specific land. The committee then took up House Bill 2593, which would authorize the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority to extend existing leases and subleases for up to 10 years. The authority explained that the bill does not itself extend any lease, but instead gives the authority discretion to initiate a transparent public process if extensions are needed. The University of Hawaiʻi supported the concept but said the timing of any extension matters and noted possible legal requirements under state law. The observatories also supported the bill, describing it as a flexible tool during a broader transition process and noting that the authority has held many public planning workshops. Opponents, including Native Hawaiian and community testifiers, argued that the conservation lands should receive the highest protection, that the community had not consented, and that the observatories have had decades to plan ahead. One testifier urged the bill be deferred or killed for lack of clarity. In response to questions, the committee clarified that the bill only authorizes a process and does not itself extend leases, and that any extension would require public participation. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 2047, relating to the AHAPU advisory committee. The discussion focused on the committee’s administrative relationship to the Department of Land and Natural Resources and whether DLNR should oversee basic legal compliance issues such as Sunshine Law and legislative reporting. DLNR explained that the committee is administratively attached to the department, which provides support on human resources, procurement, and legal questions, but that the committee itself generally handles its own operations. The department said it would route compliance questions to its attorneys and implement their advice. The hearing then moved on to House Bill 2231, which would transfer appointment authority for island burial council members from the governor and Senate to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. OHA said it generally supported the change for geographic moku representatives, since it already nominates candidates for those seats, but expressed concern about taking on appointment authority for the large landowner seats because that role is less directly tied to its statutory duties.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session May 11th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Currently, a person is prohibited from operating a bicycle on a highway if that person is riding other
  • than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle.
  • However, these laws are currently limited to a highway and do not apply to bicycles ridden on a Class
  • With multiple riders on a single bicycle, the driver can be more easily distracted and or lose control
  • the California Orthopedic Association and has received support from the California Association of Bicycling
Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a ceremonial observance for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support of House Resolution 107, which designates May as AAPI Heritage Month, emphasizing the community’s contributions, resilience, and the need to confront discrimination and hate. The resolution was adopted, and the chamber then recognized 13 honorees for the 2026 AAPI Heritage Month celebration, highlighting leaders in education, business, labor, media, cultural preservation, and public service. After guest introductions, the Assembly took up a series of bills. Measures discussed included HOA reserve funding for common interest developments (AB 2050), professional review requirements for lawsuits against design professionals (AB 2106), direct home delivery of enteral formula (AB 1794), expanded CalWORKs-related support for student parents (AB 1829), longer insurance moratoriums for wildfire survivors (AB 2038), election cybersecurity (AB 2281), medical privacy protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care (AB 2448), water district board compensation (AB 2568), county public contract change-order authority (AB 1658), and several other education, health, and licensing bills. Most measures passed with broad support; AB 2050 passed 44-6, AB 2038 passed 45-8, AB 2448 passed 49-13, and AB 1658 passed 61-2, while several others passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Assembly also adopted AJR 29, a resolution opposing a federal executive order affecting vote-by-mail and affirming California’s mail voting system. The resolution prompted extended debate over election integrity, voter access, and federal versus state authority, with supporters arguing mail voting is secure and accessible and opponents calling for stronger voter list maintenance and verification. The resolution passed 47-13. In addition, ACR 141 and ACR 123 were adopted by voice vote after co-author roll calls, and the chamber continued or passed on numerous other file items as it worked through the daily file.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

February 3, 2026 - 08:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative Benarroch, you are recognized for two bills but let's begin with CS for HB 243 Electric Bicycles
  • families have lost loved ones and young people have been seriously injured while using electric bicycles
  • Was your foot, you just push forward and it was quite harmless compared to the bicycle and other recreational
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Mar 26th, 2025

Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm a volunteer with the Florida Bicycle Association. Thank you very much, Mr.
  • Bicycling is an important part of Florida's economy.
  • department has... ...Committee has funded, and the Department has invested in safer facilities for bicycling
Summary: The committee first reviewed the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget proposal for transportation, tourism, and economic development, which totals about $18 billion and includes major funding for the Department of Transportation work program, Visit Florida, affordable housing, library/cultural/historical initiatives, National Guard tuition assistance, and Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles needs. Members approved staff technical adjustments and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee then heard and approved CS/SB 666, which creates a specialty license plate for the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, with proceeds supporting scholarships and school academic, athletic, and arts programs. CS/SB 1318, the hands-free driving bill, drew extensive testimony from the sponsor, law enforcement, advocates, and victims’ families. Supporters argued it would create a clearer, easier-to-enforce prohibition on holding a wireless device while driving and help reduce crashes and deaths; some senators raised concerns about enforcement, privacy, and impacts on drivers with older vehicles, but the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1408, designating memorial highways for Tampa Police Officer Jesse Madsen and Charlotte County Sergeant Elio Diaz, and SB 1516, which would create the International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida to support partnerships between Florida and international aerospace companies. Both bills had supportive testimony and no opposition noted. The meeting ended with adjournment after the final votes.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Feb 5th, 2026 at 11:33 am

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • July 22, 2025, in Albuquerque, after being struck and killed by a motor vehicle while riding her bicycle
  • And whereas Kayla also worked at the Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center, where she shared her
  • Traffic and bicycle safety is an important issue to me personally. The first time in 50 years.
  • Traffic and bicycle safety is an important issue to me personally, and I am honored to continue pushing
  • The other thing that I'm very well aware of is I'm a bicyclist, too, and the entire bicycle community
Keywords: 996, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Mar 5th, 2025

Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • We don't write people tickets if they're driving their tractor, their UTV, their golf cart, their bicycle
  • , whatever, across the road at a 90-degree angle, UTV, their golf cart, their bicycle, whatever, across
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum present and considered two bills. The first, CS for SB 88 by Senator Wright, would create a framework for local governments to allow or prohibit utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on certain low-speed roads, define UTV equipment and driver requirements, and make violations noncriminal traffic infractions. An amendment was adopted to correct the insurance requirement to match automobile-style minimums of $10,000 personal injury and $10,000 property damage liability. Testimony on SB 88 was divided. The Florida Justice Association and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association opposed the bill, arguing UTVs are designed for off-road use, do not meet federal safety standards, and could increase crash risk on public roads; Honda’s letter was cited as opposing road use. Supporters, including the sponsor and agencies waiving in support, argued the bill would address an existing loophole, provide insurance and licensing requirements, and help rural users and law enforcement by creating a clear legal pathway. Senators raised concerns about nighttime visibility, taillight spacing, speed limits, and whether the bill should be more restrictive, but the committee ultimately voted to report CS for SB 88 favorably. The committee then heard SB 274 by Senator Arrington, which designates a portion of International Drive in Orange County as Harris Rosen Way in honor of hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen. The sponsor and several senators praised Rosen’s business success, philanthropy, and support for education, cancer research, veterans, and the Central Florida community. There was no opposition, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The meeting then adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Hawaii Bicycling League in support. Hawaii Bicycling League in support. support. support.
  • bicycle rider, is lying in the roadway. bicycle rider, is lying in the roadway.
  • Hawaii Bicycling League. Oh, I'm sorry. Somebody unmuted. Hi.
  • Hawaii Bicycling League in support. Smart Start LLC in support.
  • Hawaii Bicycling League in support. HCDA with comments.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard SB 2694 SD2, which would authorize the Public Utilities Commission to create automatic adjustment mechanisms for water carriers, including a water carrier inflationary cost index, and to waive certain requirements under the Hawaii Water Carrier Act. Testimony was sharply divided. The Department of Transportation, Young Brothers, and several shipping, harbor, labor, and business-related supporters argued the bill would modernize regulation, reduce the need for large catch-up rate cases, and help keep rates aligned with rising costs. Young Brothers said its current rate-setting process is expensive and delayed, and that annual adjustments with guardrails such as a 5% cap and periodic full reviews would support sustainable operations and the state’s supply chain. Some supporters also said the company’s less-than-container-load service and required inter-island routes create costs that are not fully covered by current rates. Opponents, including the Consumer Advocate, the Maui Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Food Industry Association, restaurant and chamber groups, and other businesses, argued the bill would lead to higher costs for consumers and businesses and should not move forward. Several testified that shipping costs already significantly affect pricing and that automatic increases would worsen the cost of living. The Consumer Advocate said Young Brothers should focus on cost control and implementing its business plan rather than automatic rate increases. The Maui Chamber and others pointed to a recent PUC decision that imposed a two-year stay on rate increases and said the bill would undermine that protection. Some opponents urged the committee to defer to the PUC’s regulatory authority. The PUC explained that it regulates water carriers as public utilities under existing statute and said it had recently approved a temporary rate increase while imposing a two-year stayout period on further increases, with emergency relief still possible. PUC members said they were still examining whether they have authority to adopt the proposed WICI mechanism by rule and wanted legislative clarity. In response to questions, the PUC said it prefers the current two-year stayout as reflected in its order. Young Brothers also clarified that it serves less-than-container-load cargo, that some routes and services are cross-subsidized because they are not profitable, and that an independent observer is being put in place to monitor implementation of its updated business plan. The transcript ended with the committee still taking questions; no final vote or disposition on the bill was shown.