Video & Transcript Research : 'conservation easements'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Lowering Energy Costs Through Innovation / Improving Housing Affordability and Fraud Protections May 29th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There's conservation.
- There's conservation.<00:13:59.600>
Uh <00:13:59.720>we <00:13:59.920>try <00:14: - 00.120>
to <00:14:00.280>promote conservation. - Uh we try to promote conservation.
- c> demand<00:14:02.800>
response, energy conservation and demand response, energy conservation
Summary:
The program focused first on Minnesota’s energy and affordability agenda, with Senator Nick Frentz discussing the state’s clean-energy leadership, rising electricity demand, and the Senate’s 100% clean energy framework. He said Minnesota’s clean energy growth supports jobs, lowers costs for ratepayers, and includes recent wins such as sustainable aviation fuel tax treatment in the supplemental budget. Frentz also said the Senate passed an energy omnibus bill that continues clean-energy permitting reforms, promotes conservation and demand response, and includes a nuclear study rather than lifting the nuclear moratorium.
Frentz spent much of the interview defending data centers as both a challenge and an opportunity. He said large hyperscale projects can create major construction jobs and substantial local property-tax revenue, while a 2025 law requires data-center companies to contribute to low-income energy assistance and report water use. He pointed to the Google data center planned for Pine Island as an example, saying it is air-cooled, will pay $5 million a year, and will fund 1,600 MW of clean energy at its own expense, which he argued could save Xcel ratepayers money over time. He also said climate change is already driving higher costs through homeowners insurance and storm damage.
The second segment highlighted Senator Zach Duckworth’s housing and banking bills. Duckworth said Senate File 4168 would make it easier to finance investment properties by giving buyers more flexibility to roll closing costs and lender fees into payments, while keeping strong protections in place for primary residences. He emphasized that the bill is not about predatory lending and is intended to expand options for informed investors. He also described Senate File 4652 as an anti-fraud, no-cost measure that lets bank customers name a trusted contact so banks can alert someone if suspicious activity is detected. Duckworth said both bills passed unanimously in both chambers, and he credited quick action and good working relationships across the aisle for their success.
The program closed with a broader reflection on the end of session and the Senate’s political climate. It noted that 15 senators are retiring and two are leaving for higher office, and that final floor votes often split along party lines, including one bill passing 34-33. Several retiring senators used farewell speeches to urge civility, compromise, and putting people first, while the segment emphasized that despite partisan conflict, quiet bipartisan cooperation still produced much of the session’s enacted legislation.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Study Committee
Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Study Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm representing the Arizona sportsmen for wildlife conservation.
- It's over 35 different member groups, both conservation, hunting, outdoor enthusiasts, and I'm the representative
- I'm representing the Arizona sportsmen for wildlife conservation.
- I'm Chuck Podalak, also with Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation.
- or or whatever what is it we're trying to manage conserve protect or whatever whatever word you want
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 7th, 2026 at 06:52 pm
Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- As production prices rise and funding gets tighter, it's harder every year to put large-scale conservation
- We aim to set realistic conservation and sustainability goals that do not hinder progress in economic
- We aim to set realistic conservation and sustainability goals that do not hinder progress in economic
- At MNERD, at our oil conservation division, we promulgated rules to reduce methane waste. Ms.
- We work closely with young people and workers who live and depend on outdoor recreation, conservation
Keywords:
tax credit, physician, healthcare, income tax, rural health, quantum technology, infrastructure, economic development, New Mexico, corporate tax, research and development, innovation, affordable housing, gross receipts tax, tax deduction, construction materials, multifamily housing, low income, journalism, local news
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Oct 15th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to start today with tab number one: the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission presentation
- We welcome Chief Conservation Officer George Worthen, who is here from FWC. Mr.
- I'm a chief conservation officer at Florida Fish and Wildlife, and I want to present to you on Lake Okeechobee
- continued to work collaboratively with individuals from government and nongovernment entities, conservation
- Vegetation management projects are designed to conserve and reestablish desirable and diverse aquatic
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to hear presentations on Lake Okeechobee from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the South Florida Water Management District, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. FWC described the lake as a major recreation, water supply, and habitat resource, and outlined its habitat management plan, including control of invasive plants, prescribed fire, and restoration of native vegetation. The agency said low water levels have helped submerged aquatic vegetation recover, with gains in 2025 exceeding 24,000 acres and meeting its target, while torpedo grass and floating invasive plants remain active management priorities. Senators asked about bass fishing trends and blue-green algae; FWC said water levels are the main driver of fishery health and that it was not seeing current water-quality impacts on bass, though algal blooms can affect habitat and wildlife.
The South Florida Water Management District focused on nutrient pollution, lake ecology, and restoration projects across the watershed. Director Drew Bartlett said the district’s work is aimed at reducing harmful discharges, improving water quality, and moving more water south to the Everglades through storage and treatment projects, including the EAA Reservoir, C-43 and C-44 reservoirs, aquifer storage and recovery, and wetland treatment areas. He said the state and federal governments have invested about $9 billion in restoration, roughly split 50-50, and that the EAA Reservoir is now targeted for completion in 2029. He also said Lake Okeechobee BMAP participation is around 92% and that recent data show phosphorus and nitrogen loading declines, though the lake remains impaired and eutrophic. An industry witness from Associated Industries of Florida said the BMAP and agricultural best management practices are producing measurable improvements and urged continued funding for water storage and treatment.
The Army Corps of Engineers then explained LOSOM and Lake Recovery operations, saying the new operating approach balances flood control, water supply, navigation, ecology, and estuary protection. Colonel Brandon Bowman said Lake Recovery was implemented in late 2024 to bring the lake below 12 feet long enough to help submerged vegetation rebound, and reported that the lake met both recovery metrics, with water levels low enough to support a major increase in SAV from about 4,000 acres to 28,000 acres in 2025. He also noted benefits such as improved water clarity and more Okeechobee gourd plants, but acknowledged drawbacks including reduced navigation and some impacts to wading birds and snail kites. Senators pressed the Corps on the C-44 reservoir’s sloughing issue; Bowman said repairs are underway, the problem is geological rather than a safety failure, and the Corps expects to award a contract by 2027 and complete work by 2030. The committee did not take any substantive vote on the presentations and adjourned after Senator Smith moved to do so.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 16th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Colleagues, we are celebrating Black Conservation Week by recognizing the progress, work, and the people
- Jade Stevens is president of the 40-acre Conservation League, the nation's only Black-led, Black-led.
- Of the 40-Acre Conservation League, the nation's only Black-led land trust nonprofit.
- Channy Hawkins is the founder of Bracey Hawkins Law, serving as general counsel to 40-Acre Conservation
- Serving as general counsel to 40-Acre Conservation League.
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with a prayer, a Father’s Day reflection, and a moment of silence for the victims of the Minnesota lawmaker shooting. Members then moved through guest introductions recognizing student legislative programs, Black conservation leaders, interns, and first responders, including an off-duty firefighter who saved a driver’s life. The chamber also heard multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, most notably for former Senator and Los Angeles Councilman Nate Holden, whose civil rights and housing discrimination work was highlighted, along with tributes to Stephen Golden Kranz, Emily Carpenter, and Doug Kranwinkel.
On the Daily File, the Assembly adopted ACR 90, Assembly Member Gibson’s resolution recognizing Juneteenth. The measure drew strong support from multiple caucuses, including the Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ, Women’s, and AAPI caucuses, with members emphasizing Juneteenth’s historical significance, the legacy of slavery, and the continuing need to combat racism and inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added.
The Assembly also adopted ACR 92, Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez’s resolution declaring June 2025 as Electronic Dance Music Month in California. Supporters described EDM as a cultural and economic force rooted in diverse communities and praised its values of inclusion and unity; the resolution received 65 co-authors and passed by voice vote. Finally, HR 45, Assembly Member Castillo’s resolution for Animal Rights Awareness Week, was adopted by voice vote after 55 co-authors were added, with the author and a guest from Sierra Pacific Fur Babies speaking about animal rescue and welfare work. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until June 19.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, this is a bill we heard previously relating Texas Farm Bureau and Ranchlands Conservation Program
- And I'm also the founding director of the Center for Sport Fish Science and Conservation, uh, making
- We have you registered as Joey Park Coastal Conservation Association for House Bill 204229.
- I'm here today in support of House Bill. 229 on behalf of the Coastal Conservation Association.
- CCA Texas, uh, is a marine conservation organization of more than 70,000 members here in the state of
Bills:
HCR6
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 3rd, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- According to the Oil Conservation Division's incident and spill database from New Mexico, from January
- What about soil and water conservation districts, and why aren't they excluded, Madam Chair?
- Soil and water conservation districts and their more planning Oriented, so I don't see them making the
- So the soil conservation district would not be included.
- So other entities like the soil and water conservation districts would not be subject to any kind of
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- proven economic and environmental benefits, such as utility bill savings, carbon reduction, water conservation
- proven economic and environmental benefits, such as utility bill savings, carbon reduction, water conservation
- them since 2020, totaling over $650 million in retrofits for things like windows, insulation, conservation
- upgrades, solar generation and storage, and even wind. ...insulation, conservation upgrades, solar generation
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hearing on several housing-related bills, with chairs Adrienne Madaro and James Eldridge framing the discussion as part of the Legislature’s broader response to the state’s housing crisis and noting that many of the bills build on the 2024 Affordable Homes Act. The chairs reviewed hearing procedures, including the three-minute oral testimony limit, the option to submit written testimony, and the hybrid format. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Testimony began with support for H. 3278, a bill to create a graduated deed excise tax for affordable housing. Representative Worel argued that higher-end real estate transactions should contribute more to fund affordable housing production, saying the measure would not burden working families and would help address racial inequities in homeownership and displacement. Representative Soder then supported H. 3247, which would promote redevelopment of abandoned buildings through expanded tax incentives for renovating vacant properties for sale or rent, arguing that it would bring blighted units back into use and generate future tax revenue.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3040/S. 1969, residential improvement or R-PACE legislation. Robert Giles of Home Run Financing and Nicole Steele of Amalgamated Bank described the program as a voluntary, assessment-based financing tool that could help homeowners pay for energy efficiency, resilience, and other major repairs without upfront costs, and said it could complement existing Mass Save programs while expanding access to more homeowners. In contrast, Judith Lieben of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute opposed H. 3039/S. 1946, the Housing Development Incentive Program bill, arguing it would expand subsidies for market-rate and luxury housing in Gateway Cities instead of directing resources to low-income renters. Representative Hawkins also testified in support of H. 3121, which would end large investor control of homes in Massachusetts by imposing an excise tax on large owners of small residential properties and using the revenue for first-time homebuyer down payment assistance. After testimony and a few member questions, the chairs asked whether anyone else wished to testify and then adjourned the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Liz Reyer departing member remarks 5/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- bonding bills, funding for solar on public buildings, and helping stability for soil and water conservation
- 00:03:57.960>
soil <00:03:58.360>and <00:03:58.520>water <00:03:58.840>conservation - for soil and water conservation for soil and water conservation districts<00:04:00.560>
that<
Summary:
Representative Reyer delivered a farewell floor speech as she prepared to move to the Senate, thanking House staff, colleagues on both sides of the aisle, her predecessors Laurie Halverson and Sandy Meehan, her constituents, family, caucus, and the “Corona class.” She reflected on entering the House during early COVID, after George Floyd’s murder and amid wildfire smoke, and said her constituents sent her to fight for justice, affordable health care, and a future where Minnesotans can afford their lives.
She highlighted policy accomplishments she said were often bipartisan, including medical debt and garnishment reform, treatment access for children with rare diseases, support for Medicaid dental care, housing and bonding funding, solar on public buildings, and stability for soil and water conservation districts. She also pointed to disappointments, saying the House had seen health care stripped from immigrant neighbors, duplicate health plans, families left without needed home care, underinvestment in disability services, and no Republican support for protecting people from future ICE incursions.
Reyer closed by calling for protection of human rights, including for queer and trans people, reproductive rights, immigrants, tribal sovereignty, and voting rights, and urged members to listen to one another, honor agreements, reject divisiveness, and govern with compassion. She also thanked Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman for her leadership. The transcript does not indicate any vote or formal action taken during the speech.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Lisa Demuth departing member remarks 5/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We were conservative.
- We were<00:05:05.480>
conservative. - > We<00:05:06.280>
always <00:05:06.520>voted, <00:05:06.840>but were conservative - We always voted, but were conservative.
Summary:
Speaker Lisa Demuth delivered a closing floor speech reflecting on the Minnesota House’s 94th session under a tied chamber, emphasizing that the tie forced bipartisan negotiation from the start and that everything passed had to be bipartisan. She said she hoped future members would learn from that experience and continue working together, even when political agreement is difficult. She also noted her gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Speaker and for the chance to help guide the chamber through a historic session.
Much of the speech was personal and appreciative. Demuth thanked her family, including her husband, children, grandchildren, and especially her mother, who closely followed her work and often texted her questions about procedure and bills. She also mentioned the sacrifices of legislative service, her own growth in politics, and the importance of maintaining awe and respect for the institution. She recalled her relationship with former Speaker Melissa Hortman and said Hortman’s practice of meeting weekly despite political differences showed the value of getting to know one another personally before doing legislative work.
Demuth also thanked House staff, including partisan and nonpartisan staff such as research, revisers, HR, budget, and accounting, and acknowledged colleagues who worked through the tie and difficult negotiations. She closed by quoting Nehemiah, saying “the joy of the Lord is my strength,” and encouraged members to leave places better than they found them. The speech ended with applause; no votes or formal legislative actions were taken in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Informational interview with Rep. Xp Lee (DFL-Brooklyn Park) Nov 6th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- really our health care, education, public safety, and infrastructure, which includes environmental conservation
- and uh infrastructure uh which includes uh<00:08:44.480>
environmental <00:08:45.120>conservation - <00:08:46.480>
because uh environmental conservation because uh environmental conservation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House environment panel considers bill to establish year-round bass fishing season 4/1/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- this, and we feel comfortable that this is something that can be provided to the anglers with no conservation
- this, and we feel comfortable that this is something that can be provided to the anglers with no conservation
- this, and we feel comfortable that this is something that can be provided to the anglers with no conservation
- this, and we feel comfortable that this is something that can be provided to the anglers with no conservation
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's a very conservative projection.
- If you look at natural resource conservation districts, we have it set up.
- There are natural resource conservation districts.
- If you look at natural resource conservation districts, we have it set up.
- There are natural resource conservation districts throughout the state, and they manage and watch conservation
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Katharine MacGregor, of Florida, to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior, and James Danly, of Tennessee, to be Deputy Secretary of Energy. Apr 2nd, 2025 at 09:00 am
Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- conservation legacy that this committee and President Trump established in 2020.
- from lease sales support our states and fund mandatory programs, such as the Land, Water, and Conservation
- Senators here on this dais also know that those dollars are also dedicated to the Land and Water Conservation
- that will have consequences, have reverberations. terms of how we use those lands in terms of conservation
- Our state has led successful efforts to balance conservation with economic development.
Keywords:
nuclear energy, permitting process, energy production, public lands, national parks, uranium imports, legislative bills, infrastructure development
Summary:
The committee meeting was dominated by discussions on a variety of legislative bills including major topics such as nuclear energy advancement, the effects of regulatory hurdles on energy production, and proposals to improve national park staffing and maintenance. Members expressed concerns over the federal government's handling of uranium imports and the necessity for maintaining a robust domestic nuclear supply chain. Efforts to streamline permitting processes to facilitate more efficient energy project development were also a focal point, alongside public testimony from stakeholders in the energy and environmental sectors. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure development to meet rising energy demands while addressing climate change impacts.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
January 15, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm fiscally conservative. And I look forward to being able to utilize that through this process.
- I care a lot about fiscal issues and being conservative in that, serving at the local level.
- I care a lot about fiscal issues and being conservative in that.
- I am fiscally conservative and I am so looking forward to... I'm an attorney by trade as well.
- and efficiency programs, as well as response... ...and overseeing conservation and efficiency programs
Summary:
The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the agencies under its jurisdiction and their current-year budgets. Chair Vicki Lopez welcomed members and staff, and each member briefly introduced themselves and identified areas of interest, with recurring themes including fiscal restraint, insurance regulation, revenue administration, condominium issues, and government efficiency. The chair then outlined the subcommittee’s overall budget, about $3.1 billion, and noted major recent policy areas affecting the budget such as condominium legislation and emergency communications funding.
Agency heads then presented high-level summaries of their missions and budgets. The Department of Revenue described property tax oversight, tax administration, and child support enforcement; the Department of Management Services reviewed state purchasing, telecommunications, fleet, state insurance, retirement, and digital services; DBPR highlighted licensing, enforcement, condominiums, and building code work; DFS covered insurance consumer services, risk management, unclaimed property, fire marshal functions, and criminal investigations; the Gaming Control Commission discussed pari-mutuel and tribal gaming oversight and enforcement; OIR explained insurer solvency and rate review; the Lottery emphasized education funding and record sales; OFR described regulation of banking, securities, lending, and money services; DOAH outlined administrative and workers’ compensation adjudication; PSC covered utility rate regulation and consumer complaints; PERC described labor relations and career service appeals; and FCHR summarized discrimination complaint investigations and outreach.
Several members asked questions about utility returns, insurance regulation staffing, DMS’s state employee health plan deficit and prescription drug formulary management, agency recommendations for reducing regulatory burden, and state facilities usage. Responses generally emphasized that utility rates and insurer filings are determined through evidentiary and actuarial processes, that OIR has reduced vacancies but still seeks specialized staff and a Tampa office expansion, and that DMS acknowledged rising health plan costs and said the issue likely requires broader budget-level discussion. The chair also pressed multiple presenters to stay focused on agency operations and budgets rather than broader policy issues. No votes or formal actions were taken in the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/26
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:21:06.159>
and energy and water conservation and energy and water conservation and efficiency - planning to implement those conservation planning to implement those conservation projects<01:22
- for identifying energy conservation for identifying energy conservation improvements,<01:23:14.480
- , and that conservation improvements, and that might<01:23:16.880>
be <01:23:17.040>for, - And to say we're going to to conserve.
Keywords:
civil rights, law enforcement, federal collaboration, accountability, state law, immigration enforcement, economic impact, Operation Metro Surge, study, appropriation, local government, Legislative Commission on Legislative Security, legislator security, elected official security, staff security, statehouse security, capitol security, legislative district safety, political violence prevention, threat assessment
Summary:
The committee first attempted to approve minutes from February 24 and March 3, but members identified multiple spelling errors in names, so approval was held and the motion withdrawn. The committee then took up House File 3477, a bill by Representative Long proposing a civil remedy for constitutional violations by government actors, including federal actors. An author’s amendment (A4) was adopted to remove a subdivision and clarify retroactivity. In discussion, members raised concerns about Supremacy Clause and immigration-related issues; the author responded that the bill applies evenly to state and federal actors and is meant to enforce constitutional rights, not immigration law. After debate, the motion to re-refer the bill to the general register failed on a 6-7 vote, with one member excused.
The committee next heard House File 3480, authored by Representative Howard, which would commission an independent economic impact study of Operation Metro Surge. An A2 amendment was adopted to add a dollar amount for the study and clarify timing. Representative Howard said the study would help the legislature understand statewide impacts and noted reported harm to businesses, child care, schools, and local governments. Testimony in support came from Laura Santiago, reading a statement from Christopher Gomez of Willmar, who described ICE agents entering his family’s restaurant, the detention and deportation of family members, and resulting business losses. Rachel Ser, Minneapolis emergency management director, cited a preliminary city assessment estimating major impacts including food insecurity, lost wages, business revenue losses, hotel cancellations, and rental assistance needs. Some members questioned the cost and usefulness of the study, while others said suburban and greater Minnesota communities also wanted the data. The transcript ends during continued discussion of the bill.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (04/01/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm involved with very conservative.
- Uh can you tell me the conservative.
- <00:15:15.680>
um investment and and how conservative um investment and and how conservative - <00:15:42.720>
um so again, it goes from conservative um so again, it goes from conservative - what I would call a very conservative risk profile.
Summary:
The committee held a work session on HB 302, which would add precious metals and digital assets as potential investment options. State Treasurer Monica Misipelli said she took no position on the bill and did not see an immediate fiscal impact or operational problem, but explained that the state’s operating funds and rainy day fund require liquidity and stability, so they would not be suitable for volatile assets like precious metals or digital assets. She said the only funds that might potentially use such investments would be certain trust funds held in perpetuity, which are managed by an outside investment advisor under a contract and investment policy.
Members asked about the treasurer’s current investment practices, including the types of funds managed, the role and discretion of the investment advisor, the state’s risk profile, and whether the bill would affect existing authority. Misipelli said the office follows RSA 11 and related statutes, with different objectives ranging from conservative to aggressive depending on the fund, and that the advisor meets with the office regularly, with formal performance reviews on a quarterly basis. She also said the office recently centralized management of about 40 trust accounts totaling roughly $60 million into five combined portfolios under a five-year contract with an RFP-selected vendor. When asked whether precious metals or digital assets are already indirectly available through mutual funds, she said that was possible for some mutual funds, but she was not certain about digital assets.
Representative Ammon, the bill’s sponsor, said similar legislation had passed the Oklahoma House, the Texas House and Senate, and had advanced in Arizona. He argued the bill was intended to give the treasurer more tools to help balance portfolios and hedge inflation, noting concerns about federal debt and inflation. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair ended the questioning after thanking the treasurer and asking her to remain available in case further questions arose.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 2/27/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- discussed in this committee before, that the DNR has a stated mission to work with Minnesotans to conserve
- discussed in this committee before that the DNR has a stated mission to work with Minnesotans to conserve
- I strongly support this conservation I strongly support this legislation<01:02:15.760>
and <01 - thank you thank you very conservation thank you thank you very much<01:06:52.039>
um <01:06:52.799 - officers in the field conservation officers in the field educating<01:37:05.760>
the <01:37:05.920
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/13/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Calendar 51, Senate Print 252, Senator Martinez, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation
- Calendar 953, Senate Print 10041, Senator Scarcella-Spanton, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation
- Calendar 957, Senate Print 10045, Senator Fernandez, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law
- Calendar 958, Senate Print 10046, Senator Bynoe, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
- controversial calendar. >> Senate Print 252, Senator Martinez, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation
Summary:
The Senate opened with routine business, approved the prior journal, and received several motions to discharge identical Assembly bills from committee and substitute corresponding Senate bills. Members also offered brief recognitions for visitors, including Yemeni American community advocates and Cheri Davis, who was honored for her Alzheimer’s advocacy and support work. The chamber then took up several previously adopted resolutions, including Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, Period Poverty Awareness Week, and Nurses Week, with senators speaking in support of each measure’s purpose and importance.
The body then moved through a long calendar of bills, passing a wide range of measures on education, public health, correction law, environmental conservation, municipal law, agriculture, and consumer protection. Notable floor discussion included Senator Ramos explaining her support for a bill requiring salons and similar businesses to display multilingual domestic violence resource information, and Senator Gianaris and Senator Borrello debating a bill to prohibit electronic shelf labeling in stores over concerns about surveillance, dynamic pricing, and impacts on brick-and-mortar retailers. Senator May and Senator Skoufis also spoke on an environmental conservation bill concerning American eel management, with May supporting the species protections and Skoufis objecting to the bill’s structure.
Most bills were adopted by wide margins, though several drew recorded negative votes. The Senate passed the domestic violence information bill, the electronic shelf-labeling bill, and multiple other measures, including bills on eviction notice procedures, surrogate court procedure, and environmental conservation. After completing the calendar, the Senate reported no further business and adjourned until the next day at 11:00 a.m.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Revenue Estimating Conference May 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- forecasts presented, often by the two of you, we’ve heard both economists talk about presenting a conservative—being
- conservative in certain places—and, on net, bringing a ultimately conservative forecast to the table
- I think you both confirmed that both of these look fairly conservative in your own opinion.
- Again, overall, I think it's a very conservative, very prudent long-range forecast.
Summary:
The Revenue Estimating Conference met with four members present and first approved the prior meeting minutes and recognized the FYI end-of-balance of $577,077,871 as nonrecurring revenue. The main business was revising the state revenue forecast for FY 2026, FY 2027, and the long-range outlook. The Division of Administration recommended a $113 million reduction to the FY 2026 State General Fund forecast and a $104 million reduction for FY 2027, citing weaker-than-expected individual income tax collections, softer corporate income tax receipts, and some weakness in general sales tax, partly offset by stronger motor vehicle sales tax and higher mineral-related revenues tied to oil prices. The Legislative Fiscal Office presented a somewhat different but broadly similar forecast, with modest net increases to the general fund bottom line in the current year and next year, emphasizing caution on income and corporate taxes and more optimism on sales, severance, royalties, and some other revenue streams.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on the causes of the income tax shortfall, especially withholding and refund patterns after tax changes that lowered rates. Department of Revenue officials explained that withholding tables had been set with a cushion that may be producing larger refunds, and said changing the tables could quickly reduce overwithholding, though the effect would take time to show up. Members also discussed corporate collections, the lingering effects of the franchise tax repeal, the role of settlements and audits, and the extent to which collections are voluntary versus enforcement-driven. The Department of Revenue said corporate collections still had key filing and estimated-payment milestones ahead in May and June, and that refund and audit activity related to the former franchise tax would continue for some time.
The conference then adopted the Division of Administration’s FY 2026 forecast, the FY 2027 recurring forecast, and the long-range forecast, along with the proposed inflation rates for the Millennium Trust and parish severance allocation. Members also adopted the incentive expenditure forecast, noting that the reported amount is only the REC-reported portion and that larger tax exemption amounts come off the top before appropriations. The Treasurer reported a General Fund cash balance of about $404.1 million as of May 5, 2026, and an interfund borrowing base of about $9.18 billion, saying cash levels were similar on average to the prior year. The meeting ended with a note that another REC meeting might be needed depending on the May 16 election, and the conference adjourned without objection.