Transcript Highlights:

• across states and mirrors laws that have already passed in Arizona, Florida, Alabama, Nevada, Utah, Iowa
• , the great state of Iowa and Kansas.
• Um, text dot DOT but um, as a Texas senator and as a member of this committee, I feel like that's something
• You've mentioned over time, text dot builds more lane miles.

Bills: SB1493 , SB1598 , SB1895 , SB1919 , SB2039 , SB2226 , SB2243 , SB2425

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation-related bills. Early in the meeting, SB 1598 by Senator Hagenbuch was heard on allowing collision report information to be used and shared more clearly for law enforcement investigations, including through records-management partners and nonconfidential VIN data; the bill drew support from the Sheriff’s Association and Carfax for Police and was left pending before later being reported favorably. SB 1493 by Senator Parker, which would codify DPS’s position on flashing/pulsing stop lamps as compliant with federal standards, also received supportive testimony and was reported favorably. SB 1895 by Senator Perry would designate Loop 88 in Lubbock as a First Responders Memorial Loop and was reported favorably, and SB 1919 and SB 2243 by Senator West, dealing with TxDOT liability claim settlements and TxDMV authority to require VIN inspections for certain trailers, were likewise heard without opposition and later reported favorably. SB 2039, concerning right-of-way and traffic rules for sidewalk users such as bicycles, e-bikes, skateboards, and scooters, was heard and left pending before being reported favorably later in the meeting. SB 2226 by Senator Nichols, reducing the local match requirement for aviation grants in economically disadvantaged counties from 10% to 5%, was discussed with TxDOT testimony explaining how federal and state airport funding interact; it was reported favorably. SB 2499 by Senator Flores, involving memorial markers and an account for donations, and SB 1394 by Senator Hall, concerning concrete truck axle rules, were also reported favorably. The committee recessed after handling the pending items and leaving some additional matters for a later hearing. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 2425 by Senator Nichols, a comprehensive bill on commercial autonomous vehicles. The author said the bill was developed through extensive stakeholder meetings with industry, agencies, insurers, and lawyers, and it would require AV companies to provide information to TxDMV, submit first-responder interaction plans to DPS, and allow DPS and DMV to suspend or revoke operations in certain circumstances. The committee substitute also updated definitions, addressed Level 3 systems, clarified commercial use and fleet penalties, and created an expedited process for reinstating operating authority after disputes. Supporters included the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Tesla, GM Cruise, Bot Auto, and the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, who said the bill balances innovation and safety and helps Texas remain a leader in AV deployment. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that it would improperly shield manufacturers from liability, but committee members and the industry witnesses said liability would continue to be governed by state law and that the bill was intended to clarify, not eliminate, responsibility. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and reported SB 2425 favorably on a 6-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members asked questions about practical effects and funding. On SB 2226, TxDOT’s aviation director explained that some airports already receive federal and state support and that the bill would mainly help state-only airports in disadvantaged counties that struggle to meet local match requirements. On SB 2425, members asked about reliability metrics, commercialization, and liability; industry witnesses said the technology is still being refined but that Texas’s framework has attracted investment and could improve road safety over time. Several bills were recommended to the local and uncontested calendar after favorable votes, and the committee also agreed to keep motions in writing open briefly for members who were absent, so long as doing so would not change any bill outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• If they are on a fully insured plan, you can see the dotted line.
• On a fully insured plan, you can see the dotted line.
• Iowa traditionally debates them up to the last minute, but hasn't really pulled the trigger.
• If things get harder, these dots are going to start disappearing.
• On average, we reimburse more than Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Montana.

Summary: The committee met to review the history and current treatment of North Dakota health insurance mandates, with presentations from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Sanford Health Plan, the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and the Insurance Department. The discussion focused on how mandates apply differently to fully insured, self-funded, ACA, Medicaid, and PERS plans; how the state’s benchmark plan and federal essential health benefits affect coverage; and how the existing process requires cost-benefit analysis and, for certain measures, a PERS pilot period before broader application. Presenters also reviewed the long list of existing state mandates, including provider, beneficiary, and coverage requirements, and noted that many were enacted decades ago and have not been revisited despite changes in medical evidence and treatment options. Witnesses from the carriers argued that mandates should be reviewed periodically because some are outdated, can create unintended costs, and may not align with current medical guidance. Examples cited included PSA screening, off-label drug coverage, prior authorization rules, step therapy, and cost-sharing provisions for mental health and substance use treatment. They emphasized that carriers often cover services without a mandate when supported by clinical evidence, and that mandates can shift costs to employers and employees, especially in the fully insured small-group market. They also suggested possible policy improvements such as clearer mandate definitions, better transparency around cost-benefit analyses, a regular 10-year review of mandates, and more timely submission of proposals through the interim process. PERS and the Insurance Department highlighted a recurring tension over what counts as a mandate and when a measure triggers the state’s defrayal obligation under federal law. PERS described its interim committee process, the April 1 deadline for fiscal-impact proposals, and the limited pilot program used for certain measures, noting that only a few bills have gone through the full pilot process. The Insurance Department explained that it views new benefit mandates through the lens of the ACA benchmark plan and essential health benefits, distinguishing true new benefits, such as infertility coverage, from changes to existing benefits, such as telehealth or insulin cost-sharing caps. No votes were taken on policy changes; the meeting was informational, with members asking questions about costs, applicability, transparency, and whether a periodic mandate review should be established.

Transcript Highlights:

• They manage an air service restoration program, and Iowa DOT also has an air service program that's part
• :35.360><c> restoration</c><00:33:36.000><c> program</c><00:33:36.880><c> and</c><00:33:37.279><c> Iowa
• </c><00:33:37.760><c> DOT</c> service restoration program and Iowa DOT service restoration program and
• Iowa DOT also<00:33:38.720><c> has</c><00:33:38.880><c> an</c><00:33:39.120><c> air</c><00:33:39.360
• In this particular case, North Carolina and Georgia DOT are partnering around advanced air mobility and

Summary: The committee heard an update from Kentucky’s three major commercial airports: Lexington Blue Grass Airport, Louisville Regional Airport Authority (SDF and Bowman Field), and CVG. Lexington’s Eric Franco described post-COVID growth that has already exceeded pre-pandemic activity, along with a master plan focused on the whole airport, expanded surface parking, relocation of the air traffic control tower, and a major terminal project estimated at $500 million to $700 million. He emphasized the airport’s role in serving both passenger and corporate aviation across central Kentucky and thanked the legislature for prior funding, including $5 million for parking. Louisville’s Dan Mann reported record passenger growth, expanded nonstop service, and especially strong cargo activity driven by UPS, noting SDF is now among the busiest cargo airports in North America and Bowman Field remains the state’s busiest general aviation airport. He highlighted major infrastructure needs, including airfield and terminal work, parking expansion, and a planned federal inspection service facility to support international flights around events like the Kentucky Derby.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can argue all night long whether it should be 50 or 51, but those states include Illinois and Iowa
• We can argue all night long whether it should be 50 or 51, but those states include Illinois and Iowa
• And just basically, from a construction industry perspective, most of my folks do work for the DOT.
• They started with the DOT, which they have liability protection.
• The suit the DOT found out, you know, there was an active contract on it.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 1645, which would reduce Missouri’s general personal injury statute of limitations from five years to two years for claims after August 28, 2026, while also extending the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims from 10 years to 20 years after the victim turns 21. Representative Overcast and supporters from the insurance and business communities argued the change would improve Missouri’s business climate, lower insurance costs, and align the state with most others; opponents, including trial lawyers and victim advocates, warned that shortening the filing window would harm injured adults and sexual abuse survivors who need more time to come forward. Representative Sites supported the child sexual abuse expansion but said broader retroactivity work was still ongoing. No vote was taken in the hearing itself, but the bill drew both support and opposition testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 1610 and House Bill 2182, both of which were described as similar proposals to shorten the general civil statute of limitations, with HB 1610 moving from five years to three years and HB 2182 moving from five years to two years. Supporters repeated the same business-climate and insurance-rate arguments, while opponents repeated concerns about access to justice and the time needed to investigate complex injuries. Several witnesses from the insurance, chamber, farm bureau, railroad, and business groups testified in support, and some said they preferred two years over three. The chair noted the testimony was largely repetitive across the bills, and the hearings concluded without recorded votes in the transcript. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2714, which would change Missouri from a pure comparative fault system to a modified comparative fault system, barring recovery if a plaintiff is found more than 50% at fault. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would make Missouri more business-friendly and more consistent with neighboring states, while opponents from the trial bar argued it would unfairly cut off recovery for injured people and that juries already apportion fault under current law. Testimony focused on how fault percentages are determined, the effect on settlements and trials, and examples such as car crashes and product liability cases. The hearing ended with continued opposition testimony and no final committee action reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• in</c><00:54:56.920><c> mind</c><00:54:57.520><c> any</c><00:54:57.880><c> particular</c> does the DOT
• have in mind any particular does the DOT have in mind any particular streets<00:54:59.280><c> that</
• Thirdly, adopting the DOT recommendations to remove the public-private partnership language in the bill
• :38.880><c> the</c> of this measure um thirdly adopting the of this measure um thirdly adopting the dot
• recommendations to remove the um dot recommendations to remove the um public<01:13:42.639><c> private

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1480 on transportation and road usage charging. Supporters included the Department of Transportation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, county representatives, and the Tax Foundation, while an automotive industry witness opposed the bill, arguing it would be unfair to rural drivers and those with longer commutes. Committee discussion focused on equity, rural impacts, and whether the measure should be tied to future rail funding. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1480 pass with amendments, including broadening allowable uses of funds, clarifying language on infrastructure and safety, addressing motor scooters, and striking a proposed new subaccount; the recommendation was adopted by both committees, with one no vote in TCA. For SB 970 on taxation, the Tax Foundation said the employer transit tax credit would be more efficient as a direct subsidy program, and the Department of Taxation recommended several changes, including a sunset date of December 31, 2030, anti-double-benefit language, deletion of certain reporting requirements, and an effective date of December 31, 2025. The department estimated the bill would reduce revenues by about $11.6 million over the four-year period it would be in effect. The committees moved SB 970 forward with amendments to include bike share in the credit and add a defective date, leaving the department’s suggested changes for later consideration; the recommendation was adopted. The committees also advanced SB 1008 on parking and SB 1088 on electric vehicle charging infrastructure without amendments. DCAB strongly supported SB 1008, saying it would help counties enforce accessible parking design requirements, and noted a related bill without the EV portion. SB 1088 drew broad support from the Public Utilities Commission, State Energy Office, county and advocacy groups, and individuals; one question raised whether the bill should sunset, but the response was that Hawaii still lacks sufficient EV charging infrastructure and the measure expands eligibility for affordable housing. Both bills were recommended to pass unamended and the recommendations were adopted. The Transportation and Culture and Arts committee then heard SB 1011 on the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program, with testimony in strong support from individuals and the State Archivist, who suggested preserving award recipients’ archives, photos, oral histories, and clippings. The committee also heard SB 441 on the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, with support from the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaii Theatre Center, musicians, and others emphasizing cultural value, workforce stability, and statewide access to the arts. The transcript then moved to SB 1581 on the Hawaii Japan Pacific Peace Monument and SB 1577 relating to the State Foundation on the Arts; on SB 1577, the Attorney General warned that using the Works of Special Art Fund for operating purposes could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of related bonds and recommended deleting section five, while also pointing to the Performing Arts Special Fund as an alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it was the DOT. Every five years, the DOT renews or rewrites its strategic highway safety plan.
• /c><01:10:18.960><c> have</c><01:10:19.160><c> a</c> So, the DOT does not have a So, the DOT does not
• </c> to be DOT. Correct. to be DOT. Correct.
• Does does<01:16:20.920><c> the</c><01:16:21.040><c> DOT</c> does the DOT does the DOT um um um follow
• </c> uh, very very smart people from Iowa uh, very very smart people from Iowa State<01:19:45.080><c>

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• dot dot, where you just put dot dot dot in other words, you don't have a number in there.
• This is a dot dot dot. There's no number. Now I've heard things, you know.
• </c><01:10:56.320><c> dot</c><01:10:56.760><c> dot</c> we've had to debates on dot dot dot we've had
• c><01:10:59.280><c> other</c> where you just put dot dot dot in other where you just put dot dot dot
• dot dot dot dot there there this is a dot dot dot dot dot<01:11:06.960><c> there's</c><01:11:07.159>

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Iowa, two years. Kansas, two years. Kentucky, two years. Nebraska, four years. Oklahoma, two years.
• We can argue all night long whether it should be 50 or 51, but those states include Illinois and Iowa
• And just basically, from a construction industry standpoint, most of my folks do work for the DOT.
• They started with the DOT, which they have liability protection.
• The suit, the DOT found out, you know, there was an active contract on it.

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• They're going to bring in people from Iowa, the Iowa Corn Growers, Kansas Light and Power.
• We actually have 167 of 169 signed on the dotted line.
• We actually have 167 of 169 signed on the dotted line.
• Where obligated is you've signed on the dotted line.
• Where obligated is you've signed on the dotted line.

Committee: Joint Water Topics Overview Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• They’re going to bring in people from Iowa, the Iowa corn growers, Kansas Light and Power.
• We actually have 167 of 169 signed on the dotted line.
• We actually have 167 of 169 signed on the dotted line.
• Where obligated is you've signed on the dotted line.
• Signed on the dotted line.

Committee: Joint Water Topics Overview Committee

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met with a quorum and heard updates from Department of Water Resources Director Reese Haas and Lieutenant Governor/State Water Commission Chair Michelle Strinden on statewide water funding, major projects, and two legislative studies requested in House Bill 1020. Haas reviewed the status of the Northwest Area Water Supply and Southwest Pipeline projects, noting NAWS construction is expected to move water by fall and Southwest’s Hebron-Rugby expansion phase one is in final design with bids expected next month. He also summarized the department’s budget outlook, including Resources Trust Fund and Water Project Stabilization Fund balances, the effect of oil price volatility and stripper well exemptions on revenues, and the status of project buckets, carryover, lines of credit, regionalization, bid trends, and administrative/process updates. Committee members asked about project prioritization, municipal funding demand, maintenance expectations, replacement versus deferred maintenance, and whether the 2025 session may have underfunded municipal water supply needs. Haas said the commission uses the same high/medium/low prioritization process across all buckets, reviews maintenance plans as part of policy, and is seeing strong demand in the municipal bucket. He also explained that the department’s 14-year projection is based on the next seven legislative sessions and that the state faces a projected $1.3 billion shortfall over that period if all planned projects are funded under current assumptions. Deloitte then presented draft findings from the cost-share policy study and the governance/finance study. For cost share, Deloitte said the model shows a roughly $1.3 billion shortfall over 14 years and about $1.8 billion through 2031 under current policy, and offered seven options including tighter eligibility for replacement projects, state funding caps for the Mouse River and Red River Valley projects, a priority-based cost-share scale, timing shifts, use of existing lines of credit, and delayed reimbursement timing. For governance, Deloitte outlined draft options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River ranging from maintaining current structures with stronger planning to transferring ownership or adding formal oversight, and recommended broader use of performance metrics, long-term financial planning, and clearer decision trees. No votes or formal actions were taken; the commission discussed the scenarios and the studies will return in revised form later in the spring.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, background I grew up in Iowa. >> I went to Iowa State University, studied landscape architecture,
• Thank you. background I grew up in Iowa state in background I grew up in Iowa state in Iowa.<00:02:11.840
• I went to Iowa State University, Iowa.
• The DOTs. >> Yeah, so it's under DOT, but is it considered a program of the four programs of the Legacy
• So, like I held up my Iowa State cool.

Transcript Highlights:

• across states. and mirrors laws that have already passed in Arizona, Florida, Alabama, Nevada, Utah, Iowa
• , the great state of Iowa, and Kansas.
• government, and also the support of state agencies such as my former agency, Texas DPS, Texas Tech's DOT
• The state has, over time, et cetera, Texas DOT.

Bills: SB1493 , SB1598 , SB1895 , SB1919 , SB2039 , SB2226 , SB2243 , SB2425

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: SB 1493, Texas Transportation Code, motor vehicle lighting, vehicle lighting standards, high-mounted stoplamp, center high mount stop lamp, CHMSL, brake light, stop lamp, federal motor vehicle safety standards, 49 C.F.R. 571.108, FMVSS 108, vehicle inspection, automotive compliance, Transportation Committee, Texas vehicle equipment, motor vehicle collision report, crash report, accident report, traffic accident

Summary: The committee meeting focused on two primary bills, SB1598 and SB1493. SB1598, introduced by Senator Hagen Booth, addresses the clarity of collision report information access for law enforcement, aiming to enhance the tools available to police agencies across Texas for solving crimes. The meeting featured strong support from police representatives, including Sheriff Brian Hawthorne of Chambers County, who emphasized the significance of the CARFAX program for police in facilitating access to vital vehicle information, free of charge. Public testimony reflected a consensus on the necessity of the bill for improved investigatory processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 3988, DOT agency bill.
• Um, Senate File 3988 DOT<00:13:51.440><c> agency</c><00:13:51.840><c> bill.
• :13:52.160><c> that's</c><00:13:52.360><c> now</c><00:13:52.520><c> on</c><00:13:52.640><c> the</c> DOT
• So, that's now on the DOT agency bill.
• , Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Wisconsin<00:15:51.480><c

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• However, the largest study in the US was done right across the border in Iowa, the Iowa Women's Health
• However, the largest study in the US was done right across the border in Iowa, the Iowa Women's Health
• </c> done in northeast Iowa. done in northeast Iowa.
• ,</c> producing states, Minnesota, Iowa, producing states, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska,<00:13:36.840><c
• </c><00:24:15.520><c> Um</c> line into Iowa. Um line into Iowa.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:00:37.240><c> website,</c> Safe Roads website, the DOT website, Safe Roads website, the DOT website
• /c><01:10:18.960><c> have</c><01:10:19.160><c> a</c> So, the DOT does not have a So, the DOT does not
• </c> to be DOT. Correct. to be DOT. Correct.
• Does does<01:16:20.920><c> the</c><01:16:21.040><c> DOT</c> does the DOT does the DOT um um um follow
• </c> uh, very very smart people from Iowa uh, very very smart people from Iowa State<01:19:45.080><c>

Committee: House Transportation

Summary: House Transportation opened public hearings on three Senate bills and discussed a fourth scheduling issue. On SB 499, which would change Traffic Safety Commission reporting requirements, the sponsor’s representative said the bill would require annual aggregated data on the causes of traffic collisions in New Hampshire and recommendations to address them. Members asked about the added Trauma Medical Review Committee seat, and a representative explained that it is a longstanding state board of emergency and trauma professionals; the bill had already been amended and passed unanimously earlier in the process. On SB 500, concerning restroom access for certain commercial motor vehicle operators, the sponsor and trucking-industry supporters said the measure arose from concerns raised by female truck drivers and was intended to require larger commercial facilities with available public or employee restrooms to allow truck drivers to use them when there are no public safety concerns. Supporters from the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said driver shortages make it important to recruit and retain women, and that lack of bathroom access is a significant barrier. Committee members asked about the scope of the problem and whether the issue affected male and female drivers differently. The committee then heard SB 559, which would reduce the minimum allowable speed limit on locally controlled roads. Supporters, including bicyclists and the Bike-Walk Alliance, testified that lower speeds improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, citing personal crash experiences and national guidance supporting lower urban speed limits where warranted by traffic or engineering studies. They emphasized the bill would not mandate lower limits statewide but would give towns local discretion. Members questioned whether the group would support 15 mph limits and how congestion and travel-time concerns were weighed. A Department of Transportation official testified neutrally, saying the agency had no formal position but had concerns about public perception and possible spillover to unnumbered state roads. The chair also noted an earlier scheduling problem that prevented immediate executive action on a bill until later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's time to see those cranes dotting the skylines again, as we've discussed.
• If any of you come down this week for March Madness, you're going to see the state of Iowa dropping dollars
• with Iowa State in Missouri.
• You know, if any of you come down this week for March Madness, you're going to see the state of Iowa
• dropping dollars with Iowa State in Missouri.

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• It's time to see those cranes dot the skylines again, as we've discussed.
• down, you know, if any of you come down this week for March Madness, you're going to see the state of Iowa
• dropping dollars with Iowa State in Missouri.
• If any of you come down this week for March Madness, you're going to see the state of Iowa dropping dollars
• with Iowa State in Missouri.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Summary: The Commerce Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 3395, sponsored by Representative Christ, which would reauthorize and update the Missouri Downtown Economic Stimulus Act (MODESA) to spur redevelopment in downtown St. Louis and Kansas City. Christ said the program previously helped create Ballpark Village and Power & Light District through a no-upfront-cost, tax-revenue-sharing model, and he indicated a committee substitute would significantly revise the bill language while keeping the same overall concept. Representative Sides supported the bill in principle but said he wanted the final version to read more like standard Missouri statute. A long line of witnesses testified in support, including representatives of the Cordish Companies, Gateway Arch Park Foundation, the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Greater St. Louis, Inc., St. Louis City SC, the City of St. Louis, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, the Kansas City Chamber/Civic Council, the Downtown Council of Kansas City, J.E. Dunn, and the Missouri Chamber. Supporters described MODESA as a proven tool that leveraged private investment, created jobs, increased visitors and tax revenue, and helped revitalize downtown areas. Cordish said the company had invested more than $2 billion in Missouri and would pursue another large mixed-use project, including residential, office, and entertainment components, if the program were renewed. Testimony focused heavily on two proposed St. Louis projects: redevelopment of the Millennium Hotel site and broader riverfront/downtown connectivity around the Arch grounds. Gateway Arch Park Foundation said it had purchased the Millennium site, was demolishing the old tower, and believed the project would connect the Arch grounds to downtown with a high-rise residential and office mixed-use development. Committee members asked about impacts on taxing jurisdictions, property taxes, retail demand, and whether the bill would benefit communities broadly rather than only developers; witnesses said cities would be applicants, property taxes would still be paid, and the projects were intended to bring new residents and activity rather than simply shift existing development. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee took no vote before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're going to bring in people from Iowa, the Iowa corn growers, Kansas Light and Power.
• So with the winners of Minnesota, Iowa, The winners are Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas, [who]
• We actually have 167 of 169 signed on the dotted line.
• We actually have 167 of 169 signed on the dotted line.
• dotted line.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met with a quorum and received updates from the Department of Water Resources and the State Water Commission, followed by presentations from Deloitte on two legislative studies required by House Bill 1020. Director Reese Haas reviewed major project and budget updates, including the Northwest Area Water Supply and Southwest Pipeline projects, Resources Trust Fund balances, carryover spending, project prioritization, bid conditions, regional water system coverage, and department process improvements. Members also discussed how the commission prioritizes projects, maintenance expectations, and the impact of limited municipal water supply funding. No formal committee action was taken during the DWR update; the commission’s municipal funding decisions were described as pending its April 8 meeting. Deloitte then presented the cost-share policy study, which found that under current policy and forecasted revenues, North Dakota faces an estimated $1.3 billion shortfall over 14 years, with a near-term gap of about $1.8 billion through 2031. The firm outlined seven recommended options, including tighter definitions and a 25% cost share for eligible replacement projects, caps and financing strategies for the Mouse River and Red River Valley projects, aligning cost share with commission priority guidance, delaying lower-priority projects, using available lines of credit, and adjusting reimbursement timing for revolving loan funds. Committee members questioned inflation assumptions, affordability, user fees, and the use of legacy fund earnings for bonding, but no decisions were made. In the governance and finance study, Deloitte said final recommendations are still being refined, with a final report due May 29. The study examined the Southwest Pipeline, NAWS, and Red River Valley systems using governance and finance criteria such as decision authority, transparency, affordability, risk, and access to funding. For Southwest, Deloitte outlined options ranging from improved state-authority coordination to transferring ownership to the Southwest Water Authority; for NAWS, options focused on strengthening the authority’s role and potentially transitioning operations and maintenance; and for Red River, options ranged from enhanced facilitation to formal state oversight or state ownership. Members asked follow-up questions about ownership transfer, capital repayment streams, and why NAWS was not considered for transfer, and Deloitte said NAWS’s limited organizational maturity made that option less viable in the near term.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said his district runs pretty much northwest to Jordan all the way down to Iowa, and that he has the
• :37.239><c> to</c> Northwest to Jordan all the way down to Northwest to Jordan all the way down to Iowa
• I have the leftover District um Iowa I have the leftover District um mainly<00:03:41.319><c> small</
• the more dots all across the map<00:39:09.720><c> um</c><00:39:10.440><c> since</c><00:39:10.720><c>
• I love to see dots all over the map.

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Bills: HB1016 , HB1453 , HB1992 , HB2015 , HB2940 , HB2959 , HB2997 , HB3037 , HB3045 , HB3053 , HB3087 , HB3267 , HB3301 , HB3453 , HB3495 , HB3521 , HB3581 , HB3584 , HB3586 , HB3587 , HB3662 , HB3691 , HB3695 , HB3697 , HB3742 , HB3743 , HB3845 , HB4058 , HB4125 , HB4198 , HB4227 , HB4425

Committee: House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight

Keywords: minors, content creation, trust account, compensation, civil action, digital content, Oklahoma statutes, foreign ownership, property rights, agricultural land, Attorney General, divestment, real estate, felony penalties, motor vehicles, towing services, combination vehicles, wrecker fees, possessory lien, landlord