Transcript Highlights:

• <04:34:52.879> While chub below the dam. While chub below the dam.
• The ROD calls for higher flows at the dam to combat the presence of predatory smallmouth bass, which
• The ROD calls for higher flows at the dam to combat the presence of predatory smallmouth bass, which
• These higher flows bypass hydropower generators in order to cool the river temperature below the dam
• The ROD calls for higher flows at the dam to combat the presence of predatory smallmouth bass, which

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the reason why they didn't save for replacing the dam is because we don't allow them to.
• And the reason why they didn't save for replacing the dam is because we don't allow them to.
• And the reason why they didn't save for replacing the dam is because we don't allow them to.
• And the reason why they didn't save for replacing the dam is because we don't allow them to.

Bills: SF0050, SF0068, SF0084, HB0087, HB0029, HB0061, HB0090

Keywords: groundwater, water resource management, state engineer, aquifer study, corrective controls, monitoring wells, public reporting, irrigation, water management, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, water conservation, Colorado River, drought, water rights, voluntary program, interstate agreements, water development

Transcript Highlights:

• So our dam and tail race right now, Chattel Race is the area below a dam, okay, so there's a lot of intricate
• We're better than we were before. before the damage occurred to the dam, but we're not as good as we
• All of the dams need to be evaluated for... dam safeties from a perspective of that, and we need to look
• Livingston area, especially those folks south of the dam, below it.
• And I'm really glad also to hear you talk about improving the Flow downstream below the dam as you know

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Dam safety funding is essential to maintain the structural integrity of dams, prevent public safety hazards
• And the current highest priority on that list is the dam removal at the Rapidan Dam.
• essential<01:07:16.000> to Dam safety funding is essential to Dam safety funding is essential
• And per the dam safety priority list.
• removal at the Rapidan list is the dam removal at the Rapidan Dam.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the March 3, 2026 minutes by voice vote. It then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Zoo on its aging facilities and bonding needs. Zoo staff highlighted the zoo’s economic and educational role, its 1.4 to 1.5 million annual visitors, and its Free to Explore program, while stressing that many of its 50-year-old buildings are in poor condition, with more than $78 million in backlog and safety concerns for visitors, staff, and animals. The zoo said the governor recommended $4 million for critical life-support systems and asked for an additional $6 million in asset preservation to renovate the original animal hospital building so a new hospital wing can function properly. Testimony emphasized that the renovation is necessary for staff space, storage, code compliance, asbestos removal, and safe animal care, and described recent injuries and close calls tied to outdated facilities. Members asked questions about porcupine quills, natural predators, and the meaning of the zoo’s incident rate. Zoo staff explained that quills are not poisonous but are barbed and can be difficult to remove, and that predators include larger cats, owls, and fishers. On incidents, staff said they include close calls and injuries linked to aging infrastructure, such as a tiger reaching farther through a wall after fencing shifted over time, and staff injuries during animal procedures in older spaces. Members also confirmed that the hospital project has shifted from a standalone building to a wing attached to the existing hospital because of rising construction costs. The committee then heard from Perpich Center for Arts Education. Perpich described its statewide role as both a public high school and an arts education resource center, serving students and educators across Minnesota. It said it hosted 313 events last year for nearly 2,000 educators and administrators and worked with 275 school districts across all 67 Senate districts. Perpich emphasized that nearly seven in 10 students rely on its residential programs because there are no comparable arts high school options in greater Minnesota, and noted strong student outcomes including a 100% graduation rate and national recognition as an exemplary school. For capital needs, Perpich said it received $1.26 million last year for HVAC and building automation work, is grateful for the governor’s recommended $1.3 million this year, and requested $6 million to create a secure, accessible main entrance and upgrade outdated restrooms to ADA compliance.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in the past, North Dakota has had a number of low-head dams.
• We have a little over 100 low-head dams across the state.
• Park River, at one time, they were surface water off a Hami Dam.
• and Heart Butte Dam.
• Levee around the, because of the dam as well.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:39.279> The The governor's plan includes $10 million for dam safety repair and $9 million
• You know, I see flood head, you know, dam roads in that area and the airport, but like how much do you
• Um you know, I see uh flood head, you<00:20:56.320> know,<00:20:56.480> dam you know, dam
• you know, dam roads<00:20:58.960> in<00:20:59.200> that<00:20:59.440> area<00:20

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 639 by Assembly Member Soria, an act relating to dams.
• AB 639 makes a narrow exception to the definition of dams to ensure it does not inadvertently apply an
• They do not restrain water in anywhere near the same amounts or for the same length of time as dams,
• in statute, reducing the cost of operating these facilities and allowing the Division of Safety of Dams
• to focus its attention on actual dams.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, observed a moment of silence for Pope Francis, and later held a separate remembrance ceremony for the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Members and guests heard extensive remarks in support of HR 25, which was adopted by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added. Speakers from both parties and several caucuses emphasized historical truth, remembrance, and solidarity with Armenian Californians, and the chamber also observed a moment of silence for the genocide victims. On the floor, members also passed AB 789 on health insurance rate oversight, ACR 56 recognizing Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, AB 652 on San Diego County Air Pollution Control District alternates despite opposition from one member over regional balance concerns, AB 1414 protecting renters from mandatory internet provider subscriptions, AB 931 regulating litigation finance agreements, AB 890 easing residency rules for foster youth moving counties, AB 40 clarifying emergency reproductive health care coverage with urgency, AB 322 encouraging school-based health and mental health reimbursement programs, and AB 639 narrowing the definition of dams for certain weir operators. Most measures passed by wide margins, including several unanimous votes. The consent calendar, including AB 1149, AB 484, AB 859, AB 1105, and AB 1384, was adopted without objection. The Assembly also handled procedural motions, committee notices, and bill re-referrals earlier in the day. The house then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Thursday, April 24 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And really, when you look at the one commonality of all the river authorities that have dams, is that
• Senate Bill 43 would impact them and the 2,039 dams across Texas.
• Flood control dams catch and store floodwaters during normal and extreme rain events, and then release
• Some of the dams are more than 60 years old and need maintenance, rehabilitation, and repair.
• Usual permitting to maintain dam structures is a long and slow process, taking up to a year.

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum call, invocation, and approval of the previous day’s journal, then observed a moment of silence after Senator Eckhardt referenced a mass shooting in Austin. The chamber also agreed to postpone reading and referral of bills until later in the day. Early procedural business included a motion not to print Senate Bill 3, which was adopted without objection. Later, Senator Mendez raised a parliamentary inquiry about moving flood relief bills to the top of the calendar, but the presiding officer said the order of business was up to the chair. The main floor action centered on Senate Bill 4, the congressional redistricting bill. Senator King laid out the bill, describing it as the companion to the House version, based on 2020 census data, and arguing it was legal, race-blind, more compact, and likely to elect more Republicans. Senators asked extensive questions about the process, public hearings, and the map’s effects on districts and communities. The Senate voted to suspend the regular order of business and the three-day rule, then passed SB 4 to engrossment and finally passed it, with the recorded votes showing 19 yeas and 2 nays. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 6, relating to abortion and civil liability for the manufacture and provision of abortion-inducing drugs. Senator Hughes argued the bill was needed to stop illegal abortion pills being mailed into Texas and harming women and unborn children. The Senate suspended the regular order of business and the three-day rule, passed the bill to engrossment, and then finally passed it, with the recorded votes showing 18 yeas, 10 nays, and one present not voting. A lengthy discussion followed on the committee substitute for Senate Bill 14, which would standardize law enforcement personnel and departmental files statewide. Senator King said the bill codifies a TCOLE model policy and limits public access to personnel files to substantiated misconduct, commendations, and evaluations, while keeping other records available through other legal processes. Senators Eckhardt, West, Hinojosa, and others questioned how the bill would affect transparency, meet-and-confer agreements, civilian review boards, and access to unsubstantiated complaints. An amendment by Senator Hinojosa of Dallas to narrow the bill to unfounded complaints failed, and SB 14 was then passed to engrossment on a vote of 18 yeas and 10 nays. The final major item was Senate Bill 1, the natural disaster omnibus bill responding to the July flooding. Senator Perry said the bill addresses camp and RV park safety, evacuation plans, emergency rooftop access, lines of succession for local emergency management, annual drills, volunteer management, drone restrictions over disaster areas, small-business recovery loans, and a statewide data hub for flood and weather monitoring. Senators Menendez, Eckhardt, and Kolkhorst asked about autopsies, volunteer background checks, liability, warning systems, floodplain mitigation, and coordination with FEMA and local governments. Perry said the bill focuses on preparation, response, and recovery, while broader prevention and mitigation issues may be addressed later. The transcript ends during this extended discussion, before final action on SB 1 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in the past, North Dakota has had a number of low-head dams.
• These low-head dams are a hazard on the landscape. They create a roller effect.
• We have a little over 100 low-head dams across the state.
• Park River, at one time, they were surface water off a Hami Dam.
• and Heart Butte Dam.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information. The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability. The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Conversion of the dam safety program, that's different between the dam safety program, and you'll hear
• Conversion of the dam safety program, that's different between the dam safety program, and you'll hear
• Conversion of the dam safety program, that's different between the dam safety program, and you'll hear
• Conversion of the dam safety program, that's different between the dam safety program, and you'll hear
• Conversion of the dam safety program, that's different between the dam safety program, and you'll hear

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• File 1366, as amended, is a bill that would replace existing turbine generators in the Brainerd Hydro Dam
• Water, dam power that's produced. So why are only two turbines operating out of the five?
• You said that you acquired the dam 11 years ago. Who had it prior to that?
• been any investigation into opportunities with the federal government for investments with or on the dam
• This kind of fascinates me, getting power like that from the dam and the river.

Transcript Highlights:

• revenue that would likely be offset by an associated reduction in workload for the Division of Safety of Dams
• it's less than half a P.Y. that we're talking about here, and the focus of the Division of Safety of Dams
• really should be on the 1,200 dams that are of significance and potential harm.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 1928, there was a dam failure in California, and 430 people died from that failure.
• If no, that's not accurate. dams whose primary purpose is to hold dams whose primary purpose is to hold
• I mean, these are important things we’re talking about: dams, bridges, people’s lives.
• we're talking about talking about dams we're talking about bridges<00:51:34.440> we're<00:51:
• Would a fire engineer be able to work on other projects like a road or a dam with this PE license?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 46, which would allow lottery winners of $1 million or more to remain anonymous. After brief discussion and a motion with a second, the committee approved the bill unanimously and sent it to the House floor. Members then heard House Bill 54, a workforce and education measure aimed at aligning dual credit and project-based learning with licensed construction trades and other high-demand careers. The sponsor and witness said the bill is intended to help students meet both education and on-the-job training requirements, address labor shortages, and speed entry into the trades. Several members raised concerns about possible abuse of internships, the need for input from unions and other trade groups, and the amount of authority left to the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction to write regulations. The sponsor said the bill does not replace current hands-on training requirements and expressed willingness to continue discussions. The committee passed the bill, with some members explaining their votes as conditional or in hopes of further amendments. The committee also approved House Bill 261, which would let retired CPAs provide certain uncompensated services, such as nonprofit work, while retaining their CPA designation, and would create a retirement-based CPE waiver for those limited services. A question from Representative Donworth focused on how retired CPAs would disclose their status to nonprofits; the board representative said retired status is noted in board records, but there is currently no separate requirement governing use of the CPA designation. The bill passed. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 262, which would remove restrictions on small CPA firm names after an owner dies or retires. The sponsor said Kentucky is an outlier because current law requires the remaining owner to change the firm name. The bill passed unanimously. After that, the chair turned the gavel over to the vice chair and began presenting House Bill 306, which would change engineering education requirements for licensure, especially to help Eastern Kentucky University fire protection engineering technology graduates qualify for licensure in Kentucky rather than leaving the state. The sponsor and witnesses explained that the bill would not change the rest of the PE licensure pathway, only the education component, and said most other states already allow this route. Members noted that engineers may have concerns and encouraged continued discussions before the bill advances further.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it really the spillway, or is it overflowing the dam, or where is that?
• The problem arises here because this is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, dam and lake in the state
• in the 1910s by a private company, the Medina Irrigation Company, and they originally operated the dam
• it went bankrupt, they created the Bexar-Medina-Atascosa Water Transfer Organization to operate that dam

Bills: HB334, HB583, HB605, HB1327, HB1646, HB2115, HB2379

Keywords: family leave, leave pool, county employee, sick leave, vacation leave, family care, pandemic, guardianship, fencing, reservoirs, local government, regulation, land use, conservation capacity, property regulation, fence regulation, reservoir safety, county authority, fencing regulations, counties

Transcript Highlights:

• Given that the state is transitioning dam ownership to private or local ownership wherever possible,
• Without the dam on Lake Winnipesaukee, the water level would drop 10 feet.
• DES estimates the total cost to repair and maintain these dams at over $400 million.
• at over $400 and maintain these dams at over $400 million. million. million.
• vested interest in maintaining our dams vested interest in maintaining our dams and<01:23:36.040

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It would apply to people who have dam authorization, so if you get the dam authorized by TCEQ, then they're
• going to be arguing that those dam authorizations are not for impounding surface water; they're for
• kind dentist office followed to that system of the other systems it would apply to people get have dam
• authorization so if you get the dam is authorized by TCEQ then they're going to be arguing that that
• it frequently those dam authorizations are are not for impounding surface water Frequently, those dam

Summary: The committee met with limited attendance at first, then took up a series of water, agriculture, and rural affairs measures. HB 3898 would allow the Texas Water Development Board to provide financial assistance for brackish water desalination projects in certain border counties and related nonprofit suppliers even if the projects are not in the state water plan. Supporters said it is needed to address severe water shortages in places like Webb County and to support future planning; opponents, including the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, argued it bypasses the regional and state water planning process. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard HB 5339, which would create a higher-education grant program for regenerative agriculture research. A rancher testified that regenerative methods improved soil health, water retention, and farm viability, while a senator noted existing university research but said better coordination could help. Public testimony was closed and the bill was left pending. Members then heard HB 1523, a temporary prohibition on TCEQ issuing Austin a Class 5 injection well permit for an aquifer storage and recovery project in Bastrop and Lee counties until December 2027. Local officials from Bastrop supported the pause, citing unanswered questions about water treatment, recovery rates, and impacts on the aquifer, while Austin Water opposed the substitute, saying the project is central to its long-term water plan and that stakeholder talks were already underway. TCEQ explained its ASR permitting process and said public participation is possible but not always used in the current authorization process. The bill was left pending. HB 5659, concerning the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District and requiring majority city-council approval before certain water sales or interbasin transfers, drew testimony from district officials who said the change could interfere with existing contracts and district authority, but the chair emphasized the need for local buy-in and said the stakeholders had reached a workable compromise; testimony was closed and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 1690, which would expand notice requirements for groundwater export permits so neighboring landowners and potentially affected aquifer areas are informed by certified mail and publication. The sponsor tied the bill to impacts from the Vista Ridge project, and no one testified against it; it was left pending. HB 3333 would prohibit TCEQ from issuing new wastewater discharge permits directly into the Devils River in Val Verde County. The sponsor and a conservation witness said the bill protects one of Texas’s most pristine rivers and reflects a local stakeholder agreement, while TCEQ said it can ensure water quality but acknowledged the river’s unique sensitivity; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HCR 108 urging continuation of the U.S.-Mexico tomato suspension agreement, with supporters warning of major Texas job and consumer-price impacts if it ends, and HCR 76 urging federal action on imported shrimp, citing public health and industry concerns; both were left pending. Additional measures heard and left pending included HB 4158 on compensation for Texana Groundwater Conservation District directors, HB 654 creating a dismissal path for certain first-time deer hunting violations after self-reporting and hunter education, HB 4530 requiring Texas Water Development Board review of groundwater rights placed in the Texas Water Trust, HB 2128 directing a study of rural versus urban firefighting and rescue disparities, and HB 278 requiring groundwater districts and management areas to track progress toward desired future conditions over shorter intervals. On HB 278, witnesses split over whether the bill’s interim tracking would improve accountability or create new triggers that could be used against local districts, but no final vote was taken and the bill was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Olson votes D; Perez-Vega, perz, Hortman; Perryman, Perryman; perz Vega Hortman; Perryman votes D; Dam
• , Perryman votes D; Dam, Pinto, port votes D; Dam, Perryman votes D; Dam, Pinto, port, Pinto votes; Hortman
• <00:27:25.279> Perryman<00:27:25.760> votes<00:27:26.159> Dam<00:27:26.720><
• c> Pinto<00:27:27.440> port votes Dam Perryman votes Dam Pinto port votes Dam Perryman votes
• Dam Pinto port Pinto<00:27:28.559> votes<00:27:28.840> Hortman<00:27:29.520> purcel

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then proceeded to elect a Speaker. Republicans nominated Lisa Demuth and Democrats nominated Melissa Hortman, with multiple members seconding each nomination and praising the candidates’ leadership, bipartisanship, and ability to guide a closely divided chamber. After roll call, Representative Demuth received 67 votes to Representative Hortman’s 65 and was declared duly elected Speaker of the Minnesota House for the 2025-2026 session. After taking the oath of office from Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, Speaker Demuth delivered remarks emphasizing gratitude, integrity, respect, accountability, and a commitment to real results, safer communities, strong schools, economic opportunity, and open collaboration with all members. She said her door would remain open to both parties and urged the House to focus on shared purpose and Minnesota’s future. The House then took up a resolution adopting temporary rules for the 94th session, based on the prior session’s rules and modified by the House organization agreement dated February 6, 2025. Members speaking in support said the agreement reflected bipartisan negotiation, preserved power sharing, protected committee and conference committee balance, and would help the House address issues such as affordable housing, health care, and child care. The temporary rules were adopted by a roll call vote of 130 ayes and 2 nays. Finally, the House began the election of the chief clerk. Representative Robbins nominated Patrick Duffy Murphy, highlighting his long service to the House, his role as parliamentary adviser, and his work supporting continuity and remote proceedings during the pandemic. The transcript cuts off during the nomination and does not include the final vote on chief clerk.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><01:58:46.560> these<01:58:46.960> earth<01:58:47.119> and<01:58:47.280> dam
• Um, these earth and dam river.
• Um, these earth and dam embankment<01:58:48.159> ponds<01:58:49.040> uh<01:58:49.199>

• We have a big problem in that they're filling up with sedimentation, much like these earth and dams

• We have a big problem in that they're filling up with sedimentation, much like these earth and dams are

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have in line 74, DEC dam safety and hydrology projects.
• <01:09:55.800> safety Next, we have in line 74, DC dam safety Next, we have in line 74, DC
• dam safety and<01:09:56.320> hydrology<01:09:56.960> projects.
• <01:11:49.200> dam<01:11:49.520> maintenance<01:11:50.400> and<01:11:50.560>
• safety with dam dam maintenance and safety with dam dam maintenance and safety plans,<01:11:51.400

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reading by poet April Osmon, who read two poems focused on bridging political divides and shared humanity. Members then recognized the final day of service for the legislative pages, thanking them for their work during the 2026 session and presenting each page with a pin and a photo opportunity. The chamber then handled bill referrals: Senate Bill 193, creating a forensic facility for certain criminal justice-involved persons, was referred to Judiciary; Senate Bill 198, regulating tobacco products and tobacco substitutes, went to Commerce and Economic Development; Senate Bill 214, concerning pre-kindergarten education in geographically isolated school districts, went to Education; and Senate Bill 218, reducing chloride contamination in state waters and carrying an appropriation, was referred to Appropriations. The House also read and adopted two concurrent resolutions: HCR 237 congratulating Vermont-associated 2026 Winter Olympic medal winners, and HCR 238 honoring the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired on its 100th anniversary. Much of the remainder of the session consisted of tributes and guest recognitions tied to those resolutions. Members highlighted Vermont’s Olympic skiers and coaches, including Ben Ogden, Paula Moltzan, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Jessie Diggins, Mikaela Shiffrin, Barbara Ann Cochran, Bill Koch, and others, and read a note from Diggins thanking Vermont for its support and emphasizing teamwork and community. Speakers also praised VABVI’s century of service and its role in helping blind and visually impaired Vermonters, and several members offered personal remarks honoring retiring Representative Francis “Topper” McFaun for his long service, mentorship, and family legacy.