Transcript Highlights:

• The first is interconnection of large loads into the interstate transmission system.
• The first is interconnection of large loads into the interstate transmission system.
• Two interstate transmission grids would bring this under federal jurisdiction, a process currently handled
• are currently 125 data centers operating in 13 markets in Oregon, with Hillsboro topping the list at 35

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The committee held a series of informational briefings on information management and technology issues. It first heard from ACLU representatives on data privacy, who argued that Oregon should strengthen protections against private data brokers, government purchases of personal data, reverse warrants, automatic license plate readers, and local police surveillance. They urged data minimization, limits on data sales and retention, and broader transparency and accountability measures. Members asked about practical uses of license plate readers, state sales of data, and how Oregon’s approach compares with other states; the presenters said similar proposals have been adopted elsewhere, including data minimization in Maryland and a state version of the Fourth Amendment Is Not for Sale Act in Montana. The committee then received a detailed update from the Department of Administrative Services and Enterprise Information Services on licensing system modernization for 14 boards and commissions with the most immediate need. DAS said it is seeking a shared procurement approach through an RFP that would create either one scalable system or two tiers of systems, depending on agency needs and security requirements, with contracts expected by September. Committee members emphasized the need for a more unified, user-friendly statewide login and service experience for businesses and residents, and raised concerns about small agencies “figuring it out on their own” without sufficient cybersecurity or technical expertise. EIS said it is overseeing the investment review, security and architecture review, and future implementation planning, and noted that multiple agency requests may still come back to the legislature in the next session. The committee also discussed a revised cybersecurity incident notification concept. Staff explained that the earlier bill had raised stakeholder concerns, so the co-chairs directed further interim work with the Oregon Cybersecurity Advisory Council and other local government and K-12 stakeholders. The goal is a narrower, voluntary “911-style” notification process that would let public bodies alert peers and potentially receive assistance after cyber incidents; a temporary voluntary process is being tested now, with a work group developing language for possible 2027 consideration. Finally, the committee heard updates from the new state chief data officer on data governance, data sharing, geospatial work, and the state transparency website, followed by a briefing on data centers from NCSL and the Technology Association of Oregon. The data officer described efforts to expand data inventories, data governance plans, data literacy, and interagency sharing, along with statewide aerial imagery, geospatial standards, and the open data portal. The data center discussion focused on national and state trends, including rapid growth in data centers, rising electricity and water demand, and legislative responses such as new rate classes, reporting requirements, and cost-allocation rules to protect ratepayers. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving to page 35.
• And item number 35, Office of the Independent Budsman compliance with Sunset recommendations by hiring
• Down on item 23, amend Rider 51 Interstate Education Compacts, adopted at $60,000.
• adopted as amended item 34 a new writer on spending balances appropriation for IT projects adopted 35
• Thank you very much. 150°C-356°F 15-20 min 180°C-356°F 35-40分 761 Thank you. 763 Thank you. 765 766 All

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bore down on our state, a highway patrolman discovered a young bull terrier tied to a fence along Interstate
• unanimity among those, and the total additives, dyes, and preservatives that are affected are over 35
• point where, again, we're looking at 30 bills, I mean, 101 bills in 30 states totaling somewhere over 35
• , maybe 40 different substances... ...somewhere over 35, maybe 40 different substances, but it's four

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and took up four bills. First, CS/SB 150, “Trooper’s Law,” by Senator Gates, would make it a third-degree felony to abandon or restrain an animal during a declared weather emergency, such as a hurricane or tornado. The bill was presented as a response to a widely publicized case of a dog tied to a fence during Hurricane Milton. Several speakers supported the measure, and the committee voted unanimously to report it favorably. Next, SB 374 by Senator Trunow would refine the definition of “farm product” to include plant and plant products and bar local governments from restricting the collection, storage, and processing of farm products on bona fide agricultural land. An amendment related to food waste was withdrawn for further discussion, and public testimony came from composting, recycling, and poultry interests in support. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 560 by Senator Martin on chemical additives in food products, which would restrict a list of 10 chemicals in food. The sponsor argued the bill was aimed at serious health concerns and noted some chemicals had already been banned federally; industry and retail witnesses opposed the bill as creating a patchwork of state rules and potential market disruptions, while some senators supported the health goal but raised concerns about consistency. The committee voted to report SB 560 favorably, with one recorded no vote. Finally, SB 572, the Pam Rock Act by Senator Collins, would create a statewide dangerous dog registry and impose additional criminal penalties, permitting requirements, microchipping, sterilization, and insurance requirements for dangerous dogs. The sponsor and family members of attack victims described severe injuries and deaths to support the need for public notice and accountability. Some members questioned the usefulness of a registry and the burden of the information requirements, but the sponsor said the bill was intended to prevent repeat attacks and help victims. The committee voted to report SB 572 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• business<00:35:07.280> model<00:35:07.599> they<00:35:07.720> set<00:35:07.880><
• :35:09.680> the<00:35:10.320> independent<00:35:11.320> um<00:35:11.760> uh
• <00:35:17.320> they<00:35:17.599> enter<00:35:17.920> into<00:35:18.240>
• <00:35:43.000> about<00:35:43.359> right<00:35:43.480> now<00:35:43.920>
• :35:53.640> about<00:35:53.839> now<00:35:54.200> and<00:35:54.319> with<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:35:30.160> will<00:35:30.320> go<00:35:30.480> to<00:35:30.560> finance
• <00:35:33.040> And<00:35:33.200> as<00:35:33.359> I<00:35:33.520> stated<
• is going<00:35:37.520> to<00:35:37.680> rest<00:35:37.920> with<00:35:38.079>
• So, uh<00:35:40.000> it's<00:35:40.160> it's<00:35:40.480> kind<00:35:40.560>
• of<00:35:40.560> a<00:35:40.720> moot<00:35:41.040> point,<00:35:41.200>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the June 9 minutes, then reviewed a deferred personnel contract involving workers’ compensation claims administration. Staff explained that the roughly $50 million figure included about $48 million for claims payments and up to $1.45 million per year for administrative services, with billing based on a fee schedule for specific services rendered. Senator Meredith raised concerns about the vendor’s history, the scoring and bid process, and prior allegations involving the company; the administration responded that the procurement had been conducted under 45A through open competition, with outside scorers and no finding of wrongdoing tied to this contract. Meredith moved to disapprove Contract 167, Hart seconded, and the committee voted 5-2 to disapprove it. The committee then deferred a Western Kentucky University personal services contract because the vendors were still not registered with the Secretary of State’s office. Hart moved to defer the contract until the August 2026 meeting, Meredith seconded, and the motion carried. The committee also approved the agenda covering the various contract lists and deferred items. Next, the committee heard from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on several personal services contracts for medical staffing and related services. Secretary Steven Stack and staff explained that staffing shortages often require outside vendors, that the contracts were competitively bid under 45A, and that the cabinet uses a streamlined vendor pool for specialized needs such as actuaries, auditors, and technical consultants. The committee approved Contracts 52 through 55 without objection. Discussion then began on Contract 61, with Meredith expressing concern that the committee lacked enough detail to judge whether the services could be performed in-house or whether the exchange of resources was appropriate; Stack said the contract was intended to provide efficient access to specialized outside expertise. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on Contract 61 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 261, an act relating to the school psychologist interstate licensure compact.
• House Bill 261, an act relating to the school psychologist interstate licensure compact.
• school an act relating to the school an act relating to the school psychologist<00:20:42.080> interstate
• psychologist interstate lensure compact. psychologist interstate lensure compact.

Keywords: Video Starts 00:00 Convene 06:39 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 13:20 Introductions of New Bills and Resolutions 17:05 Adjournment 23:56, 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky House convened, heard the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 95 members present, excused absent members, suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications, and approved the journal from January 7, 2026. No committee reports, second readings, or floor amendments were needed during the session. The House adopted House Citation No. 3, adjourning in loving memory and honor of Gary Bennett Shell, the father of Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and a former member’s colleague. Members offered remarks about his illness, his impact on his community and family, and requested a moment of silence. The chamber also heard a brief announcement about the KPA Big Boy Breakfast scheduled for the next morning. A long list of new bills and resolutions was introduced, covering topics including medical debt reporting, protection of minors on digital platforms, property tax exemptions and constitutional amendments, veterans benefits, emergency management services, student loan repayment and apprenticeship tax credits, abandoned property, residency definitions for postsecondary education, animal services tax exemptions, high school graduation requirements, Ten Commandments displays in public schools, animal control officers, disabled veterans benefits, hospital police departments, involuntary commitment, school lunches, hazardous duty and line-of-duty disability benefits, reading and language arts instruction, criminal procedure, education accountability, milk transportation, citizenship requirements for elected officials, student support personnel, school psychologist licensure compact, aircraft sales tax exemptions, glucagon, theft by deception, insurance regulatory authorizations, healthcare workforce credentials, welcome centers and rest areas, flags of remembrance, wages, affordable housing, legislative ethics, barbering, veterans’ benefits protections, KEES scholarships for non-certified schools, chickens on residential property, school nutrition, hospital price transparency, mental health and substance use coverage, food donation, vehicle lights, and several memorial bridge designations and an aviation economic development task force. The House then adjourned until 9:00 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• When we're going down the interstate or a four-lane facility, it's down the middle of the median.
• Because the interstate would double up.
• When we're going down the interstate or a four-lane facility, it's down the middle of the median.
• Because the interstate would double up.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The conference committee on House Bill 1053 met to resolve Senate changes concerning a statutory cap on state highway mileage. Members discussed the history of the mileage limit, which was set in 1933, and whether keeping the cap in Century Code still served a useful purpose. House members were split between viewing the cap as an accountability and educational tool for future legislators and seeing it as unnecessary clutter because DOT already reports highway mileage and is separately limited by the 50-mile-per-year rule. DOT Director Ron Hanky testified that the department already tracks and reports mileage for budget and federal purposes, that the 7,700-mile cap is not especially useful to DOT, and that the department would prefer the cap be removed. He also explained how mileage is measured and noted several potential road additions that could be affected by the cap. The committee ultimately could not reach agreement. Representative Dressler moved that the House reject the Senate amendment, and the motion was seconded, but the roll call failed with a split vote: Dressler, Johnston, and Freilich voted yes; Hogan, Rommel, and Corey voted no. With no further motion, the committee adjourned and planned to reschedule another meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <03:35:40.160> I<03:35:40.399> want<03:35:40.479> to<03:35:40.640> thank<
• America's<03:35:49.840> battlefields<03:35:50.640> fields<03:35:50.960> are<03:35
• Without<04:35:31.520> objection,<04:35:32.639> I<04:35:32.879> urge<04:35:33.039
• <04:35:34.320> and<04:35:34.480> I<04:35:34.719> yield<04:35:34.959> the<
• c><04:35:38.400> rules<04:35:38.639> and<04:35:38.799> pass<04:35:38.959> the

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• one-time deposit of $1 million general fund from the E-Fund, which would provide grants to approximately 35
• When you look at a million dollars going to 35 households, maybe there's some work that needs to be done
• repair work resulting from multiple severe weather events that affected Highway 101, South Highway, Interstate
• Interstate 84 and other state routes.

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The Emergency Board met on June 17, 2026, and approved a series of subcommittee recommendations, mostly on consent, related to federal grant applications, agency funding adjustments, and position authority. Early actions included approval of four federal grant applications from natural resources agencies, three public safety grant applications, a one-time increase for Judicial Department court security, retroactive approval for an AmeriCorps volunteer-generation grant, and a $7.5 million allocation to Southern Oregon University from a special appropriation for short-term financial stability. Members supporting the SOU item emphasized the university’s structural deficits, declining enrollment, and the need for a long-term higher education plan; several members voted no or raised concerns about sustainability, but the motion passed. The board also approved a federal apprenticeship expansion grant for the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, a school nutrition equipment grant for the Department of Education, and an Oregon Health Authority request tied to Medicaid community engagement requirements under H.R. 1. Public safety items included funding for Oregon Military Department readiness facilities, a report on the stalled juvenile justice information system modernization project with a follow-up viability report due in 2026, and a statewide evacuation planning tool for emergency management. The evacuation tool drew strong support as a wildfire preparedness measure, with members noting it could significantly reduce alert times and save lives. A major point of debate was the Department of Justice request to add 16 permanent positions and increase other funds limitation for antitrust enforcement. Supporters argued the federal government has pulled back and Oregon needs capacity to pursue active cases and protect consumers; opponents objected to the process, the size of the expansion, and the incentive structure tied to settlements and awards. Despite those concerns, the motion passed. The board also approved Water Resources Department requests for the Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement program, an assistant water master position in Washington County, and federal funding for Lower Umatilla Basin groundwater data collection. The water master item prompted questions about county cost shifts, but staff said the position would remain externally funded and would not be filled without those resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• if you look at the arrestee address, Salt Lake County [questionable: slightly overrepresented 36 to 35
• That's been a 35% decrease from 151 down to 98. So that's a positive.
• He comes down Parley's Canyon, and unfortunately, he rolls his truck onto Interstate 80 at Lamb's Canyon
• then make liability insurance liable for that liability of that truck that's laying sideways on Interstate

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Elevated water tank, which is a one million-gallon tank, is currently under construction at 35%.
• Moving on to our next item, we have the interstate and international border infrastructure update.
• On the Texas side, we have the same issue, being so far away from Austin and from the I-35 corridor,
• Well, I mean, I-10 is the interstate. Traffic gravitates to I-10, right?

Transcript Highlights:

• from imposing a deductible, co-payment, co-insurance, or other cost-sharing obligation greater than $35
• from imposing a deductible, co-payment, co-insurance, or other cost-sharing obligation greater than $35
• introduced by Assembly Member Elaine Marzola, enacts the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate
• introduced by Assembly Member Marzola, and acts of the audiology and speech language pathology, interstate

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.079> town<00:35:00.520> and<00:35:00.680> we<00:35:00.800> want<00:35
• > to<00:35:05.400> my<00:35:05.680> mind<00:35:05.960> is<00:35:06.480>
• through<00:35:12.440> town<00:35:12.760> funds<00:35:13.720> whereas<00:35:
• <00:35:22.320> instance<00:35:22.640> you<00:35:22.760> know<00:35:22.920>
• > of<00:35:23.400> year<00:35:23.920> the<00:35:24.079> town<00:35:24.359

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Public Works and Highways Committee heard testimony on House Bill 375, which would allow municipalities to designate certain road segments for ATV travel, create maps and signage for those routes, set seasonal limits, and require certain equipment on ATVs such as lights, a horn, flashers, and directional signals. The sponsor, Rep. Dan Maguire, said the bill is intended to support tourism and give towns a structured, optional way to permit ATV use on roads, not to override existing uses. Members asked about possible overlap with agricultural vehicle rules, golf carts, speed limits, and whether the bill could allow ATV use on busier roads or expressways; the sponsor said he did not intend to interfere with existing lawful uses and believed golf carts would only be included if they met the relevant statutory requirements. NHDOT State Maintenance Engineer Alan Hennessy said the department had concerns with language exempting municipalities and the Bureau of Trails from the permitting process, arguing that the existing permit system provides needed review, public notice, and signage requirements. He also raised questions about road funding and maintenance if ATVs were allowed on state highways. Fish and Game Captain Michael Eastman testified that his commission opposed the bill as written, citing concerns about the ATV definition, the distinction between ATVs, UTVs, and other OHRVs, and the potential impact on state highways and road maintenance. He said towns can already open roads to OHRV use under existing law, and he noted that accident data for road use would generally be handled by local police or State Police rather than Fish and Game. Craig Reny, chief of the Bureau of Trails, said the current Bureau of Trails/DOT permit process for highway crossings and connectors works well and is used to ensure safety through engineering review. He said his bureau was not taking a position on the bill but wanted to clarify that existing procedures already address many of the issues the bill appears to cover. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members,<00:35:54.400> the<00:35:54.560> motion<00:35:54.880> before<00:35:55.200
• 00:35:58.960> address<00:35:59.359> the<00:35:59.520> House<00:35:59.839> from
• Six<01:35:25.280> professional<01:35:25.679> workforce<01:35:26.080> cash<01:35:
• This amount<01:35:47.840> shall<01:35:48.000> be<01:35:48.080> from<01:35:48.159
• <02:35:29.920> 35<02:35:30.800> Office<02:35:31.040> of<02:35:31.200> State

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the prior journal, and heard several brief recognitions before moving to business. Members welcomed foster care advocates for Child Abuse Prevention Month, Girl Scouts visiting the Capitol, and participants in Black Maternal Health Week, with remarks emphasizing foster youth voice, leadership development, and the need for culturally competent maternal health care and doula/midwife support. The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1026, honoring former Governor Roy Romer and designating a portion of I-25 as the Governor Roy Romer Memorial Highway. Supporters highlighted Romer’s long public service, his work on education and infrastructure, and his role in major state projects. A proposed amendment to strike the word “memorial” was withdrawn, the House suspended the rules to allow Romer to speak from the well, and Romer offered remarks about legislative collegiality and the importance of democracy and listening to opposing views. House Joint Resolution 1026 was adopted on a 60-0 vote, with four excused and one absent. After a brief recess, the House returned to special orders and resumed reading House Bill 1410 at length, continuing through extensive appropriations language for the Department of Human Services, including child welfare, youth services, Medicaid-related transfers, SNAP and benefits administration, and other funding line items. No final action on House Bill 1410 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um,<00:35:12.800> just<00:35:13.040> to<00:35:13.200> clarify,<00:35:13.760>
• > And<00:35:17.520> then<00:35:17.760> act<00:35:18.079> two<00:35:18.240
• >> Reservations.<00:35:30.240> And<00:35:30.480> may<00:35:30.560> I<00:35
• leader<00:35:32.160> as<00:35:32.320> if<00:35:32.400> they<00:35:32.560>
• have<00:35:57.440> sex<00:35:57.680> and<00:35:57.920> have<00:35:58.079>

Bills: HB2139, HB1892, HB1893, HB1890, HB2335, HB2468, HB2091, HB2092, HB1878, HB2297, HB2127, HB1785, HB2345, HB2344, HB1780, HB1891, HB2398, HB1764, HB2564, HB1783, HB2567, HB1934, HB1778, HB1781, HB2621, HB2019, HB1803, HB2454, HB1811, HB1943, HB1589, HB1607, HB1851, HB2490, HB2546, HB2568, HB1972, HB2391, HB2575, HB1896, HB2399, HB2004, HB1894, HB2397, HB2498, HB2560, HB2310, HB2214, HB2167, HB2197, HB2116, HB1879, HB1596, HB2096, HB2298, HB2343, HB2566, HB1518, HB2044, HB2336, HB1603, HB1718, HB1740, HB1616, HB2171, HB2022, HB2347, HB1882, HB1708, HB2086, HB2154, HB2027, HB2179, HB1620, HB1913, HB2159, HB1597, HB2121, HB1864, HB2305, HB2576, HB1713, HB1729, HB1756, HB2122, HB2559, HB1743, HB1733, HB1868, HB1723, HB1711, HB1812, HB2515, HB1724, HB1604, HB2270, HB1722, HB1727, HB1920, HB1593

Keywords: invasive species, Queensland longhorn beetle, agriculture, environmental impact, University of Hawaii, Board of Education, Hawaii public schools, teacher representative, nonvoting member, bargaining unit 5, HSTA, teachers union, education governance, school board, executive session, collective bargaining, public school teacher, policy-making body, student representative, military representative

Transcript Highlights:

• The majority committee amendment is 1857H, printed in House Record 23 on pages 35-36.
• So these are both interstate emergencies, which we need to address, and interstate regions that we need
• So these are both interstate emergencies, which we need to address, and interstate regions that we need
• <02:01:36.480> emergencies So these are both interstate emergencies So these are both interstate
• which we need to address and interstate which we need to address and interstate regions<02:01:41.440

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:57.599> Thank<00:35:57.760> you<00:35:57.839> very<00:35:58.000> much
• the<04:35:02.480> DMV<04:35:03.039> already<04:35:03.199> has<04:35:03.359><
• happy<04:35:09.600> and<04:35:10.000> everything<04:35:10.240> we<04:35:10.480>
• <04:35:11.760> So<04:35:11.840> I<04:35:12.000> hope<04:35:12.080> we
• :35:30.879> am,<04:35:31.119> but<04:35:31.359> I<04:35:31.520> just<04:35

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to call to order the Joint Special Session Committee on the Interstate 5 Bridge Committee
• Afternoon, Co-Chair McLean and Co-Chair FAM, and members of the Joint Interim Committee on Interstate
• The Interstate Bridge is the economic and cultural lifeline between Oregon and Washington.
• A new bridge strengthens Oregon's ties with Washington, supports interstate commerce, and ensures our
• The Interstate Bridge replacement can become a once-in-a-generation opportunity for local businesses

Summary: The committee met jointly with the Washington-Oregon Legislative Action Committee for an update on the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement (IBR) program. Members first adopted the proposed committee rules, then received program updates from staff on environmental review, permitting, design, tribal consultation, and public engagement. Staff said the project remains in the supplemental EIS process, with a final supplemental EIS and amended record of decision expected in early 2026, which would allow construction to begin. They also described ongoing work on Coast Guard navigation clearance, Section 106 historic-property coordination, and architectural guidelines for the bridge and five-mile corridor, emphasizing that the visualizations shown were conceptual and that public and partner feedback has already influenced design considerations such as accessibility and shared-use path connections. Members raised concerns about schedule delays, rising costs, and whether the project is being designed to be functional, safe, and economical. Staff acknowledged that the timeline has slipped from earlier expectations and said the delay reflects the complexity of the environmental and federal review process, as well as the need to avoid redoing steps. They said the updated cost estimate is being prepared now that design has advanced to roughly 30 percent, and that it will account for inflation, risk factors, and both fixed-span and movable-span options. Staff estimated a movable span would add more than $400 million and said the first construction work after environmental approval would likely be preliminary freeway and retaining-wall work in late 2026, followed by the bridge procurement. The committee also received funding and tolling updates. Staff reported that major federal grants have been executed, including Mega and Bridge Investment Grant agreements, and that state STIP amendments are advancing to allow access to federal funds. The tolling team described Level 3 traffic-and-revenue work, a bi-state tolling subcommittee process, and possible toll scenarios aimed at supporting either about $1.24 billion or $1.6 billion in toll revenue. Members questioned low-income toll relief timing, truck toll rates, and the effect of tolls on freight users. Staff said low-income discounts are being analyzed for both revenue and operational feasibility, that tribal exemptions and other policy exemptions are under review, and that the commissions expect to move into public outreach on toll rates and policies in 2026, with tolling on the existing bridges currently projected to begin in spring 2027.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we had a situation as well where a lot of the interstates that we were dealing with, we were working
• <00:09:53.680> or residue from the the the interstate or residue from the the the interstate
• They had interstate shutdown that experienced this ice storm as well, as well as airports.
• They had interstate<00:15:28.160> shutdown<00:15:28.639> that<00:15:28.880> experienced
• interstate shutdown that experienced interstate shutdown that experienced this<00:15:29.440>

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard from Brad White, head of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, as part of his confirmation process. White said the department has improved staffing and funding over the last four years, citing support from the legislature, supplemental appropriations, ARPA funds, and fuel tax adjustments. He emphasized that MDOT is still rebuilding its engineering and maintenance workforce and needs continued salary flexibility to remain competitive and respond to disasters. A major portion of the discussion focused on MDOT’s response to the recent severe ice storm. Several senators questioned whether the response was adequate and whether district lines, coordination with local governments, and emergency task-force planning should be changed. White said the storm was unusually severe, with freezing rain, flash-freeze conditions, widespread power outages, and more than 15,000 miles of highway impacted. He said MDOT crews were spread thin, but still logged more than 26,000 man-hours, worked with law enforcement and rescue units, and were aided by about 400 employees in the affected area plus 500 others from other regions. He said the department is reviewing lessons learned and expects winter-storm response to change going forward. Senators also asked about comparisons with Tennessee and whether the storm response was a funding issue. White said it was not primarily a money problem, but that Mississippi’s budget and weather patterns differ from neighboring states, making stockpiling materials less practical. He said cities and counties could help in emergencies if coordinated with MDOT, and he supported properly funding agencies such as MDOT, MEMA, the National Guard, and public safety. Another senator raised long-delayed road projects, including Highway 61 and the Port Gibson bypass, and White said the capacity program remains active and that emergency response had not stopped project work. The committee then considered several appointments to the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission and related boards. Kenneth Jeffrey Smith of Pontotoc, William J. Van Deender, and Ranatada Tracy McGawan of Jackson were each introduced, praised, and recommended by motion. The committee voted unanimously to advise and consent on each nomination, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Conversation with the Interstate Medical Licensure Act and just gratitude from us as a committee, but
• You have four bills to present before us: House Bill 10, the Physician and Assistant Interstate Compact
• We are here to present House Bill 50, which allows New Mexico to join the Social Work Licensure Interstate
• Compact to facilitate the interstate practice of licensed social workers.
• I support the concept of the interstate compact for clinicians and mobile practitioners, and I also..

Keywords: 996, all