Transcript Highlights:

• Built into that strategic plan was a process to re-evaluate and update that plan.
• Starting with the strategic plan, it took us a year to develop that plan.
• And when you mentioned that, if you don't transport to a medical facility, or once you transport, then
• I think one of the key things in rural areas is pre-planning and having pre-planning and having a plan
• So we have a strategic plan.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules convened with quorum and first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Courtney Welsh to the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board, Janessa Goldbeck to the California Veterans Board, and Tom Huntington to the State Parks and Recreation Commission, each by 3-0 vote. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees, the 2026 committee chair and membership appointments, the 2026 session schedule, the 2026 Senate holiday schedule, and floor acknowledgments, all by 4-0 votes. The committee then heard confirmation testimony from Hernando Garzon, M.D., nominated as Chief Medical Officer of the Emergency Medical Services Authority. Senators asked about EMSA’s strategic plan, data integration, local flexibility in statewide standards, ambulance patient offload regulations, stakeholder engagement, disaster response, rural access, and alternatives to transporting 9-1-1 callers to emergency departments. Garzon emphasized data-driven decision-making, technical assistance to local EMS agencies, collaboration with hospitals and providers, and the use of community paramedicine, telehealth, and pre-positioned resources in disasters. Public commenters and members supported his confirmation, and the committee approved the appointment 4-0 for referral to the full Senate. The committee also heard from Stephanie Weldon, nominated as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health. She described her tribal background, prior state, county, tribal, and nonprofit experience, and her focus on serving communities facing health disparities. Senators questioned her about how the office sets priorities, measures outcomes, balances equity work amid political opposition to DEI language, and tailors technical assistance to rural and tribal communities. Weldon pointed to work on tribal consultation, behavioral health, youth mental health, the California Reducing Disparities Project, gender-affirming care, reproductive health, housing and climate-related supports, and community advisory boards. Numerous public witnesses, including tribal and health equity advocates, spoke in strong support, and the committee approved her appointment 4-0 for the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. transportation system in Minnesota. Uh transportation system in Minnesota.
• c><00:06:36.880><c> I</c><00:06:37.120><c> also</c> transportation committee and uh I also transportation
• :49.919><c> the</c><00:26:50.240><c> studied</c> including a plan for the studied including a plan for
• </c> infrastructure planning? infrastructure planning?
• </c> later, I think is is a good plan. later, I think is is a good plan.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• > Matt Bowman, House Transportation, Matt Bowman, House Transportation, DFLCA.
• </c> the GOP for transportation. the GOP for transportation.
• This is my fifth year on transportation and so my first time on the transportation conference committee
• transportation transportation um<00:09:40.240><c> and</c><00:09:40.560><c> the</c><00:09:41.120><c>
• </c><01:21:48.560><c> However,</c> transportation funding. However, transportation funding.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our strategic plan looks at creating alternative transportation modes and options for our residents and
• As part of our climate action plan, strategic plan, and comprehensive plans, efforts to open the community
• Our strategic plan looks at creating alternative transportation modes and options for our residents and
• As part of our climate action plan, strategic plan, and comprehensive plans, efforts to open the community
• As part of our climate action plan, strategic plan, and comprehensive plans, efforts to open the community

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> establishes alternative transportation establishes alternative transportation options<00:12:44.320
• </c> &gt;&gt; Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization &gt;&gt; Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization
• Department of Transportation in support. Department of Transportation in support. Thank you.
• Superintendent >> Department of Transportation in support. >> Thank you. >> Wahoo Metropolitan Planning
• </c> transportation subsidized youth transit. transportation subsidized youth transit.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 5 and heard testimony on a long agenda of transportation-related bills. Early measures included HB 2392, which would create an employer tax credit for transportation demand management benefits; HB 2462, which would bar auto manufacturers and dealers from charging post-sale fees for already-installed hardware; and HB 2423, which would require diesel sold for on-road use to contain at least 5% biodiesel. HB 2392 drew support from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual, with the Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation offering comments. HB 2462 drew support from DCCA and one individual, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed it. HB 2423 drew comments from the Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaii Farm Bureau, support from Pacific Biodiesel and the Hawaii Transportation Association, and a question from the chair about whether biodiesel is exported; the witness said production stays local. The committee also heard HB 1771 on voluntary carbon offsets for air travel, HB 2081 on requiring firefighters exempt from CDL rules to follow equivalent alcohol and substance abuse policies, HB 2334 on allowing the Department of Transportation to assume NEPA responsibilities for certain projects, and HB 2336 on DOT agreements with the Department of Defense for work at military installations using federal funds. HB 1771 drew comments from Life of the Land warning that carbon offsets are often unreliable and could create liability, while Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offered comments. HB 2081 received support from DOT, county human resources offices, fire departments, and county officials, with the Hawaii Firefighters Association in opposition. HB 2334 was supported by DOT, and the director said other states using NEPA assignment can complete projects in about half the time. HB 2336 was supported by DOT, HIEMA, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council; the committee discussed the administrative fee as a way to recover costs under an intergovernmental agreement. The most extensive testimony centered on HB 1666, which would limit new motor vehicle markups above 5% of MSRP and require recordkeeping. Multiple dealer groups and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association opposed it, arguing it would threaten dealership operations, especially in Hawaii’s high-cost market and for vehicles without an MSRP. The committee also heard HB 2375 on uniform towing and parking enforcement standards on state and leased lands, including notice, disability protections, payment safeguards, and public reporting; DLNR, DAGS, and several advocacy groups testified, with strong public support and concerns about towing practices and ADA compliance. HB 2415, which would appropriate funds for crosswalks near school properties, drew support from DOT, DOE, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and the committee discussed how counties would request projects and how funding would be allocated. Finally, HB 2451, which would move Hawaii toward fare-free public transit beginning in 2027 and create a dedicated funding source through a petroleum tax increase, received broad support from DOT, the Energy Office, public health and advocacy groups, and many individuals; DOE testified that it currently uses about $2.1 million for student bus passes and that the program is tied to savings from inactive school bus routes.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we move to more efficient forms of transportation, we will spend less on our transportation costs
• , a transition plan in place.
• , a transition plan in place.
• Just like there has been a need to have proactive planning at the state level to navigate transportation
• We need a long-term phase-out plan with continued demand reduction toward zero-emission transportation

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Summary: The Senate Environmental Quality Committee held an informational hearing on the environmental impacts and planning considerations associated with refinery closures. In opening remarks, the chair framed refinery shutdowns as a complex part of California’s decarbonization transition and said the committee would focus on environmental and land-use issues, while Vice Chair Gunda argued closures reflect years of policy-driven disinvestment and warned that supply disruptions and higher prices could harm working families. State agency witnesses from the Energy Commission, CARB, and the Water Boards described the state as being in a “mid-transition,” with declining gasoline demand, growing zero-emission vehicle adoption, and increasing conversion of some refinery assets to renewable fuels, but also with abrupt capacity losses that can force greater reliance on imports and storage. They emphasized the need for proactive planning, transparency, and coordination across agencies, and noted that refinery closures can stress pipelines, terminals, and other linked infrastructure, with potential liabilities falling to the state if those assets are not financially supported. The Water Boards explained their cleanup authorities and tools for refinery decommissioning, including investigation, monitoring, remediation, and enforcement under the Water Code, and said site-specific cleanup plans depend on contamination, groundwater conditions, and future land use. They noted that decommissioning can reveal previously inaccessible areas and require additional sampling or wells, and that cleanup costs can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. Committee members pressed the witnesses on whether the state has enough information to plan for land transitions, whether current tools are adequate, and whether more standardized procedures or financial assurances are needed. The witnesses generally said existing tools are useful but that more transparency and better data sharing would help communities and policymakers understand liabilities and long-term redevelopment opportunities. Members also questioned the relationship between California policy, refinery closures, imports, and global emissions. CARB said its programs apply to transportation fuel suppliers whether fuel is refined in-state or imported, and that its climate and air-quality rules are designed to reduce emissions and avoid leakage. Some senators argued that California’s policies have accelerated closures and that demand has not fallen fast enough to offset lost refining capacity, while agency witnesses responded that closures are also driven by global market forces, aging infrastructure, crude quality, and changing fuel demand. The committee then heard from outside experts, including a Notre Dame professor who said closure costs are often underestimated and that stronger financial assurance requirements can shift company behavior, a Stanford/SLAC researcher who outlined five drivers of refinery closures, and an environmental attorney who discussed community impacts and lessons from the Phillips 66 Los Angeles refinery closure. No votes or formal actions were taken; the hearing was informational and focused on testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:08:59.880><c> shall</c> Department of Transportation shall Department of Transportation shall
• </c><01:28:58.360><c> is</c><01:28:58.520><c> planned</c> the updated State rail plan is planned the
• updated State rail plan is planned to<01:28:58.880><c> be</c><01:28:59.000><c> delivered</c><01:28:59.679
• </c> bill it says for the planning bill it says for the planning construction<02:00:22.960><c> operation
• </c> have nothing in our 10-year plan have nothing in our 10-year plan relative<02:24:40.240><c> to</

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:

• As a department, we lead statewide rail planning, including five corridor-level plans under the Corridor
• and Modal Programs, which also includes transportation planning, research, and local assistance.
• and modal programs, which also includes transportation planning, research, and local assistance.
• And what is the planning, the operational planning around hydrogen vehicles, and where are we going to
• But I thought the planning—I mean, the actual project needs to be in the 2030s, not the planning.

Summary: The Senate LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency Subcommittee heard updates from CalSTA, Caltrans, Metrolink, and Caltrain on corridor performance, governance, funding, and long-term planning. Chair Lackey opened by saying the SB 1098 report on LOSSAN governance and performance was unfinished and overdue, and argued the corridor remains at a crossroads because ridership, on-time performance, fiscal solvency, and capital delivery are still lagging. Senator Archuleta echoed concerns about safety, maintenance, ridership recovery, and the need to avoid state subsidy if local revenues fall short. CalSTA and Caltrans said the state has made major investments, including $125 million for San Clemente emergency resiliency work, and that more than $25 billion in funded rail projects are moving toward construction. They said work on the SB 1098 report is underway, with a LOSSAN working group to be convened, and described a new Caltrans transit-and-rail reorganization with a deputy director to improve accountability. Caltrans also reported restoration of Surfliner service to 13 weekday round trips between Los Angeles and San Diego, planned service increases to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, fleet overhauls, and a new project-tracking and service-planning tool to prioritize capital projects by service outcomes. The panel also discussed zero-emission strategy, saying hydrogen fuel-cell trains are being procured for longer-distance service while battery-electric options are being pursued where feasible, and that San Clemente long-term planning is being scoped with local partners. Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said the agency has shifted from a commuter-only model to all-day regional service through its “Metrolink Reimagined” schedule, with improved transfers, more weekend and off-peak ridership, and a 25% increase in monthly pass sales under a new fare pilot. He warned, however, that Metrolink faces a fiscal cliff: member agencies now cover about 72% of operating costs while fares cover about 11%, and without a dedicated revenue source the agency may need to cut service, reduce stations, or end later-evening and weekend trips. He said Metrolink has limited ability to monetize stations or parking because it does not own most of the relevant property or rights. Caltrain’s Jason Baker described the success of electrified service, with ridership up 57% year over year and customer satisfaction at record highs, but said Caltrain also faces a projected $75 million annual operating deficit and may need to consider service cuts if stable funding is not found. He highlighted revenue efforts such as energy regeneration compensation, parking and concession reviews, station development, and a planned battery-electric pilot to extend zero-emission service south of San Jose.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of um all things than transportation. of um all things than transportation.
• We put more money in the transportation plan, or the transportation fund.
• </c> road plan ahead? road plan ahead? &gt;&gt; I'm<00:35:02.640><c> sorry.
• There's currently an aviation system plan underway by the Transportation Cabinet.
• </c> technology and ground transportation. technology and ground transportation.

Keywords: This meeting was recovered from a back up copy and uploaded after the original meeting took place., 958, all

Summary: The committee received an update from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on the FY 2025 road fund. Officials reported road fund revenues came in $38.5 million above the enacted estimate, but were down about $11 million from FY 2024, largely because a motor fuels tax rate reduction took effect at the start of FY 2025. Motor vehicle usage tax receipts were stronger than expected, and the cabinet said the road fund ended the year with a $61.6 million surplus, which the budget bill directs to state highway construction. Members also discussed how the motor fuels decline affects formula distributions to cities, counties, and rural/secondary roads, with officials saying about $122.8 million had been planned for revenue sharing but was not distributed because receipts were lower than forecast. Members asked about broader revenue trends, including fuel efficiency, electric vehicles, and the removal of a hybrid fee. Cabinet officials said improved fuel efficiency and CAFE standards reduce gasoline consumption and therefore fuel tax receipts, while EVs and plug-in hybrids are subject to a user fee. They also said toll revenues from the Louisville bridges are covering bills and commitments, though they did not have detailed figures at hand. On project delivery, officials said delays are often caused by right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, and the large volume of projects in the highway plan, and that much of the work happens behind the scenes before construction begins. The committee also reviewed the cabinet’s cash management approach, which was adopted after 2000 to avoid setting aside full project costs all at once and to keep the road fund cash balance above a required minimum. Officials said the balance typically rises in winter and falls in summer as project bills come due, and that the current balance was about $166 million. They also reported that project awards for the year were nearing $998 million and expected to exceed last year’s total. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the prior meeting minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• This kind of shows you our Games plan.
• I will say as well, we didn't have AI and the power of data technology to plan and actually manage transportation
• Mayor Bass has developed a vision plan, a Games for All vision plan, which includes these nine primary
• And Metro is planning to contribute to that.
• Were some of these to be funded through the state, for those that are in planning or planning and design

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, with opening remarks from Assembly Members Tina McKinnor and Chris Ward emphasizing the Games’ cultural, economic, and statewide significance. Members highlighted opportunities for arts and culture, tourism, and community participation, while also noting the need for orderly proceedings and public cooperation. LA28 leaders Reynolds Hoover and Janet Evans described the organizing committee’s structure, the scale of the event, and its goals of delivering a fiscally responsible, no-build Games centered on athletes, sustainability, and legacy benefits. LA28 testified that the Games will be the largest in Olympic history, with more than 15,000 athletes, over 800 events, more than 50 venues, and a budget of $7.2 billion. They discussed venue plans, the athlete village at UCLA, the addition of new sports such as cricket, flag football, lacrosse, squash, and baseball/softball arrangements, and the first Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Members asked about fashion and merchandising, faith-based participation, venue upgrades, housing, small business opportunities, environmental goals, and athlete mental health. LA28 said it is prioritizing local and small business participation, has launched youth sports and volunteer initiatives, and is working with the IOC on mental health support and with venue owners on improvements. City of Los Angeles representative Paul Corcoran outlined the city’s role in maximizing economic benefit and long-term legacy through the Mayor’s “Games for All” vision, including accessibility, human rights, youth sports, arts and culture, and transportation improvements. He said the city is using tools like RAMP, Compete for L.A., business source centers, and procurement and financing programs to help local businesses participate, and that the city is seeking broader support for arts and culture programming tied to the Cultural Olympiad. Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins described transit planning for a “transit-first” Games, including the Games-Enhanced Transit Service, borrowing about 1,700 buses from agencies nationwide, and asking the state for $379 million in construction funding for legacy transit projects. She said all projects are environmentally cleared and expected to be ready in time for the Games, while members raised concerns about traffic, multilingual wayfinding, and the need for strong public messaging to reduce congestion. Public comment urged that the Games be experienced beyond venues and across communities, and no formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• the installation of highway signs for certain cultural attractions by the Texas Department of Transportation
• , to Transportation.
• projects, to Transportation.
• intermodal shipping containers, to Transportation.
• Senate Bill 1106 by Parker, relating to publication of public improvement district service plans, to

Summary: The Senate met briefly and referred a large number of first-reading bills and resolutions to standing committees. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including hemp regulation, dementia research funding, parental rights and public education, municipal library funding, tax and local government issues, criminal justice, health care, education, transportation, natural resources, and election law. Several constitutional resolutions were also referred, including proposals related to the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and a severance tax revenue fund. Most of the transcript consists of the reading of bill captions and committee referrals, with no substantive debate or testimony recorded. The listed measures included proposals on school uniforms, charter schools, Medicaid fraud remedies, insurance practices, occupational licensing for people with criminal convictions, water and sewer utility cybersecurity, agricultural protections, public meeting broadcasting, and various local and state governance matters. No votes were taken on the bills in this segment. The only formal action reflected was referral of the bills and resolutions to the appropriate committees, followed by adjournment of the Senate until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• then Plan C would be...
• ERS plan.
• Moving to slide eight, the growth of the of TxDOT's Transportation Planning Program, otherwise called
• in order to oversee that plan, but that plan has been put on hold.
• plan. then financing.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a heavy load today thanks to the Department of Transportation.
• We have a heavy load today thanks to the Department of Transportation.
• The Department of Transportation The Department of Transportation requests<00:09:25.040><c> to</c><00
• The Department of Transportation requests...
• The Department of Transportation The Department of Transportation requests<00:17:59.360><c> approval<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee met and first approved the June 30, 2025 meeting minutes. The committee then took up a series of Department of Transportation property actions, including authorization to grant an access point in Exeter, sell two small tracts in Keene, amend a prior Guilford disposal based on a revised survey and appraisal, sell 0.42 acres in Lincoln, list and sell 9.77 acres in Chesterfield, sell 0.54 acres in Fremont, and approve a permanent access easement in Belmont. The committee also approved a utility easement in Albany and a permanent access easement on Route 153 for the Bickfords. Most of these items involved direct sales or listings, administrative fees of $1,100, and conditions requiring surveys and local/state approvals; several were approved unanimously after brief or no questions. Representative Faulkner declared a conflict of interest on the Chesterfield item, and Representative Newman sat in for that matter; later, Faulkner was recused from the Belmont item as well. The committee also approved a Department of Administrative Services request to grant a perpetual utility line easement to Public Service Company of New Hampshire for a facility under construction at the Hampstead hospital property, with the administrative fee waived because the grant was in exchange for utility service. During discussion of informational item LRCP25-038, staff explained that no committee action was needed because the item was only to notify members that a parcel’s fair market value had been reduced due to a change in access. The committee received additional informational materials from the New Hampshire Council on Resources and Development, including minutes from its May 8 meeting and memorandums on surplus land review for Meredith and Hampstead. The next meeting was set for December 9 at 9:30 a.m. at Granite Place, Room 228, and the chair noted the meeting would be on a Tuesday because of building scheduling. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• areas than was otherwise planned.
• And... ...on these environmental and transportation areas than was otherwise planned.
• Specific to the water quality control plan.
• That plan did not change.
• planning with the state's climate goals.

Summary: The hearing opened with budget framing from the chair and the LAO, who said the May Revision addresses roughly a $14 billion budget problem and that the environment and transportation subcommittee’s proposals account for about $1.9 billion of the solution. The LAO urged members to focus on solutions that do not worsen out-year deficits, to preserve reserves, and to defer major policy changes that are not necessary to pass the budget, including the newly introduced water-related trailer bills. Members also raised concern about a late-dropped Olympic-related trailer bill, which the LAO likewise suggested should be deferred for fuller review. The first major item was the Delta Conveyance Project and related water quality control plan trailer bills. The administration argued the proposals would streamline permitting, water rights proceedings, judicial review, and land acquisition, and would clarify DWR’s bond authority for the project. DWR said the project is needed to protect water supply reliability against drought, earthquakes, sea level rise, and other climate-related disruptions, and that the tunnel would help move water when conditions are wet and safer for the environment. Committee members from both parties questioned the timing, the use of budget trailer bills for major policy changes, the scope of the CEQA and water-rights changes, the lack of a bond cap, cost growth, and eminent domain protections. The LAO recommended deferring both water trailer bills without prejudice. Public comment was sharply divided, with labor, water agencies, and some business groups supporting the project as climate adaptation and reliability infrastructure, while environmental, tribal, fishing, county, and community groups opposed it as an attempt to bypass public process and weaken protections. The committee then briefly heard the DMV’s Digital Experience Platform fee trailer bill, which would reinstate a $1 system improvement fee to help fund the vehicle-registration phase of the project. DMV said the fee would raise about $7 million annually and offset roughly $59 million to $60 million of project costs, while the LAO noted it would help but would not solve the Motor Vehicle Account’s broader structural gap. The hearing then moved to California High-Speed Rail, where the new CEO presented an updated plan and said the project remains a major climate and infrastructure investment. He reported a revised Merced-to-Bakersfield cost range of $34.9 billion to $38.5 billion, said the agency is trying to reduce risk through direct procurement of materials, and argued that stable annual funding is needed to avoid higher costs from delays.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we move to more efficient forms of transportation, we will spend less on our transportation costs
• , a transition plan in place.
• , a transition plan in place.
• Just like there has been a need to have proactive planning at the state level to navigate transportation
• We need a long-term phase-out plan with continued demand reduction toward zero-emission transportation

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on Finance, the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, and the Committee on Transportation
• Today we are considering four nominations for a member of the board at the Metropolitan Transportation
• You know, the capital budget for the MTA with the 2025-29 plan, there's a glaring hole in that.
• I would go into bus planes and transportation permission inside a con.
• Second Avenue, which is a large project, is going to bring transportation to a long transportation desert

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The joint meeting of the Senate Finance, Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, and Transportation committees considered four nominations to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board: Melanie Hartzog, Jeanette Sadecott, Matthew Rand, and James O’Donnell. Each nominee gave opening remarks describing their public service or transportation-related experience and their interest in issues such as affordability, accessibility, state of good repair, regional connectivity, and transit safety. Senators also raised concerns about MTA transparency, the 2025-29 capital plan funding gap, fare and toll evasion, worker safety, and the need for better service in underserved areas. Members pressed the nominees on several policy questions, including the feasibility of free or reduced-fare buses, expanding bus service and bus lanes, restoring Hudson Valley and Harlem Line service, improving west-of-Hudson and Rockland County transit, and advancing the Second Avenue Subway and accessibility projects. The nominees generally said they were open to studying these ideas, emphasized collaboration with the MTA, governor, mayor, and legislature, and supported greater transparency and investment in transit infrastructure. Senators also highlighted labor concerns, including the MTA workers’ contract and safety for bus operators and other transit workers. At the end of the hearing, the committees voted separately on each nomination. Melanie Hartzog, Jeanette Sadecott, Matthew Rand, and James O’Donnell were each approved by the committees and advanced to the Senate floor. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had presentations to the Oregon Transportation Commission and the Washington State Transportation
• So that just means we're planning for a little bit of higher costs for that plan, and that 70th percentile
• Regional Transportation Council.
• What contingency plans does the IBR team have? fall? What contingency plans does the IBR team have?
• That is the plan.

Committee: Joint Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee

Summary: The Joint Committee on Interstate 5 Bridge met remotely with Washington legislative members to receive updates on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, including environmental review, cost and funding, tolling, and procurement for construction. Program staff said the final supplemental environmental impact statement was published in April 2026, with a federal record of decision expected in early summer. They described the recommended design as a single-level fixed-span bridge, centered I-5 alignment, C Street ramps, one auxiliary lane in each direction, and dispersed park-and-ride parking. Members raised concerns about transparency, the closed chat function, and the decision not to include two auxiliary lanes; staff said the one-lane option was recommended through consultation with partner agencies and analysis, but the final decision would come with the record of decision. Staff also said the diversion analysis projected less than 3% traffic diversion to I-205 in 2045, though members from Oregon and Washington expressed concern about impacts to their communities and asked for more detail on mitigation and decision-making. The committee also reviewed a major cost update. Staff said the full five-mile program is now estimated at $13.5 billion to $15.2 billion, with a likely cost of $14.4 billion, up from a 2022 estimate of $5 billion to $7.5 billion, citing inflation, schedule delays, scope changes, and more detailed risk modeling. They said the first funded phase has been reduced to a $5.68 billion package focused on the Columbia River bridge replacement, connections to I-5, Hayden Island and SR-14, bridge demolition, tolling infrastructure, and advancing light rail design. Funding for that phase was described as $5.69 billion, including $2.1 billion federal funds, $1 billion from each state, and $1.5 billion in projected toll revenue. Members asked what would happen if costs rise further; staff said the estimate includes substantial contingency, the project will use progressive design-build to manage risk, and the team will continue updating the finance plan annually. A separate tolling and traffic-revenue presentation explained that four toll scenarios were analyzed using regional travel demand modeling, a toll diversion model, and a post-processing review. All scenarios assume pre-completion tolling beginning July 1, 2028, a 50% low-income discount for eligible users, and exemptions for tribal preemptions, emergency vehicles, maintenance vehicles, and organized militia. Staff said the low-income discount would affect about 4% to 6% of annual transactions and reduce annual revenues by roughly 2% to 3%. They said Scenario 2 was used for the financial analysis and is sufficient to support the $1.5 billion toll contribution in the funded phase. Members asked about toll collection costs, revenue impacts of the discount, and how the scenarios differed; staff said collection costs are expected to be in line with other WSDOT toll facilities, but exact costs are not yet set because toll rates are not final. Finally, WSDOT staff outlined procurement and delivery steps for construction. They said WSDOT will be the lead contracting agency, using progressive design-build, with a request for qualifications targeted for early July 2026, a request for proposals in October, contractor selection in April 2027, construction starting in 2028, and tolling beginning in 2028. Staff said the approach is intended to consolidate scope, reduce interface risk, and allow transparent negotiation with an independent cost estimator, while preserving an off-ramp if a fair price cannot be reached. Members asked for more detail on timing, cost allocation, and the share of the first phase funded by tolls; staff estimated tolls account for about 26% of the first phase cost.

Transcript Highlights:

• So originally, the budget for the Department of Transportation goes to the House Transportation, Public
• Out of House Transportation. Okay. Mr.
• Passed by House Transportation and Public Works Committee, or adopt the House Transportation and Public
• that rather than the entire plan.
• But, yeah, the planning design for the school of medicine, I still haven't—I'm planning to meet with

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Aloha, Transportation Committee.
• I'll also say just on a personal level... measure Aloha Transportation committee measure Aloha Transportation
• </c><00:07:59.199><c> proess</c> assigned for each transportation proess assigned for each transportation
• Transportation.
• <00:37:21.520><c> um</c><00:37:22.520><c> like</c> Transportation um like Transportation um like to<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation and Culture heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 1422, which would exempt certain community-based organizations providing transportation services from motor carrier law, drew support from the Department of Transportation, PUC, DLNR, Kauaʻi County, the Hōnaunau Initiative, and others; members asked about narrowing amendments to prevent unintended use, and the bill later advanced with amendments, including a three-year sunset. HB 1162, requiring motorcycle instruction permit applicants to complete a DOT-approved basic rider course, received support from DOT and Honolulu Customer Services; it advanced with amendments to address city and county concerns and to allow more implementation time. HB 1259, which would remove the need for an engineering study when reducing speed limits by up to 10 mph, had mixed testimony and was deferred for further discussion. HB 1260, establishing summer streets pilot programs for counties other than Oʻahu, drew support from DOT, DOH, UH, Hawaiʻi Appleseed, bicycling and public health groups, and individuals; DOH and others asked that Oʻahu be included, but the measure was deferred for later decision-making. HB 177, making civil ID cards free, had opposition from DOT and Honolulu Customer Services and support from health advocates; DOT said the program costs about $1.3 million annually and would need replacement funding, and the bill was deferred. HB 862, authorizing motor coaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services under certain conditions, received broad support from disability advocates, DOE-related entities, neighborhood boards, and private providers, with testimony emphasizing flexibility and accessibility; it was deferred. HB 667, requiring microchip scanning and reporting when deceased cats or dogs are removed from roadways, was supported by DOT, the Hawaiian Humane Society, and many animal groups and individuals, and was passed unamended. HB 960, increasing the cap on certain DOT capital investment contracts, and HB 228, authorizing electronic license plates and banning plate-obscuring devices and flipping devices, were both heard and then deferred. HB 1156, increasing the amount of special facility revenue bonds available for harbor improvements, received support from DOT, the Island Chamber of Commerce, Alakaʻi Energy, and the Harbor Users Group, and was passed unamended to Ways and Means.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a department, we lead statewide rail planning, including five corridor-level plans under the Corridor
• and Modal Programs, which also includes transportation planning, research, and local assistance.
• And what is the planning, the operational planning around hydrogen vehicles, and where are we going to
• But I thought the planning—I mean, that's the actual project needs to be in the 2030s, not the planning
• The Coastal Commission wasn't saying you need to do planning.

Keywords: 987, senate, all