Transcript Highlights:

• It improves school district and military-based coordination, requiring school districts and military
• Fire districts, we're like my, I'm the proud fire chief of the Immokalee Fire Control District.
• Fire districts, we're like my, I'm the proud fire chief of the Amokly Fire Control District.
• are naming exactly the types of uses that you may do on a conservation-based level.
• Senator Harrell, thank you for bringing this bill up because we share our district.

Summary: The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleagues, we are celebrating Black Conservation Week by recognizing the progress, work.
• Present in the gallery are four of my summer interns from my district in California.
• With Nate Holden, hired me to work in 8th Councilmatic District.
• work in the 8th Councilmatic District as a council aide.
• These are all high schools in my district want to recognize our young leaders.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, starting off, HB 1953, establishing a two-year conservation and environmental stewardship pilot program
• where we're seeing so many impacts across the state of this flooding, the moment to invest in conservation
• forestry businesses, conservation forestry businesses, conservation groups,<00:09:56.959> all
• enforcement mechanisms for dog attacks on livestock occurring on land apprentices within the egg district
• On the first measure, HB 1953, on the 2-year conservation and environmental stewardship pilot program

Bills: HB1730, HB1985, HB1749, HB1921

Keywords: cesspool, wastewater systems, public health, environmental protection, affordable upgrades, coral reefs, water quality, Hawaii legislation, cesspools, wastewater, environment, pollution, Hawaii, sustainable development, sewerage system, real estate, disclosure, environmental impact, wastewater management, housing

Summary: The committee heard several agriculture-related bills. HB 1953 would create a two-year conservation and environmental stewardship pilot program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB); testimony from Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii supported investing in conservation agriculture and farm practices that protect waterways and native species. HB 248 would establish a climate-resilient food systems grant program, with DAB explaining the types of equipment and processing investments such grants could support, such as coffee roasting, packaging, harvesting equipment, and other value-added infrastructure. HB 2246 would create a grant administration program and revolving fund to help DAB manage grants; DAB said the bill would help leverage federal, state, county, and private funding by retaining part of the indirect cost recovery to meet matching requirements. HB 2549 would create a clean plant program to produce and distribute disease-free plant material, and reforestation advocates said it would support large-scale reforestation efforts. HB 2551 would fund an area fruit fly suppression program; DAB described sterile fruit fly technology and said the program could help reduce fruit fly populations statewide. HB 2216 would authorize DAB to package and sell part of its loan portfolio to third parties, and HB 2152 would clarify liability and penalties for dog attacks on livestock, with the Hawaii Sheep and Goat Association discussing proposed language and the Hawaiian Humane Society’s suggested amendment on euthanasia procedures. Testimony was largely supportive across the measures, with DAB, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and other agriculture and conservation groups generally backing the bills. There was some discussion on funding levels and implementation details, including DAB’s estimate of about $750,000 for three clean plant stations and a question about the appropriations needed for the fruit fly suppression program. For HB 2152, the chair noted an amendment incorporating Hawaiian Humane Society language that would require surrender of a dog found to have caused livestock loss or damage for humane euthanasia within 24 hours. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass all of the measures discussed, most with technical amendments or date-defect amendments to July 1, 2050. HB 1953, HB 2548, HB 2549, HB 2551, HB 2216, and HB 2152 were all adopted unanimously by the members present, and HB 2246 also passed with technical amendments. The chair’s amendment to HB 2152 was specifically adopted to include the humane euthanasia language.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:23.839> You've district, um this is new. You've district, um this is new.
• > your<00:15:47.920> district.
• So, it's a nice lines in your district.
• in your in your district. in your in your district.
• > nonprofit Conservation Minnesota is a nonprofit Conservation Minnesota is a nonprofit organization

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lada, FFA students from Gadsden, Independent School District.
• He is the vice president for District 2, I believe, out of the state FFA.
• Speaker, I'm proud of the seven FFA chapters that I have in my district.
• I'm Jimmy Mason from District 66, which also includes Eddy, Chavez, and Lea.
• I'm Jimmy Mason from District 66, which also includes Eddie, Chavez, and Lee.

Bills: HM19

Keywords: New Mexico Aviation and Aerospace Day, aviation, aerospace, space industry, missile programs, Spaceport America, White Sands Missile Range, White Sands Test Facility, Kirtland Air Force Base, drone, unmanned aircraft systems, commercial space transportation, NASA, aircraft, STEM education, research laboratories, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, flight testing, medical evacuation

Transcript Highlights:

• Calendar 102, Senate Print 3852B, Senator Hinchey, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law
• I have a bill, of course, that prohibits the mandate that requires school districts to purchase, operate
• I HAVE A BILL OF COURSE THAT PROHIBITS THE MANDATE THAT REQUIRES SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO PURCHASE OPERATE
• Are there any Republican or conservative events held at the Heritage Center?" >> Through you, Mr.
• ARE THERE ANY REPUBLICAN OR CONSERVATIVE EVENTS HELD AT THE HERITAGE CENTER.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on March 13, 2026, approved the prior day’s journal, received a message discharging Assembly Bill 2330 from committee and substituting identical Senate Bill 5843, and welcomed visiting delegations from Connecticut. The chamber also adopted privileged resolution J.1753, honoring Saint Patrick and Irish Americans and memorializing the Governor to proclaim March 2026 as Irish American Heritage Month. Senators Kavanagh and Fahy spoke in support, emphasizing Irish heritage, immigration, public service, and the St. Patrick’s Day tradition; the resolution was adopted and opened for co-sponsorship. The Senate then acted on a series of bills on the calendar. Measures passed included bills by Senators Hinchey, Comrie, Skoufis, Stavisky, Sanders, Kavanagh, Gianaris, Cleare, and others, with several receiving unanimous support and a few drawing recorded negative votes. Senator Fernandez’s education bill related to placing opioid antagonists with AEDs and first aid kits in schools passed 60-1 after supportive remarks from Senators Oberacker and Fernandez. A bill authorizing a study on lithium-ion battery fires also passed unanimously, with Senators Borrello and Weik explaining affirmative votes while urging caution about electric bus mandates. The most debated item was Calendar 446, Senator May’s bill directing the Department of Economic Development to move the Central New York Welcome Center from Destiny USA to the Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn. Senator Walczyk questioned the move’s cost, location, visitor traffic, and local support, arguing Destiny USA was the better site; Senator May responded that the state had built the Auburn facility and should provide sustainable operating support. The bill passed 47-15. The Senate then completed the controversial calendar and adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Calendar 57, Senate Print 659, Senator Gianaris, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
• Calendar 101, Senate Print 3179A, Senator Sanders, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law
• Calendar 261, Senate Print 4408, Senator May, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
• Calendar 261, Senate Print 4408, Senator May, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law.
• First I want to say from the Fifth Judicial District, Patrick Mannion to be reappointed to the Board

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation focused on memory, gratitude, and recognizing the unseen people who sustain public life, then approved the prior day’s journal and moved through introductions of guests, including domestic violence advocates, medical scholars, and student advocates. Senator Webb’s Resolution 1633, designating February 23, 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day, was adopted after remarks describing the scope of domestic violence in New York and the need for more survivor services. The chamber also adopted memorial Resolution 1558 honoring Margaret D. Williams, a vocalist, public servant, and community leader, and Resolution 1630 marking the 20th anniversary of Park and Public Lands Advocacy Day, with comments emphasizing the health and community benefits of parks and green space. The Senate then took up a series of bills on the calendar, passing measures including amendments to the Environmental Conservation Law, Labor Law, Education Law, Administrative Code of New York City, General Municipal Law, Tax Law, Cannabis Law, and Executive Law. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as the Anti-Waiver of Employment Rights Act, which would prevent employers from forcing workers to waive labor and human rights protections in applications or onboarding documents. Several bills were passed by wide margins, while some were laid aside for the day. The chamber also restored Senate Print 438 to the third reading calendar after reconsideration. A contested amendment to Calendar 234, Senator Comrie’s Executive Law bill, was ruled non-germane by the chair; Senator Walczyk appealed, arguing the amendment addressing the state energy code and all-electric building mandate was relevant to housing costs, but the Senate voted 20 to sustain the chair’s ruling. The underlying bill was then returned to the non-controversial calendar and passed. Finally, the Senate adopted a concurrent resolution electing two members to the Board of Regents, with supporters praising the nominees’ experience and critics objecting to the limited vetting time; the resolution passed 42-15. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, February 26 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• financing that could come to fruition or arise as the authority shifts from a dependent special district
• to an independent special district.
• I'm Doctor Stephanie and I am the Avian Conservation Manager at Zoo Miami and a conservation scientist
• return to their range if given opportunity through things like Everglades and the great coastal conservation
• Chaney: Hurricane Helene brought a lot of destruction to our district, but it brought us the flamingos

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent the 19th District legislative area here in the southwest corner of Washington.
• And so I was My House District, and my constituents are very, very concerned.
• Because 17 years is a long time to see if more diversion is coming into House District 45, my house district
• I think there's been a more conservative approach to the estimate generally.
• It's also not conservative, because we know WSDOT has done previous investment-grade analyses.

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:

• And what we were seeing is we're seeing applications from conservation districts.
• Um, I've conservation districts. conservation districts.
• <02:16:13.480> district we have uh conservation district we have uh conservation district
• <02:17:09.719> districts<02:17:10.480> and conservation districts and conservation districts
• > districts,<02:23:55.960> counties,<02:23:56.400> and conservation districts, counties

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On line 107 is an increase to soil and water conservation district aid.
• <00:20:02.880> This water conservation district aid.
• This water conservation district aid.
• It increases the appropriation for soil and water conservation district aid to 14.73 million for aids
• conservation district aid to 14.73 conservation district aid to 14.73 million<00:58:44.640> for

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If there is no conservation commission, if the town has not, um, they have not chosen to have a conservation
• If there is no conservation commission, if the town has not, um, they have not chosen to have a conservation
• If there is no conservation commission, if the town has not, um, they have not chosen to have a conservation
• <04:15:10.239> commissions there the local conservation commissions there the local conservation
• <04:15:19.439> commission, If there is no conservation commission, If there is no conservation

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent C District 6.
• Chair, I'm Senator Kevin Avard, District 12, and I am the prime sponsor of SB 44, a very simple little
• 12 and I am the Kevin avard District 12 and I am the prime<00:13:07.440> sponsor<00:13:07.839
• And if we're not going with the right numbers, then we can drastically affect a district election.
• by many other states and conservation by many other states and conservation entities<00:53:24.960

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These providers care for the most vulnerable people in our districts.
• These providers care for the most vulnerable people in our districts.
• These providers care for the most vulnerable people in our districts.
• Fund Board, and the<00:57:48.559> Colorado<00:57:48.960> Water<00:57:49.280> Conservation
• the Colorado Water Conservation Board. the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and committee, I will just add that it's a three-year design plan that Supports the districts,
• so the districts are much happier about it because they can actually plan over time.
• Would that qualify as energy efficiency because it would conserve energy? Mr.
• What about conservation efforts, like the folks who are doing thinning projects and collecting seeds?
• Senator, the references on line 5 refer to the most current International Energy Conservation Code.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will say they do a fantastic job, especially after we talked to some of the districts and schools.
• Our forester gets with OSU, conservation, and looks at heat maps.
• Or if there is school land within a school district, does it go to that school district?
• by district for qualifying as an adjunct teacher?
• Are they being handled on a district by district basis?

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Nature Conservancy gave State Forestry $5,000, and we did aspen enhancement treatments in specific
• I'm here today representing Wyoming's 34 individual conservation districts through the Wyoming Association
• of Conservation Districts.
• Districts. And I will keep my sentiments Districts.
• multiple entities um and conservation multiple entities um and conservation districts<00:49:58.160

Bills: HB0078, SF0012, SF0013, SF0052, SF0069, SF0070

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, funding, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment, referral bonus, military service, eligibility expansion, incentive program, wildlife management, environmental restoration

Transcript Highlights:

• We aim to set realistic conservation and sustainability goals that do not hinder progress in economic
• We aim to set realistic conservation and sustainability goals that do not hinder progress in economic
• At MNERD, at our oil conservation division, we promulgated rules to reduce methane waste. Ms.
• We work closely with young people and workers who live and depend on outdoor recreation, conservation
• So I've heard from many different groups within my district.

Bills: SB12, SB36, SB92, SB120, SB133, SB151, SB18, SB96

Keywords: tax credit, physician, healthcare, income tax, rural health, quantum technology, infrastructure, economic development, New Mexico, corporate tax, research and development, innovation, affordable housing, gross receipts tax, tax deduction, construction materials, multifamily housing, low income, journalism, local news

Transcript Highlights:

• I’ve had the honor of meeting with many veterans in my district.
• I've had the honor of meeting with many veterans in my district.
• I know we have many on this committee. many veterans in my district.
• I’d like to talk about the American system of conservation funding.
• Conservation is definitely something that we're passionate about.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its second public hearing of the 2025–26 session, with opening remarks from Chairs John Velis and Joe McGonagle outlining testimony on 20 House bills and 18 Senate bills. The hearing covered a wide range of veterans issues, including municipal veterans assistance funds, pension equity, expanding the Office of the Veterans Advocate, veterans service officer staffing, disability benefits eligibility, service dogs, POW tax relief, courtesy parking spaces, women veterans and motherhood, and workforce-related licensing and employment measures. Chairs emphasized the hybrid format, three-minute testimony limit, and written testimony process. Several bills drew support focused on expanding services and access. Representative Arena-DeRosa spoke for bills to broaden municipal veterans assistance funds to cover housing and legal expenses and to study enhanced pension equity for veterans, citing burn pit exposure and shorter life expectancy among veterans. Senator Fattman, Representative Peas, and Veterans Advocate Bob Notch supported bills expanding the Office of the Veterans Advocate to include active-duty service members and their families, arguing it would improve transition support, coordination with state agencies, and retention of military talent in Massachusetts. Representative Arriaga backed a bill to incentivize municipalities to provide full-time or regional veterans service officers and another to study the impact of combat on women veterans and motherhood. Representative Moulton/another sponsor also sought to exempt veterans’ disability payments from income calculations for other state benefits, and Representative Hong and Senator Scanlan supported a state service dog program, POW income tax relief, and courtesy retail parking spaces for veterans. Testimony also focused on workforce and claims-assistance issues. The Military Officers Association of America and James Keene urged passage of bills waiving duplicative education requirements so qualified veterans and military medics can become licensed practical nurses, arguing it would help address health care shortages and recognize military training. Brave Veterans Inc. called for a Veterans Research Trust Fund to protect data and program evaluation work during budget cuts. On claims assistance, one witness supported criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans for VA claims help, while a private consulting firm opposed the bill, arguing it would restrict lawful speech and veterans’ choice and that existing federal and HERO Act safeguards already address abuses. The VFW strongly opposed paid claims consulting, said its accredited service officers provide free help statewide, and urged more public awareness of existing free services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• as we move anything to state jail felony, it automatically goes to district court.
• It's going to district court. And so what is the volume that we're talking about?
• And that's moving things from county court to district courts.
• Currently 19 states and the District of Columbia as of 2024 have red flag laws and URRPOs.
• I'm here as a lifelong Texan, a lifelong conservative, and as director of Texas Conservatives Concerned