Video & Transcript : 'boat stops' :
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Mar 27, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We're trying to build a new boat to replace our 35-year-old boat.
- We're trying to build a new boat to replace our 35-year-old boat.
- We're trying to build a new boat to replace our 35-year-old boat.
- </c><01:31:05.840><c> we</c> no problem with commercial boating we no problem with commercial boating
- </c><01:45:11.360><c> Paras</c> commercial high-speed boating Paras commercial high-speed boating Paras
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 946 on wastewater management, which would clarify that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/26 applies to treatment plants. Testimony was in support from the Department of Health, Maui County Council, Mayor Bisson, and individuals, and no one testified in opposition. SB 849 on wildlife conservation would prohibit intentional taking, harming, or killing of the Hawaiian hawk (ʻio) and increase penalties for taking native aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants; DLNR supported the bill, noting the ʻio was delisted federally in 2020 and that the measure also updates penalties and adds a rehabilitation/community service option. No questions were raised, and the bill drew support testimony only.
For SB 330 on invasive species prevention, the Attorney General raised a supremacy clause concern with language requiring state enforcement of federal quarantines and recommended reverting to a prior version with a catchall for federal regulation. The Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species supported the bill as a way to close a biosecurity gap, while the Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent but wanted to avoid acting without a cooperative agreement with USDA and suggested deleting the portion allowing action without such an agreement. The committee also heard SB 1393 on public land use, which would require the School Facilities Authority to consult with DOE and other agencies before land conveyances or leases and repeal a requirement that DOE transfer title upon request; both SFA and DOE supported the measure, with DOE emphasizing the need for early communication and consultation, and members asked about possible disagreements or stalemates.
The committee then heard SB 321 on private roads and ways, which would deem certain privately owned roads and similar ways transferred to adjacent owners or community associations if conditions are met. The Hawaii Land Title Association said the bill as drafted would create uncertainty and proposed a court process to clarify ownership and create a recordable order; written support came from the Mortgage Bankers Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Financial Services Association, and one individual. SB 66 on housing permitting would require permit decisions within 60 days for certain housing projects and deem permits approved in some circumstances; DLNR’s historic preservation office supported the intent but noted county historic preservation roles, OHA suggested amendments to clarify county duties, and DPP opposed the time limits as risky for health and safety reviews, warning about back-and-forth review cycles and possible mismatches between approved plans and field work. Realtors, NAIOP, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii YIMBY, and the Maui Chamber supported the measure, while Lahaina Strong, Hawaii Good Neighbor, and two individuals opposed it.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1170 on expeditious redevelopment of affordable rental housing, which would speed permits for rebuilding permanently affordable multifamily rental housing damaged by natural disasters and exempt certain projects from EIS requirements. HHFDC supported the bill, citing the Front Street Apartments rebuild and the long SMA permit timeline on Maui, and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the intent while suggesting technical placement of amendments. Testimony in support also came from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and Joe Blanco, who described difficulties rebuilding a project originally developed under older statutory requirements and said the bill’s added language addressed those issues.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources (02/03/2026)
Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:05:36.240><c> in</c> we're going to get to 330 boats in we're going to get to 330 boats in Hampton
- </c> per boat or per fisherman? per boat or per fisherman?
- The driver stops, may into the road.
- There's no deer bar gap, and stops.
- </c> illuminated, but he stops in the field. illuminated, but he stops in the field.
Committee:
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 4, 2025 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- But that's where it stops. There are very few—I pride myself as a practitioner.
- There was a line item for almost $509,000 worth of boats.
- So when we did the cost-benefit analysis to lease boats, by your example, the leasing of boats over a
- And I believe in that situation, half of those boats went to FWC and half of those boats went to the
- They have mechanics for boats. And we're not going out and buying 500 boats.
Summary:
The Economic Development Budget Subcommittee received a lengthy presentation from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, on disaster costs, recovery operations, sheltering, and major capital projects. He reviewed the 2024 hurricane season impacts from Debby, Helene, and Milton, explaining how FEMA public assistance and state reimbursement work, how cost shares can shift from 75/25 to 90/10 after a federal threshold is reached, and how Florida uses prior storm data and inflation to estimate recovery costs. He also described the state’s faster reimbursement timelines, crediting legislative investments in technology and digital field documentation, and said the division is working to reduce disaster closeout timelines from decades to about seven years.
Members asked about debris removal, FEMA de-obligations, local preparedness, and whether regional shelters or co-located emergency operations centers could be used more efficiently. Guthrie said debris assistance is complicated and should generally remain tied to local contracts and planning, though the state will help fiscally constrained communities when needed. He explained de-obligations as FEMA clawing back previously approved funds after later review, and said Florida’s FROC program is helping local governments reduce those risks through standardized documentation, procurement review, and training. He also urged more mandatory emergency-management training for local and state officials and cautioned against weakening the FEMA 50% rule for rebuilding damaged structures.
Guthrie provided updates on the new central Florida warehouse in Auburndale and the new State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee. He said the warehouse will improve logistics, include cold and ultra-cold storage, and be run by a private vendor with virtual inventory tracking, while the new EOC is designed for Category 5 conditions and expanded partner capacity. He acknowledged budget pressures that reduced the size of the EOC project and said an additional IT request was needed because those costs were not originally included. The meeting ended with praise for FDEM’s work and no votes or formal actions beyond adjournment.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:36:32.160><c> and</c> compared to a small boat and compared to a small boat and recreational<
- Lahaina Boat Harbor, uh, Māʻalaea Harbor and Mala Boat Ramp.
- So Lahina<00:42:16.560><c> small</c><00:42:17.200><c> boat</c><00:42:17.280><c> boat</c><00:42:17.599
- ><c> harbor</c><00:42:18.800><c> has</c><00:42:19.119><c> been</c> Lahina small boat boat harbor has
- been Lahina small boat boat harbor has been receiving<00:42:19.839><c> cruise</c><00:42:20.160><c> ships
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing.
The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing.
For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities.
The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Apr 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And then Mark Smith, representing a number of water agencies and boat manufacturers, will be here to
- In 2025, Tahoe boat inspectors prevented 72 boats with invasive species from entering Lake Tahoe, including
- one boat with attached golden mussels.
- Will a boat in a waterway or a reservoir where there’s a complete infestation—will the boaters be able
- If you want to move your boat to a body of water that's not contaminated, it has to be decontaminated
Summary:
The committee heard three water- and environment-related bills. AB 1663, by Assembly Member Wallace, would provide relief for high desert homeowners by allowing permits without mitigation fees for removing or trimming up to 10 Western Joshua trees for health and safety needs, including defensible space. Support came from the California Association of Realtors and the Community Water Systems Alliance, and members discussed balancing conservation with property maintenance. The bill was moved out of committee on a do-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations.
AB 1772, by Assembly Member Papin, sought to create a statewide framework to prevent the spread of golden mussels through watercraft decontamination standards, reciprocity for certifications, and long-term funding. Testimony in support highlighted Lake Tahoe’s invasive species prevention program as a model, while Recreational Boaters of California expressed caution about funding fairness, reciprocity, and how the system would work if infestations become widespread. After discussion about mandatory decontamination standards and funding, the bill was also passed as amended to Appropriations.
AB 2521, also by Assembly Member Papin, would use a watershed-wide water availability analysis from the California Council of Science and Technology to help streamline groundwater recharge permitting and reduce applicant costs. Members raised concerns about protecting existing water rights and ensuring stakeholder input, and the author emphasized the study would be informational rather than binding. The bill passed to Appropriations, and the committee later took add-on votes confirming passage of AB 1663, AB 1772, and AB 2521.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources, May 27, 2026 - AM
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> chain boat launch, so. chain boat launch, so.
- </c><01:45:27.600><c> I</c> when state appropriation stopped. I when state appropriation stopped.
- </c> registering their boats in the state. registering their boats in the state.
- </c> we stopped doing that. we stopped doing that.
- All right. be a few stops around the park. be a few stops around the park.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Has anyone here ever seen these boat houses? Could you explain, Mr.
- Steel to have these boat houses on U.S. Steel land. At the time of the transfer, U.S.
- house to boat house.
- so they are they are boat house to boat<00:52:36.040><c> house</c><00:52:36.160><c> to</c><00:52:36.280
- ><c> very</c> boat house to boat house it's a very boat house to boat house it's a very unique<00:52:
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Apr 23rd, 2026
Water, Parks and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- And then Mark Smith, representing a number of water agencies and boat manufacturers, who will be here
- In 2025, Tahoe boat inspectors prevented 72 boats with invasive species from entering Lake Tahoe, including
- one boat with attached golden mussels.
- Will a boat in a waterway or a reservoir where there’s a complete infestation—will the boaters be able
- If you want to move your boat to a body of water that's not contaminated, it has to be decontaminated
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Fiscal Policy Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THE IMPACT WAS SO VIOLENT IT CAPSIZED THE BOAT, TRAPPING LUCY UNDERNEATH.
- BOATING IS NOT INTUITIVE, IT IS LEARNED.
- AGE DOES NOT GUARANTEE SKILL AND OWNING A BOAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU KNOW HOW TO OPERATE IT SAFELY.
- I DON'T WANT MY FLAG TO SYMBOLIZE THOSE WHO STOP THEM FROM DREAMING.
- PLEASE DON'T STOP THAT.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment May 12th, 2026
Natural Resources & Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- We're trying to stop it before it starts.
- We will get a report that will provide for the state of the previous year: the total number of boating
- incidents, fatalities, safety-related stops, how many citations were issued within those stops, the
- boating safety.
- Are we going to increase the fees on the boat folks? It's imposed on themselves.
Committee:
House Natural Resources & Environment
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Press Conference 3/10/25
Transcript Highlights:
- So, as I told you before, this was a bill that was dreamt up on the back of a boat, and I think that
- So, as I told you before, this was a bill that was dreamt up on the back of a boat, and I think that
- So, as I told you before, this was a bill that was dreamt up on the back of a boat, and I think that
- </c><00:14:14.639><c> and</c> who go and buy cars and boats and who go and buy cars and boats and islands
- </c> it's in everyone's interest to stop it's in everyone's interest to stop fraud<00:14:47.279><c> make
Summary:
State Representative Jim Nash and Representative Kristin Robbins discussed a package of fraud-prevention bills, centered on House File 3 and a separate whistleblower-protection measure. HF 3 would require annual reports based on Office of the Auditor (OA/OLA) findings to be sent to ranking members of relevant committees, with the goal of giving appropriators more information about internal controls and follow-up on audit recommendations. Nash said the bill is intended to help reduce waste, fraud, and abuse, cited the Feeding Our Future case as an example of weak controls, and noted that the OA helped draft the proposal and supports it. He also said the bill’s language is modeled in part on Colorado and on earlier recommendations for more information to be shared with decision-makers.
Robbins said her bill would expand whistleblower protections for state employees, including unclassified employees, and add new protected reporting channels and definitions. She said employees are often afraid to come forward because of job and career concerns, and that the bill would better protect reports made to legislators, the OA, governmental bodies, and law enforcement. She and Nash said they were working with DFL members and committee chairs on bipartisan amendments to define “fraud” and “misuse,” and to align the language with the Inspector General bill and prior law.
In questions, Robbins explained that current law protects only certain employees and that her bill would broaden coverage and make it easier for employees to report concerns without fear. She said the OA supports the effort and that the added reporting pathways would help with follow-up on agency recommendations. Nash and Robbins both emphasized that the measures are part of a broader fraud-fighting package and expressed hope for bipartisan support, though Nash criticized DFL leadership for not backing the bills more openly. No votes or final actions were taken in the exchange shown.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't want to stop. All the bus. I don't want to stop.
- </c> directions are stopped. directions are stopped. >> Thank<01:00:34.240><c> you.
- </c> >> Can I Can I stop you, sir? Who are you? >> Can I Can I stop you, sir?
- </c> stopped right there. stopped right there.
- That boat from separate decal.
Committee:
House Transportation
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- anything that can be done by this body, by the Senate, and we appeal to the governor to please help stop
- Remember, this does not mean that those efforts will stop. It's just...
- Remember, this does not mean that those efforts will stop.
- But basically what this is going to do is there was a fatal boating accident.
- But basically what this is going to do is there was a fatal boating accident.
Summary:
The committee first adopted Amendment Set 527 without objection, then adopted Amendment Set 5327, which adds a compliance officer requirement and related qualifications for the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority. Supporters of Senate Bill 56 argued that the Lafitte levee district lacks sufficient recurring revenue to maintain its system and that the West Bank flood authority could provide professional management, coordination, and financial support. Testimony also raised concerns about governance problems at SLFPA East and about unresolved landowner damage claims tied to prior levee work. The committee reported SB 56 favorably with amendments.
The Department of Transportation and Development secretary then gave an update on the agency’s transformation initiatives, including outsourcing, construction process improvements, faster contractor payments, quicker change-order approvals, and higher project delivery rates. The committee next reported Senate Bill 171 favorably, which cleans up language for the recreation, economy, navigation, and transportation authority board, and Senate Bill 252 favorably, which allows driver’s license records to reflect both acceptance and refusal of anatomical gift authorization.
Senate Bill 72, dealing with electronic vehicle titles and registration, was amended extensively to modernize OMV processes, require electronic lien and title functions for certain users, and set implementation timelines; it was then reported with amendments. House Bill 939, which would create a Louisiana Vehicle Commission by consolidating the motor vehicle commissions, was amended with a substitute but then voluntarily deferred to allow more stakeholder work. Senate Bill 129, creating a Master Combat Infantry Specialty license plate and adding a special plate provision for designated state officials tied to Supreme Court parking/security concerns, was reported with amendments. Finally, House Resolution 243, urging safety warning signage on the Tickfaw River after a fatal boating accident, was amended to shift responsibility to parish governing authorities and was reported with amendments.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Apr 14th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We spent a million dollars of taxpayer money putting scientists on these boats, on the actual boats,
- We spent a million dollars of taxpayer money putting scientists on these boats, the actual boats, the
- King mackerel tournaments—these expensive boats.
- I asked the marina owner; he said in 2015-16 they just stopped.
- This bill is specific to menhaden boats.
Bills:
HR133 , HR134 , HR135 , HR136 , HR137 , HR138 , HR139 , HR140 , HR141 , HR142 , HR143 , HR144 , HR145 , HR146 , HR147 , HR148 , HR149 , HR150 , HR151 , HR152 , HR119 , HR120 , HR121 , HR122 , HR123 , HR125 , HR126 , HR127 , HR128 , HR129 , HR130 , HR131 , HR132 , HCR53 , HCR54 , HCR55 , HCR56 , SCR3 , SCR22 , SB4 , SB18 , SB66 , SB106 , SB201 , SB256 , SB274 , SB292 , SB326 , SB386 , SB406 , SB422 , SB423 , SB456 , SB475 , HCR3 , HB1 , HB3 , HB27 , HB71 , HB214 , HB225 , HB241 , HB244 , HB306 , HB312 , HB313 , HB314 , HB345 , HB366 , HB383 , HB446 , HB473 , HB511 , HB514 , HB655 , HB730 , HB743 , HB836 , HB983 , HB1027 , HB1037 , HB1043 , HB1082 , HB1091 , HB1096 , HB1103 , HB1126 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1175 , HB1230 , HB1237 , HB1238 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , HB76 , HB132 , HB181 , HB210 , HB250 , HB265 , HB275 , HB291 , HB322 , HB342 , HB475 , HB486 , HB616 , HB635 , HB639 , HB690 , HB740 , HB757 , HB761 , HB774 , HB808 , HB855 , HB872 , HB883 , HB886 , HB903 , HB949 , HB962 , HB996 , HB1003 , HB1036 , HB1054 , HB1071 , HB1076 , HB1078 , HB1113 , HB1132 , HB1146 , HB1232 , HB1233 , HB21 , HB24 , HB29 , HB31 , HB39 , HB45 , HB77 , HB136 , HB150 , HB263 , HB273 , HB299 , HB315 , HB376 , HB377 , HB431 , HB444 , HB450 , HB519 , HB533 , HB538 , HB559 , HB562 , HB663 , HB664 , HB715 , HB717 , HB805 , HB822 , HB823 , HB834 , HB864 , HB867 , HB1017 , HB1018 , HB1068 , HB1134 , HB1137 , HB1234 , HB1235 , HB1236 , HB961 , HB399 , HB868 , HB905 , HB180 , HB192 , HB284 , HB476 , HB915 , HB952 , HB1006 , HB401 , HB51 , HB58 , HB140 , HB982 , HB1010 , HB750 , HB911 , HB977 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB9 , HB151 , HB193 , HB310 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB615 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773
Summary:
The House met with a quorum and spent much of the day on personal privileges, recognizing visiting groups and designating several commemorative days, including Sigma Gamma Rho Day, Alpha Kappa Alpha Day, Italian Festival royalty, Acadiana’s Red and White Day, and Louisiana Automobile Dealer Day. Members also welcomed students, civic leaders, former legislators, a state pageant titleholder, and a visiting African law enforcement delegation focused on combating human trafficking. The chamber received Senate bills and committee reports, and several resolutions were adopted without objection, including condolences resolutions and commendations for schools, festivals, and public service organizations.
The House then took up a long series of bills, with many passing on final passage after brief debate or technical amendments. Measures addressed topics such as notification of inmate releases from parish jails and DOC facilities (HB 76), ethics and financial disclosure, video voyeurism involving deceased persons (HB 265, renamed the Jacob Carter Dignity and Death Act), health insurance claim practices (HB 291), victim access to parole testimony without fees (HB 32), special education due process burden of proof (HB 342), AI disclosure in medical settings (HB 475), the psychology interjurisdictional compact (HB 486), homelessness provider oversight (HB 616), AI disclosure in campaign calls (HB 639), Medicaid managed care claim review (HB 740), menhaden fishing restrictions (HB 757 and HB 855), HIV exposure law modernization (HB 808), and rare cancer treatment advisory board changes (HB 761). Most of these bills passed with strong support; HB 342 passed 98-3, HB 639 passed 86-9, HB 808 passed 99-0, and HB 855 drew the most extended debate, with supporters citing science-based conservation and opponents warning about harm to the menhaden industry and coastal jobs.
The House also adopted committee amendments and set several major fiscal measures as special orders for April 16, including HB 1, HB 2, HB 3, HB 313, HB 383, HB 983, and HB 1126. Additional bills were advanced to third reading from committee reports, and the chamber returned some measures to the calendar for later consideration. Overall, the meeting was marked by ceremonial recognitions, a heavy legislative agenda, and multiple substantive policy votes across education, health, criminal justice, transportation, ethics, and natural resources.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, it’s not on two-boat service right now.
- Like, we get amazing value out of these boats.
- or a much smaller boat, causing delays and long ferry lines.
- Instead served by one-boat service or a much smaller boat, causing delays and long ferry lines.
- If all 21 of ferries' boats were hybrid electric, If all 21 of ferries' boats were hybrid electric, that's
Bills:
HB2306
Committee:
House Transportation
Keywords:
transportation budget, capital budget, operating budget, appropriations, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferry funding, state ferries, highway maintenance, road preservation, bridge replacement, tolling, express toll lanes, traffic safety, speed cameras, ignition interlock, transit grants, public transit
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, it’s not on two-boat service right now.
- We get amazing value out of these boats.
- or a much smaller boat, causing delays and long ferry lines.
- Instead served by one-boat service or a much smaller boat, causing delays and long ferry lines.
- If all 21 of Ferries' boats were hybrid electric, Diesel LCCM.
Summary:
The Transportation Committee heard a presentation from WSDOT Secretary Julie Meredith on the agency’s mission, 2025 accomplishments, and 2026 priorities. Meredith emphasized preservation, safety, emergency response, ferry reliability, culvert replacement, and major projects such as the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge work, North Spokane Corridor, Confluence Parkway, and the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. She highlighted the state’s aging transportation assets, recent storm and flood damage, bridge strikes, and the need for additional preservation funding, including the governor’s proposed $1 billion investment in Washington State Ferries and continued work on the World Cup and future regional growth planning. Members asked about ferry service disruptions, rising IBR costs, staffing needs, aviation assets, and bridge-strike certainty tied to the Coast Guard’s upcoming decision on bridge clearance requirements.
The committee then received a briefing on HB 2306, the governor’s supplemental transportation budget, which totals $16.7 billion and increases the enacted budget by about $1.2 billion, with most of the increase directed to WSDOT capital spending. OFM staff said the proposal is driven by preservation, maintenance, and ferry needs, and relies on about $3.1 billion in bonding against transportation revenues, while staying below the Treasurer’s coverage ratio. The proposal includes $2 billion for preservation, $164 million for paving this summer, $756 million for paving over 10 years, $250 million for maintenance, $150 million for preserving existing ferries, $15 million for Lower Columbia River dredging, and smaller investments for WSP communications, DOL access, and local road grants. Committee members asked about debt service, remaining bonding capacity, and the impact of office closures and ferry service reductions.
Public testimony was largely supportive of the governor’s budget, especially its preservation and ferry investments. Local officials and associations backed ferry funding, local road grants, pavement and bridge preservation, and the Columbia River dredging match. Several speakers urged more support for cities and counties, while rail and transit advocates asked for more rail capital funding and less highway expansion. One ferry advocate criticized the cost of hybrid-electric vessel maintenance compared with diesel, and another witness warned against a pay-per-mile tax. The hearing ended without a vote, and the chair announced a short caucus before adjournment.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (01/24/2025)
State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:15:52.320><c> so</c> out all of the radios on that boat so out all of the radios on that boat
- </c><01:27:03.280><c> was</c> given that that was that that boat was given that that was that that boat
- I'll call them three part three PT boats I'll call them PT<01:47:22.520><c> boats</c> Those three PT
- boats, I'll call them PT boats, then started taking the machine guns after us.
- giving them any money and just to stop giving them any money and just stop<02:21:44.960><c> paying</
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (01/21/2026)
Resources, Recreation and Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I was trying to >> Okay, I I'll stop.
- We don't have, you know, a dock, boats, all of that.
- </c> then seemed to have stopped in 2021? then seemed to have stopped in 2021?
- </c><04:29:14.640><c> them</c> uh hesitation or anything to stop them uh hesitation or anything to stop
- </c><04:34:00.480><c> along</c> There will be three or four stops along There will be three or four stops
Committee:
House Resources, Recreation and Development
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We must stop letting those who can afford to clean up their mess off the hook.
- Our state also boasts the second-most boat registrations per capita, with 822,450 registered boats.
- </c><00:37:57.359><c> registrations</c> the second most uh boat registrations the second most uh boat
- Uh while NMMA 822,450 registered boats.
- We do have a hard stop at 10:30. that. We do have a hard stop at 10:30.
Committee:
Senate Taxes
Keywords:
HF2254, Minnesota child credit, baby bonus, child tax credit, income tax, individual income tax, tax relief, newborn, birth credit, family tax credit, tax refund, advance payment, Department of Revenue, taxable year, parenting, families with children, child credit, state regulations, families, taxation
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- leather strap filled with lead shot on one end and they would use it to club fish that came on the boat
- They still use boat that was dangerous.
- </c><00:20:26.640><c> someone</c> fish and game officer to stop someone fish and game officer to stop
- So where do you stop? You know, all those safety features are an option right now.
- </c> matter, but it but it doesn't stop matter, but it but it doesn't stop judges<01:20:03.440><c> and
Committee:
Senate Judiciary