Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:45:01.760><c> The</c> sent it back to the counties. The sent it back to the counties.
• I would assume that if the county.
• State lands, state funds, county lands, county funds are still triggers.
• </c> beyond the counties EA that is valuable? beyond the counties EA that is valuable?
• :38.640><c> lands,</c><01:10:39.040><c> county</c> lands, state funds, county lands, county lands, state

Bills: HB1881, HB2218, HB1956, HB2151, HB1845, HB1844, HB2103, HB2424, HB1650, HB376, HB2599, HB1861

Keywords: land use, ropeway, transportation, state regulation, government exemption, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, public lands, public trust resources, community co-management, co-management agreement, community-based organization, Native Hawaiian, malama aina, ahupuaa, subsistence, cultural resources, religious practices

Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 10, 2026, with Chair Mark Hashem outlining strict testimony rules and noting a time constraint because of later hearings and floor session obligations. The committee then took up several bills, hearing mostly supportive testimony on HB 1881 relating to land use, HB 2218 relating to DLNR/community management, and HB 1956 relating to freshwater waves, while HB 1845 relating to the Land Use Commission drew legal concerns and opposition. HB 2151 relating to building materials had no substantive testimony presented in the excerpt, and the committee moved through it quickly. On HB 1881, testimony focused on protecting North Shore lands from overdevelopment. A supporter described the area as valuable precisely because it remains largely undeveloped, and a member asked whether the bill’s restrictions on “finculars” would affect existing or future private residential installations; the response suggested the bill was aimed at future commercial uses and that grandfathering or personal-use exceptions might be possible, but the exact wording would need legal refinement. HB 2218 received broad support from OHA, DLNR, Kua, Sierra Club, Hui Maka Aana, the Honlay Initiative, and others, who said the measure would expand community-based co-management across DLNR divisions, build on existing park partnerships, and produce real benefits such as better stewardship, safer access, local jobs, and stronger community trust. Members asked about the bill’s five-year review structure, how multiple community groups would be handled, and whether the model could apply to ocean or nearshore areas; DLNR said the board would retain authority, agreements would be non-exclusive and subject to review, and the department was still working through how the approach would function across different divisions and marine settings. For HB 1956, the Attorney General offered technical comments, urging clearer definitions of “residing” and “freshwater way,” clearer timing for citations and arrests, and more explicit procedural safeguards and agency roles. On HB 1845, the Attorney General and Land Use Commission raised concerns that the bill could conflict with constitutional protections for important agricultural lands and could not be reconciled with existing voting requirements; the LUC also said commissioners cannot vote by proxy under sunshine law and warned that the bill could allow too few commissioners to approve major boundary changes. Members questioned how the bill would work in counties without designated important agricultural lands, and the LUC explained that Kauai is the only county to have completed the IAL process, while the broader statutory process remains county-driven and has been the subject of litigation. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Seizakorum, the Senate Local and County Government Committee meeting will come to order.
• Members, House Bill 3748 allows county commissioners to utilize county-owned equipment, labor, and supplies
• There were several counties that wanted to opt out of that measure, and it's in every county in the state
• So 500 other counties have been engaged in that practice.
• These pets from neighboring counties, neighboring jurisdictions.

Bills: HB3419, HB3624, HB3748, HB4335

Keywords: corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law, public office, counties, property taxation, watercourse, boundaries, effective date, county government, administration, local resources, public institutions, construction, maintenance, animal welfare, pet shops, commercial breeders, county regulations

Summary: The Senate Local and County Government Committee met and first took up House Bill 3419, which would prohibit officers, employees, or contractors of political subdivisions from using non-public information for personal gain, extending an existing restriction that already applies to state agencies. There were no questions or debate, and the bill passed unanimously, 8-0. The committee then considered House Bill 3748, allowing county commissioners to use county-owned equipment, labor, and supplies on property owned by a four-year institution. Senator Stewart asked whether the bill applied to public or private institutions, and the author said that point needed clarification and would be checked offline. With no further questions or debate, the bill passed 8-0. The final measure was House Bill 4335, a pet store bill that would prevent municipalities from banning retail pet stores and would extend a courtesy notice period for certain animal breeders and related entities from 60 to 90 days. The bill drew extensive questioning and debate over local control, animal welfare, Petland, shelter overcrowding, and whether the measure favored an out-of-state corporation. Supporters argued it protected free enterprise and legal businesses, while opponents said it preempted local authority and could worsen animal welfare concerns. The committee passed the bill 6-3.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Local and County Government Committee meeting will come to order.
• House Bill 3748 allows county commissioners to utilize county owned equipment, labor, and supplies on
• wanted to opt out of that measure, in which it's in every county in the state now.
• So 500 other counties have been engaged in that practice.
• Would you agree that this bill is an unfunded mandate on municipalities and counties?

Bills: HB3419, HB3624, HB3748, HB4335

Keywords: corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law, public office, counties, property taxation, watercourse, boundaries, effective date, county government, administration, local resources, public institutions, construction, maintenance, animal welfare, pet shops, commercial breeders, county regulations

Bills: HB247, SB117

Keywords: Gulf of America, name change, state compliance, educational materials, local resources, historical reference, procurement, county commission, services, administrative savings, government efficiency, 1136, house, all

Bills: HB247, SB117

Keywords: Gulf of America, name change, state compliance, educational materials, local resources, historical reference, procurement, county commission, services, administrative savings, government efficiency, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just a local bill that allows my county judge to add a judge of a county court at law to our ...
• He's in county court law number two. Our county court law number one doesn't do any juvenile work.
• But out of respect for everybody, we found another county that does this where the county judge can also
• appoint the county courts at law.
• I'm also a lifelong resident of Grayson County and a 38-year attorney in Grayson County.

Bills: HB1967, HB3442, HB5525, HB5561, HB5653, HB5667, SB1171

Keywords: juvenile justice, correctional facilities, reform, rehabilitation, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, alcohol awareness, court-ordered programs, substance misuse education, deferred disposition, youth, parole reform, inmates under 18, mental health, educational achievement, reintegration, foster youth, behavior intervention, community services, diversion policies, HB 5653

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:01:22.400><c> new</c> >> I represent District 89, which is all of Pike and North and West Dale County

Bills: HB87, HB96, HB28, HB87, HB96, HB28

Keywords: HB87, Marengo County, coroner, deputy coroner, county commission, expense allowance, mileage allowance, travel reimbursement, local act, local legislation, county general fund, public official compensation, county office, Section 45-46-60, Alabama Code, salary increase, allowance increase, National Signing Day, athletic scholarships, military enlistment

Transcript Highlights:

• of the poorest counties in our state.
• Likewise, at the county level, my good colleagues, who have respect for the county, were in way over
• Santa Fe was dictating the county to do what it did, and the county very dutifully did as they were told
• It's right across the county line from Eddy County.
• It's right across the county line from Eddie County.

Bills: SB78, SB235, SB22, SB310

Keywords: nuclear energy, renewable energy, sustainability, carbon emissions, energy regulation, microgrid, zero carbon resources, Public Regulation Commission, energy generation, electric utilities, motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 78, which would classify nuclear energy as renewable energy. Senator Thornton and supporters argued that New Mexico needs dispatchable, baseload power and that nuclear should be added to the state’s renewable portfolio standard because wind and solar are intermittent and require extensive land, mining, and battery storage. Supporters also emphasized nuclear’s zero-carbon profile, the safety record of U.S. Navy reactors, the possibility of small modular reactors, and the fact that New Mexico already uses nuclear-generated electricity from out of state. Opponents, including Senator O’Malley and Senator Charlie, argued nuclear is not renewable because it relies on finite uranium and creates long-lived radioactive waste, and they raised concerns about uranium mining impacts, waste storage, and the bill’s lack of a limiting principle. The committee voted 5-4 to do not pass the bill, with Senators Cervantes, Hamblen, O’Malley, Lopez, and Charlie voting yes on the do-not-pass motion and Senators Ezell, Scott, and Thornton voting no; the chair then explained that the vote reflected disagreement over whether nuclear should be labeled renewable, not opposition to nuclear power itself. The committee then heard Senate Bill 235, the Microgrid Oversight Act, with a committee substitute. Sponsor Senator Steinborn said the substitute would restore existing renewable benchmarks for microgrids, require large microgrids to meet zero-carbon targets by 2045, add reporting and PRC oversight, and close a loophole that could let utilities buy microgrid power and shift costs to ratepayers. Supporters, including environmental groups and community advocates, said the bill was needed to regulate large data-center microgrids such as Project Jupiter in Doña Ana County, which they said could drive major emissions, ozone, and nitrogen oxide pollution, strain water supplies, and undermine state climate goals. They also argued the bill would protect ratepayers and ensure transparency and community benefits. Opponents, including Americans for Prosperity, the Chamber of Commerce, oil and gas associations, Xcel Energy, PNM, Consumer Energy Alliance, and economic development groups, argued the bill would impose unnecessary regulation on private microgrids, slow investment, raise costs, and reduce flexibility for reliability projects and industrial development. They said microgrids are already regulated for safety and interconnection, and that the bill could discourage projects in New Mexico. In response, Steinborn said the bill was necessary because current law leaves a loophole for large polluting microgrids and because several major projects are already planned or underway. The committee heard extensive public testimony on both sides, but the transcript ends before a final vote on SB 235 is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• poorest counties in our state.
• Likewise, at the county level, my good colleagues who have respect for the county, but they were in way
• Santa Fe was dictating the county to do what it did, and the county very dutifully did as they were told
• It's right across the county line from Eddy County.
• It's right across the county line from Eddy County.

Bills: SB78, SB235, SB22, SB310

Keywords: nuclear energy, renewable energy, sustainability, carbon emissions, energy regulation, microgrid, zero carbon resources, Public Regulation Commission, energy generation, electric utilities, motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent the 16th District, which includes Walla Walla County, Franklin County, and Benton County,
• I represent the 16th District, which includes Walla Walla County, Franklin County, Benton County, cities
• County.
• as the county seat.
• or Thurston County or Pierce County or Piers County or Holmish County.

Bills: HB2267, HB2183, HB2174, HB1529

Keywords: urban forestry, local government, environmental policy, tree management, community planning, heat response, counties, public health, emergency management, climate action, crash prevention, traffic safety, roadside regulations, emergency zones, public safety, state legislation, infrastructure, county resources, road construction, maintenance

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several local government bills. HB 2174 would allow counties, cities, towns, or the Department of Transportation to designate “accident risk zones” on roads with repeated crashes, hold a public hearing, conduct engineering and traffic investigations, increase enforcement, and use half of traffic penalties for safety improvements. The sponsor and local officials from Pasco and Colotis described fatal crashes on U.S. 12 and U.S. 395 and said the bill could provide a short-term safety tool while long-term roadway fixes are pursued. Supporters included counties and the Washington counties risk pool, though they raised concerns about liability, implementation, and the need for clearer language; a motorcycle advocate also asked for language to avoid targeted enforcement. The committee then closed the hearing on HB 2174. HB 2267 would direct the Department of Commerce to create a model urban forestry ordinance and guidance for local governments, prioritize avoiding tree removal, and create a grant program for jurisdictions that adopt the model or a substantially similar ordinance. The sponsor said the bill is intended to balance housing growth with tree canopy retention, climate resilience, stormwater management, and urban heat reduction. Environmental groups, the Puget Sound Partnership, and FutureWise supported the bill, while the Building Industry Association of Washington and the Master Builders Association opposed it, arguing that tying grants to the model ordinance could turn guidance into a mandate and that the bill could disadvantage housing production or create GMA-related legal risk. The committee then closed the hearing on HB 2267. HB 2183 would require counties planning under the Growth Management Act to adopt extreme heat response plans by July 1, 2027, covering immediate response, long-term mitigation, protection of high-risk populations, tribal coordination, and public education. The sponsor and physicians from Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility described the 2021 heat dome as a deadly mass-casualty event and argued counties need coordinated planning because hospitals and EMS were overwhelmed. Local public health officials supported the goal but asked for revisions to reduce duplication with existing emergency and hazard mitigation plans and to clarify leadership roles; the Department of Labor and Industries requested a reference to existing outdoor worker heat protections. Finally, HB 1529 would let counties perform roadway striping and paving work for cities without counting it against city public works limits or bidding thresholds, which the sponsor said would help smaller cities like Shelton use county equipment more efficiently. Cities and counties supported the bill as a practical cost-saving tool, while asphalt contractors, business groups, and labor representatives opposed it, citing concerns about competition, quality control, prevailing wage jobs, and the need for more stakeholder work. The committee ended the day after hearing all testimony and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the County Commissioner for Parker County Precinct 2.
• Kirk County, where I reside, has drilled more groundwater wells in the last 20 years than any other county
• We do have a resource witness from TCEQ, if anyone would like to hear from the resource witness.
• that are leaving Burleson County.
• Cameron and Willacy counties.

Bills: SB612, SB1855, SB2568, SB3058, HB49

Keywords: SB 612, Texas Water Code, Section 49.2127, conservation and reclamation district, water district, reclamation district, developer fees, pipeline construction, water pipeline, sewer pipeline, associated infrastructure, subdivision infrastructure, cost recovery, fee cap, actual reasonable documented costs, engineering fees, legal fees, inspection fees, infrastructure relocation, utility connections

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the County commissioner for Parker County, Precinct 2.
• county in the state.
• hear from the resource witness.
• and those resources weren't available.
• that are leaving Burleson County.

Bills: SB 612, SB 1855, SB 2568, SB 3058

Keywords: SB 612, Texas Water Code, Section 49.2127, conservation and reclamation district, water district, reclamation district, developer fees, pipeline construction, water pipeline, sewer pipeline, associated infrastructure, subdivision infrastructure, cost recovery, fee cap, actual reasonable documented costs, engineering fees, legal fees, inspection fees, infrastructure relocation, utility connections

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, wanting people to know that these resources. Resources are there for them.
• This is because current practice, Dallas County concerning its Veterans County Service Officer not in
• compliance with the Texas Government Code. requires that the county, and a county of over 200,000 or
• to be a county executive official.
• We just have resources. And we just have resource witnesses.

Bills: SB651, SB897, SB1814, SB1818

Keywords: SB 651, Texas Government Code, Section 434.032, veterans county service office, county veterans services, commissioners court, county executive official, county administration, local government, veterans affairs, veterans benefits, county oversight, reporting structure, public administration, large counties, population 200,000 or more, mental health, veterans, community support, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• A fourth-generation resident of Lake County and a proud graduate of Two Harbors High School.
• Louis County.
• If the school does not send this mandated report to the counties, counties do not receive this information
• This example is only if the school has reported it to the county.
• department needs to report and communicate this educational neglect to the county as well.

Bills: HF51, HF1161, HF2201, HF2786, HF1053

Keywords: HF51, Sibley County, State-Aid Highway 21, capital investment, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, transportation infrastructure, road improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, local infrastructure, county grant, Minnesota Department of Transportation, bond proceeds fund, public works, utility infrastructure, education finance, school district funding, tax base adjustment

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Natural Resources has now come to order. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.
• Members, with no other business to come before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, we stand in

Bills: HB206, HB1238, HB2890, HB2970

Keywords: pipeline, construction, cash bond, county authority, local government, injection wells, environmental regulation, water quality, site inspection, geoscientist, satellite imagery, interstate compact, liquefied natural gas, energy resources, Gulf Coast, regulatory coordination, HB 2970, Gulf Coast Protection District, Special District Local Laws Code, governor appointment

Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources met with a quorum present and took up several bills, mostly as pending business. HB 1089, creating the Gulf Coast Protection Account to be administered by the General Land Office, was laid out as the House companion to SB 795; Senator Alvarado moved it be reported favorably, and it passed the committee 8-0. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for HB 2970 and then reported it favorably 9-0, despite the motion wording recommending the substitute in lieu of the original bill. HB 2890, HB 1238, and HB 206 were each laid out and reported favorably to the full Senate by 9-0 votes. For each bill reported favorably, members also approved motions to place the bill on the local and uncontested calendar, with no objections. The transcript reflects brief procedural repetition and some garbled audio, but the actions are clear: the committee advanced all measures considered during the meeting without recorded opposition. The chair then announced there was no further business and the committee stood in recess subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Natural Resources will now come to order.
• and precincts within a county.
• HB 206 prohibits counties from requiring a cash bond as a HB 206 prohibits counties from requiring a
• , but counties are not able to compel a cash bond, but may compel a bond.
• I do have one resource witness if you need to bring Ashley Forbes from TCEQ up.

Bills: HB206, HB1238, HB2890, HB2970

Keywords: pipeline, construction, cash bond, county authority, local government, injection wells, environmental regulation, water quality, site inspection, geoscientist, satellite imagery, interstate compact, liquefied natural gas, energy resources, Gulf Coast, regulatory coordination, HB 2970, Gulf Coast Protection District, Special District Local Laws Code, governor appointment

Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources met with a quorum initially lacking, then took up several bills and heard brief testimony. HB 206, by Rep. Craddick, would prohibit counties from requiring cash bonds as a condition for pipeline construction approvals, while still allowing other forms of financial assurance; the sponsor and a Target Pipeline witness said cash-bond mandates create unnecessary costs and uncertainty, and the bill was left pending. HB 2890, by Rep. Patterson, would create an interstate compact among Gulf Coast states to coordinate and support the liquefied natural gas industry; the sponsor emphasized LNG’s economic importance and said the bill mirrors prior compact language that does not require congressional approval, and it was left pending after no public testimony. HB 1238, by Rep. Geren, would let TCEQ use third-party inspection reports and remote technology when reviewing proposed Class I injection wells; the sponsor and a uranium industry witness said it would streamline regulation and support industry, and it was left pending. HB 2970, by Rep. Paul, the House version of SB 410, would require the Gulf Coast Protection District’s final gate design to accommodate two-way vessel traffic and allow the governor to appoint the district’s presiding officer; the committee substitute was explained and the bill was left pending. With members scattered in other committees, the chair said the committee would recess and later reconvene to vote and complete its work.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> every child has access to the resources every child has access to the resources and<00:05:09.919
• </c> larger classroom sizes less resources larger classroom sizes less resources more<00:21:21.840><c
• However, if there is a way for MDE to better act as a resource to make sure those district and county-level
• However, if there is a way for MDE to better act as a resource to make sure those district- and county-level
• If there is a way for MDE to better act as a resource to make sure those district- and county-level efforts

Bills: HF51, HF1161, HF2201, HF2786, HF1053

Keywords: HF51, Sibley County, State-Aid Highway 21, capital investment, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, transportation infrastructure, road improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, local infrastructure, county grant, Minnesota Department of Transportation, bond proceeds fund, public works, utility infrastructure, education finance, school district funding, tax base adjustment

Transcript Highlights:

• The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
• of Natural Resources.
• the County Forest Board Trust.
• We'll have Orrin Root with the Kitsap County Commissioner. He's a Kitsap County Commissioner.
• We'll have Orrin Root with the Kitsap County Commissioner. He's a Kitsap County Commissioner.

Bills: HB2117, HB2199, HB2327, HB2516, HB2554

Keywords: tribal member, board of natural resources, indigenous representation, natural resource management, local governance, derelict vessels, marine environment, coastal management, environmental protection, maritime economy, audit, county, forest management, transparency, public lands, rodenticide, rodenticides, anticoagulant rodenticide, bromethalin, pesticide

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on several bills related to tribal representation, rodenticide regulation, treaty fishing rights, and county forest trust lands. On HB 2117, the committee heard testimony on adding a tribal representative to the Board of Natural Resources. The prime sponsor, DNR officials, tribal leaders, and county representatives discussed whether the new seat would improve government-to-government relations and bring tribal expertise to board decisions, while county witnesses emphasized the board’s fiduciary duties to trust beneficiaries and asked for stakeholder input. Testimony was split, and the committee recorded 192 pro, 124 con, and no other sign-ins before closing the hearing on that bill. On HB 2516, which would impose a moratorium on certain anticoagulant rodenticides and bromethalin while requiring a state report and an Academy of Sciences study, the prime sponsor argued the bill was needed to reduce harm to children, pets, wildlife, and waterways while preserving emergency-use exceptions. Supporters included wildlife veterinarians, bird conservation advocates, the Stillaguamish Tribe, and other tribal and environmental witnesses who described secondary poisoning in raptors and other wildlife and pointed to non-toxic alternatives such as CO2 burrow treatment and rodent birth control. Opponents from the pest management industry and product associations warned the bill would remove effective tools for controlling rodent infestations, especially in low-income and manufactured-home communities, and argued the state should wait for more data and EPA action. The committee later recorded 754 pro, 176 con, and five other sign-ins. The committee also heard HB 2554, which would repeal Initiative 456 and remove statutory language limiting recognition of tribal treaty fishing rights. The prime sponsor and agency witnesses from the Attorney General’s Office and Department of Fish and Wildlife said the initiative is unconstitutional and inconsistent with federal treaty law, and that repeal would align state law with court rulings and existing state-tribal cooperation. Finally, on HB 2327, the committee began hearing a bill directing JLARC to audit the county forest land trust and DNR’s management of county transfer lands. The prime sponsor, former Rep. Jim Buck, said the bill is intended to examine whether the trust is operating as originally intended and whether counties’ beneficiary rights are being protected; testimony on that bill had just begun when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Member from Harris County: Thank you, Dr. Oliverson. Thank you.
• Member from Harris County: Thank Member from Harris County: you for your detailed answer.
• , and a few other rural counties into the program.
• Members, this bill adds Kirk County and a few of the rural counties to the Rural... Mr.
• Ward Johnson: HOAs of these other counties, the county is still on the hook.

Bills: HB25, HB48, HB149, HB254, HB26, HB192

Keywords: ivermectin, pharmacist authority, prescription-free, healthcare regulation, patient access, HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert

Transcript Highlights:

• wasn't brought to me by anybody, but it was highly recommended by different agencies to include the county
• The county superintendents of schools, they want to get out of the election business.
• functions of the Secretary of State signature system, the election system, a primary system, and the county
• And if you do, you get to use the full resources that the taxpayers have provided for you to run an election
• And if you do, you get to use the full resources that the taxpayers have provided for you to run an election

Bills: HB2424, HB2608, HB2775, HB2805, HB2908

Keywords: Arizona political parties, precinct committeeman, precinct committeemen, proxy voting, party bylaws, county committee, state committee, qualified elector, election administration, political party rules, precinct representation, adjoining precinct, county party meeting, proxy attestation, notary public, witnesses, transitional housing, military veterans, grant program, housing services