Video & Transcript Research : 'fare-free transit'

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HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EIG DEFER, AEN-EIG Public Hearings 02-12-2026

Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • We had a bill heard last week on Senate Bill 2699, regarding public transit.
  • This is an opportunity for us to give young people free public transportation, but the Committee on Transportation
  • With no further business, we are adjourned. free public transportation but the free public transportation
Bills: SB2699
Summary: The committee reconvened and first addressed SB 2699 on public transit/free transportation for young people. Members noted that the Committee on Transportation had already deferred the measure, and this committee said it would defer it as well before adjourning that brief reconvened session. The hearing then moved to SB 2373, which would establish a state goal to strengthen nature-based carbon emissions reduction solutions and authorize the Hawaii State Energy Office to develop methods to quantify carbon reductions from marine ecosystem restoration. The Energy Office said marine carbon sequestration was outside its expertise and asked to be removed from that portion of the bill, while DLNR and OPSD offered comments and said the work fit better with their areas, with DLNR saying it could take it on if properly resourced. Testimony included support from environmental groups, and committee discussion focused on which agency should lead and whether existing methodologies could be used. Next was SB 21001 on organic waste reduction and diversion. The Department of Health supported the intent but raised implementation concerns. Hawaii Farmers Union strongly supported the bill, arguing it would help build compost supply, improve soil health, and give counties time to develop infrastructure; they cited Vermont as a model and said the bill could extend landfill life and reduce methane. Members asked about the Vermont approach and the need for infrastructure before household-level diversion. The committee also heard SB 2905, which would increase the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and direct more revenue to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. The Energy Office, PUC, and Tax Department offered comments; youth and clean transportation advocates strongly supported the bill as a way to expand charging access and meet EV adoption goals. A member questioned whether the proposed increase would outpace the state’s ability to deploy chargers, and PUC staff said the current annual appropriation is about $750,000 and that they could provide more data on an appropriate funding level. Additional measures were briefly taken up: SB 3231 on condominium maps and county zoning certification in A districts drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau; SB 2486 on climate change drew comments from the Energy Office, Climate Commission, and OPSD, who said it duplicated existing climate planning and should include adaptation language; and SB 2376 on the renewable fuels production tax credit drew support from industry and agricultural groups, while the Energy Office and Tax Department raised concerns about the rollover provision and the scale of the credit. No final votes were recorded in the excerpt beyond the earlier deferral of SB 2699.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

TRS-EIG, TRS Public Hearings 02-05-2026

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • This establishes within the Department of Transportation a fare-free youth transit program to be coordinated
  • It establishes a fare-free youth transit program special fund.
  • It allocates money from the environmental, energy, and food security tax to the fare-free youth transit
  • free youth transit program to the fair free youth transit program special<00:07:16.000> fund<
  • Aloha. this bill to encourage uh free transit this bill to encourage uh free transit for<00:15:41.519
Summary: The committees heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 2356, relating to parking, drew support from the Office of Planning, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Appleseed Center, Realtors, and the Hawaii Bicycling League. Members discussed the bill in the context of the planned stadium-area mixed-use development, with questions about whether parking would be built in structures rather than as large surface lots. Senators expressed support and noted the measure’s broader housing and parking-reduction goals, but no vote was taken during the hearing. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2699, which would create a fare-free youth transit program, a special fund, annual evaluations, and appropriations tied to the environmental, energy, and food security tax. The Attorney General’s office raised technical concerns about whether the special fund met statutory requirements. The Department of Education and Department of Health supported the bill, as did the City and County of Honolulu DOT, Appleseed Center, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Hawaii Bicycling League, Our Children’s Trust, and numerous youth testifiers. Supporters emphasized reduced family transportation costs, better school attendance, improved health and mobility, and environmental benefits. One senator raised emergency-planning concerns about how children using free transit would be handled during events like tsunamis; DOT and DOE responded that emergency procedures are being developed. The chair said the committee would work on language changes, including a delayed effective date to July 2027, and defer decision-making until the 12th. The final measure discussed was SB 2470, which would require leading pedestrian intervals, accessible pedestrian signals, and other safety improvements at state-controlled intersections, and create a process for community requests for accessible pedestrian signals. Appleseed Center, the Hawaii Association of the Blind, and the Disability Rights Center supported the bill, citing pedestrian safety, reduced collisions, and the need for audible cues for blind and low-vision pedestrians. Testifiers urged a phased-in approach that prioritizes high-traffic intersections. The hearing ended with the bill still under consideration and no final vote announced.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Finance Apr 2nd, 2025

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Bill 1371 relates to the operation of certain metropolitan transit authorities.
  • In 2015, the Texas Legislature exempted transit authorities from the tax imposed on compressed natural
  • They are exclusively owned and operated by transit authorities.
  • approval step to adjust fares or tolls due to an arbitrary cutoff date in the statute.
  • Lastly, metropolitan transit authority boards have eight-year term limits.
Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard several bills focused on tax administration, transportation, emergency services, historic preservation, forensic training, pension funding, and the state’s rainy day fund. Senate Bill 1337, by Senator Creighton, would require the comptroller to assess penalty and interest only on the net tax due and allow sales and use tax overpayments to offset underpayments more automatically; it was left pending while the author, comptroller staff, and a private witness continued working on the language and fiscal note. Senate Bill 1371, by Senator Hinojosa, would address Corpus Christi transit authority operations, including emergency refueling coordination, fare-setting procedures, and board term limits; it received supportive testimony and was left pending. Senate Bill 1377, by Senator Perry, would create a grant program for rural counties to buy ambulances, with a committee substitute expanding eligible uses in some cases to equipment and setting a sunset date; numerous EMS officials, county representatives, and association witnesses testified in support, emphasizing rising ambulance costs, staffing shortages, and the need for rural emergency coverage, and the bill was left pending after testimony. Senate Bill 868, by Senator Sparks, would direct at least 10% of volunteer fire department assistance funding to high wildfire-risk areas; Texas A&M Forest Service explained the map and methodology, and the committee substitute was adopted. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1426, which would place the First Capitol State Historic Site in West Columbia under Texas Historical Commission stewardship, and Senate Bill 1620, which would create a Texas Forensic Analyst Apprenticeship Pilot Program through the Office of Court Administration to address forensic scientist shortages; both had no opposition in testimony and their committee substitutes were adopted. Senate Bill 2065 would change the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System funding structure to require an actuarially determined state contribution and address the system’s unfunded liability over 30 years; Pasadena fire department representatives testified that the pension is an important volunteer retention tool, and the bill was left pending after testimony. Senate Joint Resolution 4 would raise the Economic Stabilization Fund cap from 10% to 15% of biennial revenue deposits, with a committee substitute correcting the effective date to September 1, 2027; the committee discussed the fund’s current balance and purpose before adopting the substitute. After quorum was established, the committee voted out the measures. Senate Bill 1868, Senate Bill 1371, Senate Bill 264, Senate Joint Resolution 4, Senate Bill 1426, Senate Bill 1620, and Senate Bill 2065 were all reported favorably to the full Senate, with some bills also certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee substitute for Senate Bill 868 was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as well. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Department transit authorities.
  • In 2015, the Texas Legislature exempted transit authorities from the tax imposed on compressed natural
  • They are exclusively owned and operated by transit authorities.
  • approval step to adjust fares or tolls due to an arbitrary cutoff date.
  • Also, if you have specific questions, feel free to reach out to me.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Transportation May 8th, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Terry Hall, and I'm speaking on behalf of uh TURF, Texas for Toll-free Highways, Grassroots
  • Mhm Good morning, Terry Hall, I'm speaking on behalf of TURF, Texans for Toll-free Highways, Grassroots
  • Uh, this bill will ensure that Metropolitan Transit authorities and communities, uh, fewer than 320,000
  • residents are kind of equivalent to larger metropolitan Transit Authorities having the same rights and
  • Terry Hall representing Turf, Texas for Toll-free Highways, Grassroots America, True Texas Project, We
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Transportation May 8th, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • Good morning, my name is Terry Hall and I'm speaking on behalf of Turf Texas for Toll-Free Highways,
  • Terry Hall speaking on behalf of Texas for Toll-Free Highways, Grassroots America.
  • implementing policies to deliberately slow down cars to get drivers out of their cars and into mass transit
  • are kind of equivalent to larger metropolitan transit authorities having the same rights and flexibility
  • Okay, Terry Hall representing TURF, Texas for Toll-Free Highways, Grassroots America, True Texas Project
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EEP Public Hearing - Tue Feb 17, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh free transit is one of the measure.
  • > for<00:42:27.200> all Providing fair, free transit for all Providing fair, free transit
  • Fairf free transit also resources.
  • > transit<00:42:46.000> and Maui offers free youth transit and Maui offers free youth transit
  • > and<00:42:57.119> we<00:42:57.280> ask free public transit access and we ask free
Summary: The committee heard testimony on a bill to expand the solar energy tax credit for single-family residential properties by removing certain cap amounts and raising the adjusted gross income limits for taxpayers to elect a refund of excess credits. The Hawaii State Energy Office and Department of Taxation both said they were standing on written testimony, while industry and advocacy groups largely supported the measure. Members questioned whether the income thresholds were set appropriately, how many taxpayers would be affected at different income levels, and how many would qualify for refundable treatment; Taxation said it did not yet have the requested numbers but was preparing a fiscal estimate. A major issue raised was drafting and administration: witnesses said the bill appears to apply differently to owner-purchased systems versus third-party leased systems, and Taxation said it likely could not easily verify household income for leased systems or cross-reference different taxpayers. Discussion also covered whether the credit should remain refundable, whether credits should be limited to amounts actually expended, and whether the bill should instead be structured to keep the credit with the system owner or lessor, with concerns about equity, market effects, and possible incentives to lease rather than buy. The committee then moved to HB 2316, which would align state restrictions on lead materials in drinking water infrastructure with federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. The Department of Health and other supporters testified in favor, and there were no questions from the chair. Next, HB 1566 on energy efficiency would require state agencies to use energy-efficient lighting, with the Hawaii State Energy Office providing technical assistance and a compliance survey prioritized for first responder facilities; testimony from state agencies and advocates was in support, and again there were no questions. For HB 1926 on Red Hill, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Board of Water Supply, and multiple organizations and individuals supported funding for remediation studies, environmental monitoring, groundwater research, independent testing, and a public dashboard, with DLNR emphasizing that decades of work remain necessary even after defueling and that the bill supports ongoing university and community partnerships. The committee then heard HB 1673 on landfill units. The Department of Health initially said it was in support but later corrected the record and stated it strongly opposes the measure, saying the bill would undo protections enacted last session that keep landfills out of areas over aquifers; the Board of Water Supply also opposed repeal of those protections, while the City and County of Honolulu supported the HD1 version that leaves siting decisions to the counties. Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi and the Energy Justice Network opposed the bill, arguing the original protections should remain and that the amended version had confused commenters; supporters of the original version urged restoring it and considering additional language on ash.
NV
Transcript Highlights:
  • Goldwater's point, it is a very extensive conversation with regards to numerous fare charges that are
  • Goldwater's point, it is a very extensive conversation with regards to numerous fare charges that are
  • discuss, I believe that's why, because we have so many different statutory schemes with regards to fare
  • Goldwater point, it is a very extensive conversation with regards to numerous fares charges that are
Bills: SB507
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 4/13/26

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • dedicated transit transit funding dedicated transit funding<00:43:04.200> to<00:43:04.320>
  • efficient transit system. efficient transit system.
  • fares.
  • <01:25:13.240> fares.
  • transit fares. transit fares.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/25/2026 - House Transportation & Infrastructure

Transportation & Infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:
  • You're free. Thanks. Next, we're going to take... I'm sorry, Saliba. There you go.
  • Phoenix voters have already approved and funded transit expansion.
  • ID under the amendment, but no longer receive the free ID if they were not a citizen.
  • It just means you wouldn't be able to get the credential for free.
  • a permanent resident, then you would no longer be eligible for the free piece of it.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/26

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Metro Transit, not Henipin County. Metro Transit, not Henipin County.
  • <00:58:44.960> A building a robust transit system. A building a robust transit system.
  • Thank you. with those uh rapid bus transit needs. with those uh rapid bus transit needs.
  • a metro-wide transit?
  • And I think that only do transit.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/17/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • Now, this was free enterprise.”
  • Just to be clear, we're not anti-transit.
  • We are not against transit, but there should be studies to determine whether it's the right type of transit
  • We are not against transit, but there should be studies to determine whether it's the right type of transit
  • Public transit serves the greater public.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on Transportation Funding Mar 31st, 2025

S/C on Transportation Funding

Transcript Highlights:
  • It'd be for transit-oriented projects.
  • But it would fund transit projects in Houston.
  • First, state funding for transit would create matching funds to draw down more federal transit dollars
  • This amendment merely says transit-oriented projects.
  • Transit-oriented housing development hasn't worked.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

TRS Public Hearing 02-03-2026

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • And members, feel free to ask questions when our testimony is being presented anytime. >> Okay.
  • <00:10:24.640> members,<00:10:25.440> um,<00:10:25.680> feel<00:10:25.920> free
  • <00:10:26.480> to<00:10:26.800> ask >> And members, um, feel free to ask >
  • > And members, um, feel free to ask questions<00:10:27.600> when<00:10:28.079> our,<
Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a two-minute oral testimony limit and that decision-making would follow after testimony. It then took up SB 20008, which would set 55 mph as the maximum speed limit on all parts of the DKI/Saddle Road highway. The bill’s introducer described it as a response to safety concerns and noted prior public opposition when the speed limit was lowered from 60 mph; the Hawaii Police Department was listed in opposition, while DOT and several individuals testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 20009, requiring new plates/tags or emblems for used motor vehicles transferred between private individuals, and SB 2026, which would require drivers approaching stationary vehicles on the shoulder or roadside to slow down and, if necessary, change lanes. The Attorney General supported SB 2026 but recommended narrowing and clarifying the language by removing references to shoulder/roadside, collision or mechanical problem, and other limiting definitions so the duty would apply more broadly and be easier to enforce; AAA and OMA also supported the measure. Members discussed the practical need for a mandatory move-over rule, especially for roadside workers and tow operators, and the committee heard concerns about enforceability on two-lane roads and in accident scenes. SB 2053 was then heard, authorizing electronic signatures on supporting documents used to transfer ownership of total-loss vehicles to insurers without notarization and requiring insurers to indemnify the finance director for claims arising from those electronic title issuances. The Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, the City and County of Honolulu, and others supported the bill, with Copart describing it as a modernization that would reduce delays for total-loss settlements; technical amendments were requested. The committee also heard SB 2172, which would allow all-terrain vehicles to operate at night if equipped with lights and a slow-moving vehicle emblem, adjust helmet requirements, define utility terrain vehicles, and include ATVs in motor vehicle insurance law. DOT said it could support the bill only if limited to low-speed areas, and the insurance industry warned it could create a new insurance scheme; the City and County of Honolulu opposed while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and an individual supported. Finally, SB 2253 was introduced to expand first-degree negligent injury to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, with DOT, county prosecutors, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in support; Honolulu prosecutors said they would oppose a proposed amendment because they wanted the language to preserve the offense as a lesser included offense tied to negligent homicide.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Transit is more than a... system of buses, ferries, and rails.
  • And you're familiar with the lack. of transit access.
  • So let's talk transit for a second.
  • Regarding transit, I want to start with Congressman Molinaro and talk about transit, which has traditionally
  • That's the approach that's been taken toward transit, advancing transit priorities, and I look forward
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several nominees within key financial institutions, including discussions surrounding the SEC, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Comptroller of the Currency. Notable dialogue included concerns over regulatory balance, with various members emphasizing a need to streamline regulations to foster innovation while ensuring accountability and safety for investors. The importance of the proposed 'Empowering Main Street in America Act' was highlighted as a means to facilitate access to capital for small businesses, underlining the current administration's approach towards financial regulations.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Taxes Committee Meeting - 2025-04-21

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are the laws and fees that the state creates and implements mostly free from personal bias?
  • are increasingly being told we need to pay for our own transit.
  • Investment in active transit is also critical in reducing greenhouse gases.
  • That's why we oppose the proposed cuts in active transit, including safe routes to school.
  • There are cuts to transit in this that I can't support.
Bills: HF2438
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Taxes Committee 4/21/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:04:21.919> Thank transit funding cuts. Thank you. Thank transit funding cuts.
  • state creates and implements mostly free state creates and implements mostly free from<00:10:50.000
  • By contrast, for our own transit.
  • <00:16:26.320> the Greater Minnesota Transit gets the Greater Minnesota Transit gets the strong
  • There's cuts to transit in this that I can't support.
Bills: HF2438
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 4/11/25

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • system for free.
  • First, the cuts to transit.
  • There was a lot of talk about transit and I know the transit advocates uh show up.
  • I know the transit about transit and I know the transit advocates<02:39:38.120> uh<02:39:39.120
  • reserves just for transit already. reserves just for transit already.
Bills: HF2438
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 4/10/25

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:10:09.600> system appropriation for transit system appropriation for transit system operations
  • Lee. customers free rides on buses and trains customers free rides on buses and trains and<00:19:32.000
  • This is to provide transit service for Metro Mobility customers, providing transit service free of charge
  • transit transit expenditures.<00:55:00.720> Section<00:55:01.200> 69<00:55:02.400>
  • transit service uh free of charge. transit service uh free of charge.
Bills: HF2438