Transcript Highlights:

• We don't say that very often in the Transportation Committee, but good morning.
• maintenance and preservation, or can transportation only access that capital account for capital transportation
• Washington State Department of Transportation, or WSDOT, through its Public Transportation Division,
• We are also members of the Transportation Coalition.
• Transportation costs often draw the last straw of their budget.

Bills: HB2588, HB2722, HB2727

Keywords: county ferry district, ferry district, passenger-only ferry, passenger ferry, Puget Sound, Vashon, Seattle, Southworth, county transportation, local taxing authority, property tax levy, general obligation bonds, municipal corporation, public transportation benefit area, WTSC, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, ferry terminal, wharf, shuttle service, marine transportation

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on Substitute House Bill 2251, which would restructure Climate Commitment Act accounts and change how cap-and-invest auction revenue is distributed. Staff explained that the bill would create new operating and capital accounts, repeal several existing accounts, and shift revenue to a percentage-based formula that caps funding for the carbon emissions reduction account at $359 million while directing set percentages to the new accounts and the air quality and health disparities account. Members asked about the fiscal note, the effect on transportation funding, and whether the bill would change allowable uses of the CERA account; staff said it would not. Testimony was largely supportive, with proponents saying the bill adds clarity and stability, while tribal testimony urged clearer protection and accounting for the 10% tribal set-aside and carryover of unused funds. The hearing then moved to House Bill 2588, which would allow county ferry districts to operate and finance vehicle ferries, not just passenger-only ferries. County officials, ferry users, and advocates supported the bill as a local funding tool for aging ferry systems in Whatcom, Pierce, Skagit, and Wahkiakum counties, and said it would not itself raise taxes. The committee then heard House Bill 2722, which would raise the maximum vehicle weight subject to transportation benefit district vehicle fees from 6,000 pounds to 10,000 pounds; staff estimated the change could raise about 3% more revenue statewide, and the sponsor and supporters argued it would better reflect modern vehicle weights and road wear, while trucking interests said they could support a 9,000-pound compromise threshold. The final public hearing was on House Bill 2727, creating an Educational Transit Access Grant Program for transit agencies and community and technical colleges to pilot free or reduced fares for students; supporters said it would improve affordability and access to education, and the sponsor said an amendment may add inclusive post-secondary programs. After the hearings, the committee took executive action on a second substitute for House Bill 1923, which expands who can form passenger-only ferry service districts and where they can be formed, adds intent language about southern resident orcas, and changes the effective date to July 1, 2026. The substitute passed 23-4 with two excused, receiving a do pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Navy and Marine Corps for their meritorious service.
• Corporal Hernandez was a dedicated Marine.
• I am a mother of two United States Marines.
• I am also a former military Marine veteran.
• Marine brother, you said you have a PhD? I have a doctorate, yes. In what again, sir?

Bills: HCR7, HB1557, HB1608, HB2061, HB2201, HB2210, HB2426, HB2754, HJR165, HB2513, HCR7

Keywords: Veterans of Foreign Wars, veterans, commemoration, military service, recognition, September 29, waiver programs, toll roads, discount programs, transportation, affordable housing, land bank program, low-income households, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, HB 2061, Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 225, State Highway 242, Interstate Highway 69, Montgomery County

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Transportation Committee will come to order. I'm showing 8 o'clock.
• Marine Corps Sergeant Gary S.
• Marine Corps Gary S. Johnson Memorial Highways.
• The Transportation Code establishes the roads on which TxDOT may authorize the.
• The Transportation Committee is recessed to the call of the Chair.

Bills: HB2026, HB2427, HB2455, HB2560, HB3510, HB3966, HB3986, HB4429, HB5436, SB3062

Keywords: memorial highway, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, Archer County, highway designation, vehicle weight, ports of entry, Texas Transportation Code, truck regulations, load limits, Adopt-a-County Road, funding, road maintenance, county partnership, public recognition, memorial designation, highway, Sergeant Mark Butler, transportation, Brazos County

Transcript Highlights:

• It concerns certain private employer transportation services to use certain public transportation facilities
• Department of Transportation.”
• It’s not a transportation luxury, but a resilience asset. It’s a transportation office.” was boats.
• transportation as we wait for the WSF... ...ferry marine transportation as we wait for the WSF system
• I support the Mosquito Fleet Act, which I see as a potential benefit... ...ferry marine transportation

Bills: HB2604, HB2436, SB6354, SB6352

Keywords: vehicle ownership, insurance, title transfer, consumer protection, motor vehicle, oil tanker, tank vessel, restricted waters, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Rosario Strait, Admiralty Inlet, Discovery Island, New Dungeness, tug escort, pilotage, marine safety, spill prevention, oil transport, petroleum shipment

Transcript Highlights:

• But as I read the findings of the audit, a lot of it concerned the Department of Transportation because
• the Department of Transportation is responsible for certification of driver instructors and so on.
• But as I read the findings of the audit, a lot of it concerned the Department of Transportation because
• the Department of Transportation is responsible for certification of driver instructors and so on.
• because the Department of Transportation is responsible for certification of driver instructors and

Bills: SB2901, SB2902, SB2903, SB2904, SB2905, SB2906, SB2907, SB2908, SB2909, SB2910, SB2911, SB2912, SB2913, SB2914, SB2915, SB2916, SB2917, SB2918, SB2919, SB2920, SB2921, SB2922, SB2923, SB2924, SB2925, SB2926, SB2927, SB2928, SB2929, SB2930, SB2931, SB2932, SB2933, SB2934, SB2935, SB2936, SB2937, SB2938, SB2939, SB2940, SB2941, SB2942, SB2943, SB2944, SB2945, SB2946, SB2947, SB2948, SB2949, SB2950, SB2951, SB2952, SB2953, SB2954, SB2955, SB2956, SB2957, SB2958, SB2959, SB2960, SB2961, SB2962, SB2963, SB2964, SB2965, SB2966, SB2967, SB2968, SB2969, SB2970, SB2971, SB2972, SB2973, SB2974, SB2975, SB2976, SB2977, SB2978, SB2979, SB2980, SB2981, SB2982, SB2983, SB2984, SB2985, SB2986, SB2987, SB2988, SB2989, SB2990, SB2991, SB2992, SB2993, SB2994, SB2995, SB2996, SB2997, SB2998, SB2999, SB3000

Keywords: geological subsurface characterization, groundwater, geothermal resources, environmental review, Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center, scientific research, non-extractive, public trust doctrine, clean energy, greenhouse gas, carbon sequestration, climate change, energy policy, Hawaii state energy office, emissions reduction, sustainable development, fare-free transportation, greenhouse gas emissions, public transit, tax on petroleum

Bills: SB2901, SB2902, SB2903, SB2904, SB2905, SB2906, SB2907, SB2908, SB2909, SB2910, SB2911, SB2912, SB2913, SB2914, SB2915, SB2916, SB2917, SB2918, SB2919, SB2920, SB2921, SB2922, SB2923, SB2924, SB2925, SB2926, SB2927, SB2928, SB2929, SB2930, SB2931, SB2932, SB2933, SB2934, SB2935, SB2936, SB2937, SB2938, SB2939, SB2940, SB2941, SB2942, SB2943, SB2944, SB2945, SB2946, SB2947, SB2948, SB2949, SB2950, SB2951, SB2952, SB2953, SB2954, SB2955, SB2956, SB2957, SB2958, SB2959, SB2960, SB2961, SB2962, SB2963, SB2964, SB2965, SB2966, SB2967, SB2968, SB2969, SB2970, SB2971, SB2972, SB2973, SB2974, SB2975, SB2976, SB2977, SB2978, SB2979, SB2980, SB2981, SB2982, SB2983, SB2984, SB2985, SB2986, SB2987, SB2988, SB2989, SB2990, SB2991, SB2992, SB2993, SB2994, SB2995, SB2996, SB2997, SB2998, SB2999, SB3000

Keywords: geological subsurface characterization, groundwater, geothermal resources, environmental review, Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center, scientific research, non-extractive, public trust doctrine, clean energy, greenhouse gas, carbon sequestration, climate change, energy policy, Hawaii state energy office, emissions reduction, sustainable development, fare-free transportation, greenhouse gas emissions, public transit, tax on petroleum

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, this amendment does... adds transportation infrastructure. Okay, there is a nexus.
• budget so it's those are the two ...for the transportation budget.
• Streamlining permits on transportation projects is extremely important.
• This bill has to do with transportation benefit district vehicle fees.
• Some cities and places have transportation benefit districts; some places don't.

Bills: HB2092, HB2114, HB2172, HB2251, HB2374, HB2410, HB2552, HB2588, HB2718, HB2722, HB2727

Keywords: passenger rail, transportation, committee, advisory, infrastructure, defective license plates, vehicle registration, Department of Licensing, state regulations, route jurisdiction, abandonment, local governance, climate change, commitment act, emission reductions, sustainability, environmental policy, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we are now on HCR 104, HR 96, urging the Department of Transportation and the Department of Transportation
• For HCR 104 and HR 96, urging the DOT and the Department of Transportation Services of the City and County
• For HCR 104 and HR 96, urging the DOT and the Department of Transportation Services of the City and County
• For HCR 104 and HR 96, urging the DOT and the Department of Transportation Services of the City and County
• For HCR 104 and HR 96, urging the DOT and the Department of Transportation Services of the City and County

Bills: SB2405, HCR19, HCR63, HCR85, HCR140, HCR166, HCR82, HCR98, HCR104, HCR106, HCR141, HCR165, HR20, HR57, HR77, HR132, HR156, HR74, HR90, HR96, HR98, HR133, HR155

Keywords: agricultural workforce, housing, Hawaii, working group, zoning, land use, financial incentives, tax credits, water conservation, infrastructure, public health, March4Water, water access, sustainable resources, Honopou Bridge, emergency access, wildfire risk, public safety, structural integrity, community outreach

Summary: The Water and Land Committee met on April 7 and heard testimony on several resolutions and one bill. SB 2405 SD1 HD2, relating to agricultural workforce housing, received support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, HFTC, and the Hawaii Farmers Union, and the committee later recommended passage as is; one member voted with reservations citing department cost and staffing concerns. The committee also heard HCR 19/HR 20 designating March as March for Water Month, HCR 63/HR 57 urging DLNR and DOT to clarify jurisdiction over Honouliuli Bridge, HCR 85/HR 77 on transferring parcels for the East Kapolei TOD project, HCR 140/HR 132 on vegetation management and fuel reduction in West Maui, HCR 166/HR 156 on identifying East Oahu lands for native Hawaiian tree planting, HCR 82/HR 74 on basic shelter standards for rapid deployment housing, HCR 98/HR 90 on a Honolulu housing pattern book, HCR 104/HR 96 on North Shore coastal trails, HCR 106/HR 98 on endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, HCR 141/HR 133 on Maui fire code enforcement, and HCR 165/HR 155 on permanent pickleball nets and lighting at Kamiloiki Community Park. Testimony was generally supportive on most measures, with several agencies and organizations submitting written comments or appearing in support. HCR 82/HR 74 drew the most discussion: the State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the intent but asked that accessibility be considered on the front end, while another testifier opposed the resolution, arguing it could turn temporary emergency shelters into permanent substandard housing and should be deferred. Committee members discussed temporary versus permanent housing standards and accessibility, and the chair later said the measure would be amended to require permanent units to meet appropriate code standards and to note accessibility concerns in the committee report. On HCR 140/HR 132, DLNR testified that firebreak maintenance on its Waianae lands would be costly, and members noted funding and staffing implications. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on the measures it voted on. SB 2405 was passed with a reservation from one member; HCR 19/HR 20, HCR 63/HR 57, HCR 85/HR 77, HCR 98/HR 90, HCR 104/HR 96, HCR 106/HR 98, HCR 141/HR 133, and HCR 165/HR 155 were passed unamended, while HCR 140/HR 132 was passed with reservations and HCR 166/HR 156 and HCR 82/HR 74 were passed with amendments. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> but the Mariners stadium. but the Mariners stadium.
• The Mariners.
• </c> Transportation. Are they on Zoom? Transportation. Are they on Zoom? On<02:00:08.320><c> Zoom.
• </c> Department of [snorts] Transportation Department of [snorts] Transportation strongly<02:00:24.760
• They had the the Mariner Stadium did.

Bills: SB2613, SB2543, SB2398, SB2046, SB2800, SB2818, SB2973, SB2367, SB2907, SB3067, SB3053, SB2944, SB2074, SB2596

Keywords: public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, Kauai, Maui, Honolulu, Kaimuki Middle School, Wilcox Elementary School, school property

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2613, SD1, HD1, relating to public school land transfer. The Attorney General’s office and the Department of Education supported the bill’s technical cleanup of Act 307, but strongly opposed a new provision that would convey school parcels containing public and school library facilities to the Hawaii State Public Library System. They argued the added transfer language conflicted with Act 307’s purpose of consolidating school land for more efficient school operations, and said existing law already allows co-located library use through rights of entry, licenses, or other agreements. The library system supported the bill and said it was trying to resolve longstanding operational conflicts on shared school-campus libraries, especially where public access, construction, and campus safety issues arise. Members questioned whether the Board of Education should simply mediate the dispute, whether the bill was the right solution, and whether a formal memorandum of agreement might be a better approach than a land transfer. The library system described years of difficulty coordinating with DOE on projects and said it needed a clearer process to complete work and spend CIP funds. Discussion also touched on a Kauai parcel in the bill, identified as a tennis court, and whether resurfacing could be completed before any transfer. The Attorney General indicated that if the goal is to preserve library uses while keeping title with the state, DLNR or another documented arrangement may be more appropriate than transferring fee title to the library system. The committee then heard SB 2543 SD2 HD1, relating to state construction projects. DAGS supported the measure, and the Hawaii Ironworkers Stabilization Fund and Hawaii Building Construction Trade Council strongly supported it, saying the bill would help spot-check high-cost projects and reduce waste from overruns and delays. One testifier opposed the bill, arguing the proposed construction manager role was too limited and that DAGS needed more training, decentralized authority, and better internal decision-making rather than a new layer of oversight. Supporters said the bill was intended as a pilot program to address repeated cost overruns and improve accountability on state construction projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• Katrina Miller, Foreman City, Transportation Policy Analyst.
• It would direct the Texas Department of Transportation to design.
• Kane Smith, Director of Transportation, Cypress. Please come up.
• Navy and Marine Corps. for Meritorious Service and Achievement.
• I'm a retired Marine. Ms.

Bills: SB249, SB546, SB744, SB927, SB1227, SB1229, SB1353, SB1365, SB1366, SB1394, SB1464, SB1709, SB1729, SB1733, SB1744, SB1745, SB1746, SB1772, SB1816, SB1841, SB1939

Keywords: memorial markers, law enforcement, officer memorials, killed in the line of duty, highway signage, school bus, school district, student transportation, child safety, seat belts, three-point seat belt, two-point seat belt, bus retrofit, bus warranty, Texas Education Agency, TEA, transportation code, school activity bus, multifunction school activity bus, school-chartered bus

Transcript Highlights:

• While the office of the governor supports the bill's intent, we do not support the Office of Marine Affairs
• Governor, and we respectfully ask the committee to consider amending the bill by moving the Office of Marine
• While the office of the governor supports the bill's intent, we do not support the Office of Marine Affairs
• Governor, and we respectfully ask the committee to consider amending the bill by moving the Office of Marine
• This bill declares Hawaii as an ocean cluster and establishes the Office of Marine Affairs.

Bills: SB2908, SB2671, SB3085, SB2907, SB2353, SB2074, SB2360, SB2057, SB3251, SB2354, SB3001

Keywords: permit processing, permitting reform, county permits, development permits, building permits, land use, construction delays, housing development, infrastructure development, county workforce, differential pay, salary incentive, performance bonus, recruitment and retention, expedited hiring, vacancy rates, permit backlog, government modernization, county mayor, county council

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills, with most measures drawing broad support and a few generating significant opposition or policy questions. SB 2908 SD1 and SB 2671 SD1 were taken up first; both appeared to have majority support, with SB 2908 receiving seven in support, one in opposition, and one comment, and SB 2671 receiving five in support and two comments. SB 3085 SD2, related to film industry operations, drew 11 supporters and no opposition. Georgia Skinner explained that the bill would streamline the approval timeline for productions by reducing delays tied to Land Board review, and she said DLNR supported the effort. Committee members asked about the need for the change and the relationship between the film studio, DLNR, and the approval process. The committee then discussed SB 2907 SD1, which would create an Office of Marine Affairs. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DLNR, HTDC, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, ocean industry representatives, and others. The governor’s office supported the bill’s intent but objected to placing the office within the Office of the Governor, urging instead that it be housed at HTDC. HTDC said it was willing and excited to take on the work and described ongoing stakeholder engagement. Members asked about the rationale for the placement and the long-term structure of the office. SB 2353 SD2, concerning the Aloha Stadium district and billboard/naming-rights issues, drew strong opposition overall, with four in support, 23 in opposition, and one comment. Andrew Pereira of the Stadium Authority argued the measure could generate revenue to help maintain and operate the stadium and said the district would remain self-contained; he also emphasized that the development would respect the character of the area. The committee then heard SB 2074 SD1, which had five in support and 26 in opposition; only one support testimony from the Carpenters was heard before the discussion moved on. Finally, SB 2360 SD1, an enterprise zones measure, received 14 supportive testimonies and two comments. Testimony focused on updating the program for modern business models, especially e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales, while committee members questioned whether the program overlaps with higher tax burdens and whether businesses receiving subsidies should be monitored for job retention after graduation from the program.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our economic success is largely dependent upon the health of our transportation infrastructure.
• If not, we have members of the Texas Transportation Institute is available as a resource.
• It's about saving lives and protecting our transportation infrastructure.
• Another big opportunity is in transportation.
• Our services include personnel transportation, search and rescue, medevac, fixed wing transportation

Bills: HB 341, HB 791, HB 1564, HB 1695, HB 1722, HB 1729, HB 1772, HB 2003, HB 2954, HB 2989, HB 3084, HB 3134, HB 3135, HB 3309, HB 3611, HB 3679, HB 3727, HB 3832

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates

Transcript Highlights:

• Including some of the transportation code. Yeah, so that's kind of my question.
• Department of Transportation and the FAA, to...
• Another big opportunity is in transportation.
• Our services include personnel transportation, search-and-rescue, medevac, fixed-wing transportation
• Chairman Craddick and fellow distinguished members of the Transportation Committee.

Bills: HB341, HB791, HB1564, HB1695, HB1722, HB1729, HB1772, HB2003, HB2954, HB2989, HB3084, HB3134, HB3135, HB3309, HB3611, HB3679, HB3727, HB3832

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee on transportation will now come to order. The clerk will call the roll.
• This is my first time up here as a member of the Transportation Committee.
• I am all for alternative methods of transportation.
• Moved pursuant to Rule 4, Section 21, that the House Committee on Transportation...
• Committee on Transportation and recognize Representative Fernandez. Thank you.

Bills: HB341, HB791, HB1564, HB1695, HB1722, HB1729, HB1772, HB2003, HB2954, HB2989, HB3084, HB3134, HB3135, HB3309, HB3611, HB3679, HB3727, HB3832

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Transportation Committee will come to order. Clerk, call the roll. Here. West. Here.
• The Torrey Smith Act highlighted deficiencies in the transportation code.
• As everything got codified, it was moved to Chapter 54 of the Transportation Code.
• Which ports are governed by the Transportation Code? The only port governed...
• They adopt the Transportation Code. That's how the bill reads. Mr.

Bills: SB 682, SB 1013, SB 1369, SB 1422, SB 2001, SB 2080, SB 2366, SB 2705, SB 2841

Keywords: memorial highway, Captain Kevin Williams, Firefighter Austin Cheek, Smith County, transportation, pedestrian right-of-way, sidewalk users, bicycle safety, micromobility, electric scooter, motor-assisted scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, skateboard, roller skates, driveway crossing, alley crossing, traffic safety, yield law, Texas Transportation Code, vehicle-pedestrian collision

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on several bills aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of Texas transportation and port authorities. Key discussions included the implications of SB2080, which seeks to streamline operations for navigation districts by raising procurement authority, exempting security discussions from recording requirements, and aligning Texas ports with national standards to foster economic growth. Senator Alvarado advocated fervently for the bill, emphasizing its positive impact on competitiveness with ports in states like Virginia and New Jersey. Public testimony reflected mixed responses, with strong support from industry representatives but opposition from some municipal authorities concerned about the potential overreach of port authorities into local development.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Transportation Committee will come to order. Clerk, call the roll. Here. West. Here.
• Smith Act and where he saw deficiencies in the transportation code.
• I want to explain Chapter 54 of the Transportation Code.
• As everything got codified, it was moved to Chapter 54 of the Transportation Code.
• Code, they adopt the Transportation Code. That's how the bill reads. Mr.

Bills: SB682, SB1013, SB1369, SB1422, SB2001, SB2080, SB2366, SB2705, SB2841

Keywords: memorial highway, Captain Kevin Williams, Firefighter Austin Cheek, Smith County, transportation, pedestrian right-of-way, sidewalk users, bicycle safety, micromobility, electric scooter, motor-assisted scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, skateboard, roller skates, driveway crossing, alley crossing, traffic safety, yield law, Texas Transportation Code, vehicle-pedestrian collision

Transcript Highlights:

• The next bill is 735, Department of Marine Resources.
• This is special need Marine Patrol reserve officers.

Keywords: Ports and Marine Resources - Room 216, 2 March, 2026; 3:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, this is not the marine side of it, but as far as roadblocks, y'all mentioned earlier in some
• Again, Mississippi State has a campus on the coast that focuses on marine biology.
• Again, Mississippi State has a campus on the coast that focuses on marine biology.
• Um and then a on marine biology.
• </c> protection of the marine resources. protection of the marine resources.

Keywords: Ports and Marine Resources - Room 216, 30 January, 2026; 11:00 AM, 925, all

Keywords: Ports and Marine Resources - Room 210; 20 March, 2025: 10:30 AM, 925, all

Keywords: Ports and Marine Resources - Room 210; 13 March, 2025: 1:00 PM, 925, all