Video & Transcript Research : 'watercraft'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 4/14/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Keywords:
natural resources, motorboat, boating safety, personal watercraft, PWC, watercraft operator permit, boater safety exam, off-road vehicle, ORV, ATV, snowmobile, state trail pass, cross-country ski pass, horse pass, state park permit, game and fish, hunting license, fishing license, wildlife permit, invasive species
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Keywords:
boat storage structures, public waters, natural resources, rule amendments, watercraft canopy, PFAS, environmental regulation, manufacturers, public health, product safety, groundwater, water appropriation, water-use permit, water permit, aquifer test, aquifer, well construction, groundwater permit, Department of Natural Resources, DNR
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/11/2026 - House Transportation & Infrastructure
Transportation & Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- fees that are distributed from 65% to 50% to be deposited into the watercraft licensing fund and from
- fees that are distributed from 65 to 50% to be deposited into the watercraft licensing fund and from
- Freddie to 50% to be deposited into the watercraft licensing fund and from 305 to 50% to be deposited
- The department does have concerns on the fiscal impact it will have on our current watercraft program
- I can tell you right now for this program, the watercraft program, we have literally zero.
Keywords:
special license plates, transportation, funding, nonprofits, charitable contributions, boating, watercraft licensing, law enforcement, safety fund, state funding, Arizona Revised Statutes, towing regulation, private towing carriers, vehicle impound, towing rates, preemption, DUI, ignition interlock, substance abuse treatment, driving privileges
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment Committee Meeting - 2026-03-26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Is it the watercrafts that are causing some of these things to happen?
- Chair, Representative, we have approximately 650,000 registered motorized watercraft in Minnesota.
Keywords:
natural resources, environment, sustainability, conservation, outdoor recreation, wild rice, watercraft regulation, environmental protection, aquatic ecosystems, HF1426, product stewardship, extended producer responsibility, EPR, electronics recycling, e-waste, battery recycling, circuit boards, printed circuit boards, electrical products, covered products
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, members, House Bill 2398 requires a watercraft owner who provides a watercraft for rent in Arizona
- Chair members, House Bill 2398 requires a watercraft owner who provides a watercraft for rent in Arizona
- A peer-to-peer watercraft sharing program must provide proof of insurance before the watercraft sharing
- We operate 25 watercraft and 10 jet skis.
- We operate 25 watercraft and 10 jet skis.
Bills:
HB2091, HB2140, HB2320, HB2384, HB2398, HB2502, HB2780, HB2918, HB2939, HB2950, HB2999, HB4020, HB4026, HB4029
Keywords:
insurance, financial surveillance, regulations, assessments, Arizona Revised Statutes, investment, state treasurer, gold bullion, treasury management, financial regulations, school districts, bonds, financial advisors, elections, municipal advisors, cost of borrowing, lease agreements, school property, tax exemptions, impact aid revenue bonds
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Commerce and Small Business Committee Feb 18th, 2026
Commerce and Small Business
Keywords:
financial services, banking, insurance, debanking, social credit score, ESG, environmental, social, and governance, diversity, equity, and inclusion, DEI, religious freedom, free speech, viewpoint discrimination, political discrimination, firearms, gun industry, ammunition, fossil fuels, oil and gas, mining, timber
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/28/2026 - House Transportation & Infrastructure
Transportation & Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, House Bill 2398 requires watercraft owners who provide their watercraft for rent and for boat
- The bill requires watercraft owners who provide their watercraft for rent and boat liveries to maintain
- The bill makes a watercraft owner who provides a watercraft for rent, or a boat livery owner who causes
- a watercraft to be operated without the required insurance, guilty of a class three misdemeanor, and
- a class one misdemeanor if the watercraft is involved in an accident in this state.
Bills:
HB2003, HB2057, HB2109, HB2111, HB2112, HB2114, HB2256, HB2259, HB2317, HB2323, HB2398, HB2443, HB2446, HB2574
Keywords:
driver education, instruction permit, underage drivers, motorcycle licenses, traffic regulations, special plates, centennial, Arizona Department of Transportation, vehicle registration, commercial discounts, Arizona Centennial, distracted driving, portable wireless communication devices, motorcycles, traffic safety, civil penalties, driver license, examinations, motorcycle awareness, public safety
TX
Bills:
HB2385, HB3349, HB3962, HB3883, HB4396, HB4811, HB5088, HB4588, HB4867, HB4895, HB5398, HB5616
Keywords:
NRA, funding, major events reimbursement, annual meetings, exhibits, events trust fund, Pan American Games, Olympic Games, motor sports racing, local control, event support contract, INDYCAR, Arlington, tourism, funding eligibility, sporting events, economic impact, local governments, American Performance Horseman, American Rodeo
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/17/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, members, House Bill 2257 alters the allocation of the watercraft registration and fee revenues
- House Bill 2257 alters the allocation of the watercraft registration and fee revenues.
- The bill lowers the percentage from 65 to 55% to be deposited into the Watercraft Licensing Fund and
Bills:
HB2056, HB2057, HB2224, HB2257, HB2265, HB2311, HB2352, HB2367, HB2369, HB2446, HB2532, HB2592, HB2752, HB2809, HB2957
Keywords:
brackish water, groundwater, desalination, water resources, feasibility study, environmental impact, special plates, centennial, Arizona Department of Transportation, vehicle registration, commercial discounts, Arizona Centennial, produce incentive, agriculture, economic support, funding, Arizona, boating, watercraft licensing, law enforcement
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (02/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- These are different from the statutes on personal watercraft, a subclass of personal watercraft that
- These are different from the statutes on personal watercraft, a subclass of personal watercraft that
- These are different from the statutes on personal watercraft, a subclass of personal watercraft that
- These are different from the statutes on personal watercraft, a subclass of personal watercraft that
- RSA 270:74-C, personal watercraft, already regulates personal watercraft in terms of how close it can
Summary:
The committee first discussed scheduling and notice for upcoming executive sessions on a larger slate of bills, including plans to take up eight bills in the morning and possibly the last three bills in the afternoon, with caucus time provided if needed. The chair emphasized advance notice, publication, and flexibility if more bills are added later. The hearing then opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and proceeded to HB 568, a bill allowing local planning boards to request water supply studies for subdivisions to ensure water adequacy as housing density increases.
Representative Kat McGee, the prime sponsor, said HB 568 was developed after constituent concerns about private wells being affected by nearby development. She described the bill as narrowly tailored, non-mandatory, and intended to preserve local control while clarifying that planning boards may request studies under local regulations. She noted bipartisan support, an exclusion for community water systems and larger groundwater withdrawals regulated elsewhere, and said the bill would help prevent water shortages and related problems for new and existing homes. Questions from members focused on whether the bill should specify that it applies to subdivisions of four or more lots, since that language had been in an earlier version.
Testimony on HB 568 was mixed. Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors opposed the bill, arguing it lacked a definition of “water supply study,” could lead to expensive hydrology studies, and might raise housing costs; he suggested more work with DES or a study committee. DES administrator Brandon Kernin said the department had worked from a 2010 groundwater commission report, that such problems arise only intermittently in certain areas, and that the bill would make explicit local authority to adopt such ordinances. He also said DES data and homeowner surveys can help identify problem areas and that more robust wells could be considered in the long term. The committee noted 10 online submissions in favor and 3 opposed, plus blue-sheet testimony of 2 in favor and 1 neutral, and then closed the hearing on HB 568.
The committee immediately opened HB 582, a bill on safety requirements for operation of personal watercraft. Representative Darby, the sponsor, said the bill responds to the speed and maneuverability of modern personal watercraft, which he described as more like motorcycles on water than traditional boats, and cited a fatal accident on Lake Monomonac as an example of the risks. He said the bill is not intended to restrict ordinary recreation or wake surfing, but to update safety standards for a newer class of larger, quieter three-person PWCs. The hearing began with Darby’s presentation, and no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on SF2077 5/9/25
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> dealing with abandoned watercraft dealing with abandoned watercraft enforcement.<00:20:52.480><c
- Um this the abandoned watercraft.
- Um, so the with abandoned watercraft.
- It is abandoned watercraft provision.
- </c><00:32:58.159><c> It</c> related to abandoned watercraft. It related to abandoned watercraft.
Summary:
The conference committee on the Environment budget for Senate File 2077 met to introduce members and staff, then walked through the Senate and House budget spreadsheets side by side. Nonpartisan staff explained that the Senate budget was built around a smaller general fund increase and more use of environmental and dedicated funds, while the House met its target through several reductions, including cuts to DNR, PCA, and Board of Water and Soil Resources appropriations. The committee reviewed major agency items for the Pollution Control Agency, DNR, the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota Zoo, and other accounts, including operating adjustments, permit-related funding, and transfers between funds.
Several major differences were highlighted. For the PCA, the Senate included operating adjustments, permitting efficiency funding, composting grants, outreach funding, and a closed landfill investment fund approach that repeals an expiring statutory appropriation, while the House instead extends that appropriation for four more years. For the DNR, the Senate included operating adjustments, groundwater and AIS fee increases, aquatic invasive species funding, trail grants, outdoor schools for all, abandoned watercraft enforcement, and a sustainable foraging task force; the House had fewer of these fee and policy items and used reductions to meet its target. The committee also noted Senate-only policy provisions on outreach to diverse communities, field citations and mercury certification for skin-lightening products, disabled veteran license fee changes, and a moratorium on foraging rulemaking until July 1, 2027.
Agency testimony followed. The MPCA commissioner praised both chambers for recognizing core agency work and urged adoption of operating adjustments, the closed landfill fund access, and the air appropriation increase. The DNR assistant commissioner supported operating adjustments, groundwater and AIS fee increases, and the veteran license proposal, but raised concerns about the Senate’s foraging task force language, saying it overweights consumptive users and could limit the agency’s ability to manage foraging without clear data. He also noted support for the land transfer funding and said the agency would continue working with the committee on unresolved issues. No votes were taken in this portion of the meeting.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, members, House Bill 2398 requires a watercraft owner who provides a watercraft for rent in Arizona
- Chair members, House Bill 2398 requires a watercraft owner who provides a watercraft for rent in Arizona
- The bill also or class one misdemeanor if the watercraft is involved in an accident in Arizona.
- A peer-to-peer watercraft sharing program must provide proof of insurance before the watercraft sharing
- We operate 25 watercraft and 10 jet skis.
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee approved the March 16, 2026 minutes and then heard testimony on several bills, with the chair noting that votes would be taken in batches because members were coming and going. HB 2939 would increase the rural qualified facilities tax credit from $20,000 to $25,000 per job for certain projects with initial investment under $2 billion; Lucid Motors supported it as a rural economic development tool, while Senator Epstein questioned the fiscal note and whether the higher credit would actually attract new investment. HB 2950 would authorize tourism improvement areas funded by voluntary lodging assessments to support marketing and tourism promotion; the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association and Visit Phoenix backed it as a competitive tool for rural and urban destinations, and committee members focused on whether participation was truly voluntary and how the assessments would be administered.
HB 2780 made technical conforming changes to Arizona’s property tax lien foreclosure and excess proceeds sale process, building on a prior law that created a mechanism for delinquent property owners to recover equity; the sponsor and a longtime constituent said the changes would fix timing and credit-bid language so qualified entity sales could work in practice. HB 2502 would let certain elected officials in ASRS retire at normal retirement age without resigning their office, with the employer paying the alternate contribution rate; ASRS said it was neutral, and the sponsor argued the bill would treat elected officials more like other ASRS members. The committee then adopted do-pass recommendations for HB 2502, HB 2780, HB 2950, and HB 2939, with each passing on split votes.
The committee also adopted a striker to HB 2140, allowing the State Treasurer to invest up to 10% of state trust and treasury monies in physical gold or silver bullion held in secure U.S. depositories. The sponsor and the Sound Money Defense League argued it would diversify reserves and hedge against market disruption, while opponents said gold is volatile, costly to store, and not something taxpayers need the state to buy. HB 2140 then passed as amended on a 4-2 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 2398, as amended, which requires commercial liability insurance for watercraft rentals and peer-to-peer boat sharing programs, with supporters saying it addresses uninsured rental boats and law enforcement concerns; the bill passed as amended on a 6-1 vote. The committee also heard HB 2999, a major housing-finance bill creating state affordability infrastructure districts to finance public infrastructure through bonds and assessments; proponents said it would lower housing costs by spreading infrastructure costs over time, while contractors and some senators raised concerns about payment risk, impact-fee treatment, and whether savings would reach homebuyers. After adopting a striker and hearing extensive questions, HB 2999 passed as amended on a 6-1 vote.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, this exempts a watercraft owner who provides a watercraft for rent or charter in Arizona fewer
- Another watercraft literally ran her over.
- That watercraft driver had no idea how to handle the watercraft, the skidoo, and the renter had not taken
- If you're going to let somebody borrow your watercraft, fine.
- Let somebody borrow your watercraft, fine. That's a different story from renting it.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call, then approved the journal and spent much of the early session on personal privilege remarks, guest introductions, and proclamations. Recognitions included Arcadia High School’s 2026 state championship boys basketball team, the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, Diné College and Navajo sovereignty/Indigenous higher education, Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, and Route 66’s centennial. The chamber also honored Senator Lela Alston for her long legislative career and retirement, with remarks from colleagues and a musical tribute after recess.
The Senate then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered three House bills. HB 2048, dealing with orders of protection and process service, was amended and recommended do pass. HB 2398, concerning watercraft insurance requirements and penalties, was amended after debate over a floor amendment exempting some infrequent boat rentals; the amendment was adopted over opposition from Senator Epstein, and the bill was recommended do pass as amended. HB 2611, relating to child welfare and group home safety, was amended with changes requiring DCS reporting and standards for group foster homes, and was also recommended do pass as amended.
On third reading, the Senate passed HB 2198, HB 2434, HB 2764, HB 2772, HB 2837, HB 2868, HB 2906, and HB 2996, with HB 2772 drawing a 17-9 vote after Senator Gonzales objected that it could affect emergency responders seeking driver’s licenses from patients. HB 2868 passed 25-1, HB 1668 passed 25-1, and the rest passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to SB 1168, SB 1254, and SB 1668, then passed SB 1168 and SB 1254 on final reading and sent them to the Governor; SB 1668 also passed final reading and was sent to the Governor. The chamber then recessed.
OK
Keywords:
corporation, corporate governance, business entities, Oklahoma General Corporation Act, limited liability company, LLC, shareholder rights, beneficial owner, controlling shareholder, control group, interested director, fiduciary duty, books and records inspection, corporate records, ratification, defective corporate acts, putative stock, stock issuance, treasury shares, rights and options
OK
Keywords:
corporation, corporate governance, business entities, Oklahoma General Corporation Act, limited liability company, LLC, shareholder rights, beneficial owner, controlling shareholder, control group, interested director, fiduciary duty, books and records inspection, corporate records, ratification, defective corporate acts, putative stock, stock issuance, treasury shares, rights and options
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and heard several bills, mostly business, licensing, and economic development measures. HB 1277, presented by Rep. Hill, updated OESC job-search requirements and added flexibility for rural residents; it passed 8-0. SB 1217, an OREC request bill presented by Rep. Osborne, would allow a person to tour a house without first signing a contract with a real estate agent; after questions about federal real estate settlement issues and buyer-agent compensation, it passed 7-1. SB 1826 would eliminate the sunset on the Oklahoma Enterprise Zone Incentive Leverage Act and passed 8-0. SB 1824 updated the Oklahoma General Corporation Act as a mirror to a House bill and passed 8-0. SB 1813 would allow the governor to enter athletic trainer licensure compacts with other jurisdictions and passed 7-1. SB 1326 modernized self-storage facility operations and passed 7-0.
The committee then took up SB 1937, the Taxpayer Dollars Protect Workers Act, which would condition economic development incentives on labor-practice requirements intended to preserve secret-ballot organizing, employee privacy, and employer rights. Rep. Blancett raised concerns that the bill could harm the film, entertainment, and Olympic-related industries and undermine economic diversification, while Rep. Lepak argued it was aimed at preventing coercive organizing tactics and said similar measures had passed in other states. After a brief debate, the bill passed 5-1-2. Finally, SB 1641, requiring an email address in LLC articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State, passed unanimously. The committee then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- This exempts a watercraft owner who provides a watercraft for rent or charter in Arizona fewer than four
- Another watercraft literally ran her over.
- That watercraft driver had no idea how to handle the watercraft, the skidoo, and the renter had not taken
- If you're going to let somebody borrow your watercraft, fine.
- Let somebody borrow your watercraft, fine. That's a different story from renting it.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/12/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #28
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, members, as passed the House, House Bill 2398 requires watercraft owners who provide for rent
- the bill by expanding the requirement to maintain a commercial boat liability policy to include a watercraft
- owner of a charter, allowing the watercraft owner to maintain a personal liability boat policy with
- liability endorsement instead of a commercial boat liability policy, and requiring a peer-to-peer watercraft
- owner of a charter, allowing the watercraft owner to maintain a personal liability boat policy with
Summary:
The committee heard concurrence and Senate-amendment explanations on a series of House measures. HCR 2001 would place a constitutional question before voters on election-related changes, including limiting voting to U.S. citizens, banning foreign national election contributions, requiring government-issued ID, and allowing ballot tabulation at the voting location; supporters described it as an election-security and faster-counting measure, while members noted possible county costs and the need for future appropriations if approved. HB 2305 on private towing was described as a statewide response to predatory towing, with Senate changes delaying local rate updates and creating a study/reporting framework for towing enforcement. HB 2321 would require DCS to place security freezes on children’s credit records, but the Senate removed the appropriation. HB 2397 revised HOA/condominium sale-notice procedures, and HB 2398 required insurance coverage for peer-to-peer or charter watercraft rentals while clarifying that ordinary boat ownership would not be mandated to carry insurance.
The committee also reviewed HB 2406, which the Senate struck and replaced with confidentiality protections for records involving deceased minors and minor victims of child abuse; HB 2408, which revised nursing board complaint and expungement procedures, added complainant confidentiality protections, and required public posting of policy statements; and HB 2755, which was substantially rewritten to facilitate the sale of underperforming state trust lands by allowing certain lessees to apply to purchase parcels through an appraisal-and-auction process. Members discussed a specific Dairy Queen/state land parcel example as the practical impetus for HB 2755. HB 2957 would bar governments from requiring digital/mobile driver licenses for services and limit ADOT’s retention and use of identity documents and biometric data, with the sponsor emphasizing privacy and federal-law carveouts.
Finally, HB 4005 would require AI instruction in schools, with the Senate expanding it from district-level instruction to grade-specific student requirements and directing ADE on curriculum development. Supporters framed AI literacy as essential for students’ future competitiveness and ethical use, while opponents objected to the mandate and questioned its fit for charter schools and core academics. The meeting ended after the committee moved through the bills and adjourned.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, House Bill 756 by Representative Fontenot provides relative to personal watercraft.
- Garrett would like to speak about in some language in this bill that talks about personal watercraft
- Garrett would like to speak about in some language in this bill that talks about personal watercraft
- But still on all other types of watercraft... ...operating personal watercraft. Gotcha.
- There's multiple reasons why they typically are not approved for personal watercraft.
Summary:
The committee first adopted the 2025 minutes, then took up House Bill 727, which would allow burning untreated, unpainted dimensional lumber such as two-by-fours. The bill was presented as a narrow exemption to existing restrictions on burning construction debris, and it was reported favorable without objection.
Members then heard from DEQ Secretary Courtney Burdett on House Bill 697, the department’s sunset/recreation bill. She outlined DEQ’s work on permit modernization, interagency coordination, field inspections, spill response, criminal investigations, environmental education, and small business assistance. Members raised issues including a large waste-tire site, an oil spill response, and a stormwater discharge issue at Smitties. The committee praised DEQ’s responsiveness and reported the bill favorable without objection.
House Bill 758, dealing with DEQ fees, was then considered. The bill and amendment package would update and increase various permit and program fees, add annual or biennial CPI-based adjustments, and remove outdated provisions, with the stated goal of aligning revenues with expenditures and reducing reliance on the state general fund. Several industry and landowner groups supported the measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorable.
The committee also advanced House Bill 726, which increases penalties for abandoning vessels and related gross littering. Members discussed how abandoned boats are identified, owner notice procedures, registration versus title issues, hurricane-related losses, and protections for older or distressed owners. Wildlife and Fisheries said the bill targets intentional dumping and that existing law allows case-by-case discretion for true hardship situations. The bill was reported favorable. House Bill 756, concerning personal watercraft, was also reported favorable after testimony that it would require reasonable suspicion for vessel stops, align state rules more closely with federal boating safety standards, and update provisions on accident reporting and inflatable PFDs.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 767, which creates recreational alligator hunting license and lottery fees contingent on separate legislation authorizing the season. Supporters said the measure would help create a recreational opportunity while generating conservation funding, but landowners and commercial harvesters warned the fee may be too low, the proposal may be moving too quickly, and recreational harvest could affect commercial operations and landowner interests. After extensive discussion, the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorable. House Bill 964, authorizing a state property transfer in Caddo Parish, was also reported favorable, and the meeting adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Feb 9th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- Highway Patrol and his team to make purchases specifically for watercraft without having to come and
- We have watercraft that probably averages between $200,000 each today when you think about the kind of
- Every time we need a new watercraft, Every time we need a new watercraft, they have to literally come
- As I just stated, watercraft alone are over $200,000, upwards of $300,000 today.
- It also would probably include inspecting watercraft to make sure that they’re out there.
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee Substitute combining House Bills 2592, 2834, and 2787. The substitute and the combined bill were then voted do pass, with the final tally clarified as 15 ayes and 0 noes. The committee then moved to hearings on several public safety and corrections-related bills.
House Bill 1786, sponsored by Rep. Voss, would raise the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s purchase authority for vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and specialized equipment from $100,000 to $500,000 before separate legislative approval is needed. Supporters said the current cap is outdated because patrol equipment costs have risen sharply, especially for watercraft, armored vehicles, bomb trucks, and aircraft equipment, while still leaving procurement oversight in place. There was no opposition testimony, and the hearing concluded without a recorded committee vote in the transcript.
House Bill 2885, sponsored by Rep. Hovis, would direct the first $1 million in annual boat registration fee revenue away from general revenue and into the Water Patrol Division. Supporters said boating registration revenue has declined while the division’s operating costs have increased, and that the change would better fund water safety, search and rescue, dive operations, and enforcement. The committee also heard House Bill 2694, which would exempt four fee-supported DPS funds from end-of-biennium sweeps to general revenue: the Highway Patrol Academy Fund, the State Forensic Laboratory account, the Boiler and Pressure Vessels Safety Fund, and the Elevator Safety Fund. DPS testified that the sweeps make long-term planning difficult and can undermine cash needed for training, lab support, inspections, and staffing, while members raised concerns about fund balances, guardrails, and whether surpluses should instead trigger fee reductions.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1712, sponsored by Rep. Veit, which would make intentionally failing to charge an electronic monitoring device a crime, closing what sponsors described as a loophole in current law. The sponsor and a Cole County sheriff said some monitored defendants intentionally disable or interfere with devices, while the sheriff explained that electronic monitoring is used selectively after risk assessment and can help keep lower-risk defendants out of jail. Members asked about remote charging access, battery warnings, and whether the system is sometimes difficult for compliant users; the sheriff said most cases involve intentional tampering, but the program remains flexible for legitimate problems. The committee adjourned after the hearing on House Bill 1712, and no opposition testimony was presented on that bill.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Feb 9th, 2026
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- Highway Patrol and his team to make purchases specifically for watercraft without having to come and
- We have watercraft that probably averages between $200,000 each today when you think about the kind of
- Every time we need a new watercraft... ...them to perform their services.
- Every time we need a new watercraft, they have to literally come to the budget committee and say, would
- It also would probably include inspecting watercraft to make sure that they're out there.
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee substitute combining House Bills 2592, 2834, and 2787 into one measure. The combined substitute was then voted do pass by a unanimous roll call, recorded as 15 ayes and 0 noes after a brief correction to the tally.
The committee then heard House Bill 1786, which would raise the Highway Patrol’s spending threshold for purchasing vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and related specialized equipment without returning to the legislature from $100,000 to $500,000. The sponsor and Highway Patrol witnesses said the current cap is outdated because boats, armored vehicles, bomb trucks, and aircraft equipment now cost far more than $100,000, while members asked about inflation, the revolving fund, and whether a lower increase might be more appropriate. No opposition testimony was offered.
Next, House Bill 2885 was heard. It would redirect the first $1 million in annual boat registration fee revenue away from general revenue and into the Missouri Water Patrol Division. The sponsor and Highway Patrol said registration revenue has declined while operating costs have risen, and the division needs the money to support enforcement, search and rescue, dive operations, and boating safety programs. Members asked how much revenue is collected and whether the change would affect other programs; testimony indicated the bill would mainly earmark existing revenue rather than increase overall department funding.
The committee also heard House Bill 2694, which would exempt four fee-supported funds from the end-of-biennium sweep to general revenue: the Highway Patrol Academy Fund, the State Forensic Laboratory Account, the Boiler and Pressure Vessels Safety Fund, and the Elevator Safety Fund. The sponsor and Department of Public Safety witnesses said the sweeps make long-term planning difficult and can disrupt training, lab support, and safety inspection operations, though members raised concerns about excess balances, guardrails, and whether fee reductions should be considered if reserves grow too large. Finally, House Bill 1712 was heard; it would make intentionally failing to charge an electronic monitoring device a crime, closing a loophole in existing tampering law. The sponsor, a sheriff, and other witnesses said the bill addresses deliberate attempts to evade monitoring, while members discussed battery warnings, rural access to electricity, and the costs and benefits of pretrial release. No votes were taken on the later bills before the committee adjourned.