Video & Transcript Research : 'waterways'

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AL
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Agriculture and Forestry Committee Feb 12th, 2025

Agriculture and Forestry

TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism May 8th, 2025

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

LA
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Natural Resources May 27th, 2026

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • address invasive species like giant salvinia, which has had a devastating impact on many of our waterways
  • address invasive species like giant salvinia, which has had a devastating impact on many of our waterways
Bills: HCR54, HCR79, HCR87, HCR94, HCR104, HB1209
Keywords: migratory waterfowl, hunting regulations, flooded crops, wildlife management, environmental impact, hunting, Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, deer hunting, dogs, conservation, hunting heritage, federal regulations, Senator Kennedy, wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, legislative support, environment, protective measures, boating safety
KY
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 59 (4-14-26) - Part 1

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

HI
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WAL Public Hearing - Tue Feb 10, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Water & Land

Transcript Highlights:
  • . >> Okay, next up is HB 1956 relating to freshwater waterways. >> Um, the chair’s recommendation is
  • Recommendation adopted. >> Okay, next up is HB 1956 relating to freshwater waterways. >> Um, the chair
  • > okay next up is HP1 1956 relating to fresh<01:36:42.560> freshwater<01:36:43.280> waterways
  • <01:36:44.560> Um<01:36:45.119> the fresh freshwater waterways.
  • Um the fresh freshwater waterways.
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.
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Business meeting to consider S.28, to require the disclosure of a camera or recording capability in certain internet-connected devices, S.97, to require SelectUSA to coordinate with State-level economic development organizations to increase foreign d Mar 12th, 2025 at 08:30 am

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Bills: SB244, SB28, SB289, SB323, SB389, SB414, SB428, SB433, SB582, SB613, SB759, SB792, SB841, SB843, SB97
Keywords: national security, cybersecurity, consumer technology, routers, modems, study, communication, consumer protection, smart devices, transparency, internet-connected devices, FTC enforcement, broadband, infrastructure, federal programs, internet access, accessibility, affordability, deployment, government coordination
Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an important meeting where they discussed various bills aimed at addressing pressing issues like consumer protection, technology, and environmental management. Chairman Cruz opened the meeting by emphasizing the role of subpoenas in ensuring accountability and oversight, highlighting a recent compliance from several parties following such threats. The meeting progressed to consider several bills, including the Romance Scam Prevention Act championed by Senator Blackburn, which seeks to protect vulnerable populations from online dating scams that have resulted in enormous financial losses, particularly among seniors. The committee also nominated Michael Kratios for the Office of Science and Technology Policy and Mark Medder for the Federal Trade Commission, underscoring the significance of leadership in fostering innovation and consumer protection in technology sectors.
KY
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 60 (4-15-26) - Part 1

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

KY
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 60 (4-15-26) - Part 2

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

KY
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 59 (4-14-26) - Part 2

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

HI
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WAL Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST

Water & Land

Transcript Highlights:
  • Next up, we have HB 1956 relating to fresh waterways.
Bills: HB1739, HB1741, HB2606, HB2362, HB2608, HB2294, HB2431, HB2375, HB2582, HB2585, HB2231, HB1601, HB2424, HB1956
Keywords: transit-oriented development, zoning, land use, urban planning, density, local governance, housing, inclusionary zoning, inclusionary mandate, affordable housing, below-market-rate housing, inclusionary housing, development exaction, impact fee, housing affordability impact fee, needs assessment study, financial feasibility, rough proportionality, essential nexus, county ordinance
Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 19, 2026, and the chair opened by emphasizing strict time limits and that all bills would be deferred if the agenda was not completed before the noon session. The first major measure discussed was HB 1739 HD1, which would preempt county land-use authority in transit-oriented development areas. The Department of Planning supported the bill, saying it could promote state-funded TOD and infrastructure, while the city and county’s position was raised in questioning. Unite Here Local 5 opposed the bill, arguing it would strip counties of self-determination, disrupt state-county policy collaboration, and remove a check on unrestrained development. Committee members pressed the supporters on whether the bill was really about higher density and whether it would override local zoning and sustainability concerns. The committee then heard testimony on HB 1741 HD1, a housing bill described by supporters as reducing inclusionary housing mandates and increasing supply. Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued affordability mandates reduce overall housing production and raise market-rate prices, while a Zoom testifier said the bill would improve housing stability, health, and community outcomes for working families, kupuna, and young residents. Members asked about the bill’s needs assessment and who would conduct it, with a witness saying the counties would likely contract it out but that the bill did not clearly specify the reviewer. HB 2668 HD1, dealing with water heating systems, drew testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office and industry representatives. Supporters generally backed adding heat pumps to the law, but one solar-water-heater industry witness asked for amendments to remove or extend the current 15-year statutory life limit for solar water heaters and to update outdated standards and variance rules. A Kauaʻi Climate Action Coalition witness opposed the existing solar-only structure, arguing heat pump water heaters are cheaper, align with climate goals, and should be allowed without a variance. The Energy Office said the current law already allows variances in some cases, suggested adding high-efficiency heat pump water heaters to the exemption, and said the 15-year figure may be too short, with 18 years mentioned as a possible alternative. The committee also briefly moved through several other bills, including HB 2606 HD1 on off-site construction and HB 2362 HD1 on housing, with no notable testimony or action recorded in the excerpt.
FL
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 11, 2025 - 10:15 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • influx of actors who are now profiting off of our waterways.
  • This is exactly what's going on in our waterways.
  • We appreciate the waterways. We love to see the wildlife come.
  • same waterways.
  • It's about ensuring that our waterways remain safe, It's about ensuring that our waterways remain safe
Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met and heard several bills on boating, anchoring, plastics, coastal resilience, and permitting. HB 735, expanding the Boating Improvement Program to fund boat-trailer parking at public ramps and offering a submerged land lease discount for manufacturers using environmental best practices, drew no opposition and was reported favorably. HB 371, a nature-based coastal resilience bill, was amended with a strike-all and then reported favorably with committee substitute. HB 287, allowing building or plumbing permits to move forward while septic system permits are still under review, also passed favorably after testimony from the onsite wastewater industry and a brief debate about construction delays and final occupancy certification. The committee also took up HB 565 on auxiliary containers, which would preempt local regulation of items like bags, cups, and bottles and maintain statewide uniformity. The sponsor argued it protects consumer choice and business consistency, while environmental groups, PTA representatives, and others warned it would worsen plastic pollution, microplastics, and local cleanup burdens. Despite opposition and a 13-5 vote with several members opposed, the bill was reported favorably. Members also discussed HB 565’s policy background, including prior DEP studies and the tension between state preemption and local environmental regulation. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 565 in the transcript’s boating context, actually HB 565 on anchoring limitations in Biscayne Bay and other heavily impacted areas. Supporters from Miami Beach and North Bay Village said derelict and anchored vessels are harming waterways, seagrass, public safety, and enforcement efforts, while cruisers and boating groups argued the bill would displace responsible boaters and fail to solve derelict-vessel problems. The committee adopted an amendment, then reported the bill favorably with committee substitute by an 18-0 vote. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were completed and the subcommittee adjourned.
AL
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Apr 2nd, 2025

Boards, Agencies and Commissions

Transcript Highlights:
  • has passed an act declaring it to be a public waterway.
  • Can you say we will not allow you any access onto a navigable waterway, which is a public waterway?
  • Which is a publicly owned waterway.
  • The question we were asked is, is it a public waterway?
  • The question we were asked is, is it a public waterway? Why do you say it is a public waterway?
Bills: HB471, HB473
Keywords: water authority, sewer management, fire protection, local governance, board of directors, local officers, water recreation, public access, water bodies, recreational use, water commissions, 1136, house, all
AL
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Ports, Waterways and Intermodal Transit Committee Jan 14th, 2026

Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is the first meeting of the 2026 session of the Ports and Waterways Committee.
  • <00:06:20.000> When decisions involving your waterways.
  • When decisions involving your waterways.
  • Involve the waterways of best decisions.
  • <00:06:54.880> In<00:06:55.039> Jesus to value your waterways. Yes.
Bills: HB38, HB39, HB181, HB38, HB39, HB181
Keywords: district attorneys, prosecutorial function, law enforcement, criminal procedure, legal advice, paternity, putative father registry, adoption, legal rights, parental rights, HB181, Alabama Building Renovation Finance Authority, bond authorization, state bonds, capital improvements, public buildings, State Capitol, renovation finance, public office facilities, infrastructure financing
AL
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee Apr 9th, 2025

Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill is stemming from the closure of a naval waterway in Mobile County, Big Creek Lake by Malls,
  • But it being a navigable waterway, there wasn't easy... navigable waterway, there wasn't easy statewide
  • Big Creek was declared a navigable waterway and a public highway by the legislature in 1858.
  • Now, we do recognize that even though we contend, and I think we could prove it's a public waterway,
  • They have put booms across the waterway there to keep anybody from coming under the bridge.
Bills: HB352, HB366, SB272, SB296
Keywords: HB352, cotton, cotton bale assessment, cotton levy, cotton producers, agriculture, forestry, Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee, per bale fee, commodity assessment, producer referendum, cotton sales tax, Alabama Code 2-8-199, cotton commission, agricultural funding, HB366, Lakyn Canine Act, police dog, K9, K-9
FL
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Environment and Natural Resources Feb 4th, 2025

Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • They can obstruct the waterway.
  • The leaching of hazardous materials into the waterway as the derelict vessel degrades is also an issue
  • They can obstruct the waterway.
  • The leaching of hazardous materials into the waterway as the dairy-lick vessel degrades is also an issue
  • And last question, Madam Chair, is when the derelict vessels are removed from the waterways, where do
Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources received a presentation from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on derelict vessels, enforcement challenges, and a long-term stored vessel study. FWC reported about 1,040 derelict vessels currently in its database, with roughly 600 new cases entering each year, and noted that hurricanes account for a large share of recent cases. The agency explained the legal definition of derelict vessels, the environmental and navigation hazards they create, and its enforcement process, including investigation, notice to owners, administrative hearings, removal authorization, and recovery of costs through registration holds. FWC also described prevention efforts such as at-risk vessel enforcement, nuisance vessel designations, public awareness campaigns, and the vessel turn-in program, which has received more than 250 applications and removed more than 145 vessels since rollout. Committee members asked about owner resistance to removal, rapid-response options for hazardous vessels, county differences in derelict vessel numbers, and how local governments participate. FWC said only a small percentage of owners contest removals, that the agency relies on contractors and does not generally have its own removal equipment, and that local governments may conduct removals with their own funding but must still provide due process. Members also asked where removed vessels go; FWC said they are taken to landfills, with recyclable materials recovered, and that storage is used only when necessary for public safety because it is costly. The presentation also highlighted the long-term stored vessel study, which found a strong correlation between long-term anchored vessels and later derelict vessels, especially in Monroe County. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the committee adjourned after Senator Errington moved to adjourn and there was no objection.
FL
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Environment and Natural Resources Mar 3rd, 2025

Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • So we are working, but 1379 really opened the opportunities for anybody that had impaired waterways to
  • When we did the Clean Waterways Act, we allowed. What level of treatment would they like going in?
  • So where were we before Clean Waterways to after Clean Waterways with the amount of systems that are
  • Waterways Act, it looks like... ...back when was that there was only a limited amount of systems.
  • Boaters, responsible boaters, want to help maintain Florida's waterways.
Summary: The committee began with a presentation from the Florida On-Site Wastewater Association on advanced onsite wastewater treatment systems. Roxanne Groover described several technologies used in Florida, including NSF-245 systems, performance-based treatment systems, in-ground nitrogen-reducing biofilters, membrane/media filters, and sequencing batch reactors. She emphasized that these systems can substantially reduce nitrogen compared with conventional septic systems, discussed permitting and maintenance requirements, and noted that some grant programs help fund upgrades in springs and other impaired-water areas. Members asked about phosphorus and PFAS treatment, funding for non-springs watersheds, incentives for new construction, and whether more data should be collected on system performance. The committee then took up CS for SB 164 on vessel ownership, derelict vessels, and anchoring/mooring rules. The bill was explained as clarifying who is responsible for derelict vessels and using vessel title as prima facie evidence of ownership. Two amendments were adopted: one requiring FWC to offer an electronic long-term anchoring permit system and clarifying that the permit does not override other anchoring limits, and a technical amendment correcting a drafting error. Public testimony included opposition from a cruiser advocacy representative who argued the bill would unfairly restrict responsible boaters and harm the marine economy, and support from another boating coalition representative who said the bill was a proactive step to address derelict vessels. The committee then passed CS/SB 164 favorably by roll call. Finally, the committee considered SB 38, which makes clarifying changes to FWC trust funds. The bill would allow investment and carryover of the administrative trust fund balance, expand use of the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund for feline disease research, monitoring, and habitat acquisition, and allow use of the Non-Game Wildlife Trust Fund for law enforcement and related coordination agreements. With no debate or opposition, the committee passed SB 38 favorably by roll call and then adjourned.
FL
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Transportation Mar 4th, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • While my wife and I cruise the Gulf and Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, we come across many restricted
  • But they are charged with keeping our intracoastal waterways clear for navigation.
  • access to the waterways.
  • But they are charged with keeping our intercoastal waterways.
  • access to the waterways.
Summary: The Transportation Committee took up several bills and agency priorities. SB 44, as amended, increased penalties for operating a vehicle with unauthorized red or blue lights and for obscuring a license plate, including new penalties for using, possessing, manufacturing, or selling license-plate obscuring devices. The sponsor and supporting law enforcement witnesses said the bill addresses widespread plate obstruction and enforcement problems; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also passed SB 654, designating a railroad overpass in Starke as the Heroes Memorial Overpass, and SB 620, creating a Miami-Dade College specialty license plate with proceeds supporting scholarships and limited administrative/marketing costs. The committee then considered SB 594, which would allow Florida deep-water ports to seek Fish and Wildlife Commission approval for no-anchoring/no-mooring buffer zones adjacent to port channels and turning basins. An amendment clarified the application process, review timeline, rulemaking, and enforcement. Port representatives supported the bill as a way to protect channels and commerce, while several boating and cruising advocates opposed it, arguing the 5,000-foot buffer was excessive, could create safety issues, and would displace anchored vessels without adequate alternative dockage. Despite the opposition, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard a presentation from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on its 2025 legislative priorities, including stricter proof-of-address and identification requirements for vehicle registration, changes to tank vehicle and IFTA rules, a higher crash-report damage threshold, and electronic notice options. Secretary Perdue then outlined FDOT priorities focused on workforce development, research, rural road funding, small business participation, consistent traffic-control standards, modal infrastructure, transit accountability, spaceport support, advanced air mobility, and shifting some power-consumption revenues to the Transportation Trust Fund to offset electric vehicle impacts. No votes were taken on the agency priorities, and the meeting adjourned after members recorded additional affirmative votes on SB 44 and SB 654.
FL
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Environment and Natural Resources Feb 4th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • The construct the waterway, the leaching of hazardous materials into waterways, Adair, wrestle degrades
  • But they do in on the waterways.
  • I know the pretty aggressive in how they manage their waterways and very our environmentally aware in
  • Some of that has been delegated down to the people that are running their their waterways office and
  • And last question, Madam Chair is when the derelict this vessels are removed from the waterways, where
Keywords: 999, senate, all
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Environmental Regulation Apr 24th, 2025

Environmental Regulation

Transcript Highlights:
  • River is one of the most pristine waterways in Texas.
  • The ecological health of the pristine waterway outlined in this bill is not guaranteed.
  • This is our chance to do the right thing to clean up our roadways, waterways, and beaches.
  • But Texans spent thousands of hours cleaning up our highways, waterways, and beaches.
  • But Texans spent thousands of hours cleaning up our highways, waterways, and beaches.
Bills: HB1730, HB1823, HB2048, HB2266, HB2440, HB3333, HB4086, HB4271, HB4413, HB4839, HB4841, HB5151
Keywords: PFAS, perfluoroalkyl substances, polyfluoroalkyl substances, forever chemicals, public health study, environmental regulation, drinking water, groundwater, surface water, food packaging, chemical exposure, firefighters, chemical manufacturing workers, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, Railroad Commission of Texas, Department of State Health Services, University of Houston, occupational exposure, contaminants
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Forested lands reduce erosion and prevent sediment-laden runoff from entering our waterways.
  • and the overall waterways licensing program for tidelands and navigable waters.
  • A fishing property adjacent to a waterway is somewhat unique for us.
  • We really believe that now is the time for New Bedford to take back control of its own waterways.
  • We really believe that now is the time for New Bedford to take back control of its own waterways, to
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states. The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.