Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy will come to order
• The transition to a circular economy doesn't happen automatically.
• Well, I mean, plastic has stored energy.
• And we've successfully cleaned up over 6,000 residential homes.
• energy goals.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy heard department budget overviews and several budget change proposals from CalRecycle, CalEPA, and DTSC. CalRecycle presented its 2026-27 budget and discussed priorities including edible food recovery, composting, beverage container recycling, and landfill response. Members asked about funding for food recovery grants, processing fees for wine and spirits containers under SB 1013, plastic packaging generation under SB 54, restaurant food waste requirements under SB 1383, and litter cleanup efforts. CalRecycle said edible food recovery has helped recover more than 300 million meals, but there is no sustained funding source; it also explained that beverage container processing fees are set by statute and that new producer responsibility and infrastructure investments are intended to improve recycling rates over time. The committee then heard CalEPA’s overview, including the agency’s response to climate, air quality, water, toxics, and enforcement challenges. Secretary Garcia emphasized federal rollbacks, methane monitoring, AB 617 implementation, safe drinking water progress, Exide cleanup, and pesticide reduction efforts. Members questioned the agency about regional gasoline blends, authority and technical thresholds for landfill intervention, and the growth in the Secretary’s office staffing and budget. CalEPA said the budget increase reflects expanded coordination, technology modernization, hazardous materials response, and legal capacity. The committee also discussed a proposed landfill support, response, and enforcement package for subsurface elevated temperature events, with CalEPA describing a coordinated multi-agency approach and the need for stronger early response tools. DTSC presented its department overview and several BCPs. Director Butler highlighted progress on permit backlog reduction, safer consumer products rulemaking, Exide cleanup, PFAS work, and planning for emerging waste streams such as solar panels and lithium batteries. The Board of Environmental Safety described its oversight role, public meetings, permit appeals, and fee-setting authority, and identified community concerns about cumulative impacts, hazardous waste planning, accessible data, and engagement. The committee also heard a proposal to expand DTSC’s Office of Policy into a statewide planning division to implement hazardous waste management plan recommendations and improve reporting systems. Members raised concerns about whether the new division duplicated existing work, but DTSC said it would fill identified gaps and improve coordination. Public testimony largely supported the proposals, especially ongoing funding for edible food recovery, composting, safer consumer products enforcement, and the coordinated landfill response package. Witnesses from StopWaste, California Against Waste, Waste Management, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, and water advocacy groups urged continued or increased funding for these programs. No votes were taken; the chair held all items open and adjourned the hearing after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we could increase flows and put clean water back into the aquifer.
• Toilet to tap is the word that everybody's using, you know, will this water be clean enough?
• Toilet to tap is the word that everybody's using, you know, will this water be clean enough?
• Clean, fresh water is a precious, limited resource here in Florida.
• Clean, fresh water is a precious, limited resource here in Florida.

Bills: S0598 , S0934 , S1260 , S1300 , S1452 , S1510 , S1566 , S1580 , S1668 , S7034

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Summary: The committee first took up appointments, recommending confirmation of James Patrick Grambling and Brian J. Aungst on a single favorable vote. It then heard and approved several committee bills, including CS/CS/SB 1260 on building code inspections, which directs the Department of Management Services to contract with private providers for plan review and inspections; CS/SB 1668 on NICA, which updates benefits, oversight, funding, and immunity language; SB 1300 on a workforce/CDL training program for selected nonviolent inmates; CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services; CS/SB 1580 on illegal gaming enforcement; CS/SB 934 on Florida Keys affordable housing tax exemptions; and CS/CS/SB 1452, an agency bill updating DFS programs and licensing rules. Each of those bills was reported favorably after committee debate and, in several cases, amendments were adopted. The committee spent substantial time on CS/CS/SB 1510, the DEP package, which reorganizes environmental rulemaking and land acquisition authority, expands septic-to-sewer and nutrient-reduction requirements in sensitive areas, updates stormwater and resilience provisions, and revises related permitting and grant programs. Two amendments were adopted, including one adding solar-energy and stormwater-related provisions and another removing septic disclosure reporting language. Testimony included support from DEP and concerns from environmental advocates about septic timelines and implementation. The bill was ultimately reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/CS/SB 1566 on local government budget transparency, requiring counties and municipalities to post budgets and related materials online for extended periods in a standardized format. The League of Cities opposed the bill as an unfunded mandate, while the sponsor argued it would improve taxpayer access and accountability; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 7034, a rule ratification for minimum flows and levels for the lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and priority springs, with testimony focused on the proposed Water First restoration strategy, conservation measures, and concerns about water quality, funding, and local opposition. The transcript ends during closing remarks on that ratification bill, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh they certified to Minnesota uh they certified to Minnesota management<00:29:31.159><c> and</c
• </c> account balance cleaned account balance cleaned up<00:43:09.000><c> and</c><00:43:09.200><c> to<
• </c> documented fraud cases here in Minnesota documented fraud cases here in Minnesota from<01:04:35.079
• A Minnesota felon was just charged by the Minnesota Attorney General in a $7.3 million fraudulent Medicaid
• </c> representing Maxa the Minnesota representing Maxa the Minnesota Association<01:32:14.480><c> of<

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• We are cleaning up the definitions for... ...being removed.
• We are cleaning up the definitions for obscene material and lewd matter.
• This will save costs and time and energy. With that, Mr. President, debate is open.
• And we say that because we're in a strong economy, we justify not using even a modest amount because
• That keeps them in the economy, and it keeps our economy strong.

Transcript Highlights:

• :51.520><c> by</c> of clean, abundant, affordable energy by of clean, abundant, affordable energy by
• The Kawia project has been generating clean, renewable energy since 1907.
• The Kawia project has been generating clean, renewable energy since 1907.
• The Kawia project has been generating clean, renewable energy since 1907.
• </c> protect the Central Valley's clean protect the Central Valley's clean energy<04:49:58.878><c> future

Transcript Highlights:

• We have fertilizer, but it's green, so it's worth just like renewable energy, like a REC.
• As mentioned earlier by Atlas Agro, the federal 45V clean hydrogen production tax credit provides $3
• per kilogram of hydrogen that is produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy.
• And it's what we're looking for as we clean up Central Washington.
• These upgrades don't just serve our facility; that facility also opens the door for other clean tech

Bills: SB5816 , SB5971

Committee: Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, green fertilizer, low-carbon, sustainability, incentive program

Transcript Highlights:

• as you know, Chair and others, I'm sponsoring the legislation for quantum physics... to bring that economy
• A good example is advanced clean energy.
• New Mexico can drive innovation around clean energy.
• They are primarily cleaning up language in our rules.
• Really, otherwise, it's just aligning our rules with our practices. practice and cleaning up language

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• members across North America, which produce over 90% of renewable natural gas, turning waste into clean
• renewable energy.
• while putting otherwise waste and energy to productive use.
• can be directed toward climate resilience projects, public transit, mitigating health impacts, and clean
• energy investments that benefit everyone, not just those who can afford to fly frequently.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on bills related to transportation, telecommunications, and utilities, with Senators Eldridge, Rausch, and Jehlen and House members including Co-Chair Madaro, Leader Donato, Representatives Paulino, Wells, Gómez, and Plouffe present. The chairs reviewed hearing procedures, deadlines for written testimony, and the new joint rules governing action on bills. No votes were taken; the hearing was for testimony only and was adjourned after public comment. Testimony began with strong support for Senate Bill 1998 and House Bill 3230, An Act Enhancing Renewable Heating Solutions for the Commonwealth. A representative of the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas said the bill would help decarbonize heating by allowing utilities to use renewable natural gas and other qualified renewable fuels, while also supporting jobs and local economic development. The committee then heard support for House Bill 4082, which would make the Title V septic tax credit refundable; the Falmouth Water Quality Management Committee said this would better help lower- and middle-income homeowners facing costly septic upgrades or sewer connections in nitrogen-sensitive coastal areas. The committee also heard opposition to House Bill 4080 and Senate Bill 1924 from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, which argued that higher aviation fuel taxes would not be justified without a clear aeronautical use for the revenue and noted federal restrictions on aviation fuel tax proceeds. In contrast, a coalition opposing private jet expansion supported Senate Bill 1924, saying a higher jet fuel tax would better align tax policy with climate and public health goals and help address aviation emissions. Finally, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council supported House Bill 3050 on regional ballot initiatives, arguing that local revenue tools could help cities and towns fund transportation projects and reduce pressure on state transportation dollars.

Transcript Highlights:

• And within a year, they built a brand-new, energy-efficient building, became the symbol of Greenberg's
• Composites, energy, for example, we need to evolve into new clean energy, fusion, hydrogen, it goes on
• In recent years, the U.S. economy has seen significant economic growth in the U.S. and the U.S. economy
• And I think particularly around the energy issues around AI, there's a particular interest, plus all
• You know, we always talk about small businesses being the backbone of our economy.

Committee: House Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Minnesota Historical Society. Minnesota Historical Society. Um<00:07:59.640><c> Mr.
• </c> and I'm from Monticello, Minnesota. and I'm from Monticello, Minnesota.
• Minnesota. Minnesota.
• </c> Minnesota 4 Wheel Drive Association. Minnesota 4 Wheel Drive Association.
• Nature's economy is in free fall while the human economy grows.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for Prosperity chapter here in Minnesota for Prosperity chapter here in Minnesota we<00:21:43.880
• Please support HF 2 as a beginning to cleaning up the financial mess Minnesota is in and preventing more
• Please support HF 2 as a beginning to cleaning up the financial mess Minnesota is in and preventing more
• Please support HF 2 as a beginning to cleaning up the financial mess Minnesota is in and preventing more
• beginning to cleaning up the financial<01:40:24.520><c> mess</c><01:40:25.239><c> Minnesota</c><01:40

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• That was the entire economy of Winsborough, all of it.
• There are less expensive forms of energy here: natural gas, which is plentiful here.
• That has been cleaned up. We were working with the parish. That has been cleaned up.
• We drive the economy forward because we have an entire wraparound program.
• that sector of the economy, and we're doing really tremendous and cutting-edge work there.

Committees: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development , House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum, adopted the prior meeting minutes, and heard a series of agriculture-related bills, most of them sponsored by Representative Domain or Chairwoman Butler. The first major bill, HB 121, would expand the Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s authority over imported seafood by allowing its inspectors, in addition to the Department of Health, to seize and destroy adulterated seafood already under stop order. Representative Domain and Commissioner Strain framed the bill as a seafood-safety and anti-fraud measure aimed at protecting Louisiana shrimpers from tainted imports and bad actors. Members asked about cost, testing rates, countries of origin, and whether the bill would affect imported shrimp prices; the commissioner said it would not raise consumer prices and that Louisiana’s testing is focused at retail rather than ports. HB 121 was reported favorably with no objections. The committee then considered HB 725, which requires restaurants/retailers to retain invoices from imported seafood vendors for six months. After a technical amendment changing the bill’s one-liner from “restaurants” to “retailers,” the bill was explained as a recordkeeping tool to help auditors verify country-of-origin and labeling compliance without costly product testing. It was reported favorably with amendments. The committee also heard a bill reducing the required number of annual meetings for the Agriculture Finance Authority from four to two; Commissioner Strain said the change would streamline operations when there is no business to conduct, and it was reported favorably. Next, the committee took up HB 344 and HB 370 dealing with the Grain and Cotton Indemnity Fund. HB 344 raises the fund’s balance thresholds for suspending and restarting assessments, while HB 370 increases the assessment rate on agricultural commodities to replenish the fund more quickly. Commissioner Strain described recent large losses from grain broker bankruptcies, including Hansen-Mueller, and explained that the fund has been paying farmers but needs a larger balance to handle future defaults. Members discussed the risks posed by brokers, the adequacy of bonding, and the need to protect farmers and rural communities; both bills were reported favorably. The committee also advanced HB 367, aligning Structural Pest Control Commission hearing notices with the Administrative Procedure Act, and HB 847, which modernizes Soil and Water Conservation district supervisor elections by shifting administration to the Secretary of State and updating petition and ballot procedures after a crowded, ballot-short election. Finally, HB 505 streamlined certification and renewal rules for commercial applicators, pesticide salespersons, and agricultural consultants, including a technical amendment to keep unexpended pesticide-fund money in the fund; it too was reported favorably with amendments. After the bills, Commissioner Strain gave a lengthy update on the state of agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture. He highlighted continued pressure on shrimp from low-cost imports, currency shifts, and inadequate domestic marketing and cold storage, as well as ongoing seafood labeling enforcement and testing. He also discussed feral swine damage, drought and wildfire concerns, fertilizer and diesel cost increases, crop acreage trends, and export efforts for rice and timber, including Louisiana wood pellets used in the United Kingdom. LSU Ag Center Dean Matt Lee followed with a presentation on the center’s research and extension work, emphasizing its statewide network, high research ranking, and the economic return from agricultural science, especially in sugarcane variety development. He said LSU Ag Center research has helped Louisiana maintain strong sugar production and supports producers across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• How can we build a foundation and a future for Minnesota agriculture and for the people of Minnesota?
• So I just want to go of Minnesota?
• Uh, I'm proud to be from Minnesota, proud to be a farmer here in Minnesota.
• That's about half the total land area in Minnesota. We have about 67,000 farms in Minnesota.
• Minnesota. So a is a tremendous economic Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• The mayor mentioned the Clean Corridors Program.
• Clean Tech Incubator. I'm here. Awesome. Thank you. Great.
• energy and transportation being two of the key levers that get us there.
• energy and transportation being two of the key levers that get us there.
• energy as possible.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on planning for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games, focusing on infrastructure, transportation, sustainability, ticketing, community benefits, and legacy planning. LA28’s Joey Freeman reported on overall progress, including new soccer venues across the country, strong ticket demand, a volunteer program launched early, $2.5 billion in corporate sponsorships, and recently enacted state laws to support route networks, temporary infrastructure, medical staffing, and EMS coordination. He also said LA28 is sponsoring AB 2436 to extend in-state tuition eligibility for Team USA student-athletes training in California. Members pressed LA28 heavily on ticket affordability and access, saying the local presale and low-cost ticket rollout had not met community expectations. Several senators asked for clearer numbers on how many tickets were available, how many were under $100, and how community ticketing would work, with concerns that nonprofit distribution could still miss low-income residents. LA28 said $28 tickets were offered, roughly 500,000 low-cost tickets were placed with local residents during the presale, and a community ticketing program seeded by philanthropy would provide free tickets through nonprofits. Senators also raised concerns about gender parity data, security funding, and whether federal support would remain stable. Mayor Karen Bass said the city’s theme is “Games for All” and emphasized that Los Angeles wants the Games to benefit every neighborhood through small-business contracting, cultural programming, and lasting infrastructure. She described city-run small business summits, a broader Cultural Olympiad effort tied to murals and neighborhood storytelling, and watch parties and fan fests as free community alternatives. Bass also requested state help speeding approvals for key public-land improvements, allowing mutual aid for law enforcement without a state of emergency, and addressing freeway trash and encampments that could affect access to venues. Members asked for follow-up on those requests, including details on permitting, Caltrans coordination, and business participation. The final panel began with an infrastructure presentation from Councilmember Paul Krekorian, who said the Games are a no-build, transit-first event and outlined requests for street and sidewalk improvements, accessibility upgrades, energy and charging infrastructure, a joint operations center, active transportation projects, and cleanup of Caltrans rights of way. He argued the Games could generate $18 billion in economic output, support 90,000 jobs, and produce at least $700 million in state and local tax revenue, while also leaving behind permanent community benefits. He closed by pointing to Los Angeles’ history with the 1932 and 1984 Games as evidence that the city can deliver a successful and financially positive Olympics.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have grown Virginia's economy. And with that, Mr.
• This legislation seeks to amend the Code of Virginia relating to the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation
• This bill creates the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank to finance clean energy projects, greenhouse
• As a reminder, this bill makes clean energy more affordable, more accessible, and more practical for
• Speaker, as a reminder, this bill makes clean energy more affordable, more accessible, and more practical

Transcript Highlights:

• They cleaned it up and needed it.
• </c> left with the murals on how to clean left with the murals on how to clean those<00:08:36.320><c>
• </c><01:11:04.480><c> efficiency</c> the next one is our energy efficiency the next one is our energy
• So if they get a Department of Energy.
• </c> clean up a little take that sentence. clean up a little take that sentence.

Summary: The meeting began with approval of partial minutes, with members noting that DHS/HHS material was not yet included and that the minutes would be finalized later. The committee then heard from the General Court about several dedicated funds. Testimony explained the Joint Legislative Historical Fund, which receives a $25,000 annual general fund appropriation and transfers from visitor center sales above a $50,000 threshold, and is used for portrait maintenance, chamber work, Hall of Flags upkeep, and other historical preservation needs. Members also discussed the preservation of the Civil War flags in the Hall of Flags, with the General Court stating the flags are monitored through annual high-definition photos and that no immediate stabilization project is planned. A question about Union cemeteries was raised but the witness said he had no knowledge of federal funding for them. The committee also reviewed the visitor center revolving fund and noted that the accounting presentation is confusing because transfers are netted out so the fund ends each year at $50,000. Members suggested the narrative should clearly identify the transfer amounts and actual revenue, and staff agreed to note that in future reporting. The General Court then described its special legislative account as a stability reserve for capital and emergency needs, citing past uses such as the plaza ADA renovation, the legislative parking garage, and moving operations to One Granite Place. Members asked about interest earnings and were told the account is held in the treasury and any interest goes to the general fund unless statute directs otherwise; no additional funding was recommended at this time. The Department of Administrative Services then presented the law enforcement memorial fund, explaining it is a long-standing leftover construction fund with a small balance that has not been needed because the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial Officers Association privately funds memorial upkeep and plaques. Members discussed whether the state should transfer the remaining money to the nonprofit, but no decision was made; the department said it would research whether such a transfer is legally possible. The department also reviewed the former land conservation endowment fund, now moving to Fish and Game under House Bill 2, and explained that it primarily covers administrative costs, management fees, and investment losses for a long-term conservation program. Members asked about the fund’s large balance and the increase in expenses, and were told the fund is intended to last indefinitely and that future reporting will shift to Fish and Game.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of Ocean Energy Management, U.S.
• the California Energy Commission.
• In fact, it is a critical resource material for the clean energy revolution because it's so lightweight
• So when energy is cheap and abundant, you can turn up the volume of water you produce; when energy is
• will be using more energy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, sounds like we're cleaning up the capital budget. Let's hear from...
• Ameresco is one of the largest energy services companies in North America.
• efficiency and energy resilience to clean energy production and climate pollution reduction.
• and energy efficiency space.
• Thank you very much. and projects in the energy and energy efficiency space. Thank you very much.

Bills: SB5872 , SB5879 , SB6047 , SB5988 , SB5923 , SB5832 , SB5970 , SB5994 , SB5949

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: preK promise account, early childhood education, child care, preschool, pre-kindergarten, DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, state treasury, trust fund, investment earnings, gift grants donations, dedicated account, general fund, nonreverting balance, appropriation, treasurer, Washington early learning, school readiness, education assistance program, legislative audit

Transcript Highlights:

• Of a luxury tourism development economy with the Ski Valley.
• We clean up any kind of ambiguities in terms of calculations and timing of disbursements, you know, in
• So geothermal is one of those energy resources that has a whole lot of positives, and barely.
• This is an extremely high energy density site. It generates a very tiny bit of land.
• So that's things I think a lot of people can get behind lower energy bills.

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Maye Quade replied that she had spoken with the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society.
• Senator Johnson Stewart said she had said the wrong thing: it is not Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
• , it is Missouri River Energy Services.
• Energy Society, it is Missouri River Energy Service.
• </c> last year by the League of Minnesota last year by the League of Minnesota Cities Cities Cities that

Committee: Senate State and Local Government