Video & Transcript Research : 'native forests'
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AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee Feb 5th, 2025
Veterans and Military Affairs
TX
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
Joint Hearing: Senate and House Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding Jul 23rd, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- about that, and we were also adding Parks and Wildlife, the Department of Public Safety, TxDAP, the Forest
- ...some of the TIFMAS apparatus that you fund through the Texas A&M Forest Service.
- The Texas A&M Forest Service has a A few trucks, but most of those you grant money down to the local
- The Texas A&M Forest Service brings four-wheel drive motor graders to the fight in the panhandle to support
- The great thing that we have going with our partnership with TDM, DPS, Parks and Wildlife, and the Forest
Keywords:
flooding, emergency response, communication systems, first responders, disaster management, Texas Water Development Board, regional planning, public safety
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Jul 23rd, 2025
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- The Forest Service, AgriLife, the Public Utility Commission, and our teams were ready to support weather
- with the exception, I believe, of some of the TIFMAS apparatus that you fund through the Texas A&M Forest
- The Texas A&M Forest Service has a few trucks, but most of those you grant money down to the local governments
- The Texas A&M Forest Service brings four-wheel drive motor graders to the fight in the Panhandle and
- The great thing that we have going with our partnership with TDM, DPS, Parks and Wildlife, and the Forest
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 2 - 05/18/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul, the Forest Lake Veterans Memorial, the Fairmont Opera House, and the Litchfield Opera House.
- Paul, the Forest Lake Veterans Memorial, the Fairmont Opera House, and the Litchfield Opera House.
- <02:11:34.480>
Paul, <02:11:34.800>the <02:11:34.960>Forest <02:11:35.280> - Paul, the Forest Lake Home in South St.
- Paul, the Forest Lake Veterans<02:11:36.079>
Memorial, Veterans Memorial, Veterans Memorial, um
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/26/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- today to have this conversation so that we can ultimately get money for this curriculum so that other Native
- And there's a few things that I do want to say is that Native Americans only make 1% of the population
- to say<01:43:07.199>
is <01:43:07.440>that <01:43:08.000>um <01:43:08.400>Native - <01:43:08.719>
Americans <01:43:09.199>only say is that um Native Americans only say - is that um Native Americans only make<01:43:09.679>
1% <01:43:10.080>of <01:43:10.239><
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 01/29/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- People, uh, determined to—I don’t know if you’d say natives or born in the state or, I don’t know how
- past few years—for Black or African-American workers, for Latino men and women, and for Asian and Native
- past few years—for Black or African-American workers, for Latino men and women, and for Asian and Native
- past few years—for Black or African-American workers, for Latino men and women, and for Asian and Native
- Americans um I'm going to throw a Native Americans um I'm going to throw a question<00:42:35.800>
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (05/20/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, Darlene Forest<00:38:13.040>
is <00:38:13.200>the <00:38:13.359>administrator - ><00:38:13.760>
of <00:38:13.920>the Forest is the administrator of the Forest is the administrator- Representative Elberger said he was a native New Yorker and that one of his deep concerns was that the
- ><00:38:13.760>
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 110, as amended by the Senate, which would establish fees for alteration-of-terrain applications and direct the Department of Environmental Services to adopt rules for a permit-by-notification process for certain projects. Trisha Milo introduced the bill for Senator Lang and noted that the department had worked on the amended language. Matt Mayberry of the New Hampshire Homebuilders Association said the industry strongly supported the bill, describing it as a public-private partnership that would speed review for developers without affecting local control, with builders paying the costs rather than taxpayers.
Members focused heavily on how the bill’s fee structure and permit thresholds would work, especially for projects near shoreland, wetlands, and protected water bodies. Representative Opel raised concerns about whether the bill reduced review of habitat and shoreland impacts or shifted costs unfairly; Philip Trobridge of DES explained that the bill does not eliminate those reviews and that shoreland projects still receive greater scrutiny. He said the bill creates different tiers, with the permit-by-notification process applying to certain projects between 100,000 and 150,000 square feet that are not in protected shoreland, while larger or shoreland-affected projects remain under the standard review process. He also said the proposed fees were based on sustaining the program, covering added habitat and species review responsibilities, and keeping reviews efficient.
Trobridge said the new fee structure would generate about $1.2 million in additional revenue and help fund additional staff and related program costs. He stated that the department had worked with the regulated community and believed the fees were fair and reasonable, though he acknowledged the bill’s wording was confusing and that the threshold could be revisited later if the new process works well. Members also discussed how the state process interacts with local approvals, and Trobridge said both state and local approvals are required before a project can begin. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 64 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- rostrum First Lieutenant Miguel Santana, a guest of Second Assistant Majority Leader Frank Moran, a native
- Frank Moran is a native of Lawrence who served his community and country valiantly as a member of the
Summary:
The House first took up several routine matters, adopting resolutions recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival and congratulating Father Gerald Francis Finnegan, S.J., on his long ministry. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow a petition establishing a sick leave bank for a Massachusetts State Police employee to go to the Committee on Public Service. The chamber then moved to Senate Bill 2543, An Act Strengthening Health Care Protections in the Commonwealth, and adopted the Ways and Means amendment before sending the bill to third reading.
Later, after the bill was released from third reading, the House considered it on final passage. Supporters described the measure as protecting reproductive and gender-affirming care, patient data, providers, and Massachusetts residents from out-of-state interference, while also incorporating federal emergency care requirements. Amendment 4, which would have barred state funding for campaign ads discouraging pregnant women from using pregnancy resource centers, was rejected. Amendment 8, which would have broadened the bill to include refusals of care and other preventive care for adults and minors, was also rejected after opposition argued it could allow one parent to block care for a child. Amendment 6, as changed, narrowing certain data protections to abortion-related care, IVF, and gender-affirming care, was adopted.
The House also adopted Amendment 7, clarifying that businesses handling information for payment, treatment, or health care operations would not violate the bill, and Amendment 9, directing the Commissioner of Public Health to convene a technical advisory group to review a section of the General Laws. After these amendments, the bill passed to be engrossed by a vote of 136-23. The House then observed a moment of silence for victims of the Gabriel House assisted living fire in Fall River and adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 45 Apr 22nd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Serving in the Native American caucus for 12 years, most of the time as co-chair, working with other
- And a thank you to Representative Dollens for the work that he's done on behalf of our native tribes
Keywords:
4-H, youth development, community service, education, volunteering, Oklahoma, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, SB171, state government, Capitol security, peace officer commission, legislative security, Department of Public Safety, Commissioner of Public Safety, President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Criminal Judiciary REVISED: HB3996 - Added Feb 17th, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Criminal Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- This amendment addresses and clarifies, per federal law, geofenced gaming online for Native tribes per
- the... ...gaming online for Native Tribes per the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Bills:
HB1322, HB3053, HB3180, HB3244, HB3269, HB3299, HB3301, HB3302, HB3430, HB3497, HB3584, HB3586, HB3587, HB3606, HB3742, HB3743, HB3755, HB3764, HB3767, HB3835, HB3848, HB3903, HB3905, HB4108, HB4130, HB4142, HB4227, HB3996
Keywords:
domestic violence, offenders registry, public safety, law enforcement, victim protection, conviction records, elderly, parole, criminal justice reform, inmate rehabilitation, Oklahoma statutes, firearms, handgun permits, self-defense, training requirements, Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, elderly exploitation, identity theft, crimes and punishments, criminal offenses
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Jan 13th, 2026
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll start with Travis Moore, waiving in support on behalf of the Florida Native Plant Society.
- Travis Moore, waiving in support on behalf of the Florida Native Plant Society.
Keywords:
golf courses, best management practices, fertilizer regulation, Department of Agriculture, environmental protection, certification, beach management, beach erosion, beach nourishment, coastal resilience, shoreline protection, critical erosion, critically eroded beach, Florida DEP, Department of Environmental Protection, coastal flooding, compound flooding, storm surge, inlet management, coastal engineering
Summary:
The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 636 on beach management, by Senator Leek, would create additional pathways for counties and municipalities to obtain critically eroded beach or area of critical state concern designations, shifting the process toward a more proactive approach. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell raised concerns about local capacity and funding, and the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association said the bill was an alternative pathway but emphasized the need for more recurring funding. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 544, which transfers the Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification Program from DEP to FDACS and establishes certification and training standards there. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell asked about environmental oversight, taxation, and whether the change would affect state park restrictions; the sponsor said it would not change tax treatment or park rules and that DEP would still handle enforcement if BMPs are not followed. The Florida Springs Council opposed the bill, arguing golf courses are not agriculture and warning of weaker protections for springs, while the Florida Golf Course Superintendent's Association supported the move as a continuity and participation measure. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Smith voting no.
SB 848 on stormwater treatment, also by Senator Trunow, was amended to clarify the role of water quality enhancement areas while stormwater rules are still being finalized and to make public-land project review forward-looking. Resource Environmental Solutions supported the amendment and bill as providing a clearer market for water quality credits, and the Florida Home Builders Association supported the measure. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 546 by Vice Chair Mayfield would require 30-day public notice before meetings reviewing the sale or exchange of state conservation lands, including at water management districts; after a technical amendment, it received support from conservation groups and was reported favorably.
The committee also received a DEP presentation on the State Park Amenities Report, which said Florida’s 175 state parks drew over 28 million visitors and generated a $3.6 billion economic impact. DEP identified nearly $759 million in needed repairs and upgrades over 10 years and $1.39 billion in contemplated new construction and development in unit management plans. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/27/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- of NG's Minnesota community solar projects was even featured in The New York Times, highlighting native
- of NG's Minnesota community solar projects was even featured in The New York Times, highlighting native
- <00:51:11.880>
resilient <00:51:12.319>mix <00:51:12.799>of <00:51:13.000>native - planted with a resilient mix of native planted with a resilient mix of native grasses<00:51:14.720
- New York Times highlighting native New York Times highlighting native pollinator<00:51:21.559>
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (01/27/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a semi-retired forester and renewable energy consultant.
- I'm a semi-retired forester and renewable energy consultant.
- <02:29:16.760>
products we represent the forest products we represent the forest products - But I don't want us to lose a view of the forest for the trees.
- <05:51:42.160>
for want us to lose a view of the forest for want us to lose a view of the
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Farewells - 05/18/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But it indeed is the experience of a tree in the forest that leads to song and dance and finally music
- a<02:58:19.880>
tree <02:58:20.600>in <02:58:20.760>the <02:58:20.880>forest - the experience of a tree in the forest the experience of a tree in the forest that<02:58:22.960>
- I was the first to see him, for I grew out on the pasture slope beyond the forest. He was a man.
- cracking, the moss bearing asunder, and behind me the others, my brothers, forgotten since dawn, in the forest
Summary:
The meeting was a Senate retirement recognition session held after adjournment sine die, with the presiding officer relaxing decorum so members could speak, applaud, and interact more freely. The chair explained the order of speakers and noted that retiring members would be recognized from their desks, with a plaque presented by Senate leaders and photos taken afterward. The session was framed as a celebration of service for retiring senators and a tribute to staff, families, and colleagues.
Senator Mann spoke first, thanking constituents, family, staff, colleagues, and advocates, and highlighting policy accomplishments such as banning non-compete clauses, wage transparency, breast cancer screening coverage, protections for students, expanded health coverage, pharmacy benefit manager reforms, physician workforce changes, the medication repository program, and paid leave. She also used her remarks to criticize racism, sexism, and broader threats to women’s and people of color’s freedoms, urging civic engagement and warning against erosion of democracy. Senator Tou Xiong followed with a personal farewell centered on his mother’s refugee experience, his family’s sacrifices, and gratitude to mentors and colleagues; he emphasized the value of public service, bipartisan cooperation, and the idea that Minnesota should be a model for the country.
Senator Howe gave a faith-centered retirement speech reflecting on his path from humble beginnings, his family, military and public service, and the importance of humility, justice, mercy, and listening to constituents. Senator Klein looked back on a decade in the chamber, including the pandemic and the George Floyd unrest, and said the Senate’s decorum and relationships endured through difficult times; he cited a bill he helped pass for a child needing a prosthetic blade as an example of the legislature’s best work. Senator Draheim began his remarks by thanking his wife and children and joking about his discomfort with speeches, then described being recruited to run for office despite never seeing himself as a politician.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Info Briefing - Wed Oct 29, 2025 @ 11:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So I did want to clarify that this last category does not include Native Hawaiian because, as defined
- under the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act, that primarily applies to Native American or Alaskan Native
- that this last category does not clarify that this last category does not include<00:15:14.480>
Native - <00:15:14.880>
Hawaiian <00:15:15.839>because <00:15:16.240>as include Native - Hawaiian because as include Native Hawaiian because as defined<00:15:17.120>
under <00:15:17.519
Summary:
The committee on Human Services and Homelessness received a briefing from Scott Morish of the Hawaii Department of Human Services on upcoming SNAP changes tied to the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1/OBBA) and on the federal government shutdown’s impact on November SNAP benefits. DHS described its SNAP workload and statewide participation, noting about 86,229 households and 168,947 individuals receiving benefits in September, with roughly $58–$60 million distributed monthly. Morish said DHS has already made system and policy updates in preparation for the November 1 implementation date.
Most of the briefing focused on expanded able-bodied adult work requirements. DHS explained that the work rule now applies to additional groups, including adults ages 55 to 64, households with dependent children age 14 and older, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and youth ages 18 to 24 who transitioned from foster care. The department said affected individuals must generally work or participate in qualifying activities for 80 hours per month, with noncompliance leading to a three-month benefit limit and a 36-month ineligibility period. DHS also reviewed exemptions, including for disability, pregnancy, caregiving, school or training, unemployment, and substance use treatment, and clarified that the new Indian Health Care Improvement Act exemption does not include Native Hawaiians. DHS said it received approval for Hawaii’s request for a non-contiguous-state exemption from payment error penalties through September 30, 2026, but must still make good-faith efforts to implement the work rules.
Morish also outlined OBBA changes to non-citizen eligibility, saying that beginning November 1 only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible, while other previously eligible categories such as refugees, asylees, and some parolees will no longer qualify. He noted that ineligible non-citizens must still be included in household reporting and their income counted. The committee then discussed the federal shutdown’s effect on SNAP, with DHS saying USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP issuance because of insufficient funding; existing October benefits remain usable, and TANF and general assistance are not affected. DHS said it has posted FAQs and call-center messages, and is working with the Hawaii Food Bank on an additional $2 million in support and with nonprofit partners on a new Hawaii Relief program funded by TANF for families with dependent children. Members asked about eligibility for kūpuna and documentation for the relief program, and DHS said the TANF-funded program is limited to households with a child under 18, while FAQs are now available online.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here with the Bold Vision Youth Council as a representative of California Native Vote Project, and
- So, for example, you have the Native Americans; they were trying to be enslaved.
- But there's never times, you don't hear it ...from our Native American brothers and sisters, because
- If we're not familiar, there's a Native American opportunity...
- If we're not familiar, there's a Native American opportunity plan currently in the UC system.
Summary:
The committee hearing covered several higher education bills, with extensive testimony on student aid, affordability, and institutional debt. AB 587 would add veteran representation to the California Student Aid Commission; the author said the change would bring lived experience from the veteran community to student aid policy, and members raised a concern about keeping the commission’s membership odd-numbered, which the author said would be addressed by amendment. AB 791 would standardize cost-of-attendance housing calculations using objective data and improve notice of the adjustment process; supporters said current budgets often underestimate students’ real living costs, while UC, CSU, and independent colleges opposed or had concerns about the bill’s prescribed methodology, fiscal impact, and a 14-day turnaround for adjustments. AB 850 would create a one-term grace period for students with institutional debt to re-enroll while arranging repayment, bar reporting that debt to credit agencies, and require more transparency; proponents described students being blocked from continuing school over debts, while CSU, UC, and private-college representatives said they already use holds and payment plans and worried about added liabilities and budget pressures. AB 537 would extend the California College Promise Program to part-time community college students; supporters said most community college students attend part-time and should not be excluded from fee waivers, while the committee noted fiscal concerns but ultimately advanced the bill. AB 7 would allow universities to consider whether an applicant is a descendant of American chattel slavery in admissions as a reparative measure; supporters framed it as lineage-based reparative justice, while opponents argued it would function as a racial proxy and conflict with Proposition 209 and equal-protection principles. The committee took roll-call votes on the measures, advancing AB 587, AB 791, AB 850, and AB 537 to Appropriations, with AB 850 and AB 537 receiving fewer votes and the roll left open for additional members.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL Public Hearing 03-12-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Native Hawaiian Gathering Rights Association, and these are matter of fact, we have 22 support, no oppositions
- ><00:05:23.600>
aaka okay Aloha thank you um godre aaka okay Aloha thank you um godre aaka native - <00:05:24.840>
Hawaiian <00:05:25.280>Gathering <00:05:25.720>Rights native Hawaiian - Gathering Rights native Hawaiian Gathering Rights Association<00:05:28.000>
and <00:05:28.280> - nomination, very excited to support how you will add to the council and how you will continue to keep our Native
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land heard confirmation nominations for several DLNR-related boards and commissions, including GM 530 for Karen Ono to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, GM 582 for Jay Kenan to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission, and GM 584 for Adrien Trulock to the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board. The chair repeatedly noted the volunteer nature of these positions and said the committee would take up decision-making after hearing all nominees. Testimony and comments for each nominee were generally supportive, with agency representatives praising their preparation, experience, and willingness to serve.
For Karen Ono, DLNR and several supporters from Kauai testified in favor, describing her as highly prepared and effective on the board. Senators questioned her about DLNR land use, especially state lands near rail stations and whether they should be used for affordable housing rather than commercial development. Ono said she had not taken a board position on those specific proposals because they had not yet come before the board, but she acknowledged the importance of housing and infrastructure. She also responded to questions about DLNR’s management of transferred agricultural lands, saying concerns about the department’s ability to manage such lands had been raised before and remain relevant. One senator expressed strong reservations about the nomination based on the land-use answers.
For Jay Kenan, the NARS Commission testimony focused on the commission’s role in advising on land management and conservation policy. Kenan said he hoped to continue helping evaluate properties and policies, and he identified funding and staffing as the main challenge. DLNR staff explained that the position supporting NARS had been abolished and that the department had limited capacity to restore it because other priorities, such as fire-related positions, were taking precedence. The committee also discussed a separate bill affecting Legacy Lands funding through conveyance tax revenues, with members and agency staff expressing concern that the measure could reduce support for land संरक्षण efforts.
For Adrien Trulock, SHPD and DLNR staff strongly supported the nomination, citing her preservation background and experience with historic properties. Members discussed the importance of her expertise for reviewing nominations and appeals and for helping with preservation planning. The committee also raised broader concerns about delays in historic-place designations and the difference between state and federal review processes; SHPD explained that board approval places a property on the state register, while federal National Register review can still require revisions and cause delays. No final votes or confirmations were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- March, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission amended rules governing authorization of take for native
- The department will enforce live animal movement requirements that apply to native wildlife, with inspections
- private lands, including the recent adoption of a special take authorization for disease management in native
- I sit here as a native Texan, a former Texas A&M rodeo team member, if you can imagine it, and a Texas
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 21 Mar 9th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Jake is a junior from Perkins, president of the Native American Student section who wants to attend the
- They had some little Native American kids that their tribal identification was from Minnesota, and they'd
- I appreciate that, but here in Oklahoma, in Indian country, there are not enough Native Americans to
- adopt all the Native children, but when it comes to being white wanting to adopt tribal, it's very difficult
Bills:
HR1036, HB2975, HB3026, HB3297, HB2981, HB2978, HB4144, HB1322, HB1818, HB3194, HB3767, HB3342, HB3344, HB4170, HB3287, HB3288, HB4454, HB3264, HB3266, HB3268, HB4095, HB4115, HB4316, HB3530, HB3428, HB4272, HB4273, HB4274, HB3405, HB3406, HB3467, HB3469, HB3931
Keywords:
poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture, water quality, pollution prevention, best management practices, kindergarten, military families, education policy, school districts, international military dependents, age eligibility, towing services, Oklahoma Wrecker and Towing Services Fund, Department of Labor, vehicle storage fees, consumer protection, nonconsensual towing, open meetings
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks - Room 210, 2 February, 2026; 3:00 P.M.
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
Transcript Highlights:
- Enforcement Division, said illegal commercialization of wildlife, especially through exportation of native
- :22.720>
through <00:15:23.600>exportation <00:15:24.399>of <00:15:24.720>native - especially through exportation of native especially through exportation of native fish<00:15:25.519
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 2664, which would amend the lifetime hunting license program so anyone under age 18 could buy the license for a $500 fee. After a brief explanation and no questions, the committee adopted a motion for title sufficient and do pass, and the bill was reported.
Members then considered Senate Bill 2436, described as a step toward establishing a black bear hunting season in Mississippi beginning with the 2027-28 season. The bill would require the department to set rules based on black bear population data, use a lottery system for tags, create one annual governor’s tag, delay nonresident tags until at least 2032-33, cap those tags at 10%, and add penalties for violations. The committee again moved title sufficient and do pass with a committee substitute, and the bill was reported.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 2420, which would clarify last year’s hunting-season extension so that if a season ends on Friday or Saturday, it would continue through Sunday. That bill received a do-pass motion and was reported. Senate Bill 2659, creating a voluntary lifetime conservation legacy license for Mississippians over 65 for a one-time $250 fee, also passed the committee and was reported.
Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2660, the catfish bill, with testimony from a guest and department officials. Supporters argued the bill was needed to curb commercial harvesting of trophy catfish from the Mississippi River, protect the resource, and support tourism and events such as the Vicksburg catfish tournament. Department staff said a possible approach would be to prohibit transporting live catfish over 34 inches, which they said could help stop the practice without affecting farm-raised catfish. Members discussed concerns about impacts on local fishermen and clarified that the bill was aimed at Mississippi River waters; the committee did not reach a final vote on this bill in the portion provided.