Video & Transcript : 'conservation futures program' :
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FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There's $65 million proposed for the Florida Forever Land Conservation Program, but this is $35 million
- It's Florida Forever and a few other programs in the division that go toward acquisition of conservation
- There's $65 million proposed for the Florida Forever Land Conservation Program, but this is $35 million
- It's Florida Forever and a few other programs in the division that go toward acquisition of conservation
- Scholarship Program.
Summary:
The committee convened with a quorum, welcomed new member Senator Ralph Massullo, and first took up confirmation of five appointees to water management district and basin board positions. Senator McLean moved favorable confirmation of Ted Everett, Jerome Pate, Michael Romano, Paul Bissfam, John Hall, and Virginia Johns, and the motion passed by roll call.
The main agenda item was the Governor’s Florida First budget presentation for the environmental agencies. Kim Kramer and DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert outlined proposed environmental funding of about $5.8 billion, including more than $1.4 billion for water resources, $810 million for Everglades restoration, $408 million for water quality, $202 million for Resilient Florida, $75 million for beach renourishment, $150 million for Florida Forever, $70 million for state park infrastructure, and $221 million for hazardous waste cleanup. They also highlighted proposed funding for FWC operations, manatee care, python removal, oyster reef restoration, forestry and wildfire equipment, and citrus research and disease response. Members asked about Florida Forever funding, state park wastewater and septic needs, a cut to the Florida Wildlife Research Institute, and how beach renourishment is handled after storms.
The committee then heard the general government budget presentation. Agencies highlighted included DBPR, Gaming Control, the Lottery, DMS, PERC, DFS, OIR, and Revenue. DBPR discussed funding for license processing, an animal abuse hotline, vehicle replacement, and IT recruitment; Gaming Control requested new law enforcement squads and a licensing/enforcement IT system; the Lottery emphasized marketing, retail engagement, IT, and retention funding; DMS proposed building, fleet, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and local government grant investments; PERC described workload growth after SB 256 and requested staffing, operations, and pay increases; OIR sought more staff for consumer protection and market oversight plus building renovations; DFS highlighted My Safe Florida Home funding, fire marshal and first responder support, financial investigations, and gold and silver legal tender implementation; and Revenue requested operational, IT, and fiscally constrained county funding. Members questioned DBPR about unfunded HOA fraud and condo transparency items, DMS about cybersecurity grants, and DFS about My Safe Florida Home funding levels, abandoned grants, and reduced program uptake. No further action was taken, and the committee adjourned without additional votes.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 7th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This school security piece was a three-year pilot program.
- This is year three of a five-year program for a CRNA program. Follow up. Thank you.
- Their services being cut in their day programs that they went to.
- This budget is a shame to any conservative who, This budget is a shame to any conservative who put, or
- This is not a conservative vote. This is not a conservative bill.
Bills:
HB3418, HB3985, HB3463, HB3002, HB4303, HB3919, HB3416, HB3417, HB3415, HB2206, HB3414, HB3265, HB3310, HB3413, HB4486, HB1219, SR39, SB1177, HB3298, HB2696, HB3941, HB3970, HB3264, HB3321, HB2650, HB3497, HB3980, HB3981, HB4421, HB3177, HB3322, HB3499, HB3500, HB3845, HB3742, HB3622, HB1250, HB2710, HB3831, HB4408, HB1002, HB3008, HB3086, HB3595, HB3678, HB4107, HB3695, HB3315, HB3590, HB3006, HB3151, HB2959, HB2398, HB3026, HB3467, HB4268, HB3372, HB2210, HB4359, HB4427
Keywords:
public works, bidding procedures, construction contracts, transparency, public trust, electronic bidding, school districts, property rights, public nuisance, compensation claims, government enforcement, Oklahoma Safe Neighborhoods Act, municipal audit, state auditor, local government, financial transparency, gasoline tax allocations, counties, county officers, education
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer, and recognized the Doctor and Nurse of the Day, along with several visiting groups in the galleries, including the Goldsby Volunteer Fire Department and families honoring fallen firefighters Todd Pendleton and Brian Jenkins, the Sapulpa Elks Antlers, the Grove Chamber of Commerce, and northeastern Oklahoma cattlemen. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 39, celebrating the 100th anniversary of U.S. Route 70 and its economic importance to southern Oklahoma communities.
The main item of business was the Joint Committee Report for Senate Bill 1177, the General Appropriation Bill for the State of Oklahoma. Senators questioned the budget’s overall size, the use of gross production tax revenues, the new sovereign/endowment trust fund, Medicaid and Health Care Authority funding, mental health appropriations, child care subsidy funding, school security, career tech, tourism, the Commissioners of the Land Office, textbook allocations, and several other agency lines. The chair explained that the budget included about $1.5 billion in cash and sweeps, a $250 million base appropriation for the Health Care Authority, $200 million for the endowment trust fund, $31 million for PREP projects, $25 million for the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund, and other agency-specific appropriations and supplements.
Several members debated the report before adoption. Supporters argued the budget addressed agency needs and future savings, while opponents criticized it as a flat or spending-heavy budget that favored special projects and well-connected interests over core services such as child care, mental health, water infrastructure, and county needs. After debate, the Joint Committee Report for SB 1177 was adopted, and the Senate moved through the budget discussion with no recorded roll-call vote in the transcript provided.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Jan 21st, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- This is for our regional river cost-share program, which is a program that the district works with our
- program, and then our river community assistance program.
- which is a program that the district works with our communities to try to support which is a program
- program as addressed by our ag cost share program and then our river community assistance program we
- So it's a very important program.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from all five water management districts for FY 2026-2027: Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and how most of its spending is tied to the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Several directors noted budget reductions from the prior year largely because major projects were completed or because grant/appropriation funding is not yet fully reflected in preliminary budgets. Committee members repeatedly asked how districts project operations and maintenance costs, how projects are selected, and what share of staff and spending is devoted to core missions versus administration or regulatory work.
Northwest Florida Water Management District said its preliminary budget is $93.4 million, down about 15%, with 97% of spending tied to core responsibilities and a request for additional regulatory services funding. Suwannee River Water Management District presented a $70.4 million budget, emphasized its rural/agricultural character and spring protection work, and highlighted the Water First North Florida reclaimed-water recharge project; members also discussed its need for an additional FTE to handle consumptive use permit reviews tied to a new lower Santa Fe rule. St. Johns River Water Management District presented a $181 million budget, highlighted major water supply, water quality, flood protection, and land management projects such as Taylor Creek Reservoir, Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Crane Creek, and Lake Jessup restoration, and said about 93% of its budget supports core missions.
Southwest Florida Water Management District presented a $227.6 million budget, with major spending on alternative water supply, water control structure repairs, watershed projects, and land management; officials said 93.4% of the budget supports core missions and discussed rising construction costs for aging infrastructure. South Florida Water Management District presented the largest budget at $1.05 billion, focused on Everglades restoration, flood control, water supply, and ecosystem recovery; the director described major reservoirs and treatment projects, the EAA Reservoir, and ongoing efforts to improve water quality and restore flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay. The committee took no formal votes on the district budgets and adjourned after the presentations and questions.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Oct 8th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- by Chief Conservation Officer George Wharton.
- Lionfish outreach is another program, and that program was started in 2014 to raise awareness about the
- Another important program is our pet amnesty program, and the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program is one of the
- One more recent project is a pilot program with QM and Versa to manage the python removal contract program
- Is that program still in effect?
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government convened with a quorum present and excused Senators Arrington and Pizzo. The committee first took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 1 through 4, and Senator DiCeglie moved to recommend confirmation of all appointees together. The motion passed unanimously, and the appointees were favorably recommended.
The main presentation was from FWC Chief Conservation Officer George Wharton on invasive species management in Florida. He described the scale of the problem, including more than 500 non-native species reported in the state, and outlined FWC’s prevention, containment, removal, outreach, and research efforts. He highlighted risk screenings, the conditional/prohibited species framework, enforcement actions against illegal wildlife trafficking, and public programs such as the Florida Python Challenge, lionfish outreach, the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, and the “I’ve Got One” reporting app. He also noted ongoing removal efforts for pythons, tegus, lionfish, and iguanas, and discussed new technologies and partnerships aimed at improving control efforts.
Members asked follow-up questions about FWC issues beyond invasive species, including the status of special activity licenses for threatened species and giant manta rays, the upcoming bear hunt, and whether the committee could help reduce barriers to invasive species removal on federal lands. Wharton said all SAL permits for threatened species are currently suspended pending Commission review, that Florida is on track for a bear hunt this December with 172 permits issued across four subpopulations, and that bear management is based on scientific data while urban bear conflicts still require separate management. He also said federal partners are increasingly cooperative on python control, including commercialization of hides, and that drones, sentinel snakes, robotic lures, and AI-based traps may improve future invasive species removal. Senator Sharief and Senator Burton later requested to be recorded as voting affirmatively on tabs 1 through 4, and the committee then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, July 14, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the future of our nation. I thank Mr. the future of our nation. I thank Mr.
- Conservation and Access wetland conserv Conservation and Access Improvement<04:31:23.040><c> Act</c>
- NAWCA is one of the most successful conservation programs.
- The North American Wetlands Conservation Act is one of the most successful conservation programs administered
- Conservation Management and Jr. Conservation Management and Recreation<04:41:00.718><c> Act.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Oct 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And so when you look at conservation management of species, as part of of conservation and management
- of species is a very important part of conservation.
- I think it's a continued its continue program.
- But what I will say conservation us on the commission.
- for program.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development Apr 9th, 2026
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, so this itself is not a pilot program. It's to launch pilot programs. Yes.
- It's not a pilot program. It's to launch pilot programs. So we're...
- In the future, in the past.
- Office of Soil and Water Conservation.
- program, coastal wetland re-vegetation, Section 319, Program, coastal wetland re-vegetation, Section
Summary:
The committee took up several agriculture-related bills and first heard a series of presentations from Louisiana 4-H and FFA student leaders. The students described how those programs built leadership, public speaking, and career goals, and members from both parties responded with personal stories about their own 4-H/FFA experiences and support for agricultural education and youth development.
On House Bill 715, the committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The bill requires aerial applicators using public airports or landing fields to carry radios and transponders, with the author and members framing it as a safety measure to prevent near-misses and improve communication during takeoff and landing. On House Bill 663, the committee adopted amendments changing the composition of the Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District board, including removing certain ex officio or agricultural-related members, and then reported the bill favorably; the author said the district has evolved beyond agriculture to include economic development, energy, transportation, and grant work.
House Bill 717, dealing with labeling requirements for cell-cultured food products, was amended technically and reported favorably. The author said the bill simply increases and clarifies the font size and visibility of labels so consumers can more easily see that a product is lab-grown or cell-cultured, matching seafood labeling standards. House Bill 834 on animal shelters received 23 amendments, many technical, but also substantive changes preserving local control, allowing parishes and municipalities to designate or contract with shelters, setting a three-day hold period, clarifying transfer of ownership for stray animals, and providing good-faith liability protection; after discussion with the Police Jury Association and others, the committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably.
The committee also reported Senate Bill 349 favorably, which recreates the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, and Senate Bill 350 favorably, which makes a technical name change related to the Louisiana soybean association and board membership. After those votes, Commissioner Mike Strain gave a lengthy sunset-review presentation on the department’s structure, duties, boards, and programs, emphasizing its role in agriculture, forestry, food safety, animal health, weights and measures, and related regulatory and promotional functions.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Conservation and Natural Resources Mar 30th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Conservation and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- The Conservation and Natural Resources Committee met on Monday, March 30th.
- sure that program can continue in the future, and also that it helps future-proof it from inflation,
- With this bill, then those fees would continue, but that would help hopefully future-proof the program
- The Future Caucus held two meetings.
- And during this session by the Future Caucus, the Future Caucus held two meetings with a variety of expert
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> future of our students. future of our students.
- </c> future generations. future generations.
- </c> apologies for being rather conservative. apologies for being rather conservative.
- </c> We are by our nature conservative We are by our nature conservative people,<00:37:20.680><c> and
- ,</c> needs of current students and future, needs of current students and future, and<00:46:14.960><c
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance Dec 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And it would certainly aid this program if we had some information about those programs to be able to
- It was a free tax filing program. That program appears to be discontinued indefinitely.
- So they're aware about the program.
- and presenting the program.
- Incentivized to be conservative.
Summary:
The House Finance Committee held a work session that began with welcoming new member Rep. Janice Zahn, who introduced herself as representing the 41st Legislative District. The Department of Revenue then gave an update on the Antio-related legislation following the Washington Supreme Court decision and the 2025 session changes. DOR explained its voluntary disclosure program and the new expanded voluntary disclosure agreement for taxpayers with unreported investment income, including broader eligibility and interest/penalty relief, but said utilization has been minimal so far because additional implementation questions remain unresolved.
The committee next received the annual update on the Working Families Tax Credit. DOR reported record participation in 2025, with about $205 million refunded through October and a major increase in applications after TurboTax added the credit to its filing software. Officials said most dollars went to households with children, outreach efforts remained important, and community partners and state agencies helped increase uptake. Members focused heavily on fraud concerns, especially tax preparers allegedly filing claims without applicants’ knowledge or diverting refunds; DOR said it is using fraud detection tools, training preparers, and trying to make applicants whole, but current law does not provide direct penalties against preparers.
The final portion covered implementation of engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5814, which expanded sales tax to certain services. DOR described the new tax framework, its guidance process, and the large volume of ruling requests and outreach since the law took effect October 1. Committee members asked about fiscal assumptions, the scope of taxable services, and whether the department had revised its implementation estimates; DOR said the fiscal note assumed broad application absent explicit exemptions and that no expenditure revision had been made. In stakeholder testimony, Expedia and T-Mobile argued the law creates complexity and competitive disadvantages for Washington businesses, while a construction training provider said the tax raises tuition for workers seeking required certifications. School and nonprofit representatives said the tax will increase costs for special education services, arts programming, and other public-facing activities, and urged exemptions or further legislative fixes. The chair closed by noting the committee would revisit 5814 in the next session and then adjourned the meeting.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Natural Resources
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/10/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- The DCP process, the drought conservation program process, began in 2019 and took effect basically in
- We're trying to be more efficient, trying to conserve more and more.
- We're trying to be more efficient, trying to conserve more and more.
- nation can responsibly access resources essential for our future.
- I believe that you, Madam Chair, set this program up?
Summary:
The committee took up a series of water, mining, and regulatory bills. HB 2260 and HB 2986, both cleanup/technical measures, were passed unanimously with due-pass recommendations after brief staff presentations and no opposition. HB 2827, extending Pinal AMA groundwater fee authority and related fund timelines to support irrigation district infrastructure, also passed unanimously after testimony from district representatives about using the fees for wells, piping, and conservation projects tied to the loss of CAP water.
The committee then heard HCM 2009, which urges Congress to amend the Antiquities Act, address split estate mineral rights, and streamline mining permitting. Mining industry testimony emphasized Arizona’s copper and critical mineral production and the economic and national security importance of access to mineral resources; opponents argued the memorial would undermine protected lands and conservation. The memorial passed on a 5-4 vote. HCR 2038, supporting a seven-state Colorado River agreement and Arizona’s position in ongoing negotiations, drew broad support from water interests and passed 9-1.
HB 2078, clarifying that expanded public notice for aggregate mine reclamation plans applies only to new plans and not existing mines, passed 9-1 after the sponsor and industry witnesses said it was meant to match prior legislative intent. HB 2026, HB 2027, HB 2028, HB 2031, HB 2094, and HB 2095 were then considered as water-management bills. HB 2026 and HB 2028 passed 6-4 over concerns from ADWR, while HB 2027 passed 6-4 after adoption of a Griffin amendment despite strong opposition from CAP, municipal water users, ADWR, and several cities who warned it could weaken assured water supply protections and CAGRD replenishment obligations. HB 2031 and HB 2094 also passed on narrow 5-4 votes. HB 2095 was still under discussion at the end of the transcript, with opposition testimony from municipal water interests arguing that groundwater availability should be evaluated regionally rather than by a single-well or site-specific approach.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/20/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:01:43.640><c> and</c> zoo itself for shows programs and zoo itself for shows programs and connect
- We have award-winning conservation.
- We have award-winning conservation.
- </c> piece of the program um but the program piece of the program um but the program is<00:24:39.600>
- Rosemary Malfy, Policy Director at the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: The program and
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We have had many conservative leaders come before us.
- Yet a year later, even the conservative Trump administration has become big spending, new programs, and
- As a conservative, this is frightening.
- As a conservative, this is frightening. Congress might try to limit.
- As a conservative, this is frightening.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from January 29 and 30. It then took up HCR 25, a resolution calling for an Article V convention effort aimed at a balanced budget amendment. The sponsor and supporters argued that federal debt and annual deficits are unsustainable, that the resolution is intended to pressure Congress rather than actually convene a runaway convention, and that any amendment would still require ratification by 38 states. Supporters also said the proposal includes safeguards and a 10-year phase-in to avoid sudden tax hikes or program cuts.
Public testimony was split. Supporters included former officials, business leaders, and a student, who emphasized fiscal responsibility, intergenerational debt, and the need for states to act when Congress will not. Opponents, including the Idaho GOP chair and other speakers, warned that the resolution’s language explicitly contemplates a constitutional convention, that delegate selection and agenda limits are uncertain, and that a convention could exceed its intended scope. Several members questioned whether threatening a convention was appropriate or authentic, and whether a balanced budget amendment would force harmful cuts or tax increases.
After debate, Representative Boyle moved to hold HCR 25 in committee, but that substitute motion failed 9-4. The committee then voted on the original motion to send HCR 25 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and that motion passed 9-4. The committee then adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (01/28/2026)
Resources, Recreation and Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> if they at some point in the future if they at some point in the future decide<03:36:53.680><c>
- </c> they meet this criteria in the future. they meet this criteria in the future.
- feet of protected waters, and the wetlands program, and between those four programs, you're looking
- feet of protected waters, and the wetlands program, and between those four programs, you're looking
- </c><04:37:33.600><c> And</c> program. And I'm satisfied with it. And program.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 16th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a balancing act in the program, and they set a very ambitious and unique program for us.
- examples of how implementation looks in the program, as well as how change happens in the program.
- DNR also employs a program administrator who oversees the program.
- And lastly, it's a developing and responsive program. There will be changes in this program.
- challenges and opportunities in the future, something that the program is really proud of is we've reduced
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I anticipate with existing conservation activities on the eastern Snake Plain and anticipated future
- hydrologic analysis, and various grant programs.
- Okay, we've got a cloud seeding program, and I want to tell you it's a program that's second to none.
- It is operated in conjunction with the Idaho Power program.
- This has been a really good program.
Summary:
The House Resources and Conservation Committee met to introduce several RS drafts and hear agency updates. The committee introduced RS 33151, a bill Representative Boyle described as a federalism measure intended to clarify in state code that state and federal governments should stay within their constitutional lanes. It also introduced RS 33217, dealing with the big game depredation fund; Representative Schurz said it would clarify that remaining fund balances above the legislature’s 10% cap should still be paid out pro rata to farmers and ranchers for elk-related crop damage. RS 33284 was introduced as a proposal to designate hunting as Idaho’s state sport, based on a Twin Falls fourth grader’s research. RS 33287 C1, a revised version of a prior bill, was also introduced after Representative Pickett explained an editing correction and said the bill reflected changes requested by Fish and Game and committee members. RS 313185 was removed from the agenda at the sponsor’s request. The committee later approved the February 3 minutes.
The committee then approved Rule Docket 24-3501-2501 for the Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board after John Price said the board completed a full chapter review, held multiple public meetings and a hearing, and incorporated input from agencies and industry groups. Ryan Bernard of DOPL gave a broad update on the division’s consolidation efforts, licensing workload, same-day licensure goals, board mergers, fee reductions, disciplinary procedure standardization, and code cleanup work. He said DOPL oversees more than 259,000 licenses across 44 boards and three safety programs, and highlighted ongoing efforts to align board cash balances with statutory requirements.
Director Matt Weaver and Water Resource Board Chairman Jeff Raybould provided extensive water-related updates. Weaver reviewed IDWR’s budget holdbacks, the new water administration bureau, groundwater management in the Eastern Snake Plain and tributary basins, delivery call enforcement, Treasure Valley groundwater conditions, and the ongoing evaluation of merging the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into IDWR. Raybould discussed amendments to the State Water Plan raising the recharge target to 350,000 acre-feet, major funding for water infrastructure, recharge and cloud seeding programs, canal efficiency and groundwater-to-surface-water conversion grants, and the Bear River Compact. Members asked about aquifer management, canal lining and recharge impacts, Bear River depletion estimates, and the costs and timelines of projects such as Anderson Ranch and recharge infrastructure. The meeting also included an invitation for committee members to tour the Veolia water treatment plant on February 19.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Sep 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the director of the Department of Conservation.
- bill will rule out any future improvements to this program to maximize its impact.
- support for key programs while providing additional flexibility in the future.
- The farmer program, the livestock methane reduction program, the FIP program are all proven worthy of
- The farmer program, the livestock methane reduction program, the FIP program are all proven worthy of
Summary:
The Assembly Natural Resources Committee heard three major bills. SB 237, by Senator Grayson, proposed a package of fuel-supply and permitting changes aimed at stabilizing gasoline prices during California’s energy transition. Supporters, including state officials, Kern County representatives, labor groups, and industry groups, said it would help retain in-state refining and drilling capacity, reduce price spikes, and protect jobs. Opponents, including environmental justice and conservation groups, argued it would expand oil drilling without enough community protections and would not meaningfully address climate goals. After extensive testimony and questions about emissions, sunsets, and long-term strategy, the committee passed SB 237 on a due pass vote, with some members voting no or not voting.
SB 352, by Senator Reyes, sought to strengthen implementation of AB 617, the community air protection program, by codifying the Environmental Justice Bureau in the Department of Justice, extending monitoring requirements, and requiring annual legislative reporting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and ensure that funding for impacted communities actually produces emissions reductions. Some environmental justice advocates were neutral or not fully supportive because they wanted stronger language, while business and industry groups opposed the bill, arguing it was added late and duplicated existing processes. The committee approved SB 352 on a due pass vote.
SB 840, by Senator Limon, was the cap-and-invest reauthorization package. It would update offset protocols, adjust how revenues are spent, and continue funding for key climate, housing, transit, and community programs, including AB 617. Support came from environmental groups, labor, local governments, housing advocates, and clean transportation organizations, while some agricultural interests objected that the package did not sufficiently prioritize climate-smart agriculture and methane reduction programs. The committee passed SB 840 on a due pass vote as well. All three measures were later confirmed out of committee after calls were lifted.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance Feb 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Futures Program, which authorizes counties to fund the acquisition of real property or development rights
- futures programs.
- Eligible for county conservation futures programs.
- futures.
- Conservation futures is also a critical match for many state and federal grants.
Summary:
House Finance met in executive session on Gross Substitute Senate Bill 6346, the proposed “millionaires’ income tax” package. Staff reviewed the bill and a long list of amendments affecting the new income tax, related business tax changes, and several exemptions and implementation provisions. The committee adopted amendments to exempt diapers from sales tax, allow certain tribal income treatment clarifications, create an advisory group to help implement the tax, move up the repeal date for some business tax changes, and require the measure to go to the voters; several other amendments on federal conformity, agricultural income, pass-through entities, and the marriage threshold were rejected or withdrawn. The committee then adopted the striking amendment as amended and advanced the bill on a 9-6 do pass vote, with supporters arguing it would fund education, health care, child care, and tax relief, and opponents warning about competitiveness, capital flight, and the state’s spending growth.
The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6097, which would add federally recognized Indian tribes as eligible entities for county Conservation Futures Program funding. Staff said the bill would not change the tax levy structure and would have no state revenue impact, while tribal witnesses said it would improve voluntary conservation partnerships for habitat, farmland, and open space. Members asked about the bill’s scope, and staff confirmed it applies only to federally recognized tribes.
House Finance also heard Senate Bill 6162, a property tax reform measure that would consolidate the state school levy, expand senior and disability property tax exemptions, raise income thresholds, and simplify the application process with a standard deduction. The prime sponsor and county assessors supported the bill as a way to help seniors, disabled persons, and disabled veterans stay in their homes and reduce administrative burden, while several testifiers opposed it as a tax shift that would raise costs for others and potentially strain local revenues. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6113, an administrative and technical tax cleanup bill related to last year’s tax changes; the Department of Revenue supported it and noted a possible clarifying amendment, while nonprofits, schools, libraries, health care groups, workforce training providers, and trade associations asked for additional exemptions for live presentations and related educational activities. The chair announced that Senate Bill 6097 would be added to Monday’s executive session, Senate Bill 6114 was removed, and amendments for Monday’s bills were due by 5 p.m. that day.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The economically distressed areas Program and the agricultural Water Conservation Fund, expanding its
- We strongly support the inclusion of the economically distressed areas program and the AgWater Conservation
- And then finally, we are very supportive of the addition of the agricultural water conservation program
- That's a fantastic program that the board has, and it's often used by groundwater conservation districts
- We need to conserve it locally.
Bills:
SB 7