Transcript Highlights:

• program for agricultural water conservation grants and loans, and that's to cover agricultural irrigation
• systems to hopefully improve efficiency of some irrigation systems.
• been actively involved in diplomatic negotiations concerning this treaty. for the interests of irrigation
• Additionally, increased salinity in the river impacts the quality of the water, which in turn affects irrigation

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , which is a crucial resource that supplies most of Minnesota's drinking water and agricultural irrigation
• water and agricultural irrigation needs. water and agricultural irrigation needs.
• and under the proposal it would increase from $140 to $200 per permit, and 85% of agricultural irrigation
• 00:19:43.679> agricultural permit and 85% of agricultural permit and 85% of agricultural irrigation
• permits is that the process irrigation permits is that the process takes<00:49:04.880> too<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You also talked about The water settlement, have you increased your acres of irrigated land due to that
• treatment and also we use the renewable energy to desalinate the brackish water for agricultural irrigation
• Um, in addition to drinking water, we can also use the, um, the byproducts for agricultural irrigation
• Ah, for golf course irrigation and maybe for other applications.
• uh, even in Texas, um, Texas TCEQ is advancing on permitting the pilot projects for agriculture, irrigation

Transcript Highlights:

• Under irrigation districts, they go to their annual meetings and they set what that assessment is.
• These assessments are on their irrigated ground goes through a membership meeting.
• These assessments are on their irrigated ground goes through a membership meeting.
• <00:37:15.839> and year is different than irrigations and year is different than irrigations
• These assessments are on their irrigated These assessments are on their irrigated ground<00:37:45.119

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've also moved into microjets and learned that when you keep the soil beneath the tree irrigated and
• keep some microjet irrigation around the tree, you can protect the health of the tree.
• We've also moved into microjets and learned that when you keep the soil beneath the tree irrigated and
• keep some microjet irrigation around the tree, you can protect the health of the tree.

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Committee met to organize for the session, confirm a quorum, and hear introductory remarks from members about their districts and interests. Chair Esposito outlined the committee’s jurisdiction and budget overview, noting a total budget of about $7.2 billion, with major funding tied to the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Citrus. She also described major cost drivers such as Everglades restoration, water quality, resiliency, land acquisition, and rural family lands, and asked members to review agency requests in small groups later in the process. Agency leaders then presented budget and program updates. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson emphasized department efficiency efforts, including IT modernization, staff reorganization, rural and family lands conservation, best management practices, Fresh From Florida marketing, hurricane recovery loans for farmers, and completion of the Connor Complex headquarters. DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert highlighted record investments in Everglades restoration, water quality projects, resilience grants, land acquisition, state parks, and enforcement. FWC Executive Director Roger Young discussed conservation research, fisheries and wildlife management, law enforcement, disaster response, and pressures from growth, boating, invasive species, and derelict vessels. Department of Citrus Executive Director Shannon Shep reviewed the industry’s decline due to hurricanes and citrus greening, current research and marketing efforts, and e-commerce campaigns to support Florida citrus sales. Members asked questions about citrus production declines, future replanting and therapies, rural family lands, PFOS cleanup, mangrove restoration, flooding and pump infrastructure, agricultural theft, and derelict vessel removal. Officials generally responded with updates, emphasized science-based management and enforcement, and in several cases said they would follow up with more detailed information later. No formal votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair directing members to provide feedback on agencies for further budget review and then adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• your question, Chair, when ADC was first created in 1994, part of that creation was the Waiahole irrigation
• your question, Chair, when ADC was first created in 1994, part of that creation was the Waiahole irrigation
• The creation was the Waiahole irrigation ditch, right?
• Also in support, Alex Su, Aloun Farms, in support, Danny Kouchi, Waimea Irrigation Industry Improvement
• Do you believe we would still have enough water to now also irrigate energy crops?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard multiple governor’s messages for confirmation to the Agribusiness Development Corporation board and one appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. For GM 606, David Ige Hinazumi was supported by ADC and DBEDT, with testimony highlighting his private-sector experience, technology background, and ability to help with risk management and finances. He told senators he had attended board meetings since 2018, saw ADC as a state business arm for agriculture, and supported expanding land, facilities, and even aquaculture if resources allowed. Senators asked about ADC’s role relative to the Department of Agriculture, and he said the department’s strength is research/regulatory work while ADC should focus on business development, support, and facilities for farmers and aquaculture businesses. For GM 607, Jason Watts was strongly supported by ADC leadership, DBEDT, and many agricultural and community groups, with one opposing testimony from Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters praised his governance, accountability, transparency, and frequent communication with the agency. In questioning, Watts said ADC’s top priority should be increasing land holdings, and he discussed ADC’s role in water systems, including preserving agricultural water sources and inventorying systems statewide. He also said ADC could potentially help small farmers comply with environmental permitting through a broader, regional approach if authorized by the Legislature. The committee also heard from Joshua Uyehara for GM 682, who was supported by ADC, county officials, and farm groups. He said his priorities would be accelerating ADC projects, expanding capacity, and possibly using ADC as a center of expertise for water systems and for helping farmers with environmental requirements; he also said biofuel crops and food production can be complementary, though food should be prioritized when water is constrained. The committee then considered GM 513, Tracy Lester Smith’s appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. The stadium authority and DBEDT supported her, citing her experience in NASCAR, boxing, and Bellator MMA as useful for marketing, attracting events, and commercializing the stadium. Smith said she was eager to serve and would bring experience from both the landlord and tenant perspectives, helping the board think about venue operations, sponsorships, and event attraction. Senators asked about improving public perception and execution, and she emphasized accountability, timelines, and building a venue that can draw major sports and entertainment events. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The infrastructure necessary for that includes land grants that have irrigation dams or holding pond
• They're more than just acequias or irrigation channels.
• And it is intended to increase the annual allocation from the Irrigation Works Construction Fund to the
• The Irrigation Works Construction Fund is a trust fund, and it receives money from the Land-Grant Permanent
• So unlike severance tax bonds, this fund, in statute according to the Irrigation Works Construction Fund

Transcript Highlights:

• . $8.5 million has been dedicated to golf course improvements, including golf course irrigation replacement
• course improvements, including golf course improvements, including golf course<00:24:41.679> irrigation
• <00:24:42.320> replacement,<00:24:42.880> Bermuda course irrigation replacement, Bermuda
• course irrigation replacement, Bermuda greens<00:24:44.400> conversions,<00:24:45.360> and
• The bunker renovation, the greens renovation, the irrigation renovation, we're able to keep our golf

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Protection received a detailed update from Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Meyer on capital projects funded through HJR 76, HJR 56, and House Bill 6. He said the department is making steady progress on a large portfolio of park improvements, with regular quarterly reporting to the legislature and ongoing coordination with the Finance Cabinet, the Energy and Environment Cabinet, the Commonwealth Office of Technology, and local utilities and governments. He emphasized that ADA accessibility is a priority across projects and noted that many completed items, including campground bathhouse renovations, broadband upgrades, life safety improvements, playground replacements, and some furniture and mattress upgrades, are already drawing positive feedback. The presentation focused heavily on campground, utility, and infrastructure work. Meyer described $40 million in campground upgrades split between western and eastern Kentucky, including projects at Ken Lake, Carter Caves, My Old Kentucky Home, Cumberland Falls, and others. He also outlined $20 million in utility improvements, including a federal matching grant for grid resiliency at Ken Lake and Kentucky Dam Village, plus wastewater and electrical infrastructure work at parks such as Dale Hollow, Blue Licks, Natural Bridge, and Cumberland Falls. Additional categories included building systems, life safety, structural repairs, accommodations and hospitality upgrades, pool and beach work, dam safety, playgrounds, and golf course improvements. Members asked about the status of Lake Barkley utilities, the possibility of transferring upgraded utility infrastructure to local providers after repairs, and how park repair priorities are set. Meyer said park managers report issues through regional directors and that projects are prioritized through a running capital list, similar to a long-range transportation plan. He said the department has already spent the current $20 million allocation and is requesting $40 million in the next budget cycle, adding that the department believes it could spend and complete projects if that amount is appropriated. The commissioner also said the department is managing 284 additional capital projects outside the main funding streams, totaling nearly $70 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bob Reeb with Reeb Government Relations, on behalf of the Valley Ag Water Coalition and El Dorado Irrigation
• with me to testify in support of AB 1373 is Stephanie Dietz, Board of Directors for the Merced Irrigation
• I serve as an elected board director for the Merced Irrigation District and as executive director of
• My name is Josh Weimer with the Turlock Irrigation District, and it's a pleasure to be here to testify
• Good afternoon, Dana Ferrer with the Modesto Irrigation District and strong support.

Summary: The committee heard a series of environmental safety and toxic materials measures, with several bills moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Early in the meeting, the consent calendar was approved, including AB 372, AB 455, AB 1096, AB 1102, and AB 754. AB 362 by Assembly Member Ramos, which would recognize tribal beneficial uses of water and strengthen consultation and protection for tribal water uses, drew strong support from tribes and environmental groups. Water agencies and local government representatives opposed unless amended, raising concerns about CEQA requirements, co-management language, and conflicts with existing water law. The bill advanced to Appropriations, with some members voting aye and others not voting or absent. AB 728 by Assembly Member Lee would require age verification for the sale of certain anti-aging skin care products to minors. The author and a youth witness described social media-driven use of adult skin products by children and alleged skin damage, while supporters argued age checks are a reasonable consumer protection. Dermatologists and retailers opposed the bill, saying it could restrict legitimate acne and other medical uses of over-the-counter products, create compliance problems, and lacked a clear scientific basis. The committee discussed possible ambiguity in the bill’s definition of anti-aging products, but the measure still passed to Appropriations. AB 532 on low-income water rate assistance, AB 773 on copper-based anti-fouling paint, AB 998 on household hazardous waste disposal of vape pens, AB 1031 on geothermal hazardous waste fees, and AB 864 on solar panel hazardous waste and recycling all received strong support and advanced to Appropriations. Supporters for AB 532 emphasized water affordability and local program authority; AB 773 supporters said conflicting state water and pesticide rules are creating confusion for harbors and cities; AB 998 was presented as a practical way to let schools and local facilities dispose of confiscated vape devices safely; AB 1031 was framed as reducing DTSC fee burdens on geothermal development in Imperial County; and AB 864 would ease recycling and reuse of end-of-life solar panels. The committee also began hearing AB 1264 on ultra-processed foods in school meals, with the author and supporters arguing it would phase out the most harmful ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2032, but the transcript cuts off before the full discussion and any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• No synthetic nitrogen, no pesticide class chemicals, and drip irrigation is used for water efficiency
• No synthetic nitrogen, no pesticide class chemicals, and drip irrigation is used for water efficiency
• No synthetic nitrogen, no pesticide class chemicals, and drip irrigation is used for water efficiency
• No synthetic nitrogen, no pesticide class chemicals, and drip irrigation is used for water efficiency
• climate projections, producer education, producer familiarity with the practice equipment, drainage, irrigation

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• through, we have the Rio Grande going through, we have people out there with stock tanks, we have irrigation
• unfortunately, and I do live, you know, fortunately, I have a piece of property that, you know, I have irrigation
• I'm an irrigator. And the water is pretty much dead.
• wheelbarrows, old toys, things that are holding water for more than a few days, responsible flood irrigation

Bills: SB66, SB79, SB108

Keywords: environment, cleanup, contamination, uranium mining, abandoned sites, state funding, mosquito control, public health, surveillance, prevention funds, local government grants, food security, agriculture, food bank, regional program, appropriation, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is the second largest producer of hydroelectricity and it irrigates 10 million acres of land to grow
• Mary River. that are a critical part of the Milk River Project that provides water to irrigators on Montana's
• sometimes go over a century, back to certainly treaties, and getting these resolved on behalf of the irrigators
• because of an infrastructure failure and it's times of the S&P. get this completed so we can support irrigators

Transcript Highlights:

• Irrigators are the best.
• A lot of the new irrigation systems come out with measuring or metering, whatever you want to use the
• So, if I was irrigating today and I had a water permit and I'm drawn out just my x number per years'

Bills: HB4246, HB4230, HB3617, HB3657, HB2976, HB3391, HB4459, HB4128, HB3989, HB2989, HB4060, HB3145, HB2992, HB3464, HB4246, HB4230, HB3617, HB3657, HB2976, HB3391, HB4459, HB4128, HB3989, HB2989, HB4060, HB3145, HB2992, HB3464

Keywords: water rights, rural water districts, board members, training requirements, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, right to repair, agriculture, OEM, repair providers, documentation, farm equipment, parts availability, maintenance, labor, employment definitions, agricultural services, Oklahoma Workforce Commission, confidentiality, data access, environmental protection

Transcript Highlights:

• And, uh, the the REA irrigators up ways.
• I was going to use the irrigation example.
• I was going to use the irrigation<01:36:16.800> example.
• Um the refasing is irrigation example.
• That that grazing land to irrigation.

Bills: SF0102, SF0123, SF0021, SF0099

Keywords: energy transmission, load growth, Wyoming energy authority, transmission planning study, public utilities, regional cooperation, energy, funding, grants, loans, coal, natural gas, mineral processing, economic development, stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• And then lastly, our irrigation increase from 50 to 75% in the 2325, and then also we had an increase
• There's a lot of irrigation that goes on in this area.
• One of the ones that we've had a lot of people ask about is the ability to irrigate.
• And we've had the conversations relative to irrigation, relative to the reliability of this system as
• an irrigating source.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information. The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability. The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.

Bills: SB2102, SB1940, SB1625, SB1442, SB1623, SB1242, SB1949, SB1592, SB1913, SB592, SB992, SB1241, SB259, SB1928, SB1426, SB1531, SB1561, SB1122

Keywords: credit card fees, merchant discounts, payment card network, interchange fees, transparency in fees, Oklahoma law, payment card, rebate, merchant, tax compliance, health insurance, mandate, impact analysis, insurance department, public health, access to healthcare, SB1442, alcoholic beverage control, ABLE Commission, liquor license fees

Bills: HB125, HB116, HB183, HB342, HB341, SB280, SB245, SB159, HB125, HB116, HB183, HB342, HB341, SB280, SB245, SB159

Keywords: HB125, sunset law, Alabama Sunset Committee, Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, veterinary medical examiners, veterinary board, veterinary licensing, veterinary regulation, professional licensing board, state board continuation, sunset review, regulatory board, animal health, veterinarians, disciplinary authority, HB116, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset bill, Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board, bail bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• So think of laser leveling, canal conversion, things that actually increase irrigation efficiency.
• Fermi operates under the exact same water framework that Panhandle irrigators do as well.
• And so that equivalent is about one pivot, which is an irrigation circle.
• One pivot of irrigation of corn equals one gigawatt of power.
• And it's been irrigating four different crops, cotton, I won't go through it, barley, all.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• law currently reads, we can only drill a new well for homes for drinking water and not at all for irrigating
• Unlike row crops, our trees only need to be irrigated. They are planted.
• So we're really only irrigating about a tenth of our acreage each year.

Bills: HF647, HF2824, HF1249, HF623, HF820

Keywords: water appropriation, aquifer management, potable water, water conservation, environmental policy, fishing regulation, angling, sustainability, biodiversity, game fish, Carley State Park, Minnesota state parks, state lands, park boundary expansion, Wabasha County, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, public lands, land acquisition, park addition

Transcript Highlights:

• regulated, and there are a lot of golf courses out there and a lot of green belts that are being irrigated
• effluent into the river, and we want to be able to keep that effluent within the community, use it for irrigation
• regulated, and there are a lot of golf courses out there and a lot of green belts that are being irrigated
• We have our own wastewater treatment plant that we treat, and we irrigate that wastewater effluent within
• of course, all of the water plant, wastewater treatment plant, all of the entry monumentation, irrigation

Summary: The committee heard testimony first from the Texas General Land Office and School Land Board. GLO officials described the agency’s role in managing more than 13 million acres of state lands and mineral interests for the Permanent School Fund, overseeing the Alamo, coastal programs, veterans’ services, and federal disaster recovery. They said the agency has generated about $6 billion for the Permanent School Fund since Commissioner Buckingham took office, and that its disaster recovery portfolio is about $14 billion across multiple events, with more than 22,000 housing units rebuilt or reconstructed since Hurricane Harvey. Members asked about land purchases such as Brewster Ranch, rare earth mineral leasing, SpaceX-related beach access, and whether the lands are public access lands; GLO staff said the holdings are managed to maximize revenue for education, that most land is leased rather than open to public access, and that they are coordinating on coastal access and compliance. On the School Land Board, members sought clarification on the difference between GLO-managed lands and the Permanent School Fund Corporation’s investment role, and staff explained that GLO generates the revenue while the separate corporation invests it. No votes or formal actions were taken. The Board for Lease of University Lands then testified. University Lands officials explained that they steward 2.1 million acres of surface and mineral interests in West Texas for the Permanent University Fund, which supports UT and Texas A&M institutions. They said a 2025 lease sale produced about $50 million in bonus revenue from 28,000 acres, and described the Board for Lease’s role in approving lease forms, lease sales, and development agreements. Members asked about the size and use of the PUF, how distributions work through UTIMCO, whether PUF money can be used for athletics, and how the land is managed; the witness said the fund is a constitutional endowment, the land is largely leased rather than sold, and distributions are generally used for buildings, labs, and other permanent structures, with some institutions also using a portion for operations. No votes or formal actions were taken. The committee then took up municipal utility districts. Testimony from a law firm, the Texas Municipal League, Fort Bend County Commissioner Vincent Morales, and Johnson Development largely supported MUDs as a financing tool for infrastructure tied to growth. Witnesses said MUDs help fund water, sewer, drainage, roads, parks, and related infrastructure, allowing development to proceed without shifting costs to existing taxpayers and helping keep housing affordable. They emphasized that MUDs are created with disclosure to homebuyers, are subject to the Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act, and are overseen by TCEQ for bond issuance and related financial stress tests. Members questioned whether MUDs are taxing entities, whether they can be created inside city limits or ETJs, how much control cities and counties retain, and whether MUDs are becoming permanent local governments; witnesses acknowledged they levy taxes and debt, can exist within city limits with city consent, and often function as long-term local entities. The committee did not take any formal action during the hearing.