Transcript Highlights:

• And we also have the Kentucky Farm Bureau lead group here with us. Pleased to have y'all here.
• They are not going to be kept from being on the farm to do their job.
• wanted to push it, and I think it's just a good, solid bill to protect Kentucky farmers, Kentucky farm
• They are not going to be kept from being on the farm to do their job.
• wanted to push it, and I think it's just a good, solid bill to protect Kentucky farmers, Kentucky farm

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• TDI took major action to address this in the infamous case of State Farm, which took 20 years to resolve
• We show you as representing State Farm Insurance and registered against SB1643, correct? Yes, sir.
• I'm a State Farm agent in Georgetown, serving residents in the Williamson County area and across the
• I've been with State Farm for 30 years, working as an agent, in some agency management, and as an adjuster
• Due to bad regulation of the market, State Farm had to stop writing insurance for three years, which

Bills: SB1642, SB1643, SB2530

Keywords: Texas Department of Insurance, commission appointments, insurance regulation, oversight, consumer advocacy, insurance rates, property insurance, commercial automobile insurance, rate approval, consumer protection, windstorm insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, administrative penalties, coastal counties, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this room ripple across sovereign tribal nations, urban centers, suburban neighborhoods, and rural farm-focused
• Whereas Taiwan imported $3.8 billion worth of United States farm products in 2024, making it the fourth-largest
• imported $3.8 billion worth of United imported $3.8 billion worth of United States<00:11:33.040> farm
• <00:11:33.440> products<00:11:33.920> in States farm products in States farm products

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I grew up on a four-generation family farm north of Joplin, Missouri, and just always had a love for
• I didn't know how to do that except to use what I was gifted with, with our four-generation family farm
• With our four-generation family farm and with some land and faith and all that, I thought, you know,
• Are you looking at expanding your operation there at your farm? Yes.

Summary: The Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces met informally and heard a presentation from Tron Peterson, director of Peterson Outdoors Ministries. Peterson described the organization’s 20-year mission of providing free outdoor recreational therapy and faith-based support to veterans, active-duty service members, military chaplains, female veterans, and families at its Lodge of Hope near Sheldon, Missouri, as well as at events in several other states and Canada. He said the ministry serves more than 500 veterans a year, uses adaptive equipment for severely injured participants, and focuses on helping with PTSD, family stress, and veteran suicide prevention. Committee members praised the ministry and asked about its funding, expansion, and outreach model. Peterson said the organization is supported mainly by churches, individuals, businesses, sponsors, and volunteers, with many expenses covered through donated services and travel support. He also said the ministry recently added RV pads and a bunkhouse to expand capacity and is planning marriage retreats for special forces, a June gathering for military chaplains, and other future events. Members highlighted the reported high divorce rate among veterans and special forces, and Peterson said family support is a major part of the program. No legislation was considered and no votes were taken. The meeting ended with members thanking Peterson for his work and the chair adjourning the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:26:26.960> can<00:26:27.120> see<00:26:27.360> through<00:26:27.600> trees
• where we can see through trees where we can see through trees and<00:26:29.039> things<00
• collection<01:51:21.480> uh<01:51:21.719> or<01:51:22.320> um<01:51:22.599> tree
• <01:51:22.880> clearing<01:51:23.280> along collection uh or um tree clearing along
• collection uh or um tree clearing along the<01:51:23.679> highways<01:51:24.199> things

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with New Hampshire DOT Commissioner Bill Cass and Finance Director Danielle Shandra to review the agency’s FY 2026 budget. Cass gave a high-level overview of DOT’s mission, organization, funding structure, and staffing trends, noting the agency has about 650 employees across five divisions. He said the Governor’s recommended FY 2026 budget totals $95.99 million, essentially flat from FY 2025, with funding primarily from Turnpike funds, Highway funds, federal sources, and a small General Fund share for non-highway units. Members asked about how Turnpike and Highway funds are treated in state accounting, and DOT explained that while they are enterprise funds restricted to their purposes, they are considered unrestricted from the statewide perspective and are appropriated through the budget process. A major topic was staffing and budget targets. DOT said its full-time staffing level has remained relatively flat since 2014 even as vehicle miles traveled increased and vacancies rose. To meet budget targets, the department unfunded seven permanent positions and nine temporary full-time positions, and later noted additional reductions in Finance, including the elimination of two full-time positions, reduced print shop equipment purchases, and deeper cuts to overtime, temporary help, equipment, and supplies in FY 2027. DOT also explained that it shifted funding for one unmanned aerial system position from General Funds to Highway Funds, saying the change was workable because the position supports highway-related work and federal-aid-eligible activities. Members asked for clarification on the state transit operating match, and DOT explained that the Legislature had previously provided about $1.8 million annually in General Funds to help local transit agencies meet federal match requirements, but that funding was not included in this budget. DOT said that could reduce the ability to draw down some federal transit funds, though the impact may not be immediate because those funds can be used over several years. The department also described its unmanned aerial system program, saying it has been used for about five years for mapping, survey work, construction oversight, and storm damage assessment, and that it now has about five drones and two full-time positions supporting the program. DOT said it is expanding cross-training so more employees can operate drones without adding positions. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• kind of, my analogy is, it's a kind of software as a medical device was like a duct-taped limb to a tree
• kind of, my analogy is, it's a kind of software as a medical device was like a duct-taped limb to a tree
• kind of, my analogy is, it's a kind of software as a medical device was like a duct-taped limb to a tree
• taped<00:54:03.160> limb<00:54:03.440> to<00:54:03.600> a<00:54:03.640> tree
• <00:54:04.440> and<00:54:04.880> now like a duct taped limb to a tree and now like

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• adopt rules for the regulation of farm adopt rules for the regulation of farm kitchens<00:09:57.120
• The Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Union United, and Hawaii Sustainable Farms have all testified in support
• The Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Union United, and Hawaii Sustainable Farms have all testified in support
• The Hawaii Farm<00:51:27.920> Bureau,<00:51:28.680> Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farm Bureau
• United, and Hawaii Sustainable Farms United, and Hawaii Sustainable Farms have<00:51:33.160>

Bills: SB3302, SB2061, SB2050, SB2102, SB2694, SB2089, SB847

Keywords: SB3302, homemade food products, farm kitchens, home kitchens, Department of Health, DOH, food safety, food labeling, value-added agriculture, small farms, agricultural land, commercial food establishment permit, cottage food, direct-to-consumer sales, local food systems, Hawaii Revised Statutes, chapter 91, farm-to-table, food processing, public health regulation

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on April 9, 2026, and heard testimony on several measures. SB 3302 SD1 HD1, dealing with homemade food products, would require the Department of Health to adopt rules for farm kitchens producing homemade food products that are no more stringent than rules for home kitchens. The Department of Health said it supported the bill with technical amendments, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Grassroot Institute of Hawaii also supported it. No opposition was heard. A lengthy discussion focused on SB 2061 SD2 HD1, which concerns a 99-year leasehold residential condominium project and HCDA’s rules for sales, income restrictions, and buyback pricing. HCDA supported the bill and said the House draft clarified unclear provisions and would help move the project to pre-sales. Testimony and committee questions centered on whether the project should remain owner-occupied in perpetuity or allow investor purchases after an initial sales period. HCDA explained that the bill was revised to make the project feasible in the market, that 60% of units would be income-restricted for buyers at or below 140% of area median income, and that the remaining units could be sold without owner-occupancy restrictions. Some members and testifiers expressed concern that the bill had shifted away from the original owner-occupancy vision and could become an investment property model, while others argued the changes were necessary for the project to pencil out and compete with fee-simple developments. No vote was taken during the discussion shown. The committee also heard SB 2050 SD1 HD1, which would allow chiropractic students in accredited programs to engage in clinical practice beginning July 1, 2028. The Hawaii Board of Chiropractic and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supported the measure, and one testifier described personal experience with student chiropractic care in California. Members questioned why the board requested delaying implementation until 2030, and the board said it needed more time to develop rules because it meets only a few times a year and rulemaking is lengthy. Finally, SB 2102 SD2 HD1, on industrial hemp in commercial feed, was introduced; the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offered comments, the Department of Health raised concerns about regulating pet food and possible jurisdictional conflict, and a farmer testifying in support suggested narrowing the bill to federally approved livestock feed rather than pet food.

Transcript Highlights:

• tax slash cut and didn't allow a foreign country to buy their farm.
• and locks in the small business deduction, helping 98% of American farms stay afloat.
• , and the farming families would have the death tax exemption slashed in half.
• , and the farming families would have the death tax exemption slashed in half.
• , and the farming families would have the death tax exemption slashed in half.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also is a business promoter because there's a lot of businesses that work with local farms, and I
• It's a great source of income to them, and they can turn it into usable soil, so our local farms are
• that from local farms and I think<00:07:33.360> you<00:07:33.520> all<00:07:33.759>
• <00:07:47.240> are aable soil so our local farms are aable soil so our local farms are interested
• It's under two dozen, so there's maybe eight farms, maybe 10 businesses.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee held a hearing on House Bill 619, which would appropriate $1 million to the Solid Waste Management Fund for matching grants to municipalities and businesses for waste diversion projects, with 50% of the money prioritized for food waste diversion. Representative Karen Ebel, the sponsor, said the fund would help New Hampshire meet its solid waste diversion goals, preserve landfill capacity, and support composting, recycling, and related local business activity. She cited New London’s composting program as an example, saying 172 families participated and 32 tons of food waste were diverted in 2024, reducing tipping and trucking costs. Committee members asked about possible alternative funding sources, including a surcharge on landfill tipping fees. Ebel said many other states use such surcharges to fund recycling and solid waste programs, while New Hampshire relies on general funds. She also said the current fund balance was about $900,000 because some money had been used for staffing, and that the grant program was still in rulemaking. Questions also focused on how household composting works and whether municipalities could generate revenue from compost; Ebel said participation is optional, most programs use buckets and transfer stations, and the main benefit is cost savings from reduced disposal rather than compost sales. Testimony in support came from the New Hampshire Municipal Association and the Northeast Resource Recovery Association. Both said municipalities are interested in food waste diversion and composting, that these programs can reduce long-term disposal costs and property tax pressure, and that there is growing demand for technical assistance and grant support. The Northeast Resource Recovery Association said food waste makes up about 24% of municipal and business waste, that fewer than two dozen communities and fewer than two dozen businesses currently offer such services, and that a City of Lebanon pilot program saw about 30% savings by composting on site. The Department of Environmental Services said it was not taking a position but is working on rulemaking for the grant program and expects strong interest from municipalities, private composters, farmers, and anaerobic digester operators. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• She's walking home from a bus stop to our home and concerned about tripping on uneven sidewalks and on tree
• And on tree roots erupting through the asphalt? Yes.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a broad set of energy efficiency, building decarbonization, school modernization, and lighting bills. Testimony generally came from municipal leaders, labor unions, environmental groups, and advocates who supported measures such as H. 3529/S. 2294 on building energy and decarbonization, H. 3577/S. 2286 on a zero-carbon renovation fund, H. 3476/S. 2275 on healthy and sustainable schools, H. 3565 on Mass Save zero-carbon assessments, H. 3477 on clean lighting and appliance efficiency standards, and the Dark Sky bills on outdoor lighting. Supporters argued these bills would cut emissions, lower utility bills, improve indoor air quality and school conditions, and direct resources to environmental justice, gateway, and low-income communities. Witnesses emphasized that Massachusetts’ older building stock and school facilities need major upgrades, and that state funding and financing tools are needed to close gaps left by declining federal support. Mayors, labor leaders, and environmental advocates said the proposals would create local jobs, expand apprenticeships, and help municipalities and schools undertake retrofits, ventilation improvements, heat pump installations, and other decarbonization work. Several speakers also defended Mass Save as highly cost-effective while urging new funding sources beyond ratepayer bills for larger-scale building upgrades. One representative asked about the difference between current Mass Save audits and proposed zero-carbon assessments, and the sponsor explained the new assessments would include heat pumps, solar, storage, wiring upgrades, and rate-structure guidance. There was also testimony on the Dark Sky bill, with astronomers and museum representatives arguing that better-shielded, downward-facing lighting would reduce energy waste, protect wildlife and human health, and preserve night skies without compromising safety. Committee members raised concerns about pedestrian safety and whether education might be enough instead of legislation; supporters responded that the bill follows established lighting standards and targets only unnecessary glare and skyward light. On the school bill, an open-shop contractor group opposed the measure, arguing its PLA and apprenticeship requirements would restrict bidding and reduce competition, while labor organizations strongly supported the workforce standards and prevailing wage provisions. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony and several members asked clarifying questions, but the transcript does not show any final action or disposition on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Two more trees. Thank you. And if I may, Mr.
• Two more trees. Thank you. And if I may, Mr.

Bills: HB2014, HB2055, HB2145, HB2150, HB2696, HB2755, HB2763, HB2781, HB2782, HB2787, HB2795, HB2889, HB2975, HB2985, HB2986, HCM2009, HCR2020, HCR2038

Keywords: air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, brackish groundwater, water supply development, desalination, Arizona Revised Statutes, water infrastructure, financial assistance, environmental reviews, fuel reformulation, gasoline standards, environmental regulations, ethanol supply, Air Quality, state land department, mineral lease, renewals

Transcript Highlights:

• I noticed on your staffing tree here, there are quite a few vacancies on the list.
• So, on your staffing tree, the top three are vacant; four of the top seven are vacant.

Transcript Highlights:

• nothing to prevent local governments from restricting the transportation, carrying, or use of our tree
• that's what most of them are doing now what my concern is Really, there's no roadblock at all for our tree

Bills: HB2034, HB2436, HB3010, HB3033, HB3138, HB3177, HB3426, HB3686, HB3858, HB4176, HB4257, HB4264, HB4804, HCR98

Keywords: groundwater, foreign ownership, national security, water permits, environmental health, deadly conduct, firearm, recklessness, peace officer, prosecution, Penal Code, Texas laws, disaster recovery, infrastructure, rural communities, grants, state funding, emergency management, HB 3033, Texas Department of Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• what we're facing—each of our collaborative courts in San Bernardino, Rancho, Victorville, Joshua Tree
• If we didn't have the people to send to Needles, to Joshua Tree, to Barstow, to put their hands on each

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on Proposition 36 and its implementation, with judicial and budget officials describing it as a major shift from misdemeanor to felony processing for repeat drug possession and certain theft offenses. Witnesses explained that the law creates a treatment-mandated felony process that can lead to dismissal if a defendant completes treatment, but also requires evaluations, court monitoring, and potentially long, open-ended supervision. Judicial representatives said the new law is already generating large numbers of filings, creating workload, staffing, courtroom, and facility pressures, and that access to treatment beds, housing, and evaluation capacity is limiting participation. Several speakers emphasized that collaborative courts are effective but are not a perfect fit for Prop. 36 because those programs are typically probation-based and serve different risk/need populations. Court officials from San Bernardino and Orange counties said the impacts vary by county but are severe, with some counties seeing hundreds or more filings in a short period and others moving more slowly to build treatment infrastructure first. They argued that Prop. 36 is effectively an unfunded mandate unless the state provides more resources for judges, staff, facilities, treatment, housing, and supervision. The Legislative Analyst’s Office noted that Prop. 36 will reduce the Proposition 47 savings that fund mental health and substance use treatment grants, but said the near-term reduction is relatively modest and that the full effect will take time to appear because of the way those savings are calculated. Members of the committee repeatedly raised concerns that the state is underfunding the courts and counties needed to carry out the new law. The committee also reviewed the Governor’s proposed trial court operations budget, including a partial restoration of a prior $97 million cut and additional ongoing funding. Judicial branch officials said the restoration helped avoid furloughs, hiring freezes, and service reductions, and supported cybersecurity, technology, staffing, and records management. The LAO recommended that the Legislature seek more detail on how midyear restorations are handled and consider clarifying language for transferring unspent trial court trust fund monies to the General Fund. Finance said the flexibility in the ongoing funding was intentional and would be taken back for consideration. In a separate item, the committee heard testimony on a $6.3 million increase for Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal appointed counsel programs. Judicial officials and appellate project representatives said the system is facing a crisis because indigent appeals have risen sharply while the number of panel attorneys has fallen, leaving many cases waiting months for counsel. They argued the proposed increase would help but is still below what is needed to recruit and retain attorneys and prevent delays that affect criminal, juvenile, and child welfare cases. The committee also discussed the Tracy courthouse project in San Joaquin County, where local officials said reopening a courthouse closed since 2011 is necessary to serve a growing population and relieve overcrowding elsewhere. The LAO and Finance both noted the project is next in line under the facilities plan, though LAO suggested the Legislature could consider whether other facility priorities should come first.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our second request is the future of advanced agricultural research in Minnesota, or a farm that would
• So now I'll talk just briefly about FARM.
• So now I'll talk just briefly about<00:15:00.360> farm.
• This is a $20 million about farm.
• We would educate students, farming.

Bills: HF3220

Keywords: school safety, school security, emergency access, law enforcement access, master key box, secure key box, entry device, school grants, education finance, Department of Education, charter schools, school districts, cooperative units, appropriation cancellation, one-time appropriation, school safety plan, emergency preparedness, public safety, school building security, 1183

Transcript Highlights:

• I never had cheat grass on the farm.<00:34:40.000> Never<00:34:40.320> did.
• :37:16.640> Federation, Molain, Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation, Molain, Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation
• vehicles or specialized farming vehicles or specialized farming equipment<00:59:05.040> for
• and harvest their analopee on the farm and harvest their analopee on the farm<01:05:14.960> and
• farm and uh god they're so appreciative. farm and uh god they're so appreciative.

Bills: SF0025, SF0027, SF0043, SF0066

Keywords: landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations

Transcript Highlights:

• It's going to farm it over. It's got the electrical there, the water there, the sewer there.
• Farm structures. And this is... $9.6 billion.
• Shelly, would it be possible for you to separate the value of exempt farm homes versus farm plant buildings
• I think there's contention around the farm home exemption.
• And I'd ask Shelly if she could separate a farm plant from farm home exempt properties.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to continue its tax reform and relief study agenda, approved the December 3, 2025 minutes, and announced a new subcommittee to examine property tax statement issues with counties, auditors, and the tax office. Representative Headland was named chair, Senator Rummel vice chair, and Representatives Dressler and Dr. Dr. and Senator Patton were also assigned. The chair noted the group may need an additional meeting and thanked staff and attendees. A major portion of the meeting focused on economic development incentives. The Department of Commerce presented on the Renaissance Zone program and TIF districts, describing Renaissance Zones as locally tailored tools that combine local property tax relief with state income tax incentives. Commerce said the program has supported thousands of projects since 1999 and cited examples from Beach and Mandan showing increases in property and taxable value, business retention, housing, and downtown revitalization. Committee members raised concerns that smaller rural communities often lack the staff and expertise to apply, and Commerce said it provides outreach through conferences, office hours, and one-on-one assistance. League of Cities and local officials from Bismarck and Ellendale echoed the capacity issue, discussed how the programs have worked in their communities, and suggested possible reforms or more targeted support for small towns. Ellendale’s mayor also described two TIF districts, one for industrial infrastructure in Oaks and one for housing infrastructure tied to a data center project in Ellendale. The committee then turned to stripper oil taxation. The Tax Department gave a comparison of oil and gas tax structures in selected states, noting that most have some form of stripper or marginal well provision, while Alaska does not appear to have a specific stripper-well exemption. Members asked for more detail on definitions and North Dakota’s annual adjusted rate. The Department of Mineral Resources followed with a detailed presentation on North Dakota stripper wells, explaining the statutory thresholds, the 12-consecutive-month production test, and the fact that once a well qualifies it remains on stripper status even if production later rises. DMR said about 11,332 stripper wells are active, representing roughly 54% of wells and about 16% of state production, and emphasized that stripper status can extend well life, preserve tax revenue, and reduce orphaned wells. Committee members and industry witnesses discussed refracs, the economics of keeping marginal wells active, and the competitive disadvantage created by North Dakota’s oil price discount. No votes were taken on these informational items.

Transcript Highlights:

• They work with their employees regularly to manage workflow at small businesses and farms.
• <00:02:33.880> That's at small businesses and farms.
• That's at small businesses and farms.
• Our farm is a small family farm, and we have found the best way to structure our farm.
• My family and I run a small turkey farm just south of Willmar.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , only for those interested in farming, only for those interested in farming, but<00:20:22.640>
• <00:20:31.919> And<00:20:32.159> whereas<00:20:32.480> the production farming
• And whereas the production farming.
• > grew<00:20:59.600> up<00:20:59.679> on<00:20:59.840> a<00:21:00.000> farm
• , in a suburb, member grew up on a farm, in a suburb, or<00:21:01.200> in<00:21:01.360> an<

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the journal, and then took up several ceremonial and procedural items before moving to resolutions and a large consent calendar of supplemental appropriation bills. The chamber also received committee reports, including Agriculture and Natural Resources appointments to the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund, the Colorado Agricultural Development Authority, and the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Committee, which were recommended for the consent calendar and confirmation. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes and personal privilege remarks. Senators recognized Cap Alpha Psi Fraternity for its mentorship, scholarship, housing, and community service work in Colorado, and later honored Ukraine Power, a Colorado Springs nonprofit that raises funds and delivers generators, heaters, power banks, and other aid to people in Ukraine. Senators emphasized the ongoing war in Ukraine and praised Coloradans helping with humanitarian relief. The Senate then adopted SJR 12, designating February 20, 2026, as Colorado FFA Day, after extended remarks about agricultural education, leadership development, and the role of FFA in both rural and urban communities. The resolution passed on a 33-0 vote, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. The chamber also passed a 30-bill consent calendar of supplemental appropriations and related measures, with several senators recording no votes on selected bills. Final passage followed for House Bill 1151 and the remaining bills on the calendar, covering supplemental appropriations to departments including Corrections, Health Care Policy and Financing, Agriculture, Early Childhood, Education, Human Services, Judicial, Labor and Employment, Law, Local Affairs, Military and Veterans Affairs, Personnel, Revenue, State, Transportation, Treasury, and capital construction and education-related funding measures. Debate on HB 1155 focused on Medicaid and behavioral health cuts, with one senator opposing the bill over parity concerns and others supporting it as part of broader budget balancing. Most bills passed with strong majorities, though several had recorded no votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I own a small farm here in northern New Mexico and Santa Cruz.
• I've been farming the same land for over 400 years.
• I co-own and operate a vegetable farm here in Bernalillo County.
• I was born on a farm, delivered by a midwife, lived on farms and ranches my whole life.
• I worked my whole life, me and my wife did, to buy a farm and then to purchase a ranch.

Keywords: 996, all