Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you again for your work to improve the clarity, the structure, and the conservation.
• Then the idea that any future blue urban project may be located on land with any future land use designation
• May be the type of things that are not generally considered conservation or conserving these lands.
• In my district, we have Conservation Collier. It's funded by ad valorem property taxes.
• This bill provides free conservation. Not paid for by ad valorem property taxes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And those grant programs are still kind of out there and working.
• I'm the Director of Conservation for the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• WSDOT administers the Safe Routes to School program, the Sandy Williams Connecting program, and the bicycle
• and pedestrian grant program.
• So they're not anticipating that this is going to increase the program.

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on February 18 and heard several Senate transportation bills, then announced it would caucus after the public hearings. Engrossed Senate Bill 5081, concerning unattended motor vehicles and remote starter systems, was briefly introduced and described as having no fiscal impact; the sponsor framed it as a public-safety and anti-theft measure, but no substantive testimony followed before the hearing was closed. The committee then heard Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5203 on wildlife habitat connectivity and safe wildlife crossings, which would require WSDOT and WDFW to develop and update a statewide connectivity strategy, create dedicated wildlife corridors and crossings accounts, and report regularly to the legislature. Supporters emphasized reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions, better habitat connectivity, and access to federal matching funds, while opponents from southwest Washington argued the bill lacked local landowner and county input and could push wolves or other wildlife into agricultural areas. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Engrossed Senate Bill 5705, which would double penalties for using a personal electronic device while driving in school, playground, and crosswalk speed zones and direct the additional revenue to school zone safety accounts. Testimony from the Traffic Safety Commission and the sponsor stressed rising distracted-driving fatalities, the vulnerability of children and pedestrians, and the need for stronger deterrence; members asked about messaging, enforcement, and how the new penalties would be used. Finally, Engrossed Senate Bill 5581 was heard, a broad active transportation and complete streets bill that would update roundabout and crosswalk definitions, integrate shared-use paths into highway planning, and allow WSDOT to use local or tribal facilities as mitigation when they provide equal or better access. Supporters from transportation advocacy groups and local governments said it would improve safety and clarify existing law, while one Lake Forest Park official warned that complete streets mandates can create unfunded costs that delay needed maintenance. The committee closed public testimony on all bills and adjourned without taking final action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that there are things we could do in the future.
• help inform program development and implementation and advise on the program.
• He said the state would fund the program at the rate it can as a phase-in program, starting with a little
• We want to ensure this new program can integrate with other programs efficiently in a streamlined fashion
• We have the funding assistance programs through ours.

Bills: HB2426, HB2606

Keywords: pollution control, efficiency, appeals process, environmental regulation, hearing board, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . ...future.
• time to the program.
• We're underfunding that program almost 100%. You know, and I led a 12-year program.
• I'm very new to the program.
• We're hoping to be able to continue this program in future years.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that program is really successful.
• Some programs... Development of programs for offenders and the oversight of such services.
• Generally, it's a return rate to prison after successful program completion or after program failure.
• in conservation are used wisely through overall administrative oversight of our programs and activities
• This program totals $24.3 million.

Summary: The committee first heard the Missouri National Guard’s FY 2027 budget request in House Bill 2008. Brigadier General Bob Payne outlined the Guard’s dual state and federal mission, recent deployments and state activations, counter-drug work, and the need to maintain readiness and aging armory infrastructure. Members questioned several items, including a proposed internal auditor position required by statute, a World Cup-related NDI, the use of general revenue versus other funds, and a federal match for base operations support at Rosecrans Airport. The presentation then shifted into executive session, where the committee reviewed a House committee substitute and several amendments. One amendment to fund the Missouri State Fair’s Great American State Fair participation with ag and tourism funds was rejected, while an amendment reducing $50,000 in House and Senate legal contingency funding was adopted. Another amendment directing budget information to all committee members rather than only chairs was rejected. The committee then adopted the substitute and voted House Bill 2014 do pass by a 24-0-1 vote. The committee next took up the Department of Corrections FY 2027 budget in House Bill 2009. DOC described a new CERT stipend increase, a reduction in the Office of Director’s Staff, and several core items including professional standards, federal funds, community treatment programming, education grants, population growth pool, restitution payments, human services staff, telecommunications, general services, fuel and utilities, food purchases, food service, staff training, employee health and safety, overtime, adult institution staff, institution E&E, wage and discharge, and individual institutions. Members asked about the CERT stipend, PREA allegations, education funding, restitution payments, the population growth pool, the working capital revolving fund, food service costs, overtime, retention, warden turnover, the prison nursery, and the use of inmate canteen funds. DOC said CERT members are full-time employees who volunteer for additional duty, that staffing has improved but remains a challenge, that the food service increase reflects the end of inventory credits and inflation, and that the department generally spends non-GR funds first when possible. Discussion also turned to whether DOC facilities could be repurposed for pretrial or mental health populations; DOC said it is legally limited to post-sentence inmates and that staffing and labor-market constraints make reopening closed facilities difficult.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thomas again, solar R schools, the energy conservation loan program, and then an energy savings loan.
• <00:15:21.440><c> Loan</c><00:15:21.959><c> program</c> conservation Loan program conservation Loan program
• </c><00:15:48.800><c> Loan</c> the energy conservation Loan the energy conservation Loan program<00:15
• </c> new geothermal feasibility study program new geothermal feasibility study program launched<00:18
• to the program reviewing and oversight to the program reviewing and approving<00:19:22.440><c> the</

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the interim program administrator for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.
• So we do have a program-specific inflation curve now that is more conservative, and so it's more reflective
• So a five-mile program, the commitment remains to work on bringing forward the five-mile program over
• program will be...
• We do a lot of programming in East Portland, walking school bus programs, getting kids walking to school

Summary: The Joint Committee on Interstate 5 Bridge met remotely with Washington legislative members to receive updates on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, including environmental review, cost and funding, tolling, and procurement for construction. Program staff said the final supplemental environmental impact statement was published in April 2026, with a federal record of decision expected in early summer. They described the recommended design as a single-level fixed-span bridge, centered I-5 alignment, C Street ramps, one auxiliary lane in each direction, and dispersed park-and-ride parking. Members raised concerns about transparency, the closed chat function, and the decision not to include two auxiliary lanes; staff said the one-lane option was recommended through consultation with partner agencies and analysis, but the final decision would come with the record of decision. Staff also said the diversion analysis projected less than 3% traffic diversion to I-205 in 2045, though members from Oregon and Washington expressed concern about impacts to their communities and asked for more detail on mitigation and decision-making. The committee also reviewed a major cost update. Staff said the full five-mile program is now estimated at $13.5 billion to $15.2 billion, with a likely cost of $14.4 billion, up from a 2022 estimate of $5 billion to $7.5 billion, citing inflation, schedule delays, scope changes, and more detailed risk modeling. They said the first funded phase has been reduced to a $5.68 billion package focused on the Columbia River bridge replacement, connections to I-5, Hayden Island and SR-14, bridge demolition, tolling infrastructure, and advancing light rail design. Funding for that phase was described as $5.69 billion, including $2.1 billion federal funds, $1 billion from each state, and $1.5 billion in projected toll revenue. Members asked what would happen if costs rise further; staff said the estimate includes substantial contingency, the project will use progressive design-build to manage risk, and the team will continue updating the finance plan annually. A separate tolling and traffic-revenue presentation explained that four toll scenarios were analyzed using regional travel demand modeling, a toll diversion model, and a post-processing review. All scenarios assume pre-completion tolling beginning July 1, 2028, a 50% low-income discount for eligible users, and exemptions for tribal preemptions, emergency vehicles, maintenance vehicles, and organized militia. Staff said the low-income discount would affect about 4% to 6% of annual transactions and reduce annual revenues by roughly 2% to 3%. They said Scenario 2 was used for the financial analysis and is sufficient to support the $1.5 billion toll contribution in the funded phase. Members asked about toll collection costs, revenue impacts of the discount, and how the scenarios differed; staff said collection costs are expected to be in line with other WSDOT toll facilities, but exact costs are not yet set because toll rates are not final. Finally, WSDOT staff outlined procurement and delivery steps for construction. They said WSDOT will be the lead contracting agency, using progressive design-build, with a request for qualifications targeted for early July 2026, a request for proposals in October, contractor selection in April 2027, construction starting in 2028, and tolling beginning in 2028. Staff said the approach is intended to consolidate scope, reduce interface risk, and allow transparent negotiation with an independent cost estimator, while preserving an off-ramp if a fair price cannot be reached. Members asked for more detail on timing, cost allocation, and the share of the first phase funded by tolls; staff estimated tolls account for about 26% of the first phase cost.

Transcript Highlights:

• Program funds to be used for supportive services. Mr.
• . in the program and disincentivizes future enrollment and the re-enrollment of those who have 80 or
• Which we would love to see in the future.
• I'm here to thank you for including the Political Contribution Refund Program and Modernization Program
• Continue to fund the program.

Bills: HF2730, HF2257, HF2768, HF1932, HF2437

Keywords: local government debt, municipal bonds, county bonds, capital improvements, public financing, bond issuance, public hearing, notice period, bond guarantee, Minnesota Public Facilities Authority, volume cap, private activity bonds, housing finance, residential rental bonds, LIHTC, low-income housing tax credits, redevelopment, courthouse financing, jail financing, law enforcement center

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1380, opt for management conservation priority. Ready.
• SB 1373, appropriation center youth employment program.
• SB 1373, appropriation center youth employment program.
• SB 1383, greenhouse gas programs repeal prohibition.
• SB 1391, stress management pilot program appropriation.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is involved in wildlife conservation efforts. to the Center for Wildlife Rescue, Rescue Program.
• A program for trained engineers, physicists, mathematicians, and a beginning of the American space program
• Members today we're joined by Impact Pasadena Leadership Program.
• building future leaders in our community.
• I see so many future leaders up there in the gallery.

Bills: SJR3, SB5, SB21, SB72, SB703, SB764, SB790, SJR36, SJR3, SJR34, SJR18, SCR9, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB5, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB372, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB764, SB842, SB971, SB790, SB767, SB480, SB1066, SB929, SB765, SB523, SB62, SB19, SB18, SB666, SB688, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB706, SB847, SB869, SB890, SB992, SB1145, SB494, SB290, SB766, SB11, SB10, SB13, SB263, SJR3, SB5, SR172, SR176, SR177, SR190, SR193, SR194, SR202, SR203, SR208

Keywords: dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, research institute, funding, grants, state health initiatives, cryptocurrency, bitcoin, investment reserve, economic resilience, financial security, vehicle rental, damage waiver

Transcript Highlights:

• Why is this referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee?
• It has an impact on NYSERDA programs that benefit consumers.
• It would also defund the EB Make Ready program and the New York State Clean Heat Program, both of which
• These programs support union jobs.
• That program would go away.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications considered a large agenda focused mainly on energy affordability, the CLCPA, utility rates, and renewable energy siting. Senator Mattera and other Republican members argued that the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act has driven up utility bills, harmed reliability, and imposed costs on ratepayers, while Democratic members pushed back that rising costs are also driven by natural gas markets, infrastructure costs, and broader economic factors. Several bills sought to repeal or pause CLCPA-related policies, create a CLCPA task force, impose studies or moratoriums on new energy taxes and fees, and increase transparency around utility surcharges and state energy spending. Supporters framed these measures as ratepayer relief and accountability; opponents said some proposals would undermine clean-energy policy and existing consumer-benefit programs. The committee defeated S.1167, which would have repealed the All Electric Building Act, and S.1173, which would have created a CLCPA task force. It also failed S.5250, a bill to study CLCPA costs and impose a moratorium on new energy taxes, fees, or regulations, and S.7075, which would have prohibited the system benefits charge on utility bills. Several other bills advanced, including S.1236A on virtual access and electronic filing for Public Service Commission proceedings, S.1552 establishing reduced residential rates for low-income electric and natural gas customers, S.2484 directing a study of replacement timeframes for battery storage and renewable facilities, S.2638 on carbon allowance auction proceeds, S.3247 on electric vehicle charging stations, S.3553 requiring utilities to post promotional and educational materials on their websites, S.4571A creating a floating solar incentive education program, S.5518 shifting Public Service Commission funding to legislative appropriation, and S.6412A requiring itemized ratepayer disclosure of surcharges. S.9251, on labor-related legal costs, was referred to the Labor Committee. S.7710, which would have restricted energy storage systems near schools and homes in New York City, failed after concerns and support were debated. The committee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a beloved program. It's a beloved program in my district.
• And the AgSTEP program is a remarkable program.
• Program.
• still has conservation title programs that could be of assistance if we don't already have a farmer
• I ask you to prioritize and invest in the program, the CNIP program.

Summary: The meeting began with a lengthy opening discussion with Secretary Karen Ross of the Department of Food and Agriculture, who reviewed the department’s proposed budget, emphasized California agriculture’s record output, and highlighted major priorities including climate-smart agriculture, groundwater management, local food systems, farm-to-school, food hubs, invasive pest prevention, bird flu response, and food safety. She also warned about federal budget cuts, especially at USDA and FDA, and discussed market access challenges abroad, rising input costs, labor shortages, and the need for automation and workforce training. Members raised questions about the future of Farm to School, the California Nutrition Incentive Program/Market Match, local food procurement, and how to better connect farmers to schools, food banks, and food hubs; Ross said the department had strong evidence the program benefits small farms and Title I schools and noted continued interest in building out local food infrastructure. The committee then took up item one on eliminating vacant positions at the Departments of Fish and Wildlife, Parks and Recreation, and Food and Agriculture. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that the Governor proposed eliminating 6,000 vacant positions statewide, with the Joint Legislative Budget Committee previously rejecting 650 of them, including 174 in these three departments. LAO and Finance said the vacancies represented a source of budget flexibility, but warned that eliminating them could create program impacts; LAO recommended retaining the special-funded positions at Fish and Wildlife and Food and Agriculture, while weighing the General Fund positions against other priorities. Finance argued the reductions were part of a broader budget-resiliency exercise and that departments could reclassify or shift vacancies to higher priorities. Members focused heavily on the practical impacts of the cuts. Assemblymember Petrie-Norris argued that Fish and Wildlife staffing shortages were already slowing permits needed for housing, clean energy, water, and transportation projects, and questioned the value of saving relatively small amounts of money. Fish and Wildlife officials said the department had prioritized mission-critical work and could still meet permitting obligations, but acknowledged limited-term staffing constraints. State Parks said the proposed ranger and maintenance cuts would not have immediate effects but could slow maintenance and eventually worsen deferred maintenance. Food and Agriculture said some of the eliminated positions supported early pest detection and eradication, but that the department believed it could still meet its mandate and reclassify positions if needed. The chair and several members signaled concern about the Fish and Wildlife and Parks cuts, while also noting the broader need for budget reductions. The committee then moved to item six, hearing an overview from the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation. Staff described the office’s role in CEQA implementation and said the budget requests were baseline funding to maintain existing functions, including IT services and administrative/legislative support, rather than new programs. The chair asked the presenters to move quickly through background material so the committee could get to questions, and the item began with no votes taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a theologically conservative Christian and a politically conservative voter.
• So when I run my models into the future of...
• the most conservative...
• You may or may not end up with this program.
• Why are these conservative groups against it?

Bills: HB246, HB796, HB 1056, HB1544, HB1846, HB2001, HB2618, HB2625, HB2869, HB2898, HB3069, HB3114, HB3157, HB3228, HJR98, HB246

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> states with disease monitoring programs states with disease monitoring programs however<00:07:10.120
• </c> through uh additionally these programs through uh additionally these programs don't<00:07:29.720
• </c> decision says to our children and future decision says to our children and future Generations<03
• </c><03:28:00.960><c> uh</c><03:28:01.120><c> conservation</c> Wildlife Conservation uh conservation
• <c> you</c><04:18:31.199><c> think</c> in future near future because you think in future near future

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Priorities and programs.
• Tim Dach, on behalf of Climate Future California, in support.
• Plan and NCCP, or Natural Community Conservation Plan, lands.
• Plan and NCCP or Natural Community Conservation Plan lands.
• Matthew Baker with Planning Conservation.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of local government and housing-related bills, with testimony often centered on regional coordination, permitting reform, and local control. SB 802 by Senator Ashby would require Sacramento-area jurisdictions to form a joint powers authority to coordinate homelessness and housing response; supporters argued the region has long lacked accountability and coordination, while Sacramento County, Folsom, and others opposed the mandate as an unprecedented state-imposed JPA. The bill drew extensive support from local officials, business groups, service providers, and advocates, and opposition from county, city, and nonprofit representatives who said a local process was already underway. Committee members expressed support for the concept, but the bill was held pending a quorum and later discussed again with strong encouragement for regional collaboration. The committee also heard SB 222, SB 677, SB 908, SB 226, SB 828, and SB 1193. SB 222 would streamline permitting for residential heat pump and water heater installations; supporters said it would lower costs and speed clean-energy adoption, while local government groups argued the main barrier is upfront cost, not permits. SB 677 would curb what the author described as abusive appeals and delays in affordable housing approvals, with developers testifying about frivolous subdivision map appeals and TEFRA hearing delays; the California Native Plant Society sought an amendment to preserve appeals on habitat lands. SB 908 would simplify permits for energy-code-compliant window replacements, and SB 226 would clarify financing authority for a West Sacramento baseball stadium proposal; both passed unanimously. SB 828, prompted by the Esparto fireworks warehouse explosion, would tighten fireworks storage and licensing rules, expand inspection and seizure authority, and increase fines; it also passed unanimously after testimony from fire officials and a pyrotechnic operator who opposed it unless amended. SB 1193, a county-specific Alameda County transparency bill, generated the sharpest debate. The author argued it would prevent waste, favoritism, and conflicts of interest in discretionary spending by requiring board approval, a public spending log, and clearer whistleblower procedures. Alameda County and county associations opposed it as overly broad and burdensome, saying existing processes already provide transparency and that the bill would reduce flexibility during fiscal stress. After committee questions about the bill’s purpose and the county’s current practices, the measure passed 7-0, with the author indicating willingness to accept an amendment restoring a four-fifths vote threshold. The committee then moved out of order to SB 1090, which would impose a temporary moratorium on state housing density laws in Altadena through 2030 in response to post-fire displacement concerns. The author said the bill is intended to protect long-term residents from investor-driven redevelopment after the Eaton Fire, while acknowledging amendments to align the moratorium with affordable housing development timelines. The transcript cuts off during the presentation of this bill, so no final action is shown for SB 1090 in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our partners in terms of delivering our programs are the state's 88 Soil and Water Conservation districts
• Another part of the programs that we have are conservation easements, and these are larger-scale projects
• Some of you may have heard of the Conservation Reserve Program, the CRP program, which has been a federal
• Some of you may have heard of the Conservation Reserve Program, the CRP program, which has been a federal
• program is conservation easement program is certainly<01:29:47.360><c> one</c><01:29:47.480><c> of</

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It has something to do with the Conservation Department.
• There could be a conservation judge, but I doubt it. So FFA is...
• Don’t forget that the Conservation Department receives funds in the Wildlife Restoration Program, which
• is formally known as the Pittman-Robertson Program.
• That's what the conservation agent has told us.

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 1885, Representative VanSkoik’s bill. The committee moved the bill “do pass” and approved it by roll call vote, 22-0. After that action, the committee held a special presentation by the Grundy County R-5 FFA agriculture issues team. The FFA students presented a skit and discussion on chronic wasting disease (CWD) and the Missouri Department of Conservation’s targeted removal practices. Their presentation laid out competing concerns from farmers, deer hunters, families using venison, and conservation officials, including crop damage, hunting economics, deer population health, food safety, and the spread of CWD. Committee members asked questions about CWD prevalence in Grundy County, the Wisconsin and Kansas experiences, human health risks, Share the Harvest, testing practices, and the economic effects of deer hunting versus deer damage and collisions. Members praised the students’ preparation and presentation, and several offered suggestions about strengthening their factual support and economic data for competition. The committee also discussed the controversy around MDC’s CWD policies and the decision to pause targeted removals while more research is done. The meeting ended with thanks to the students and adjournment of the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill started as a wind and solar stewardship program, set up much like the e-stewardship program
• set up uh steward stewardship program set up much<00:03:01.480><c> like</c><00:03:01.680><c> the</c>
• > for</c> much like the E stewardship program for much like the E stewardship program for recycling<00
• Next up, Randall, Conservation Assistance and Regulations Section Manager, DNR.
• </c> you next up r Randal conservation you next up r Randal conservation assistance<00:27:00.880><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and in perpetuity, it is conserved.
• lands stay in conservation.
• for the future is our goal.
• for the future is our goal.
• Accreditation programs have recognized that they can't force programs to break state law.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Chester Clem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum confirmation. Members then adopted the special order report for the day and approved a Rules and Ethics Committee report amending House Rule 15.3 to allow fundraising under certain circumstances during extended or special sessions. The chamber then took up several bills. HB 1405 on a statewide project for missing persons with special needs passed unanimously. CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, passed 94-10 after debate focused on conservation land surplus procedures and agricultural use of state lands. CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the “Fire Act” on foreign influence, foreign gifts, critical infrastructure, sister city agreements, and related restrictions, passed 80-20 after the House adopted an amendment adding a prohibition on certain surrogacy contracts involving citizens or residents of foreign countries of concern. CS/CS/HB 1197, dealing with information technology procurement and contracting, passed 109-0. HB 1103 on local administration of vessel restrictions passed unanimously. The House also debated CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use and development regulations. Supporters said it would limit development fees, standardize compatibility rules, allow manufactured homes in RV parks, and lower voting thresholds for comprehensive plan changes to address housing affordability; opponents argued it would preempt local control, weaken voter-approved urban boundary protections, and risk conservation lands. An amendment to preserve Orange County’s boundary rules failed, while a technical amendment on manufactured homes passed. The bill then passed 71-38. The House also passed several local bills, including measures for the Pace Fire Rescue District, Avalon Beach/Mulat Fire Protection District, East Point Water and Sewer District, Fellsmere Water Control District, and Headwaters Water Control District, with votes ranging from 83-27 to unanimous approval. The transcript also included farewell remarks from Representative Angie Nixon before the House returned to remaining business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Land conservancy.
• REACH programming in order to promote statewide land conservation.
• We have two conservation programs in Florida that are instrumental to the progress of protecting the
• Please know that your leadership and the funding for these programs has empowered enormous conservation
• program, loan assistance program.

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture heard two informational presentations before taking up legislation. Tracy Dean of Conservation Florida described the organization’s work protecting wild and working lands, especially ranch and timber lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and argued that agricultural conservation easements are essential to preserving habitat, water resources, family farms, and the corridor itself. Senators discussed how conservation easements can help family operations remain viable across generations, and Dean emphasized strong demand for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and Florida Forever funding. Dr. Jamie Ellis of the University of Florida then gave a detailed presentation on honeybees, their role in pollination and Florida agriculture, and major threats such as Varroa mites, queen quality, nutrition issues, hurricanes, and the yellow-legged hornet; senators asked about colony losses, pollination alternatives, and the economic importance of beekeeping in Florida. The committee then considered SB 210 on animal cremation, sponsored by Senator Harrell. The bill was described as a response to a case involving mishandled pet cremation and would require crematories to provide clear disclosures about services, prohibit false or misleading information, and authorize civil penalties enforced by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. Next, the committee took up SJR 318, a joint resolution by Chair Truenow creating a proposed ad valorem tax exemption for tangible personal property used in agricultural production or agritourism on agricultural land and owned by the landowner or leaseholder. Several industry and agency representatives appeared in support, and the resolution was also reported favorably by unanimous vote. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment motioned by Senator Rouson.