Transcript Highlights:

• We have alligator egg contracts on these areas where people go and commercially pick up eggs.
• I’ve harvested alligator eggs back home.”
• “I’ve harvested alligator eggs back home with friends and know that, you know, a gator tail can’t pass

Bills: SCR54, SCR59, HCR5, HCR62, HCR78, HCR86, HB595, HB688, HB802, HB841, HB1161, HB1171, HB1189, HB1248, HB1258

Keywords: Mississippi River Basin, fishery commission, invasive species, sustainability, economic impact, red drum, fishing regulations, tournament permits, wildlife management, recreational fishing, flood management, FEMA, floodplain maps, environmental risks, Louisiana, flood insurance, risk assessment, community planning, seafood, commercial fishing

Transcript Highlights:

• We have alligator egg contracts on these areas where people go and commercially pick up eggs.
• I've harvested alligator eggs back home.
• I've harvested alligator eggs back home with friends and know that a gator tail can't pass over the top

Summary: The Senate Natural Resources Committee met on May 21 with a quorum, approved the May 14 minutes, and then took up a series of natural resources, wildlife, flood control, and transportation-related measures. HB 841 on expropriation procedures was amended to strip most of its substantive language and then deferred. The committee also adopted a technical amendment and reported SCR 54 favorably, which memorializes Congress to fully fund the Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act to help address invasive carp and other aquatic invasive species. Several wildlife bills were heard and reported favorably. HB 1248 allows licensed wildlife rehabilitators to possess white-tailed deer for rehabilitation, and HB 1258 codifies a policy for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife so the department does not automatically euthanize animals that can be rehabilitated or released. HCR 5, which allows limited red drum harvest at certain established rodeos under strict guardrails, drew opposition from a fishing guide concerned about impacts to redfish recovery, but the committee still reported it favorably. HB 688 adds Atlantic tarpon to the definition of saltwater game fish, with support from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and others, and it was also reported favorably. The committee also advanced several infrastructure and flood-related measures. HB 595 requires local governments to respond within 30 days to certain road-use permit requests tied to natural resource development, and it was reported favorably after testimony from oil and gas and industry representatives. HB 802 creates a watershed restoration and conservation fund, narrowed to the Amite River Basin, and was reported favorably with support from conservation and levee interests. SCR 59, urging Congress to ensure FEMA lowers flood insurance rates once the Comite Diversion Canal project reaches 50% completion, was amended and reported favorably, and HCR 62, asking FEMA to review Louisiana flood maps every five years, was also reported favorably. The committee deferred HB 1171, which would have authorized airboats in the Maripaw Swamp Wildlife Management Area, after extensive testimony from supporters and from LDWF officials who raised concerns about habitat sensitivity, migratory birds, user conflicts, and deed restrictions. Finally, HB 1161, transferring certain state property in Lafourche and Jefferson parishes to local governments, HCR 78 supporting the American Seafood Competitive Act, HCR 86 supporting a migratory waterfowl study, and HB 1189 requiring charter boat guides on certain waters to hold U.S. Coast Guard licenses were all reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're talking about egg farmers with their sorting material.
• We're talking about egg farmers with their sorting material.
• The arguments you gave about the cattle ranch farmer, the egg farmer, those are all quite compelling
• The cattle ranch farmer, the egg farmer, those are all quite compelling for me.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on March 20, 2025, and first approved HB 4025, creating the Duke Farm Stewardship District in Lee County, on a 17-0 vote. The committee then advanced HJR 1215, which proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt agricultural tangible personal property from property tax, after extended debate about the fiscal impact on counties, especially rural and fiscally constrained ones; it passed 16-1. HB 411 also passed unanimously after an amendment, extending affordable housing tax exemption treatment to certain nonprofit projects on leased land, including Habitat for Humanity projects. The committee likewise approved CS/HB 669, allowing local governments to purchase certain unrated bonds, and CS/HB 4017, codifying the Vermont Drainage District charter in Charlotte County, both without opposition. The committee also approved HJR 1039, which would let the Legislature prevent assessed-value increases for homestead properties that are improved to mitigate flood damage, and the related implementing bill HB 1041; both passed 17-0. Public testimony on these items included some opposition to the flood-related amendment, but no floor debate changed the outcome. The final major item was CS/HB 1221 by Rep. Miller, which would require local option taxes to be renewed by voter referendum every eight years, with longer terms allowed for bonded projects. That bill drew the most extensive testimony and debate, with counties, tourism groups, and local officials warning about impacts on tourism funding, infrastructure, schools, and public safety, while supporters argued for taxpayer accountability and periodic review. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably on a 13-4 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> I currently serve on the Egg Partners board of directors, a local insurance company board, and then
• And it wasn't a conversation they egg.
• um at the federal more cuts at the egg um at the federal egg<01:36:20.880> for<01:36:21.199><
• We primarily raise pork, grass-fed beef, and eggs.
• raise pork, grass-fed beef, and eggs. raise pork, grass-fed beef, and eggs. 100<01:45:27.040>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Nonetheless, the impact of immigration raids do affect Hawaii farmers and egg production, and we look
• /c><00:03:26.480> utilized<00:03:26.800> by<00:03:26.879> the<00:03:27.040> egg
• research projects utilized by the egg research projects utilized by the egg community.<00:03:28.159
• <00:03:49.440> Hawaii<00:03:49.840> farmers<00:03:50.159> and<00:03:50.319> egg
• egg production and<00:03:51.040> we<00:03:51.200> look<00:03:51.280> forward<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability. Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people. Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I don't need eggs. I'm allergic. Mr.
• Chair, but I think the price of eggs Have they maybe come down finally? But now, guess what?
• The price of eggs is going to go up. So, we have to fix our roads. I am 100% on that.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh Dean Matska, Deputy Department<00:05:04.000> of<00:05:04.240> Egg.
• Department of Egg. Department of Egg.
• Can can the board of egg perform >> yeah.
• <00:26:50.159> Uh<00:26:50.960> Earl >> Can the board of egg do it?
• Uh Earl >> Can the board of egg do it?

Bills: SB2309, SB2317, SB2318, SB2319, SB2321, SB2323, SB2332, SB2405, SB2485

Keywords: agricultural loans, financial support, Hawaii agriculture, food security, revolving fund, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, agricultural statistics, data collection, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, economic analysis, market development, grant funding, climate resiliency

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• But it's not just the egg park.
• But it's not just<01:48:18.719> the<01:48:18.880> egg<01:48:19.119> park.
• When BIS did a survey just the egg park.
• We we also approved um recently um a egg We we also approved um recently um a egg burn<01:53:26.639
• of the WHAM hearings about the egg of the WHAM hearings about the egg declaration<01:56:13.119><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It only spreads when the fly lays its eggs in a wound.
• She'll lay eggs, but those eggs will never hatch.
• They're like the eggs you buy in the grocery store.
• They're all unfertilized eggs. This works because that female fly is out there.
• She'll never lay fertile eggs, and we decrease the number of offspring that those flies have.

Summary: During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects. Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars. The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.

Transcript Highlights:

• A dozen eggs was 25 cents. Now it's $2 to $3. We went to McDonald's and got a Big Mac for 65 cents.
• A dozen of eggs with $25. And now a loaf of bread starts two, three, or four dollars now.
• A dozen of eggs with 25 cents. Now, it's $2 to $3.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A dozen eggs was 25 cents. Now it's $2 to $3. We went to McDonald's and got a Big Mac for 65 cents.
• A dozen of eggs with $25. And now a loaf of bread starts two, three, or four dollars now.
• A dozen of eggs with 25 cents. Now, it's $2 to $3.

Summary: The Committee on Local and Municipal Affairs met on May 21, 2012, with a quorum present and first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. The committee then heard Senate Bill 230 by Senator Barrow, a proposed constitutional amendment to let voters decide whether Louisiana should establish a state livable/minimum wage starting at $10.25 per hour in 2027, with future increases tied to the Consumer Price Index. Senator Barrow and several supporters framed the bill as a response to stagnant wages, rising housing and living costs, poverty, and related social problems, including crime, family instability, and child care barriers. A technical amendment was adopted to correct the bill’s language after questions were raised about whether it improperly required all employers to pay the stated wage rather than setting a minimum wage floor. Public testimony was largely in favor. Supporters included Mother Pearl Porter, who described decades of wage stagnation compared with sharply rising costs of rent, food, and gas; Angela Adkins of 10,000 Women Louisiana, who said workers should be able to cover basic expenses and that indexing wages to inflation would prevent future erosion; Jan Moeller of Invest in Louisiana, who argued the bill would help the ALICE population and noted Louisiana’s high poverty and inequality rates; Julie Schwamm Harris, who linked low wages to broader economic and social harms; Tom Costanza of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, who cited Catholic social teaching and the common good; and Tyler Phillips, who spoke about the impact of low wages on students and low-income communities. The Louisiana Restaurant Association opposed the bill, arguing it did not account for tipped workers and would increase costs for restaurants and consumers. After debate, Senator Boudreaux moved to report SB 230 as amended. The motion failed on a roll call vote, 2 yeas and 3 nays, so the bill was not reported from committee. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:00.800> So,<00:03:01.200> the<00:03:01.599> egg<00:03:01.840> water
• So, the egg water could it help? Yeah.
• So, the egg water quality<00:03:02.480> certification<00:03:03.440> program quality certification

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I know in the egg industry we've, we've, we've, uh, here in New Mexico, we've been working real hard
• New Mexico and how can we as the Economic and Rural Development Committee, how can we encourage, uh, egg
• Um, egg station and it is a, a very nice facility for the meeting, um, uh, somebody has to bring food

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the Catman Association, Poultry and Egg Association, the Extension Veterinarian, the state veterinarian
• :20.400> Association,<00:07:21.120> Poultry<00:07:21.440> and<00:07:21.599> Egg
• uh Catman Association, Poultry and Egg uh Catman Association, Poultry and Egg Association,<00:07

Bills: SB85, SB263, HB277, HB267, SB288, SB85, SB263, HB277, HB267, SB288

Keywords: vaccination exemption, religious exemption, medical exemption, vaccine mandate, testing requirement, public schools, K-12, students, parents, guardians, higher education, college enrollment, university attendance, public institutions of higher education, immunization, religious tenets, sincerely held belief, school health policy, Alabama, AHSAA physical form

Transcript Highlights:

• and we can continue to work with deer farmers and all farmers in general and this is what our house egg
• farmers in general and this is what our farmers in general and this is what our house<00:21:21.840> egg
• committee<00:21:22.880> should<00:21:23.039> really<00:21:23.360> be house egg
• committee should really be house egg committee should really be about.<00:21:24.320> Uh<00:21

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 40, authored by Representative Burkel, was heard and laid over. The bill would remove the statutory requirement that farmed deer/elk facilities maintain a physical barrier preventing contact with wild deer, and it would also strike language allowing revocation of registration and seizure/destruction of animals for fencing or escape violations. Burkel argued the current law is unfair to deer farmers, treats them differently than other livestock producers, and amounts to a regulatory taking of a legal agricultural enterprise. Supporters from the Minnesota Elk Breeders Association and Minnesota Deer Farmers Association said the 2023 secondary-fence requirement is expensive, difficult to implement on long-established properties, and has pushed some breeders out of the industry. They described costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, said the DNR’s guidance is case-by-case and unclear, and argued that the penalty structure is too harsh for what they view as minor or unavoidable escape incidents. One testifier said the industry is being driven out of business and that the state should help pay for the fencing if it remains required. The DNR opposed the bill. Its enforcement representative said the physical-contact barrier is intended to reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease transmission and that removing penalties would leave little incentive for compliance. He said the agency continues to work with the roughly 10 noncompliant whitetail farms and that the DNR provides case-by-case review because farm topography varies. In committee questions, members discussed whether wild deer commonly travel along fence lines, whether ear-tagged deer have been found, and whether there is a standard approved fence design; the DNR said there is no single standard fence, only suggestions and review. Representative Burkel closed by reiterating his support for the bill and the committee then laid it over.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, eggs are a high protein, used to be low cost source of protein for people, not so much anymore.
• They bought a few chickens to provide eggs for their kids, and because one neighbor in the HOA didn't
• I doubt that, uh, uh, that the, that the, uh, egg production is, is cost-effective.
• Uh, our Egg to Chick program, uh, is very popular in, in all areas of the state and it's just, uh, it's
• release of sterile flies so that the, the female flies breed with the sterile male fly, and then those eggs

Bills: HB294

Keywords: energy efficiency, tax exemption, residential properties, sustainability, real estate

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:23:06.000> in<00:23:06.159> the<00:23:06.320> classroom basically the egg
• in the classroom basically the egg in the classroom um<00:23:08.159> representative<00:23:08.640
• 00:32:36.399> producers<00:32:36.880> and<00:32:37.200> give do to protect our egg
• <00:48:44.480> Um, testify on the on the egg trust? Um, testify on the on the egg trust?
• I move that we add the Department of Egg amendment and insert on page nine, letter B.

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:

• > to<01:06:53.599> one<01:06:53.760> of<01:06:53.880> our<01:06:54.000> egg
• need to take a death to one of our egg need to take a death to one of our egg producers<01:06:54.720
• c> so<01:07:21.079> not<01:07:21.279> just<01:07:21.599> theft in reducing egg
• the assistant chief administrator<01:43:09.840> of<01:43:10.000> the<01:43:10.159> egg
• <01:43:10.480> enforcement administrator of the egg enforcement administrator of the egg enforcement

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He was affectionately referred to often by his colleagues, especially those of us on the egg committee
• He was affectionately referred to often by his colleagues, especially those of us on the egg committee
• I learned that back when I served in '87 to '93 with Lou on the egg and natural resources committees.
• Well, the committees are all changed names now: egg, livestock, and natural resources.
• bill came up and as it every time an egg bill came up and as it was<00:58:44.400> scheduled<00

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the March 9, 2026 journal, and received committee reports on several appointments and bills. The education committee recommended confirmation of appointments to the Charter School Institute Board and the Colorado Mesa University Board of Trustees. The judiciary committee reported several measures, including Senate Bills 75, 132, 104, and 112 and House Bills 1017 and 1103, with recommendations ranging from amendment to favorable referral to the committee of the whole, and some placement on the consent calendar. The chamber also received multiple House messages transmitting House Joint Resolution 1020 and a number of House bills, many of which were passed on third reading and sent to the Revisor of Statutes. The Senate then moved out of order to consider Senate Joint Memorial 002 honoring former Senator Lewis H. Ent. The memorial recounted his service as a Marine in the Korean War, his work as a farmer and county commissioner, and his long legislative career in the House and Senate, with emphasis on agriculture, water policy, natural resources, veterans affairs, and local government. Several members and former members spoke in support, describing him as a mentor, a relentless advocate for the San Luis Valley and its water issues, and a respected colleague. Representative Martinez and Senators Hillman and Jones offered personal recollections of working with him and his influence on their service. The Senate suspended Rule 31A to allow remarks from House members and former senators, then adopted SJM 002 by a unanimous 35-0 vote. The memorial directs copies to members of Ent’s family, and Minority Leader Simpson requested that the current roll call be added as co-sponsors, with no objection noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what this bill does is that it provides grants to egg retailers or co-ops to cover the cost and time
• <00:04:00.239> retailers that it provides grants to egg retailers that it provides grants
• to egg retailers or<00:04:01.360> co-ops<00:04:01.799> to<00:04:01.959> cover<00
• Because, you know, if the price of eggs goes up to $6, the child still needs to eat the eggs.
• Because, you know, if the price of eggs goes up to $6, the child still needs to eat the eggs. register

Bills: HF2233, HF1524, HF1893, HF1396, HF2456, HF2959, HF2300, HF2412, HF3022, HF2825, HF1862, HF1373, HF1039, HF3070

Keywords: Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money