Transcript Highlights:

• had the capacity to purchase from the very small vegetable farm, as well as larger aggregators and meat
• livestock producers, and as Representative Ferrari just mentioned, 43% of our total purchases were meat
• Bank demonstrated that when food banks partner directly with New Mexico livestock producers, local meat
• and provides a complete nutritional profile... ...for a family using said boxes, ground and cubed meat
• CSA box and provides a complete nutritional profile for a family using said boxes, ground and cubed meat

Committee: House House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• , the department shall notify the dealer of the violation and allow the dealer at least 30 days to cure
• , the department shall notify the dealer of the violation and allow the dealer at least 30 days to cure
• Allow the dealer at least 30 days to cure the deficiency.
• </c><03:18:08.800><c> period</c> just give 30 days a 30-day cure period just give 30 days a 30-day cure
• ,</c><03:21:28.319><c> uh,</c> warning or notice or time to cure, uh, warning or notice or time to cure

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 37-207 deals with meat sales, where you can buy direct from the producer any share of an animal
• I think we can all remember no meat on the food shelves. Do you think this would add...
• No meat on the food shelves.
• Whoever the host is cooks the meat, and then everyone else brings the sides.
• Additional trainings with meat department employees are being explored, and we're... ...with meat department

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I will tell you on our presentation, but there was a little bit of a mistake on the meat and poultry
• One thing we have in mind for this meat and poultry inspection program is that once we've stood it up
• But what I guess one other quick question, Madam Chair, Director, around the meat inspections: do you
• We're still a few years away on meat inspections. So, Madam Chair, Mr.
• The important part here is also to recognize that if the meat isn't handled well, you could get...

Transcript Highlights:

• The processor will take the deer, put everything into ground meat.
• And stuff love the ground pork just as much as they do the ground deer meat.
• Over the past two years, we've had 119,000 pounds of deer meat donated and 137 pounds of hog meat.
• And we work with Tangi Meats in Hammond. But if there's other ones, yes.
• We're working with our federation to hear about the meat donation programs.

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, adoption of the agenda, and approval of the prior minutes. The main presentation was from Julie Grenwald of Louisiana Hunters for the Hungry, who described the nonprofit’s protein donation programs, including freezer clean-out days, deer and fish processing partnerships, and a paused feral hog donation program that had collected about 3,500 hogs and 137,000 pounds of pork before funding ran short. She said the group has donated roughly 300,000 pounds of protein over two years, works with food banks and local agencies, and is protected under Louisiana’s Good Samaritan Law. Members asked about processor locations, exotic species, signage, sponsorships, and whether the program could expand to other invasive species or mobile drop-off options; Grenwald said expansion is possible if processors and funding are available. The task force then received a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries update from Jonathan Bordelon on chronic wasting disease testing. He reported more than 2,800 samples collected and over 2,300 results returned, with nine positives total: eight in Tensas Parish and one confirmed in Concordia Parish on Richard K. Yancey WMA, which triggered preparation of an emergency declaration and future rulemaking to adjust the control area. He said harvest and sampling remain near record levels, most samples are voluntary, and the agency continues to monitor symptomatic deer reports and public submissions. The final major presentation was from William McKinley of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, who gave a detailed overview of Mississippi’s CWD response. He said Mississippi has 529 detections across 18 counties, with prevalence rising from about one in 500 samples to about one in 80 statewide, and much higher in some counties. He described Mississippi’s surveillance system, targeted tags within three miles of positives, environmental sampling, feeder bans in CWD zones, and research showing contamination at feeders and in scrapes. He also discussed possible multiple strains, including one linked to the Wisconsin whitetail strain and another around Vicksburg/Issaquena, and said the disease appears to be expanding about 3.5 miles per year. Members asked about high-fence enclosures, live deer movement restrictions, baiting and feeding rules, hunter participation, and whether Louisiana should develop similar environmental testing capacity; no votes were taken on these issues, but members discussed possible future legislative or budget action.

Transcript Highlights:

• veterinary medicine and veterinary technology practice provisions, and Senator Dornink's cell-cultured meat
• veterinary medicine and veterinary technology practice provisions, and Senator Dornink's cell-cultured meat
• </c><00:42:23.040><c> I</c><00:42:23.280><c> I</c> lab grown or cell cultured meat.
• I I lab grown or cell cultured meat.
• Rather than meat, such actions ultimately will safeguard the integrity of meat labeling and ensure that

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Line 34 is an appropriation for additional meat inspectors for the Meat Inspection Program.
• Clause F is for meat processing, the liaison position.
• </c><00:36:08.680><c> and</c> also the onetime increase for meat and also the onetime increase for meat
• processing at USDA way back last meat processing at USDA way back last year<01:13:15.159><c> before<
• </c> the federal share of uh inspecting meat the federal share of uh inspecting meat here<01:13:23.480

Bills: HF1704

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Inspection Act's custom-exempt meat processing inspection criteria, with a third-party inspector present
• , so that processed beef, pork, lamb, and goat meat can be sold as individual cuts directly from the
• Inspection Act's custom-exempt meat processing criteria with a third-party inspector present at slaughter
• In Vermont, they started their own state meat inspection program.
• I think that it might be a good thing to have meat inspection being the same way.

Summary: The committee opened a hearing on HR 18, a resolution urging New Hampshire’s congressional delegation to seek federal changes that would let very small slaughter plants use custom-exempt inspection criteria with a third-party inspector present, so beef, pork, lamb, and goat could be sold as individual cuts directly to consumers. Representative Judy Aron said the resolution was drafted in lieu of state legislation because the issue is governed by USDA rules, and she noted she was also working on an amendment to ensure the measure covered federal “very small” plants. Representative Miner asked for clarification about custom slaughter versus retail sales, and Representative Scully supported the resolution while suggesting language to make clear it applied only to local end consumers. Joyce Brady of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau testified in support, saying the state’s four USDA slaughterhouses and the bottleneck in custom cutting made the issue important. After no further testimony, the chair closed the hearing. The committee then moved into a work session on several bills. For HB 616, members discussed an amendment that had been revised after public comments and Commissioner Jasper’s feedback; Representative Guber said it balanced the competing positions, and Representative Penza and Representative Ger said the language now addressed concerns about animal suffering by allowing euthanasia if a treating veterinarian determines the animal is in extreme suffering. The committee then discussed HB 77, with Representative Penza describing changes to landfill-related standards, including replacing aquifer references with drinking water wells, removing a penalty section, changing discretionary language to mandatory language for the department, and adjusting an in situ soils standard. Members praised the compromise, though Representative Scully raised concerns about the 1,500-foot setback and suggested engineering controls such as berms; Penza responded that current rules do not include such controls and that the setback was intended to address surface spills. Several members said the bill reflected a hard-fought balance and should not be rewritten at the last minute. For HB 505, the freeze-dried food bill, Representative Aron explained that the amendment replaced a simple exemption with a requirement that homestead food operations selling freeze-dried foods from a farm stand, farmers market, or retail food store obtain a homestead food license under RSA 143-A:4. She said the amendment defines freeze-dried foods as fruits, vegetables, and commercially prepared dairy products, and delays the effective date 120 days to allow rulemaking. Members generally supported the approach as a light-touch oversight mechanism for potentially hazardous foods, though Representative Ktoa asked for clarification about how the amendment interacts with existing licensing and inspection exemptions, and Aron clarified that these products would not be exempt from licensing under the relevant law. The committee then turned to HB 250, concerning local authority over dog muzzling, where members broadly supported the amendment as a simple solution, while Representative Ktoa asked about the underlying definition of a vicious dog and whether all listed behaviors would warrant muzzling. The discussion noted that the amendment would allow towns to require muzzling for dogs meeting the statutory definition, while excluding hunting, working, herding, and similar dogs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The processor will take the deer, put everything into ground meat.
• So for a while we were doing We work with, they all know how to use ground meat.
• Over the past two years, we've had 119,000 pounds of deer meat donated and 137 pounds of hog meat.
• And we work with Tangi Meats in Hammond. But if there's other ones, yes.
• We're working with our federation to hear about the meat donation programs.

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, approval of the agenda, and approval of the prior minutes, followed by a presentation from Julie Grenwald of Louisiana Hunters for the Hungry. She described the nonprofit’s work collecting and distributing protein to food banks and agencies statewide through freezer clean-out days, deer donations processed by more than 50 processors, fish donations through Venice Marina, and a paused-but-planned-to-reopen feral hog program. Members asked about processor locations, signage, exotic species, funding, sponsorships, and disease safety; Grenwald said the program is protected under Louisiana’s Good Samaritan Law and that wildlife and fisheries agents help connect processors and promote the program. She also noted the organization is looking for more partners and ways to expand access and awareness. The task force then received an update from Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on chronic wasting disease testing. Jonathan Bordelon reported more than 2,800 samples collected and over 2,300 results returned, with nine positives to date: eight in Tensas Parish and one confirmed new detection in Concordia Parish from a hunter-harvested deer. He said the Concordia positive triggered the state’s CWD response plan, including a declaration of emergency and a future rulemaking process to adjust control-area boundaries. Members asked about symptomatic deer, harvest trends, and whether the disease appears to be spreading along the river; Bordelon said most positives were asymptomatic hunter-harvested deer and that harvest numbers remain near record highs. William McKinley of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks then gave an extensive presentation on Mississippi’s CWD experience. He said Mississippi has had 529 detections across 18 counties since 2018, with prevalence rising from about one in 500 samples to roughly one in 40 this year, and that some counties near the Tennessee line are seeing severe impacts. He described Mississippi’s surveillance system, voluntary sampling, taxidermist partnerships, targeted tags for properties near positives, bans on feeding and baiting in CWD zones, and research on environmental contamination, raccoons, and strain differences. Members asked about high-fence enclosures, live deer movement restrictions, Tennessee’s regulations, environmental testing capacity, and whether more aggressive measures or LSU research capacity could help Louisiana; McKinley said the disease is expanding despite management efforts and emphasized early detection, rapid response, and continued interstate coordination.

Transcript Highlights:

• I cannot find anywhere it says deer; it says meat. Oh, okay.
• So my question is, if we, you know, have to test all this meat...
• But most states consider meat as low risk.
• or require testing of meat.
• </c><04:50:01.040><c> at</c> really no certified tests for meat at really no certified tests for meat

Committee: House Fish and Game and Marine Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• The meat of the bill is that it allows a business to... ...to appeal a ruling by a municipality or county
• The meat of this is in the first 12 pages of the bill; it really is.
• I think this is kind of the meat of it. Can you help me... ...kind of the meat of it.
• I'm trying... well, you know, if you had just said the meat of it is on the first 12 or 13...
• The meat of it is on the first 12 or 13 pages.

Bills: SB174 , SB180 , HB196 , HB25 , SB193 , HB25

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: business taxes, annual reports, Alabama Tax Tribunal, tax appeals, local government, media monitoring, government contracts, state agencies, local agencies, media regulations, transparency, juvenile detention, county management, legal procedures, juvenile justice, county commission, supervision, administration, emergency services, local districts

Transcript Highlights:

• And also the high-tech meat processing facility I just spoke of. How many acres do you have there?
• Are y'all also entertaining any kind of meat-cutting classes, like butchers and stuff?
• You know, you see it all fresh-wrapped or after something in the meat counter.
• , you know, it's more select meat.
• And what that does is releases the muscles somehow or another, and it tenderizes the meat.

Committees: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development , House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development met to approve the October 3, 2024 interim minutes and then took up two resolutions. HCR 205, by Representative Kerner, urged USDA to use its Commodity Procurement Program to purchase domestic Louisiana shrimp. Supporters said shrimpers are facing very low prices, full cold storage, and an urgent need for federal purchases to stabilize the market and help local processors and fishermen. Commissioner Mike Strain explained that USDA commodity purchases can support schools, nursing homes, and food banks, and members discussed the need for cold storage, marketing, and better promotion of local seafood. The resolution was reported favorably without objection. The committee also considered HCR 188, which memorializes Congress to oppose any federal farm bill language that could negatively affect the use of hunting dogs; members said the provision had raised concerns about field trials, scent hounds, and hunting practices, and the resolution was also reported favorably without objection. The committee then received a presentation from Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture leadership, led by interim president and chancellor Orlando McMeans and Executive Vice Chancellor Calvin Walker. They outlined the center’s research, teaching, and extension work, including medicinal cannabis research, beef cattle and smart ranching, viticulture, aquaculture, precision agriculture, food and nutrition, and support for small farmers and K-12 dual enrollment. They highlighted scholarship and enrollment programs, including USDA-supported 1890 scholars and JAG Stars, as well as partnerships with LSU and USDA. They also described major facility projects, including a high-tech meat processing facility, research labs, a vineyard, and a proposed 1,300-bed disaster shelter/mega shelter at the experiment station. Members asked questions about meat-cutting and processing training, cattle genetics, and the shelter’s use when not needed for disasters. Southern officials said the new processing facility is intended to support training and workforce development, and that the shelter could also be used for events such as weddings, graduations, and agricultural activities. The committee expressed appreciation for the presentation and the work of the Ag Center. Representative Broussard then moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And also our meat scientists have a 100% job placement rate within six months.
• Our Meat Lab Center is an example of this.
• It's the new home of Vandal Brand Meats, which some of you may have tasted on Ag Day at the Capitol at
• Our Meat Lab Center is an example of this.
• It's the new home of Vandalbrand meats, which some of you may have tasted on Agday in the capital at

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Its culinary impact is defined by an eclectic style that embraces a much wider variety of meats and more
• Perry, a Memphis native, is credited with starting the KC movement in 1908 by selling slow-smoked meats
• Inclusivity of meats: while other regions specialize in other meats—Texas, of course, beef; North Carolina
• Inclusivity of meats.
• You mentioned a lot of different meats there. Did you bring anything to sample?

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• It says a person may not advertise, offer for sale, or misrepresent cell cultured protein as a meat food
• As a meat food product.
• A cell cultured food product may not be packaged in the same or deceptively similar package as a meat
• deceptively similar means a package that could mislead a reasonable person to believe the product is a meat

Summary: The committee considered a Senate amendment to a bill dealing with cell-cultured protein. The Senate Agriculture Committee explained that the bill had been “hog-housed” into a legislative management study because the original bill and a later version were not workable, federal rules were limited, and related litigation in other states suggested it was better to pause and study the issue. Members noted that the state already has Century Code language prohibiting advertising, sale, misrepresentation, and deceptive packaging of cell-cultured protein as meat, and that the original bill mainly added manufacturing language and a definition. Several members supported the study approach, saying the issue may be more appropriately handled at the federal level and that the bill may have been premature. They also commended the students who brought the proposal forward and encouraged them to continue their work, including on federal issues. One member emphasized the need to protect the state’s beef industry while agreeing to the study. A motion was made and seconded for the House to accept the Senate amendments. The clerk called the roll, and the motion passed with all members voting yes/aye. The House concurred with the Senate amendments, and carriers were assigned for both chambers before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• or anything of that a box of meat or anything of that nature?
• </c><02:12:24.000><c> process</c> And then on line 20, for meat process And then on line 20, for meat
• :12:26.520><c> incentives</c> for meat processing hiring incentives for meat processing hiring incentives
• > and</c><02:12:53.200><c> retain</c> meat meat processing train and retain meat meat processing train
• There are just on lines 19 and 20 for the meat processing hiring incentives.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm joined with Jennifer Harden with the Kentucky Association of Meat Processors.
• </c><00:53:40.880><c> So,</c><00:53:42.079><c> um,</c> of of uh various cuts of meat.
• So, um, of of uh various cuts of meat.
• </c> these places and have them be our meat these places and have them be our meat suppliers.<00:59:21.440
• <01:04:06.559><c> producers</c> meat producers meat producers uh<01:04:08.720><c> to</c><01:04:08.960

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum, approved the June 5, 2025 minutes, and heard a presentation from Don Pemberton and David Buchanan of AgriKim/AgriCam on the Eddyville Riverport fertilizer terminal. They explained that the company supplies fertilizer, crop protection, and seed across western Kentucky, with the Eddyville port serving as a key source for about 100,000 tons of fertilizer annually and supporting roughly 20 counties and 19 wholesale customers. They said the existing facility is aging and vulnerable to river humidity and corrosion, and they proposed reconstructing the fertilizer bins into a fully enclosed, more durable facility with an estimated cost of about $1.76 million, far less than rebuilding from scratch. The presenters argued the project is important to keep fertilizer moving quickly during a short application season, to manage global supply disruptions and tariffs, and to avoid higher freight costs if product had to come through other ports. They also emphasized environmental benefits from a contained facility that would reduce runoff into nearby waters. Committee members asked about supply sources, demand trends, ownership, lease terms, and whether the building’s capacity would change. The witnesses said demand is increasing, much of the product still comes from overseas or other domestic ports, and the building would be owned by the company while the Riverport Authority owns the ground. Several members expressed support for the port’s importance to western Kentucky agriculture and noted the need for timely fertilizer storage and delivery. One member, however, said he was not in favor of using public money to subsidize a private, for-profit business and urged the company to negotiate a longer lease with the Riverport Authority before making such a capital investment. The discussion ended without a vote or formal action on the project, though members indicated the issue may be revisited and that the Riverport Authority will later present additional needs to the transportation committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up is Senate Bill 827, relating to meat processing.
• </c><00:04:42.479><c> processing</c> or expanding the meat processing or expanding the meat processing
• </c><00:05:02.240><c> process</c> industry as well as the meat process industry as well as the meat process
• Moving on, Senate Bill 827, relating to meat processing.
• meat processing facility.

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The committee heard several measures on agriculture, energy, stadium governance, and hotel consumer protections. On SB 448 relating to agriculture, Agra Business Development Corporation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in support of a proposed conservation easement acquisition in Central Oahu; the chair asked follow-up questions about the exact location, cost, and agricultural potential of the land, and the witness said the parcel had good soil and water and was former pineapple land, with cost still to be provided. On SB 827 relating to meat processing, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism said the state needs more meat-processing capacity and that any grant program should complement, not compete with, existing efforts; the Attorney General’s office warned the bill lacked legally sufficient standards for grants of public money under the state constitution and offered draft standards. Several industry and chamber witnesses supported the measure, while discussion focused on the need for brick-and-mortar or modular facilities, infrastructure costs, federal inspection needs, and access for hunters and neighbor islands. The committee then took up SB 1269 relating to geothermal resources, which drew broad support from county officials, energy consultants, utility representatives, and community advocates, with one witness opposing it. Supporters described geothermal as a viable, indigenous, firm baseload energy source that could help reduce Hawaii’s high electricity costs and support clean energy goals; one witness emphasized prior work in New Zealand and another urged the state to move forward with exploration. A DBEDT representative explained that the department is coordinating geothermal-related work with the Hawaii Technology Development Corp., the University of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Energy Office, noting a prior $3 million appropriation, phase-one community engagement work, and plans to seek a contractor for geoscience and exploration in phase two. Members pressed DBEDT to explain how this bill fits with other geothermal measures moving through different committees, and the chair asked the department to review SB 993 and better coordinate the package of geothermal bills. On SB 1337 relating to the Stadium Authority, the stadium manager testified in support of clarifying quorum rules, explaining that the authority currently has eight seated voting members out of nine possible voting seats and that the bill would help ensure voting members are counted for quorum; he said meetings have not been delayed. Finally, on SB 883 relating to hotels, the Attorney General’s office raised First Amendment and contract-law concerns and recommended adding a purpose statement and a non-impairment savings clause. Unite Here Local 5 and other supporters said guests should be notified of hotel service disruptions such as construction, closures, or labor disputes, while opponents questioned who would enforce the law, what penalties would apply, and whether the measure could require hotels to pay damages even without a complaint. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had a program for four years that X-rayed meat as people brought in meat to see if there were any lead
• I had a program for four years that X-rayed meat as people brought in meat to see if there were any lead
• I had a program for four years that X-rayed meat as people brought in meat to see if there were any lead
• I had a program for four years that X-rayed meat as people brought in meat to see if there were any lead
• I had a program for four years that X-rayed meat as people brought in meat to see if there were any lead

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Meat is among the most requested and essential food, most requested and essential for food banks and
• And I was really impressed to hear about the meat as well to do that.
• Might have given some of us the meat sweats, getting a little sleepy. I was like, I feel your pain.
• Might have given some of us the meat sweats, getting a little... It was very tasty.
• Might have given some of us the meat sweats, getting a little sleepy. About you.

Bills: SB66 , SB79 , SB108

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

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