Transcript Highlights:

• For the last four or five years, the USDA has actually bought like $25 million worth of frozen domestic
• We did get $450,000 in a USDA federal grant for the past three years."
• "Used on CWD, we did get $450,000 in a USDA federal grant for the past three years." "Okay.
• "$807,000 department funds and then $450,000 in the USDA grant, and that's over the past three years.
• $807,000 department funds and then $450,000 in the USDA grant, and that's over the past three years."

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of natural resources and environmental measures, mostly local property transfers and Wildlife and Fisheries bills. It reported favorable on Senate Bills 229 and 71, which authorize property transfers in Bossier and Lafayette parishes, and on several department bills dealing with fishing and boating rules: SB 203 on possession of catch during multi-day trips, SB 429 on registration of lapsed or “orphan” boats, SB 204 on commercial fishing gear licenses for nonresidents, SB 205 reducing duplicate registration for federally documented boats, SB 213 on titling certain vessels and outboard motors, SB 257 removing Social Security number requirements from certain tags, and HB 662, a substitute bill setting a hierarchy for handling seized sick, injured, or orphan wildlife. The committee also adopted amendments and reported favorable SB 379, a technical cleanup bill tied to the Department of Conservation and Energy reorganization, though an opposition witness warned it could reduce minimum oil and gas royalties and asked for a fiscal note. Members also advanced several measures aimed at coastal and flood-related concerns. HCR 62, by Rep. Domangue, urges FEMA to review flood maps every five years instead of every ten and to better account for local flood-protection projects; members broadly supported it and discussed the burden of flood insurance in coastal parishes. SB 214 would give the Teche-Vermilion Fresh Water District authority to stop pumping during immediate flood risk events identified by the National Weather Service or GOSEP, and it was reported favorable. SB 274, as amended, requires lead hazard risk assessments and remediation for certain child care and pre-kindergarten facilities, with DEQ and LDH testimony supporting the update. HCR 78 memorializes Congress to pass the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026, which supporters said would help Louisiana’s seafood industry and access federal loans and grants. The committee also debated broader policy resolutions. HCR 216, by Rep. Owen, sought to repudiate the Louisiana Climate Action Plan of 2022, but after extensive discussion about its purpose, possible effects on existing projects, and whether the legislature should instead hold a hearing, the resolution was voluntarily deferred. Finally, the committee took up SCR 24 on chronic wasting disease rules, adopted amendments raising the prevalence threshold from 1.5% to 2.5% and adjusting zone and baiting provisions, and continued discussion of the bill’s reset of management rules for deer disease control.

Transcript Highlights:

• It aligns our statute with the state hemp plan that we filed with USDA and has been approved.
• It aligns our statute with the state hemp plan that we filed with USDA and has been approved.
• It aligns our statute with the state hemp plan that we filed with USDA and has been approved.
• It aligns our statute with the state hemp plan that we filed with USDA and has been approved.
• It aligns our statute with the state hemp plan that we filed with USDA and has been approved.

Bills: HF858, HF2577, HF2576

Keywords: bioincentive payments, agriculture, job creation, environmental compliance, financial reporting, waste handling, sewage sludge, PFAS regulation, environment, record retention, fertilizer disposal, pesticide disposal, environmental impact, safety regulations, burning prohibition, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• What these are are letters from USDA cutting off funding that was already promised to the Minnesota Department
• c><00:17:09.919> letters<00:17:10.640> from<00:17:10.959> US<00:17:11.439> USDA
• these are are uh letters from US USDA these are are uh letters from US USDA uh<00:17:13.280>
• Let's be clear, our state will still hurt because of the USDA cuts, but these appropriations help.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And per USDA study, only half of those without the system said they would invest in one.
• Texas will need to work with the USDA to create a demonstration project to either increase efficiency
• balances in this bill, um, you know, this is a waiver, so Texas is going to have to apply to um the USDA
• and the USDA and HHS will work together to define all the specifics on restricted items, and I kind
• The USDA and HHS leadership have already voiced support for these reforms.

Bills: HB 2510, HB 3589, HB 4611, HB 4655, HB 4665, HB 4666, HB 4670, HB 4700, HB 4730, HB 4798, HB 4838, HB 5136, HB 5243, HB 5302, HB 5539

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance, group home, regulation, health and safety, inspections, resident care, criminal background checks, adoption, parental rights, registry, vital statistics, disclosure, counseling, foster care, independent living, financial literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Not to mention that only 45% of retailers even have a point-of-sale system to manage SNAP, and per a USDA
• Texas will need to work with the USDA to create a demonstration project to either increase efficiency
• the checks and balances in this bill, this is a waiver, so Texas is going to have to apply to the USDA
• , and the USDA and HHS will work together to define all the specifics on restricted items.
• To better align SNAP with public health goals, the USDA and HHS leadership have already voiced support

Bills: HB2510, HB3589, HB4611, HB4655, HB4665, HB4666, HB4670, HB4700, HB4730, HB4798, HB4838, HB5136, HB5243, HB5302, HB5539

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance, group home, regulation, health and safety, inspections, resident care, criminal background checks, adoption, parental rights, registry, vital statistics, disclosure, counseling, foster care, independent living, financial literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:41.200> Many genera administered by USDA APHUS.
• Many genera administered by USDA APHUS.
• So right now CBP, Customs Border Protection, USDA, APHIS, and HAB are the main agencies that oversee
• So right now CBP, Customs Border Protection, USDA, APHIS, and HAB are the main agencies that oversee
• So right now CBP, Customs Border Protection, USDA, APHIS, and HAB are the main agencies that oversee

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• pilot demonstration project<01:05:18.079> through<01:05:18.400> the<01:05:18.920> USDA
• through the USDA, which allows the<01:05:20.799> office<01:05:21.119> of<01:05:21.440>
• once the USDA approves the pilot<01:08:29.199> program.
• This first we have to apply first to the USDA.
• This first we have to apply first to the USDA.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first revisited HB 781, the cell phone bill, after previously retaining it. On reconsideration, members moved to OTP the bill, and it passed unanimously. The committee then moved into the budget tracking packet and adopted an amendment to HB 2 to add the same cell phone policy language, also unanimously, and separately reduced HB 1 by $1 million to match the policy change. Members noted the cell phone language had already been stripped of grant funding language in the House version and that the policy and funding pieces were being aligned across the budget bills. The committee then took up a Department of Education technical amendment to HB 2 on charter school grants, which made timing and administrative changes without altering grant amounts, and adopted it unanimously. Members also discussed but held other education-related items, including adequacy grants, pending broader decisions on overall education funding. Another HB 2 item concerning E-911/state police radio communications prompted a longer discussion about whether E-911 surcharge funds were being used for purposes that should instead be general-funded. After debate over whether to leave the current practice in place or split the funding 50/50 between E-911 and general funds, the committee adopted a joint HB 1/HB 2 change to shift the funding source to a 50/50 split and delete the HB 2 language authorizing the prior use; the motion passed 7-0. The committee also discussed but did not act on several lottery-related provisions, including the video lottery terminal amendment, the increase in maximum ticket price from $30 to $50, and related tax split changes, with members planning to hear from the Lottery Commission on Monday. The meeting ended with the committee beginning review of new amendments in the tracking packet, including a Department of Education request related to Public School Infrastructure Commission grant administration, but no action was taken on that item in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The major one for rural communities is the USDA 502 Direct Loan program.
• 29:48.919> the major one for Rural communities is the major one for Rural communities is the USDA
• 29:51.519> program<00:29:52.120> this<00:29:52.240> is<00:29:52.360> a USDA
• 502 Direct Loan program this is a USDA 502 Direct Loan program this is a federally<00:29:52.960>
• those to affordability and keep the USDA those to affordability and keep the USDA rental<01:39:29.280

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, I've had an opportunity to discuss with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins plans to make our legislation
• ... ...to discuss with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins plans to make our legislation a national model for

Summary: The Florida Senate convened for the opening of the 2026 regular session with prayer, presentation of colors by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance led by children in the chamber, and a performance of the national anthem by the FAMU Marching 100. Newly elected Senator Ralph Massullo was certified and sworn into office by Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz, and several current and former state officials and senators were recognized in the chamber. The Senate then adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 1466 to convene in joint session with the House to receive the Governor’s message, waived the rules to immediately certify the resolution to the House, and notified the House and Governor that the Senate was ready to proceed with the 2026 regular session. In remarks, Senate leadership and the President discussed priorities including rural Florida, agriculture, citrus recovery, food insecurity, affordability, tax relief, balanced budgets, and the importance of deliberation and checks and balances. The President also highlighted recent and planned initiatives such as the Farmers Feeding Florida program, rural health care investment, and property tax relief, while emphasizing faith, service, and cooperation in the chamber. Senator Gates announced that 52 executive appointments would be taken up the following day. The session concluded with a benediction by Senator Massullo and adjournment until the next scheduled meeting, with the Senate set to meet later in joint session with the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• especially access to processing<00:08:41.719> uh<00:08:41.839> our<00:08:42.039> USDA
• <00:08:42.479> inspected processing uh our USDA inspected processing uh our USDA inspected
• We say agroforestry is putting trees on farms on purpose and can include USDA-recognized practices like
• on farms on purpose and can<00:15:03.320> include<00:15:03.680> USD<00:15:04.440> USDA
• <00:15:05.000> recognized can include USD USDA recognized can include USD USDA recognized

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We get a $15 million grant from the USDA, secured late in 2022, to set up a revolving program to do direct
• We get a $15 million grant from the USDA, secured late in 2022, to set up a revolving program to do direct
• We get a $15 million grant from the USDA, secured late in 2022, to set up a revolving program to do direct
• /c><00:10:52.040> Grant<00:10:52.399> from<00:10:52.560> the<00:10:53.000> USDA
• <00:10:54.000> uh a $15 million Grant from the USDA uh a $15 million Grant from the USDA uh

Bills: HF770, HF857, HF38, HF1500, HF43

Keywords: HF770, Rural Finance Authority, RFA, capital investment, state bonds, general obligation bonds, bonding bill, agricultural loans, farm loans, beginning farmer, new farmer, seller-sponsored loans, loan restructuring, agricultural improvement loans, livestock expansion, modernization loans, rural development, Minnesota agriculture, farm credit, chapter 41B

Transcript Highlights:

• outreach to schools who appeared to be eligible for the provision, and we requested extensions from USDA
• c><00:06:50.199> which<00:06:50.360> allowed<00:06:51.120> uh extensions from USDA
• which allowed uh extensions from USDA which allowed uh schools<00:06:51.720> to<00:06:51.919>
• <00:09:55.360> team<00:09:55.720> and<00:09:55.920> from<00:09:56.079> USDA
• and from USDA as well we've<00:09:57.640> continued<00:09:58.040> to<00:09:58.160>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The DMC is administered by the federal Farm Service Agency, USDA, and offers financial support to dairy
• The DMC is administered by the federal Farm Service Agency, USDA, and offers financial support to dairy
• The DMC is administered by the federal Farm Service Agency, USDA, and offers financial support to dairy
• The DMC is administered by the federal Farm Service Agency, USDA, and offers financial support to dairy

Bills: HF3298, SF3832, HF3528, HF3516, HF3972, HF4118

Keywords: underground storage tanks, petroleum, reimbursement program, environmental regulation, pollution control, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, dentistry, licensure, registration

Transcript Highlights:

• Census Bureau has been tracking food insecurity since 1995 using that 18-item questionnaire from the USDA
• Census Bureau has been tracking food insecurity since 1995 using that 18-item questionnaire from the USDA
• and is significantly larger than the 9.5% number that you would see from the food security data that USDA
• The USDA estimates that every dollar in food benefits leads to $1.54 of economic activity.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session on food systems and food security, with no public testimony. The first panel focused on household food security and data. Marie Spiker of the University of Washington explained what food insecurity means, its health impacts, and the importance of reliable measurement, warning that the federal Census food security data is being terminated and that there is no true replacement. She described Washington’s WaFOOD surveys as a useful complement, not a substitute, and noted that they show food insecurity affects households at a range of income levels. Katie Raines of WSDA described the state’s food systems work, the need for shared data and dashboards, and the role of agriculture in both food production and the hunger safety net. Committee members asked about the $2.2 million state food assistance allocation, the scale of the SNAP gap, and how household size, housing costs, and other factors intersect with food insecurity. The committee then heard from Tracy Roof of the University of Richmond on the history of SNAP and its relationship to agriculture. She traced the program from Depression-era commodity distribution through the modern farm bill, emphasizing that food assistance has long functioned both as anti-hunger policy and as an agricultural and economic stabilizer. She highlighted how SNAP expands during recessions, supports retailers and farmers, and has become more important since the Great Recession because participation stayed high even as the economy recovered. Roof also noted that Washington has relatively high SNAP participation and low payment error rates, but that recent federal changes could reduce eligibility and shift more costs to states. Members asked how Washington compares to other states and why the program is structured as it is. A later panel featured the Washington State Food Policy Forum and a joint systems presentation from the Washington Farm Bureau, Washington Retail Association, and Washington Food Industry Association. The Food Policy Forum described its consensus-based recommendations on food insecurity, climate and water, regional food infrastructure, farmland protection, and farm viability, including more support for producer purchasing, water planning, and farmland conservation. The industry groups presented a systems map showing how agriculture, processing, retail, and transportation are interconnected, and argued that rising costs, regulations, labor and fuel expenses, retail theft, and thin margins make it harder to keep farms and stores viable. They said food security depends on store viability and local agricultural profitability, and promised to provide a more detailed list of policy recommendations. The final panel included state agency staff from DSHS, DOH, and WSDA. Bryce Montgomery said the Basic Food program serves about 920,000 Washingtonians monthly and warned that H.R. 1 could require Washington to pay up to 15% of SNAP benefits, broaden work requirements, and restrict immigrant eligibility. Karen Mullen described DOH nutrition programs, including WIC, farmers market nutrition benefits, fruit and vegetable incentives, and a fruit-and-vegetable prescription program, while noting funding instability and the end of SNAP-Ed. WSDA’s Katie Raines began describing ongoing food assistance and farmer support challenges, including farmer mental health and the need to address food insecurity across both producers and consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1.8 million California households experienced food insecurity in 2023, according to the most recent USDA
• 1.8 million California households experienced food insecurity in 2023, according to the most recent USDA
• data. experienced food insecurity in 2023, according to the most recent USDA data, which the 2024 data
• Do we have to go through the USDA, the FDA? What does that look like?

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact and Agriculture, held at Fresno State, focused on cost pressures in California’s food system, household affordability, and the Central Valley’s role in agriculture. Opening remarks emphasized Fresno State’s regional importance, the Central Valley’s outsized contribution to food production, and the connection between agricultural health, food security, and the broader economy. Members also noted the impact of the federal shutdown on CalFresh benefits and the state’s efforts to respond with food assistance funding and National Guard support for food banks. The first panel featured academic and policy experts who described agriculture’s economic importance in the San Joaquin Valley and the rising pressures on farms and households. Dr. Conduro highlighted agriculture’s large share of regional GDP, farm receipts, jobs, exports, and food manufacturing, while identifying water scarcity, SGMA-related land fallowing, labor shortages and rising labor costs, market volatility, invasive pests, and production cost inflation as major barriers. Caroline Danielson of PPIC said food prices remain about 30% above 2019 levels, food insecurity affects about 1.8 million California households, and nutrition programs such as CalFresh, WIC, and school meals are essential in reducing poverty, especially in the Central Valley. Susie Pryor of the Central California Small Business Development Center described technical assistance, capital access, and training for small food and farm businesses, while warning that reduced funding limits support for rural and immigrant entrepreneurs. The second panel brought testimony from a small produce business owner, a food entrepreneur, and the Fresno County Farm Bureau. They said input costs for fertilizer, fuel, irrigation, labor, land leases, and compliance have risen sharply while commodity prices have remained flat or fallen, squeezing small farms and food businesses. Panelists stressed the need for small-batch processing facilities, local supply chains, education on food manufacturing compliance, land access for small farmers, and more pathways into agriculture through trade programs, community colleges, and FFA. Ryan Jacobson said California agriculture is facing a prolonged downturn, with farm bankruptcies, weak commodity prices, export-market uncertainty, water reliability problems, and costly ag-burning rules all contributing to financial strain. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible policy solutions and continued engagement with stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mexican authorities have been working with USDA to help contain the spread of the screwworm.
• Last week, there was a new case about 150 miles north of the containment zone that both SENA-SICA and USDA
• We've been in contact with USDA and Dr. Tommy Howard, the lead veterinarian for the state.
• But at this moment, it's up to both agencies and USDA to decide how they want to move forward with this

Transcript Highlights:

• we're talking about ensuring that if a builder is building in a rural community that they're using USDA
• Just curious, excuse me, who are going to be the individuals hit hardest by the expiring USDA?
• And so what's happening is that as the USDA mortgages are expiring, also a lot of times they're paired
• again, in terms of what these expire, we're talking about rural communities and these expiring more USDA

Keywords: affordable housing, government investment, barriers, legislative solutions, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing the significant issue of affordable housing in America. Members expressed concern over the persistent barriers faced in the housing sector, despite substantial government investment aimed at alleviating these issues. It was highlighted that government interference plays a critical role in complicating the housing landscape, and discussions revolved around potential legislative approaches to mitigate these challenges. Several witnesses provided testimony, contributing to a thorough exploration of the topic.

Transcript Highlights:

• Food waste has been going on even before, um, the USDA improvements to nutrition standards back in, you
• > federal even before um the uh the the um federal even before um the uh the the um federal USDA
• um improvements to nutrition USDA um improvements to nutrition standards<01:11:56.080> back<01
• If that's part of it, if it was not part of the USDA breakfast program, then that was another thing.
• If it was not part of the USDA breakfast program, then that was another thing.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many states have a USDA-approved state plan to regulate the processing of hemp and the production of
• Currently, New Hampshire does not have a USDA-approved state plan for hemp production; it only has a
• USDA hemp producer license.
• USDA hemp producer license.
• USDA hemp producer license.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, USDA—the agriculture—that's a supplemental to help those people who are growing that local
• I'm familiar with the people at USDA. I know Brooke Rawlings. She's excellent.
• I'm familiar with the people at USDA. I know Brooke Rawlings. She's excellent.
• <01:24:25.760> It USDA guidelines and FDA guidelines.
• It USDA guidelines and FDA guidelines.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes unanimously and then heard extended testimony from Senator Jimmy Higdon, who reflected on Kentucky’s 2011 childhood obesity task force and said the state’s childhood obesity problem has worsened since then. He described prior recommendations from that task force, including more physical education, nutrition education, classroom-based physical activity, complete streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and safe routes to school. Higdon also argued that government programs have contributed to obesity and drug abuse, focusing especially on SNAP and Medicaid, and said he has long advocated for a waiver to distribute SNAP benefits twice a month rather than once a month. Higdon said SNAP fraud and abuse are significant, claiming some recipients sell benefits and some retailers bend the rules on eligible purchases. He also said spreading benefits through the month could help families keep fresh food in the home and stabilize grocery store business, especially in food deserts and rural areas. In response to questions, he said he would not support allowing hot prepared foods under SNAP, though he said a grocery-store produce incentive similar to the farmers market match could be beneficial if structured separately. He also said the WIC program is a model for how SNAP could be better administered. Members thanked Higdon for his service and discussed whether the issue is food insecurity or poor nutrition. Senator Douglas emphasized adding stronger guardrails to nutrition-related programs, and Representative Proctor asked about the challenges of operating grocery stores in rural areas and food deserts. Higdon said independent grocers face thin margins, competition, and cyclical market pressures, and that SNAP distribution patterns can worsen those challenges. After Higdon’s testimony, the committee heard from Ann Cressilious, a registered dietitian with the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, who began a presentation on the profession and on efforts to improve nutrition and access to nutrition information in Kentucky.