Transcript Highlights:

• That really hurt a lot of my constituents, farmers.
• </c><00:07:19.400><c> in</c> makes you a farmer in makes you a farmer in Minnesota<00:07:21.120><c> just
• <00:17:28.439><c> really</c><00:17:28.919><c> getting</c> farmers really getting farmers really getting
• And every farmer that I know in my district is the same way.
• And every farmer that I know in my district is the same way.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• On line 29, 30, and 31 are modifications to the beginning farmer credit.
• Um line 29 beginning farmer credit.
• </c> to the eligibility of the beginning to the eligibility of the beginning farmer<00:10:03.360><c>
• </c><02:10:11.760><c> We</c><02:10:12.000><c> have</c> for the beginning farmer credit.
• We have for the beginning farmer credit.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, full-time farmer.
• Um full-time farmer.
• </c><02:19:51.040><c> to</c> is very much relying on the farmer to is very much relying on the farmer
• . farmers. farmers.
• </c> was the beginning. was the beginning.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Farmers would be paying these wages anyway.
• Farmers would be paying these wages anyway.
• Our farm workers, our farmers and our farm workers are heroes.
• The fact that... ...Our farmers and our farm workers are heroes.
• The coalition, we've been in great conversation with farmers.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hybrid public hearing with testimony on a wide range of labor, workforce, unemployment insurance, apprenticeship, disability services, farm labor, hospital staffing, and workplace harassment bills. Chairs Jake Oliveira and Paul McMurtry outlined hearing procedures, limited testimony to two minutes, and noted written testimony would be accepted after the hearing. Committee members and staff were introduced throughout the session as witnesses arrived in person or remotely. A major portion of the hearing focused on unemployment insurance legislation. Greater Boston Legal Services, the AFL-CIO, and Rep. Joan Meschino supported bills to adjust UI eligibility for workers with fluctuating schedules and to streamline waivers and write-offs for non-fault overpayments, arguing the current system unfairly denies benefits or burdens workers who were not at fault. They also backed bills calling for more oversight and resources for the Division of Unemployment Assistance, citing persistent delays in benefit payments. NFIB opposed the UI changes, warning that the trust fund is headed toward insolvency and arguing the bills would worsen the system’s finances. Rep. Meschino and committee members emphasized that the proposals were meant to protect good-faith claimants and did not apply to fraud. Another large set of bills addressed wages, workforce development, and working conditions. Testimony supported raising and modernizing direct care wages to address severe staffing shortages in human services and disability services, with advocates from the Massachusetts Developmental Disability Council, The Arc of Massachusetts, parents of adults with disabilities, and a direct care worker describing how low pay and turnover harm people needing support. The committee also heard support for apprenticeship-related bills from the AFL-CIO and the Carpenters, while Associated Builders and Contractors opposed mandatory apprenticeship ratios and urged changes to align them with licensing laws. Farm worker advocates supported a bill to raise farm labor standards, including minimum wage, paid breaks, and paid time off, while the Farm Bureau opposed parts of it beyond the minimum wage increase. The hearing also featured testimony on workplace harassment training, overtime protections, hospital mandatory overtime, suicide prevention signage on construction sites, and a proposal to update the Massachusetts Medical Society’s mission language from “citizens” to “people.” Labor groups, educators, and compliance trainers strongly supported mandatory annual sexual harassment training, saying it would improve workplace culture and reduce harm. SEIU 1199 supported extending the hospital nurse mandatory overtime ban to the broader hospital workforce. Witnesses on the suicide prevention bill described personal losses in construction and recovery work and urged posting 988 information on job sites. The committee took no votes during the hearing; witnesses repeatedly asked for favorable reports, and members asked follow-up questions on UI calculations, apprenticeship ratios, small-business impacts, and emergency exceptions for hospital staffing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:32:26.400><c> And</c> battle as a small farmer far farmer.
• And battle as a small farmer far farmer.
• c> me,</c><01:39:35.440><c> farmers</c><01:39:35.840><c> need</c> farmers need, excuse me, farmers need
• ><c> farmers</c><02:46:04.720><c> in</c> Quebec's farmers advised farmers in Quebec's farmers advised
• </c> for farmers. for farmers.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um but I did have a question and look at this and protect our farmers. look at this and protect our farmers
• </c><01:28:32.480><c> accepting</c> be able to begin accepting be able to begin accepting new<01:28:34.320
• ,</c> consultation with livestock farmers, consultation with livestock farmers, livestock<01:45:53.679
• It establishes a fund for farmers.
• And I'll pass it around. civil liability for farmers for damages civil liability for farmers for damages

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environmental Policy Subcommittee took up HB 1621, which would require a baseline environmental impact study before development of certain manufacturing and storage facilities. Members said the concept had merit, but they could not resolve major drafting and implementation issues, including how to define covered facilities, what the study would require, and how enforcement would work at the municipal or county level. Several members expressed concern about unintended consequences and said the proposal was not ready; the subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend inexpedient to legislate (ITL), and the full committee later adopted that recommendation on a 16-0 roll call vote, placing the bill on consent. The committee then discussed HB 1053, involving electronically submitted pesticide use reports. Representative Comtois presented an amendment creating a department database and protecting confidential information, but said she still needed to check whether it was germane and to review administrative issues with the Department of Agriculture. After hearing from David Russo of the Division of Pesticide Control, the committee agreed to continue work on the amendment and took no action that day. The committee also reviewed HB 1186 on egg labeling and producer exemptions. Representative Comtois offered an amendment exempting small producers from most requirements except labeling, but Commissioner Sean Jasper asked for more time to review the impact and suggested the state might not need the existing egg law at all if federal USDA rules already cover the field. Members agreed to hold action until the following week. Finally, the committee began discussion of HB 1780 on penalties for violations involving seeds, plants, and nursery stock, focusing on labeling rules and germination-date requirements; testimony from industry and department representatives indicated they were working toward a compromise that would allow multiple relabelings, add production dates, and set a 36-month sale limit, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:43.759><c> losing</c><00:04:44.160><c> their</c> farmers and ranchers are losing their farmers
• Please identify yourself for the record and begin.
• </c> yourself for the record and begin. yourself for the record and begin.
• Thank you chair the record and begin.
• </c><00:33:43.120><c> Union,</c> Groers, the Minnesota Farmers Union, Groers, the Minnesota Farmers Union

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That five years will allow the building to be productive, will allow the farmer to begin to recoup investment
• For farmers and growers and producers.
• We begin to take the necessary steps.
• And farmers, like the farmers I represent, want the option to be able to put agrovoltaics on their land
• It just requires a waiver process so that that farmer can make their case.

Summary: The Senate resumed consideration of An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts and took up a series of amendments focused on farm taxation, land preservation, permitting, renewable energy, marketing, and labor standards. Amendment 5, offered by Senator Tarr, would allow local option tax exemptions for newly constructed farm buildings for up to five years; it was supported by Senator Comerford and adopted by a roll call vote of 38-0. Amendment 20, offered by Senator Mark, created a Massachusetts Food Tourism Task Force to improve marketing and promotion of agricultural goods, and it was also adopted. Several other Tarr amendments were debated but rejected, including proposals on APR criteria, a one-stop permitting and grants portal, foreign ownership tracking in the farmland registry, horse-riding instruction licensure, higher solar/agrovoltaics caps on farmland, farm stand waiver flexibility, notice before conversion of registered farmland, and a health and wellness amendment. A major point of debate was Amendment 41, offered by Senator Gomez, which sought to extend wage and hour protections to agricultural laborers, including raising the subminimum wage, adding overtime, paid breaks, and paid time off. Senator Gomez described the measure as a correction to racist historical exclusions, and Senator Eldridge and Senator Comerford spoke in support of stronger worker protections and continued negotiations. The sponsor ultimately withdrew the amendment, saying talks with stakeholders and Senate leadership would continue. The chamber also heard a brief recognition for youth mentoring guests and later adopted a study amendment from Senator Fattman directing an assessment of the need for a Central Massachusetts agricultural school; that amendment passed 37-0. After the agricultural bill was amended by the Senate Ways and Means amendment and ordered to a third reading, the Senate passed the bill, An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts (S. 3029), to be engrossed by a vote of 39-0. The Senate then adopted several committee extension orders, including extensions for the Revenue Committee and the Financial Services Committee, with some discussion about the number and scope of bills covered. The chamber also passed a local bill designating the U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville Veterans Memorial Overpass in Sandwich and another local alcohol licensing bill for Topsfield. The session ended with recognitions for community and youth groups, a motion to adjourn in memory of Mark K. Harris, and adjournment to the following day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• That five years will allow the building to be productive, will allow the farmer to begin to recoup investment
• The minority leader is in simplifying its processes for farmers and growers and producers.
• We begin to take the necessary steps.
• And farmers, like the farmers I represent, want the option to be able to put agrovoltaics on their land
• It just requires a waiver process so that that farmer can make their case.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Senate debated and amended An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts, with many floor amendments offered by Senator Tarr and others. Several Tarr amendments were rejected, including proposals on APR criteria, a one-stop permit/grant portal, foreign ownership registry changes, horse-riding instructor licensure, expanded renewable energy on farms, a farm stand waiver process, non-agricultural conversion notice, and a health and wellness amendment. One Tarr amendment on exempting certain newly constructed farm buildings from local taxation for up to five years was adopted, as was Senator Mark’s amendment creating a Massachusetts Food Tourism Task Force. Senator Gomez’s amendment on fairness for agricultural laborers was withdrawn after discussion, with supporters saying the issue would continue to be worked on. Senator Fattman’s amendment ordering a study on agricultural schools was adopted, and the Senate later adopted the Senate Ways and Means amendment and passed the bill to be engrossed. The chamber also took up several committee extension orders. The Revenue Committee received an extension on a large set of bills, with Senator Eldridge explaining the need for more time because of money-bill and joint-rule issues; Senator Tarr expressed concern about the size and length of the extension, but the order was adopted. The Financial Services Committee also received limited extensions for a small number of bills, including matters on cryptocurrency kiosks, auto insurance rating factors, and financial technology services, with Senator Feeney describing ongoing stakeholder work and redrafting. Those extension orders were adopted after brief debate. In addition, the Senate passed a House bill naming a Sandwich overpass for U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville, and another bill authorizing changes to Topsfield’s alcohol licenses. The chamber also observed a moment of silence in memory of Mark K. Harris, recognized his family and friends, and welcomed several student and community groups, including youth mentoring advocates and the Holland Tech basketball team, which was honored for winning the Boston City League title. The Senate then adjourned to meet the next day at 11 a.m., in memory of Mark K. Harris.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm from a long line of farmers, actually founding farmers in California.
• > founding</c><00:55:50.640><c> farmers</c><00:55:51.040><c> in</c> farmers actually um founding farmers
• </c> parties from the beginning. parties from the beginning.
• farmer.
• </c> I'm a full-time farmer. I'm a full-time farmer.

Keywords: This meeting was split into two parts due to a technical issue. This is the complete meeting pulled from backups. Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:01 24RS HB198: “Angela’s Law”: 00:01:22 KRS Chapter 202C: 00:11:50 Eminent Domain: 00:54:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the June 10, 2025 minutes, then took up House Bill 198, Angela’s Law, sponsored by Representative Samara Heavrin. The bill would add a new aggravating circumstance in death-penalty cases when an offender abuses the corpse of a kidnapping or murder victim by engaging in deviate sexual intercourse, sexual intercourse, or sexual contact. Representative Heavrin and the victim’s parents described the underlying case and argued the current law does not adequately account for postmortem sexual abuse, leaving the offender parole-eligible despite the family’s view that the conduct warranted harsher punishment. Several members expressed sympathy and support, and one member suggested the proposal should be drafted carefully so it would apply broadly enough to cover co-conspirators or multiple offenders. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided. The committee then heard an informational presentation on KRS Chapter 202C from Judge Lisa Payne Jones and Shauna Mitchell of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health. They explained that Chapter 202C, enacted in 2021 to close a gap in the civil-commitment statutes, applies to respondents found incompetent to stand trial who are charged with qualifying serious offenses such as capital offenses, certain Class A and Class B felonies causing death or serious injury, rape in the first degree, or sodomy in the first degree. The process begins with a Commonwealth’s petition, followed by a prompt evidentiary hearing, appointment of a guardian ad litem, and then a commitment hearing if the offense is proven. The presenters outlined the procedural standards and recent statutory changes. At the evidentiary hearing, the Commonwealth must prove the charged offense by a preponderance of the evidence before a judge, with the respondent able to present defenses; if the Commonwealth fails, the respondent must be released. If the case proceeds, the commitment hearing requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt of at least one involuntary-commitment criterion, and the hearing may be before a jury if requested. They noted that a 2024 amendment changed the commitment criteria from requiring all four factors to only one, and added language about recent criminal behavior and prior involuntary hospitalizations under Chapters 202A or 202B. If commitment is ordered, the respondent is placed in a designated forensic psychiatric facility, currently KCPC.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gillian Joyce, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union.
• We have a farmers meeting in Socorro County that he's attending.
• So it is a designation, as I said in the beginning, that...
• And that's why these farmers deserve what they have.
• I'm here as a farmer.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bureau Chief, and also the WIC and Farmers Market Director within DOH.
• Senior and WIC Farmers Market. I will pass it to Michael. Thank you.
• I do really appreciate the Farmers Market Program.
• age of a farmer is over 60 in New Mexico.
• We know that he's with, but also our WIC and senior farmers market.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> their operations each year Minal Farmers their operations each year Minal Farmers send<00:41:57.040
• </c><00:42:35.839><c> greater</c> Farmers this means farmers will greater Farmers this means farmers
• </c><00:52:24.280><c> with</c> just the whole model uh to begin with just the whole model uh to begin
• </c> offers a major opportunity for farmers offers a major opportunity for farmers and<00:59:43.960><
• </c> component of developing the farmer-owned component of developing the farmer-owned green<00:59:55.200

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I want to begin by accepting the committee's amendments.
• I'm the Director of Water Policy with CAF, the Community Alliance with Family Farmers.
• Before I begin, I just want to... Agencies here in respectful opposition to AB 2630.
• My farmers... ...of Southern California in the desert.
• My farmers are being crushed by overregulation from the state.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills related to parks, wildlife, water, and veterans. AB 1592 would authorize the Department of Parks and Recreation to partner with the California Indian Heritage Center support organization; supporters said it would help move the long-planned center forward with Native-led governance. AB 2216 would expand the Delta Conservancy’s service area and update its authority to better support watershed-scale conservation, climate resilience, workforce, tribal grants, and related projects. AB 1702 would expand state parks access for veterans, National Guard, reservists, and active duty service members by broadening eligibility for the Distinguished Veterans Pass and creating a discounted parks pass. AB 1673 would allow county fish and game commissions to use certain revenues to reimburse sheriffs for fish and wildlife enforcement and wildlife-conflict prevention, especially in rural counties with limited state enforcement presence. The committee also considered AB 1912, which would allow archery deer hunters to carry concealed firearms while hunting, aligning deer hunting rules with those already in place for other big game archery hunts. Supporters argued it would improve hunter safety in remote areas without harming wildlife enforcement, while opponents were not present. AB 1987 would dedicate revenues generated from state wildlife areas back to those areas for operations, maintenance, and habitat management; supporters said the areas are underfunded and need a stable funding source. All of these bills received due pass recommendations and were later approved by the committee, with AB 2216 passing 11-1 and the others passing 12-0. The most contested measure was AB 2630, which would give the State Water Resources Control Board emergency-style authority to make measurement and reporting changes for water diversions and use, with a five-year sunset. The author and supporters said the board needs flexibility to update the CalWATRS reporting system quickly as technology and conditions change. Water agencies, farm groups, and business groups opposed the bill, arguing it would bypass public input and could allow repeated emergency regulations affecting compliance and operations. After extended debate, the committee passed AB 2630 on an 8-4 vote. The committee also approved two consent items, AB 1804 and AB 2260, both unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• I talked to a lot of farmers.
• I talked to a lot of farmers.
• Thank you. me I I talked to a lot of farmers I me I I talked to a lot of farmers I understand<00:01:40.960
• </c> tangible example of how small farmers tangible example of how small farmers have<00:12:48.800><c
• Farmers do what they do.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we begin, I'd like to cover a few logistics.
• Farmers and ranchers of color, as well as small scale. We learned that.
• Farmers and ranchers of color, as well as small scale. I'm Chair, members.
• through the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, where I see firsthand how important it is for farmers
• Catherine Van Dyke with Community Alliance with Family Farmers in support.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met with two bills on the agenda. The chair opened the hearing with procedural reminders and a brief welcome back for the new year, then moved to AB 52 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which would codify the California BIPOC Producer Advisory Committee and the California Small-Scale Producer Advisory Committee in statute. The author and a supporting witness said the committees are important to implementing the Farmer Equity Act and ensuring farmers and ranchers of color and small-scale producers have a meaningful role in CDFA policymaking; several organizations testified in support, and no opposition was heard. The committee then heard AB 230 by Assemblywoman Ransom, which extends the sunset of the Pierce’s disease control program and the Pierce’s disease glassy-wing sharpshooter board to 2037. The author and a representative of the wine grape industry described the program as essential to controlling a disease that threatens grapevines and to supporting research and field efforts funded by federal, industry, and grower assessments. Testimony from the Wine Institute, Family Winemakers of California, California Fresh Fruit Association, and the California Farm Bureau was in support, with no opposition. Both bills were moved on due pass motions to the Appropriations Committee and approved by the committee. AB 230 received eight aye votes and AB 52 later received seven aye votes after the roll was held open for absent members. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our farmers in the Valley have been impacted.
• I've managed the farmers' cooperative and the.
• , I'm starting out as a first-generation farmer.
• It increases the amount that is available, not just to young farmers, but to farmers and ranchers of
• As a farmer, that's a direct attack on us.

Bills: HB 43, HB 3364, HB 3469, HB 3479, HB 43, HB 3364, HB 3469, HB 3479

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, veterinarian, veterinary medicine, veterinary telemedicine, telehealth, telemedicine, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, livestock, pets, remote care, electronic means, telephone consultation, controlled substances, prescription drugs

Summary: The second bill, House Bill 3469, was introduced to address pest control regulations concerning nuisance birds. Representative Campos explained how the bill proposes non-lethal methods to deter these birds, such as the use of laser lights and sounds, which avoids conflict with both state and federal regulations. The committee heard impassioned testimonies from members of the public who shared firsthand experiences regarding the adverse effects of these birds on property and public health. The meeting concluded with both bills being left pending, reflecting a desire for further deliberation among the committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Farmers writ large may not be a paying member of your coalition? Is that why?
• Farmers? Perhaps members of their family, nurses. Farmers? Perhaps members of their family, nurses.
• Yet today, farmers are facing unprecedented financial pressure.
• And when farmers struggle, the impacts extend far beyond the farm gate.
• Supporting farmers is not just about supporting one sector.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Farmers writ large may not be a paying member of your coalition? Is that why?
• Farmers? Perhaps members of their family, nurses. Farmers? Perhaps members of their family, nurses.
• Yet today, farmers are facing unprecedented financial pressure.
• And when farmers struggle, the impacts extend far beyond the farm gate.
• Supporting farmers is not just about supporting one sector.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met as a subcommittee and announced that all bills on the agenda had revenue impacts placing them on the suspense file, so none were eligible for immediate vote. The chair also reviewed procedural rules, including the deadline for position letters and the suspense-file threshold, and later established a quorum before proceeding through the agenda. Most measures were presented, heard, and then referred to suspense without committee votes. Several bills focused on tax credits or exclusions tied to housing and property. AB 1606 proposed a five-year tax credit for small businesses facing cleanup costs from illegal dumping and encampments; AB 1971 would clarify that home-hardening retrofits are not assessable for property tax purposes; AB 2394 would create a capital gains exclusion to encourage long-term homeowners to sell and downsize; AB 1714 would offer a credit for sellers who complete required repairs for CalHFA-assisted first-time buyers; and AB 2389 would extend the property tax exclusion for newly installed solar systems. Supporters generally framed these bills as targeted relief or affordability measures, while opponents raised concerns about revenue loss, policy effectiveness, or implementation. The committee also heard a series of agriculture-related bills. AB 2427 proposed a tax credit for qualified agricultural producers to offset labor, equipment, infrastructure, and production costs, and AB 2192 would extend the state’s farm equipment sales tax exemption to local sales taxes with a General Fund backfill for local governments. Supporters argued both measures would help preserve California agriculture, jobs, and food security amid rising costs and regulatory burdens; opponents questioned the need for the subsidies and the size of the fiscal impact. Both bills were referred to suspense. Other measures included AB 1611, which would end a tax break on capital gains from single-family home sales for large corporate investors to discourage investor competition with homebuyers; AB 2522, which would exempt over-the-counter medications from sales tax; AB 2444, which would add a state deduction for ScholarShare 529 contributions and align California law with federal Roth IRA rollover rules; and AB 1550, which would allow deductions for tips and overtime. Each drew support from sponsors and allied groups, while tax reform and local government representatives opposed several bills over revenue and policy concerns. All of these measures were also sent to the suspense file, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:05:05.440><c> who</c> to talk about why as a grain farmer who to talk about why as a grain farmer
• </c><01:08:43.239><c> do</c> that some of our other family farmers do that some of our other family farmers
• </c> produced by Minnesota Dairy Farmers produced by Minnesota Dairy Farmers whether<01:24:07.120><c>
• </c><01:34:20.800><c> perspective</c> from a from a Dairy Farmer perspective from a from a Dairy Farmer
• </c><01:34:51.280><c> third</c> to that as a young Dairy Farmer third to that as a young Dairy Farmer

Keywords: 1183, house