Transcript Highlights:

• Cattle producers would have little or no incentive to engage in a lease with us to put their cattle on
• Cattle producers would have little or no incentive to engage in a lease with us to put their cattle on
• You've mentioned beef cattle many times, but is it just limited to cattle, or would sheep and goats be
• </c><00:21:33.799><c> many</c> um you've mentioned beef cattle many um you've mentioned beef cattle many
• </c> times but is it just limited to cattle times but is it just limited to cattle or<00:21:38.039><c

Bills: HF1698 , HF632 , HF1352 , HF2197 , HF618 , HF1248 , HF1697

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Childress and Donley Counties of Texas, and I am here also representing... ...Texas Southwestern Cattle
• Those fires burned over a million acres, resulting in the deaths of over 20,000 to 30,000 head of cattle
• I'm here on behalf of the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and myself.
• Personally, my family lost cattle, pasture, and structures. trees, two employee homes, wildlife, and
• Our family has cattle all over, so I just appreciate it.

Bills: HB 1237 , HB2663 , HB3071 , HB4384

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and uh cattle prices are pretty high.
• </c><00:53:42.720><c> in</c> that happened in in dairy cattle in that happened in in dairy cattle in
• </c> on the uh the disease and dairy cattle. on the uh the disease and dairy cattle.
• </c> disease and dairy cattle? disease and dairy cattle? &gt;&gt; Uh<00:56:07.680><c> Mr.
• In cattle, we're seeing it in neonates, especially navels.

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• USDA data show that wild carnivores account for less than 1% of total cattle and sheep losses.
• USDA data show that wild carnivores account for less than 1% of total cattle and sheep losses.
• We met twice with the Cochise County Cattle Growers, and that was an open meeting.
• I have the largest district in Arizona and a lot of people raise sheep and cattle and horses.
• I have yet to hear a report of and cattle and horses.

Bills: HB2023 , HB2100 , HB2147 , HB2158 , HB2159 , HB2162 , HB2197 , HB2497 , HB2787 , HCM2006

Committees: House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs , House House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee of Reference

Keywords: land division, property disclosure, real estate, affidavit, Arizona Revised Statutes, small land subdivision, land use, real estate regulation, county ordinance, water supply requirements, property access, civil penalties, wildlife management, deer permits, private land, landowner rights, human-wildlife conflict, predatory animals, hunting regulations, game and fish

Transcript Highlights:

• Five miles out, so the cattle, the sheep, the wildlife have something to drink. We do that. We...
• It's a bunch of cattle manure. I want to make one public comment now, Madam Chairman. if I could.
• Our producers produce almost 1.3 million head of cattle. I've broken it down for you as well.
• To meet SM 19 50 Goals, 780,000 pounds of beef is needed, 4,589 head of cattle.
• New Mexico origin beef means the cattle is raised and processed in New Mexico.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• to improve physical and mental health, access to jobs for their kids and for themselves, to build trails
• My name is Casey Diatley, and I am a researcher and a cattle rancher in Northern California, and I'm
• I speak to you today not as a representative of Chico State, but as a researcher and a cattle rancher
• some individuals in the past have even resorted to airlifting, via helicopter, multiple deceased cattle
• We also have the fourth largest amount of beef cattle.

Summary: The committee hearing centered first on AB 1243, the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act of 2025, which would direct CalEPA to identify major fossil fuel companies, study California’s climate damages, and assess fees on the largest polluters to fund resilience, recovery, and related projects. The author and supporters argued the bill would make polluters help pay for climate harms, protect taxpayers, create jobs in construction and clean energy, and dedicate at least 40% of funds to disadvantaged communities. Support testimony came from environmental justice groups, labor, youth advocates, health organizations, and many individual witnesses, while opponents from the building trades, chambers of commerce, petroleum, and business groups warned it would raise fuel and consumer costs, threaten refinery jobs, and create legal and economic uncertainty. Committee members debated the bill’s impact on affordability, jobs, refinery closures, and whether cap-and-trade already addresses climate funding needs. The committee ultimately voted to give AB 1243 a due pass recommendation to the Judiciary Committee, with the roll left open. After AB 1243, the committee moved to another bill on wildfire mitigation and related resilience work. The author said the measure addresses a long-running wildfire problem and accepted committee amendments, describing the bill as a response to increasingly severe wildfire seasons and the need to help communities stay safe and rebuild after disasters. The transcript cuts off as that presentation begins, so no final action on the second bill is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• able to improve physical and mental health, access to jobs for their kids, for themselves, to build trails
• My name is Casey Diatley, and I am a researcher and a cattle rancher in Northern California, and I'm
• I speak to you today not as a representative of Chico State, but as a researcher and a cattle rancher
• some individuals in the past have even resorted to airlifting, via helicopter, multiple deceased cattle
• We also have the fourth-largest amount of beef cattle.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on AB 1243, the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act of 2025, which would direct CalEPA to identify major fossil fuel companies, study California’s climate damages, and assess fees on large polluters to fund resilience, recovery, and related projects. The author and supporters argued the bill would shift costs from taxpayers to the companies most responsible for climate harm, while dedicating funding to disadvantaged communities, home hardening, school resilience, clean energy, and jobs. Supporters included environmental justice groups, health advocates, youth activists, labor-aligned climate groups, and many individual witnesses who described climate impacts in their communities and urged polluters to pay. Opposition came primarily from the building trades, business groups, and petroleum-related organizations, who argued the bill would raise fuel and consumer costs, create uncertainty for business, and accelerate refinery closures and job losses. They said California already has cap-and-trade, which they described as a better tool for funding climate action and reducing emissions, and warned that retroactive liability for past emissions was legally and economically problematic. Committee members questioned both sides on consumer impacts, job effects, and whether cap-and-trade already addresses the problem. After discussion, the committee voted 6-1 to pass AB 1243 to the Judiciary Committee, with Assembly Member Ellis voting no and Assembly Member Muratsuchi not voting. The chair and members noted the bill would continue to be discussed, and the author closed by emphasizing the need to fund climate resilience while holding polluters accountable. The transcript then began a separate presentation on a wildfire mitigation bill, with the author introducing committee amendments and describing wildfire prevention and recovery needs, but that item was not completed in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• from east to west. movement of cattle from east to west.
• And if the cattle was starving on that end of the island, it was to dispose of that cattle.
• And every time they got to contain that cattle, you guys are testing it.
• </c> to buy cattle to buy cattle with<00:58:20.560><c> TB?
• </c><00:59:23.160><c> from</c> another movement of cattle from another movement of cattle from &gt;&gt

Bills: HB389 , HB1166 , HB1510 , HB1541 , HB1605 , HB1661 , HB1663 , HB1678 , HB1769 , HB1785 , HB1801 , HB1802 , HB1815 , HB1824 , HB1838 , HB1840 , HB1853 , HB1860 , HB1891 , HB1952 , HB1960 , HB1969 , HB1970 , HB1972 , HB1976 , HB2050 , HB2094 , HB2104 , HB2158 , HB2165 , HB2171 , HB2208 , HB2246 , HB2271 , HB2300 , HB2310 , HB2315 , HB2319 , HB2338 , HB2339 , HB2343 , HB2443 , HB2498 , HB2551 , HB2599 , HB2606 , SB17 , SB83 , SB99 , SB148 , SB411 , SB709 , SB847 , SB874 , SB888 , SB1032 , SB1166 , SB2001 , SB2014 , SB2031 , SB2041 , SB2050 , SB2057 , SB2061 , SB2074 , SB2075 , SB2089 , SB2095 , SB2101 , SB2102 , SB2108 , SB2109 , SB2110 , SB2125 , SB2135 , SB2138 , SB2140 , SB2146 , SB2151 , SB2152 , SB2175 , SB2203 , SB2239 , SB2246 , SB2247 , SB2253 , SB2261 , SB2268 , SB2271 , SB2272 , SB2320 , SB2340 , SB2347 , SB2353 , SB2363 , SB2367 , SB2372 , SB2376 , SB2386

Transcript Highlights:

• So I've cattle in a pasture that is close to a creek that runs into Mark Twain Lake.
• I think that's fairly self-explanatory... ...but also livestock grazing systems, cattle corrals, cattle
• When livestock, cattle in particular, cross creeks on property.
• And frankly, just most cattle operations have farm ponds.

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Summary: The Special Committee on Rural Issues met with a quorum and first went into executive session, where House Bill 2686 was voted do pass on a 10-0 roll call. The committee then moved to public testimony on House Bill 3076, sponsored by Representative Doyle Justice, which would remove the words “water contaminant” from a Clean Water Law provision. Justice and supporters said the change is intended to clarify that routine agricultural practices and non-point sources, such as runoff, sediment, manure, fertilizer, grazing, and field drainage, are not subject to DNR permitting, while point sources like wastewater plants and CAFOs would still remain regulated. Committee members focused heavily on the distinction between point sources and non-point sources and on whether the bill would exempt harmful pollution. Justice and witnesses explained that the bill would not remove DNR authority over point sources or egregious conduct, but would prevent permits for diffuse, routine runoff that cannot realistically be permitted event-by-event. Several members used examples like deer, dogs, cattle, and rain runoff to probe the issue, and witnesses repeatedly said the bill is meant to eliminate uncertainty and avoid absurd permitting requirements. Support came from the Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Dairy, and Missouri Wine and Grape Board/Missouri Grape Growers Association. They argued the bill aligns state law with existing federal and state practice, preserves voluntary soil and water conservation programs, and provides regulatory certainty. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing on HB 3076 concluded with no further business before the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the past decade, forest recreational usage has gotten to the point that our cattle and wildlife are
• USDA data show that wild carnivores account for less than 1% of total cattle and sheep losses.
• For example, we met twice with the Cochise County Cattle Growers, and that was an open meeting.
• I have the largest district in Arizona, and a lot of people raise sheep and cattle and horses.
• Members, by your votes of five ayes, three nays, you have given House... and cattle and horses.

Committee: House House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several wildlife-related bills. HB 2197, concerning camping near watering facilities, was amended to change the distance standard and remove language tied to domestic stock access; supporters said it would help protect ranch and wildlife water sources, while one member opposed it over expanded criminal penalties. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a do pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote. HB 2497 would establish a statutory right to lawfully hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife and limit restrictions on those activities. Supporters described it as an affirmation of existing rights and wildlife heritage, while opponents argued it would weaken Game and Fish authority and conflict with the 2010 voter rejection of similar language. After a technical amendment, the committee approved the bill 5-3. The committee also advanced HB 2147, which requires landowner deer permits under certain conditions to address crop damage and wildlife conflicts; Game and Fish said population management hunts are already being used, while opponents warned against privatizing wildlife. HB 2158, which would classify bears, cougars, mountain lions, and wolves as predatory animals, drew strong opposition from Game and Fish and conservation groups over science-based management and endangered species concerns, but was still recommended do pass 5-3. HB 2159, allowing landowner permits for Mexican gray wolves and a compensated trapping program, was likewise opposed as conflicting with federal law and the Endangered Species Act, but was approved 5-3. The committee then began HB 2162, which would require at least one Game and Fish commissioner to be a cattleman or rancher; Game and Fish opposed it, saying ranchers already have representation through the appointment process, and testimony continued as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• don't know what that is, but we have time-tested thousands and thousands of years of time-tested cattle
• It extends not only with our cattle growers, but those that are raising swine or chickens.
• My concern over this, and I have cattle on my farm like I am, is that I am very sympathetic to the cattlemen's
• Representative Holloway: My concern over this, and I have cattle on my farm like I am, is that I am very
• I'm a cattle farmer, and I obviously agree with this concept.

Committee: House Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I show cattle, I show horses.
• You know, I show cattle, I show horses.
• I've been having to put cattle out and some of my neighbors wanted me to try to clean off this ice off
• I've been having to put cattle<00:27:24.640><c> out</c><00:27:24.799><c> and</c><00:27:25.039><c> some
• of my neighbors cattle out and some of my neighbors wanted<00:27:26.159><c> me</c><00:27:26.320><c>

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• producers for solar arrays have become very anxious and Frustrated and worried because if you are raising cattle
• The cattle producer is thinking, 'Oh no, steak is now $1000 an acre.'
• we need to really get it to where the same acre of land could get $35 to $75 dollars for grazing cattle
• Not trying to get the cattle operation off to some other land because if we don't do that, the political
• It will not sustain that, and then it's basically a fight between cattle and solar.

Bills: HB3183 , HB4316 , HB4484 , HB3469 , HB3464 , HB3173 , HB3989

Committee: Senate Energy

Keywords: electric utilities, grid congestion, transmission technology, advanced power flow controllers, dynamic line rating, energy efficiency, rural water service, district organization, emergency legislation, Oklahoma, water management, state vehicles, state-owned vehicles, state-leased vehicles, motor vehicle use, commuting use, personal use, fleet management, Corporation Commission, field inspectors

Transcript Highlights:

• And it had a big impact on beef producers being able to get their cattle slaughtered and to consumers
• How do you feed your cattle and make sure that they've got plenty of hay and plenty of forage to get
• Do you do any—do your cattle also have calves and stuff, and do you do like artificial insemination,
• do you also have calves and stuff from your cattle and do you do like artificial and have calves and
• stuff from your cattle and do you do like artificial insemination or do you actually seek out a bull

Committee: All AGRICULTURE- HOUSE SMALL BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEV. SUBCOM.

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its October 27 meeting and then heard testimony on the economic and regulatory effects of Arkansas’s raw milk law, Act 698. Clinton Ballard of Milk and Honey Hill Farm said the law helped his family farm expand from 8 to 12 cows and from serving about 75 families to about 150, increasing sales by roughly $50,000 and allowing about $10,000 in raw cheese sales through retail outlets. He argued the law supports small-farm income, food security, and local processing, but said state health agencies still do not inspect raw milk producers unless they sell to a commercial buyer, which he said limits access to USDA grants and other opportunities. He and members discussed safety practices, including rapid chilling, sick-animal removal, sanitation, customer education, and whether any optional state certification or inspection program should be created without adding burdensome regulation. Members asked about herd management, bee production, market channels, and whether raw milk producers should receive training or certification. Ballard said his farm uses Jerseys, removes sick cows from production, sells on-farm and through retail locations, and relies on best-practice guidance from groups such as the Weston A. Price Foundation and the Raw Milk Institute. Several members expressed support for consumer choice but also raised concerns about food safety, especially for children and pregnant women, and about possible “mission creep” if the state creates a voluntary inspection or training system. The discussion ended without any vote or formal action on the raw milk issue. The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from Terrence Bolden of TLB Enterprises on hydroponic and container-based farming as a response to food insecurity, food deserts, and workforce needs. Bolden described a three-year career and technical education model using retrofitted shipping containers to grow food year-round with low water and energy use, paired with training in drones, robotics, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship. He said pilot projects are underway or planned with UAPB, the Little Rock School District, and other partners, and projected that five regional hubs could create significant economic impact and multiple jobs per container. Members asked about costs, target communities, school partnerships, food desert locations, and whether the model could include aquaponics or protein production; Bolden said the program is intended as a public-private partnership and that the committee could tour a container site once it is operational. The meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am representing the Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers organization that represents 28,000. people in our
• My grandfather ranched, he was a cattle rancher for over 60 years. and I grew up working cattle and it's
• It's how long you think it will take for some of these ranches, some of these cattle ranchers to get
• You registered representing Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and yourself.
• Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and yourself and you are testifying for health bill 144.

Bills: HB 13 , HB143 , HB144 , HB145 , HB366 , HB470 , HB805 , HB912 , HB13 , HB143 , HB144 , HB145

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: emergency communication, infrastructure, first responders, grant program, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, local governments, HB 143, Texas Railroad Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas, well site, surface facility, electrical power line, National Electrical Code, NEC, electrical safety, utility disconnect, service disconnection

Transcript Highlights:

• Let’s say that a wildfire comes across and burns half your range, and so the cattle won’t be permitted
• But you can actually virtually make a line—through satellite—and then you place a collar on your cattle
• And so the cattle won’t be permitted on that range that year, but you can actually virtually make a line—through
• satellite—and then you place a collar on your cattle or chain... ...collar on your cattle or chain that
• So it actually works pretty good on most cattle.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• I carried the cattle wrestling bill a few years back when I was in the Texas house.
• You know, you don't think about cattle wrestling, man, it is alive and well, especially when these...
• I'm glad that we have brought efficiency to our cattle brand.
• We're going to utilize computers in our cattle.
• the Executive Director of Law Enforcement Brand and Inspection Services for Texas and Southwestern Cattle

Bills: SB384 , SB503 , SB565 , SB616 , SB740

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Keywords: hunting license, fishing license, donation, operation game thief fund, wildlife conservation, livestock, electronic registry, marks and brands, Texas Animal Health Commission, animal identification, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension, utility consolidation, regionalization, water supply, sewer

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water and Agriculture and Rural Affairs convened under the leadership of Chairman Kelly Hancock, who opened the meeting with a prayer in remembrance of Chairman Perry, who was absent due to a personal loss. The session focused on the discussions surrounding SB384, which aims to support the longstanding initiative known as Operation Game Thief. Senator Flores presented the bill, emphasizing its essential role in the fight against poaching through public support. The operation has a successful track record of convictions but is currently dependent on donations and merchandise sales for funding. The committee aimed to vote on multiple bills during this session, contingent on achieving a quorum. Notably, discussions also revolved around fiscal notes on two bills that were set aside for later consideration, indicating the committee's intention to carefully manage their legislative decisions. The meeting showcased a productive atmosphere, with committee members actively engaged in the review and potential advancement of key legislative measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• been known to move around from time to time, but the other part of that definition is that you're a cattle
• been known to move around from time to time, but the other part of that definition is that you're a cattle
• I think that it's a great thing that we recognize the impact that pastoralists, cattle people, sheep
• Morgan Lutkin for the Idaho Cattle Association.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• I also raise cattle and crops.
• I also raise cattle and crops.
• I also raise cattle and crops.
• I also raise cattle and crops.
• I also raise cattle and crops.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re both cattle farmers. What are the four worst words that a cattle farmer can hear?
• And if you want to— Worst words that a cattle farmer can hear: “Your cows are out.”
• Well, and that is a problem with the cattle.
• The gentleman from Nottoway mentioned the four worst words you can hear as a cattle producer.
• The gentleman from Nottoway mentioned the four worst words you can hear as a cattle producer.

Summary: The House first established a quorum, then took up several bills for perfection and printing. House Bill 2297, a fence-law bill, was presented as a way to let livestock owners enter up to 10 feet onto neighboring property to repair fences, remove trees and debris on the fence line, and avoid trespass liability while repairing damage caused by livestock escaping. Supporters said the measure addresses a real rural problem and protects farmers who are already responsible for keeping animals contained; the bill was adopted and perfected and printed after debate over property rights and access concerns. The chamber then considered House Bills 2142 and 2058, a film and television tax incentive measure. Supporters said Missouri’s film credit program has produced strong economic returns, created jobs, and attracted productions, and they argued for combining separate film and TV funding buckets while removing a proposed sunset extension. An amendment to keep the sunset at 2029 was adopted, and the bill was then adopted, perfected, and printed. The House also took up House Bill 3004, a hardwood labeling bill requiring products sold in Missouri to be labeled accurately as wood or non-wood materials; supporters framed it as truth-in-advertising and protection for the state’s timber industry, while one member questioned how the law would apply to online and out-of-state sellers. The bill was adopted and perfected and printed. Next, the House considered House Bills 3283 and 3306, which set a timeline and process for public-sector collective bargaining disputes, including negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, and defined “good faith” in bargaining. An amendment narrowed the bill so it would not apply to teachers, police, or other excluded public employees under existing law. Supporters said the bill would prevent years-long contract disputes and save taxpayer money, especially for firefighters and other first responders; the substitute was adopted and perfected and printed. Finally, House Bill 2536, a bill on sex-designated restrooms and other private spaces in government-controlled settings, drew extensive debate. The sponsor said it was intended to protect privacy and safety in restrooms, changing rooms, sleeping quarters, schools, airports, correctional facilities, and similar spaces, and an amendment clarified exceptions for corrections officers and other public safety duties. Opponents argued the bill would target transgender people, create enforcement problems, and rely on signage rather than preventing crime; supporters said it was needed to protect women and girls. The amendment was adopted, and debate continued on the bill as amended.