Transcript Highlights:

• Rouson: DO YOU BELIEVE THIS BILL WILL INCREASE THE NUMBER OF DOGS CONFISCATED BY ANIMAL CONTROL?

Transcript Highlights:

• And grain and fiber processing...
• The substitute also adds cottonseed storage buildings and grain storage.

Bills: HB1835 , HB2561 , HB3630

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: manufactured housing, HUD-code, zoning, local government regulations, installation permits, municipal utility district, board meetings, public access, meeting location, transparency, fire prevention, agriculture, local government, fire safety, regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• active duty service member or the child of someone killed in the line of duty, the state should not confiscate
• So confiscating the college savings of the children of men and women of our armed forces is completely
• This constitutional amendment would declare every provision of any bill or ballot measure that confiscates
• scholarship funds of military families as null and void. ...of any bill or ballot measure that confiscates

Transcript Highlights:

• Representatives Ricks and Joseph, also Senator Marchman, concerning protections relating to the confiscation
• 18.840><c> the</c> concerning protections relating to the concerning protections relating to the confiscation
• <01:53:19.520><c> of</c><01:53:19.640><c> individuals'</c> confiscation of individuals' confiscation

Transcript Highlights:

• these issues are investigated, that there was a hard drive, or you know, a storage device, that was confiscated
• or you know a storage device<01:18:05.199><c> that</c><01:18:05.400><c> was</c><01:18:06.000><c> confiscated
• </c><01:18:06.760><c> by</c><01:18:07.040><c> the</c><01:18:07.600><c> the</c> device that was confiscated
• by the the device that was confiscated by the the investigators<01:18:09.159><c> and</c><01:18:09.840

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, if they confiscate animals or whatever, but I really think that there is a lack of knowledge
• c><00:18:25.600><c> know</c><00:18:25.880><c> if</c><00:18:26.200><c> they</c><00:18:27.200><c> confiscate
• </c> sbca um you know if they confiscate sbca um you know if they confiscate animals<00:18:28.120><c>

Summary: The subcommittee work session focused on HB 153, a bill intended to improve law enforcement response to animal cruelty cases. The bill’s sponsor explained that the proposal would require one sheriff or deputy and one state trooper in each county to receive specific training in animal cruelty laws so they could serve as knowledgeable resources. The sponsor described real-world examples where agencies were unclear about jurisdiction, veterinary involvement, and response protocols, arguing that better training was needed because animal cruelty cases can require quick action and many towns do not have animal control officers. Jerry Sorenson, a retired UNH professor and longtime animal cruelty instructor, described the existing training structure at Police Standards and Training. He said recruits receive a required two-hour introductory block at the academy, while additional animal cruelty materials and a more comprehensive online resource library are available through the Benchmark system for certified officers. He noted that the older two-day in-service course he taught was more detailed and guided, but the current online materials are more of a self-study resource and are not mandated for in-service officers. He also said the committee could track usage through Benchmark analytics. Kurt Arenberg of the Humane Society of the United States and Rob Johnson of the Farm Bureau both supported the goal of ensuring a trained law enforcement contact is available statewide, but they questioned whether assigning one trained officer per county would be the best way to achieve it. They emphasized the need for a real-time response and for officers to know where to find help and guidance, rather than expecting one person per county to handle all cases. Vincent Greco of State Police said the agency is willing to help and has handled animal cruelty matters, but he said one trooper per county would not realistically meet the goal given coverage demands and vacancy rates; he suggested broader access to resources and training may be more effective. Representative Freeman asked how cases are handled now and was told State Police responses generally follow standard criminal investigation steps, with assistance from animal control, veterinarians, and other resources when available. No vote or final action was taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• If it's subject to forfeiture, law enforcement does not need a warrant to confiscate that vehicle.
• If it's subject to forfeiture, law enforcement does not need a warrant to confiscate that vehicle.
• If it's subject to forfeiture, law enforcement does not need a warrant to confiscate that vehicle.
• If it's subject to forfeiture, law enforcement does not need a warrant to confiscate that vehicle.

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 619-FN, establishing procedures for expedited court hearings and deposition of confiscated
• Now, we should note that the Moral Act of 1864 was funded by confiscated Indian lands, people who were
• Now, we should note that the Moral Act of 1864 was funded by confiscated Indian lands, people who were
• Now, we should note that the Moral Act of 1864 was funded by confiscated Indian lands, people who were
• Of 1864 was funded by confiscated Indian lands, people who were not allowed to be citizens until 1924

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think that, and another example for me, I have a small area that all they have left is a grain elevator
• , but they have... ...a small area that all they have left is a grain elevator, but they have an older
• drive up here, I pass a piece of property, and somebody built, I think it was seven or eight big metal grain
• drive up here, I pass a piece of property, and somebody built, I think it was seven or eight big metal grain

Committee: House Utilities

Summary: The committee first took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 21, 22, and 1626, which would combine the bills and add a clawback/refund provision for construction work in progress in base rates if costs were imprudently incurred or a project is not placed in service in a reasonable time. Supporters argued Missouri should remove its CWIP ban to stay competitive with neighboring states and attract utility investment, while opponents warned about unknown costs and timelines for ratepayers. The substitute was adopted, and the committee voted the combined bill do pass by 12 ayes and 7 noes. The committee then considered House Bill 2711, as amended by a substitute, dealing with broadband-related property tax treatment. The sponsor explained the substitute narrowed the bill to new installations, added a seven-year sunset, and aimed to clarify assessment issues. Supporters said the measure would help expand broadband infrastructure and improve service in underserved areas, while opponents argued the tax break should not apply to upgrades within existing service territories and questioned whether the bill truly expanded access. The committee adopted the substitute and voted the bill do pass by 12 ayes and 7 noes. The remainder of the hearing focused on House Bill 2762, a broad solar/wind/water measure. The sponsor described provisions setting a $2,500 per megawatt tax on solar nameplate capacity, creating more uniform assessment rules, establishing setbacks for solar facilities, limiting eminent domain use, and including smaller sections on water district dissolution and wind turbine lighting. Testimony was mixed: solar developers, Clean Grid Alliance, Renew Missouri, and Missouri Farm Bureau supported clearer rules, grandfathering, and setbacks they viewed as reasonable, while landowners and local residents raised concerns about property rights, transparency, runoff, glare, noise, and the impact of large solar projects on neighboring farms and homes. No final action on HB 2762 was taken in the portion provided, but the chair said a committee substitute would be developed to address the solar issues more comprehensively.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we're also making some changes to our grain program uh clarifying that uh issues with that can be
• /c><00:04:53.759><c> changes</c><00:04:54.080><c> to</c><00:04:54.320><c> our</c><00:04:54.560><c> grain
• </c><00:04:54.960><c> program</c> making some changes to our grain program making some changes to our
• grain program uh<00:04:56.639><c> clarifying</c><00:04:57.360><c> that</c><00:04:58.400><c> uh</c><00

Committee: House Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• and after that, we'll be hearing from Allison Schrader, Randy Munn, and Paul Katowicz from Highline Grain
• after that, we will be hearing from Allison Schrader, Randy Munn, and Paul Katowicz from Highline Grain
• con panel, excuse me, is going to be Allison Schrader, Randy Munn, and Paul Akadovich from Highline Grain
• I manage Highline Grain Growers.

Summary: The House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee heard public testimony on several bills. HB 2151 would update factory-built housing and commercial structure rules by directing L&I to consider newer national standards and allowing inspections by qualified third-party agencies without requiring a contract; the sponsor and L&I said it would save time and money and help lower costs for manufactured housing. HB 2372 would change workers’ compensation time-loss calculations so injured workers receive 100% of the employer’s monthly health care contribution unless the employer keeps paying it; supporters said this would better protect injured workers and their families, while a small-business representative opposed the bill and suggested direct payment to insurers instead, and L&I noted implementation costs and timing concerns. HB 2355, the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, would create standalone protections for domestic workers covering wages, written agreements, notice before termination or severance, anti-harassment and anti-retaliation rules, and discrimination protections, while also extending minimum wage/overtime/sick leave coverage to some domestic workers; testimony from workers, advocates, Seattle officials, and the sponsor emphasized wage theft, insecurity, and the need for statewide standards, while L&I said technical clarifications and funding would be needed. HB 2409 would establish a collective bargaining framework for agricultural workers under PERC, with procedures for representation elections, mediation, and interest arbitration; supporters framed it as a long-overdue extension of bargaining rights and dignity to farmworkers, while growers and farm bureau representatives warned it could disrupt harvests, harm farms, and affect the food supply. HB 2472 would strengthen enforcement of fire sprinkler licensing and certification by allowing local fire code officials to request proof of credentials and issue stop-work orders; labor, fire marshals, and industry groups supported it as a public safety measure, while the building industry raised a drafting concern about the term “residential sprinkler.” No votes or final committee actions were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Farmers are starting to pivot towards fiber and grain hemp as new markets emerge.
• Current challenges hemp-derived products including fiber, grain, and cannabinoids contribute to job creation
• All cattle are grass-fed, but the majority of cattle are grain finished.
• The feed yards are really the largest tax base, feed yards, dairies, grain elevators, largest tax base

Bills: HB294 , HB405 , HB519 , HB294

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: food production, property owners' association, home gardening, cottage food, urban agriculture, livestock, community standards, renewable energy, ethanol, biodiesel, incentives, agriculture, grants, honey production, beekeeping, food safety, local regulation, energy efficiency, tax exemption, residential properties

Transcript Highlights:

• That doesn’t include the shop, the garage, the cattle buildings, grain bins that may be associated with
• And when I hear about the fire safety, right now, if I want to put some grain bins...
• Right now, if I wanted to put some grain bins close to the property line where there may be an explosion

Committee: House Utilities

Transcript Highlights:

• everything from local retail operations that supply inputs such as feed, seed, fertilizer, and fuel to the grain
• My husband Dusty and I run a cash grain operation, and for more than two decades, I have also worked
• Our customers collect fruits and vegetables, rice and soybeans, process the grain, and then sell and

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

Keywords: farm bill, rural economy, crop insurance, access to credit, young farmers, USDA funding freeze, agricultural policy, risk management

Summary: The meeting of the agricultural committee focused on significant concerns regarding the current state of America's rural economy, highlighting the need for a strong five-year farm bill to address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly young and beginning farmers. Key testimony was given by multiple stakeholders including agricultural leaders and young farmers, emphasizing issues related to crop insurance, access to credit, and the adverse impact of recent USDA funding freezes. Various members discussed the necessity of risk management tools that farmers rely on to secure financing, which is crucial for sustaining agricultural operations and supporting rural communities. The importance of timely legislative action was underscored, as many farmers reported struggles in the current economic climate, raising urgency for reforms within the Farm Bill framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• got a lot of acreage, 50 or 60,000 acres of corn, and some of that's for silage, some of it's for grain
• Poultry and dairy—just take those two as an example—they have to have corn, either grain or silage, to
• So our efforts are to work with those... ...large acreages of silage or grain corn to help support the

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and heard three presentations focused on Florida aquaculture, agricultural nutrient reduction, and land preservation. First, clam farmer Tim Solano of Cedar Key described the economic and environmental importance of the state’s clam industry, noting Florida’s strong national production, the industry’s recovery role after the net ban, and the severe damage caused by recent hurricanes and red tide. He said the Dislocated Workers program helped farmers return to work and asked that existing state programs be written more broadly to include aquaculture. Oyster producer Canaan Greg of Pelican Oyster Company then discussed the growth of off-bottom oyster farming, the losses his industry suffered from Hurricane Michael and the pandemic, and the need for better access to recovery loans, student internships, local seed production, and waterfront protection. Members asked questions about leases, production, predators, and storm resilience, and the presenters emphasized that aquaculture is a sustainable, year-round industry that filters water and supports local economies. The committee next heard from UF/IFAS regional extension agent Dr. Bob Hockmouth on education, research, and extension efforts to reduce nitrogen in the Suwannee Valley Basin Management Action Plan area. He explained that the region’s agricultural load reduction target has increased from about 4.2 million to 5.8 million pounds of nitrogen, and that extension programs are helping farmers adopt practices such as precision fertilizer placement, soil moisture sensors, controlled-release fertilizer, petiole sap testing, and irrigation automation. He highlighted corn and watermelon as major examples, saying on-farm demonstrations and cost-share programs are essential because the equipment and technology are expensive. He reported substantial reductions from participating farms and said growers are generally cooperative when funding is available. Finally, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented an update on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program acquires development rights through voluntary conservation easements to keep working agricultural lands in production, protect water resources and wildlife habitat, and preserve taxable land without transferring ownership. The presenter said the program has expanded rapidly in the last two years, with more acreage acquired, faster application review, and more properties in the Florida wildlife corridor. He noted new online application and monitoring tools, a shortened review timeline, and stronger partnerships with federal and defense-related programs. Committee members asked about long-term maintenance responsibilities and the Board of Trustees approval process, and the presentation closed with support for continued funding and efficiency improvements before the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:35:47.920><c> It</c> which is a you know a super grain.
• It which is a you know a super grain.
• Few protections and have too long ignored the people who first gathered this grain.
• And I recognize I thank you for recognizing the importance of this grain, of this lifegiving, um, you
• </c><02:23:40.160><c> of</c><02:23:40.640><c> this</c><02:23:41.760><c> uh</c> of this this grain of

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• And then behind the cab is the grain tank, and behind the grain tank is a 600-horse diesel engine.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• sitting here—the seal, the great seal of the state of Wyoming, behind us, on there we have livestock, grain
• sitting here—the seal, the great seal of the state of Wyoming, behind us, on there we have livestock, grain
• sitting here—the seal, the great seal of the state of Wyoming, behind us, on there we have livestock, grain
• sitting here—the seal, the great seal of the state of Wyoming, behind us, on there we have livestock, grain
• sitting here—the seal, the great seal of the state of Wyoming, behind us, on there we have livestock, grain

Bills: SF0025 , SF0027 , SF0043 , SF0066

Committee: Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources

Bills: HB146 , HB322 , HB469 , HB1183 , HB1481 , HB1509 , HB1510 , HB1511 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB1516 , HB1520 , HB1522 , HB1524 , HB1531 , HB1535 , HB1548 , HB1550 , HB1559 , HB1573 , HB1574 , HB1590 , HB1593 , HB1601 , HB1603 , HB1615 , HB1628 , HB1643 , HB1644 , HB1645 , HB1648 , HB1663 , HB1667 , HB1671 , HB1678 , HB1679 , HB1682 , HB1688 , HB1691 , HB1692 , HB1695 , HB1696 , HB1697 , HB1716 , HB1721 , HB1724 , HB1725 , HB1728 , HB1730 , HB1733 , HB1737 , HB1738 , HB1739 , HB1740 , HB1741 , HB1742 , HB1752 , HB1753 , HB1764 , HB1768 , HB1769 , HB1777 , HB1782 , HB1790 , HB1799 , HB1810 , HB1823 , HB1824 , HB1832 , HB1839 , HB1840 , HB1844 , HB1845 , HB1850 , HB1851 , HB1858 , HB1860 , HB1864 , HB1870 , HB1873 , HB1875 , HB1877 , HB1878 , HB1880 , HB1881 , HB1886 , HB1888 , HB1890 , HB1892 , HB1893 , HB1898 , HB1921 , HB1934

Keywords: judiciary, Hawaiian language, Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, language access, cultural preservation, voter registration, automatic registration, state agencies, electoral participation, opt-out system, disability, parking, travel placard, accessibility, mobility, retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• Dennis Albihani, on behalf of the California Grain and Feed Association and the Pacific Egg and Poultry
• So, as agricultural interests, and especially using the grain and feed as an example, we're really logistics
• Dennis I'll be on behalf of the California Grain and Feet Association, the Pacific Egg and Poll.
• Dennis Albihani on behalf of the California Grain and Feet Association, the Pacific Egg and Poultry Associations
• So as agricultural interests, and especially using the grain and feed as an example, we're really logistics

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to environmental quality, housing, transportation, and waste policy. SB 1375, by Senator Cortese, would create a narrow CEQA exemption category for certain transit and rail projects that have already undergone extensive environmental review. Supporters, including VTA, the City of San Jose, BART, Caltrain, MTC, and Climate Reality Silicon Valley, said it would reduce duplicative review and speed projects like the Diridon Station modernization. Committee members emphasized added amendments requiring displacement, construction-impact, and natural resources plans, and the bill passed 5-0 as amended to Transportation. The committee then took up SB 1031 on compostable plastics labeling. The author and supporters such as Californians Against Waste and the California Compost Coalition argued the bill would reduce consumer confusion, curb contamination in compost and recycling streams, and direct OEHHA to study health and environmental impacts. Opponents including manufacturers, BPI, retailers, and other industry groups said the bill would effectively ban compostable products in California, harm businesses, and fail to fix the underlying National Organics Program issue. After extensive discussion about labeling, composting capacity, and costs, the bill passed 2-2 on call to Appropriations. SB 958, relating to the Midway Rising redevelopment project in San Diego, was presented next; supporters said it would help move forward a large housing and mixed-use project on city-owned land after years of review and voter approval, and it passed 3-0 on call to Local Government. SB 1075, the Clean Air Promise, drew the most extensive debate. The bill would strengthen implementation and enforcement of AB 617 community emissions reduction plans and local plans in overburdened communities. Environmental justice advocates and youth supporters backed the measure, while local governments, business groups, air district representatives, and industry groups warned it would create uncertainty, add land-use constraints, and act as a housing and cost driver. The author accepted several committee amendments and said the bill was still being worked on, but the motion to pass it to Local Government resulted in a 2-2 tie and the bill remained on call. SB 1064, by Senator Dahle, would reduce clean truck check testing frequency for low-use heavy-duty vehicles and equipment from twice a year to once a year. Agricultural and trucking witnesses supported it as a practical, cost-saving change, while air quality advocates opposed weakening a program they said prevents excess emissions and protects public health. The bill passed 4-0 on call to Transportation. Finally, SB 1258 was presented as a revised measure on remediation of hazardous waste sites on the Cortese list. The author said the committee amendments replaced the bill’s original approach, but he continued to argue that remediation should be aligned with housing development so contaminated infill sites can be cleaned up and built on more efficiently. Developers and environmental consultants supported the concept, saying current timing rules create risk and leave sites idle, while the committee continued to hear testimony as the transcript ended.