Video & Transcript : 'fishing regulations' :
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Community Safety Jan 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- regulations and then applied such regulations against tribal members despite claims that the regulations
- Violations of these fishing regulations were used as the basis to arrest and convict tribal members,
- This then led to a 1974 federal district court decision that recognized that Washington's fishing regulations
- fishing activities, and who claims to be exercising a treaty Indian fishing right may apply to vacate
- Fishing, hunting, and gathering.
Summary:
The committee opened with a work session on effective interrogation techniques, hearing from two remote experts, retired homicide detective Matt Jones and former federal agent Mark Fallon. Both argued for science-based, information-gathering interviewing over confrontational or deception-based tactics, emphasizing rapport, open-ended questioning, corroboration, and avoiding coercion, especially with vulnerable interviewees. They said these methods improve reliability, reduce false confessions and wrongful convictions, and better withstand court scrutiny. Members asked for source materials and raised concerns about how friendly or minimization-style questioning could affect victims; the witnesses said they would provide research and noted that some common tactics can be problematic in sexual assault cases. No votes were taken in the work session.
The committee then held a hearing on House Bill 1982, which would expand Washington’s existing process for vacating convictions tied to treaty rights. Staff explained that current law mainly covers pre-1975 fishing convictions, while the bill would extend relief to convictions involving treaty fishing, hunting, gathering, and pasturing rights, remove the date limit, include local ordinances, authorize the Office of Public Defense to provide direct representation and consultation, and create a tribal liaison position. The prime sponsor and tribal leaders testified in support, describing the bill as a way to correct historical wrongs and remove barriers to jobs, housing, and other opportunities. The Office of Public Defense said it supports the bill but needs statutory authority and a hub to identify and process cases; an Attorney General’s Office tribal liaison also supported the concept and suggested clarifying amendments. Some members questioned the scope of the affected population, costs, and whether the legislature could vacate the convictions directly, while others raised concerns about competing resource demands and the need for judicial action case by case. No final action was taken.
Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 2156, which would expand the Attorney General’s Office investigators’ authority in limited circumstances. Staff said the bill would let AGO investigators exercise only the authority of the entity granting concurrent jurisdiction, allow them to serve business search warrants only when authorized by a judicial officer, and clarify that they cannot detain, arrest, or carry weapons. The bill sponsor said it would reduce delays in economic-crime cases by allowing investigators to serve electronic warrants themselves instead of relying on local officers. Opponents from the sheriffs and police chiefs association and a retired veteran argued the bill blurs the line between investigation and prosecution, lacks sufficient oversight, and could create constitutional and training concerns. AGO representatives responded that the bill is narrowly focused, that most investigators are retired law enforcement, and that it would mainly streamline service of electronic warrants in cases such as organized retail theft and wage theft. The hearing was still in progress when the transcript ended, and no vote was recorded on this bill.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That includes the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- We had— We had then Forest and Fish came along, and we all supported that.
- Fish and Wildlife Service for them to agree to this work.
- Anticipated to be measurable change in these non-fish streams, but because we have buffers from the fish
- So Dave Herrera from the Northwest Indian Fish Commission is here.
Summary:
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard public testimony on House Bill 2598, which would create a Salmon Advisory Commission made up of tribal leaders, state agencies, legislators, and local governments to develop recommendations on salmon and steelhead recovery. Prime sponsor Rep. Lekanoff described the bill as a way to bring executive, legislative, and tribal leaders together on salmon recovery and treaty obligations. Staff noted a fiscal note of roughly $35,000 in out years. Supporters emphasized salmon’s cultural and treaty importance and the need for coordinated leadership, while the lone public testifier, Todd Myers of Washington Policy Center, opposed the bill as another statewide layer of bureaucracy and argued that recovery efforts should focus more on local, watershed-level action. The committee noted 10 signed in pro, 886 con, and one other, but no vote was taken on the bill in the hearing.
The committee then heard House Bill 2620, which would repeal the recently adopted Forest Practices Board rule expanding riparian buffers on non-fish-bearing streams and impose new standards for future riparian buffer rulemaking, including an economic viability standard for the timber industry and additional consensus and alternative-analysis requirements. Rep. Dent said the bill was intended to restore communication and collaboration in the forest practices process. Testimony was sharply divided. Tribal representatives and environmental advocates said the rule was the product of a long, science-based adaptive management process under the Forest and Fish framework and was needed to protect water quality, salmon habitat, and treaty rights; they argued the bill would undermine that process and conflict with Clean Water Act compliance. Forest industry and small forest landowner witnesses supported the bill, saying the process had lost trust, ignored alternatives, and imposed significant economic harm on rural communities and family tree farms. DNR and Ecology testified in opposition, saying the rule was based on science and that the bill would weaken water-quality protections and jeopardize HCP compliance. The committee recorded 592 signed in pro, 489 con, and one other, with no vote taken during the hearing.
After the public hearings, the committee moved into executive session on five bills. Staff briefly described House Bill 2104, which would make permanent the Aviation Assurance Funding Program for wildfire response; House Bill 2348, a DNR request bill on land and material sales advertising; House Bill 2544, which would require an adjudication process for the Upper Columbia River with a proposed substitute; House Bill 2554, which would repeal Initiative 456 concerning state declarations on tribal natural resource management; and House Joint Memorial 4009, urging federal action on wildland firefighting consolidation. The committee then recessed briefly for caucus and began executive action, starting with a motion to report House Bill 2104 out of committee with a do pass recommendation.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- There were so many fish.
- </c> the Amama fish. I care about the Alma. the Amama fish. I care about the Alma.
- I go fishing with my were so many fish.
- fish.
- </c> gets put into the regulations. gets put into the regulations.
Bills:
HB1817 , HB2056 , HB2616 , HB1718 , HB1842 , HB1740 , HB1919 , HB1616 , HB1774 , HB1984 , HB1603 , HB2171
Committee:
House Water & Land
Summary:
The committee heard HB 1817, which would create a daily bag limit for amaa/ama fish to protect Hawaii’s fisheries. DLNR said the biggest stressor on amaa populations is diversion of freshwater flows that cut off food sources for juvenile fish, and suggested that place-by-place rulemaking with fishers and stakeholders would be the most effective approach. A teacher and several Waialua Elementary students testified in strong support, describing research on declining catch data, cultural importance, and the need to preserve the fish for future generations. Other supporters said the fish is being outcompeted by invasive species and cited historical declines, including testimony that bag limits in Hilo Bay have helped increase populations.
Committee members asked DLNR about traditional and cultural gathering rights, whether the bill’s bag limit would apply to native Hawaiian practices, and whether the limit was 10 per day or per season. DLNR said constitutional Hawaiian practices are protected, but also noted that if the bag limit is set in statute it would limit the department’s flexibility to tailor rules by area. Members also asked about other conservation efforts, and DLNR said fish pond revitalization and amaa production are underway statewide. One member raised concern that a statewide statutory limit might not fit conditions on every island, and DLNR said it has authority to adopt area-specific rules through rulemaking, though that process can take months to more than a year.
The committee then moved to HP 206, an appropriations measure for the City and County of Honolulu involving school land transfers, and HP 266B relating to Banyan Drive. On HP 206, the county said the request is a one-time item and estimated costs were about $3.25 million, with the city and county already spending more than $350,000 on the transfers. On HP 266B, HCDA said it is conducting a master planning effort for Banyan Drive and plans a community visioning exercise this summer. Testimony from the Banyan Drive redevelopment agency emphasized the need for more flexible land-tenure rules, while OHA supported the bill with amendments to include cultural specialists and lineal descendants in the redevelopment process and to protect ceded lands. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Ty Hibbs, Southeast Louisiana fishing guide.
- There's nowhere in this resolution requiring these events to provide the fish for LDWF data.
- HB 688 provides a simple common-sense fix by designating tarpon a saltwater game fish.
- Rockefeller has very strict regulations on what you can do on Rockefeller.
- Being on the water and enjoying hunting and fishing, that is my life.
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources
Summary:
The Senate Natural Resources Committee met on May 21 with a quorum, approved the May 14 minutes, and then took up a series of natural resources, wildlife, flood control, and transportation-related measures. HB 841 on expropriation procedures was amended to strip most of its substantive language and then deferred. The committee also adopted a technical amendment and reported SCR 54 favorably, which memorializes Congress to fully fund the Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act to help address invasive carp and other aquatic invasive species.
Several wildlife bills were heard and reported favorably. HB 1248 allows licensed wildlife rehabilitators to possess white-tailed deer for rehabilitation, and HB 1258 codifies a policy for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife so the department does not automatically euthanize animals that can be rehabilitated or released. HCR 5, which allows limited red drum harvest at certain established rodeos under strict guardrails, drew opposition from a fishing guide concerned about impacts to redfish recovery, but the committee still reported it favorably. HB 688 adds Atlantic tarpon to the definition of saltwater game fish, with support from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and others, and it was also reported favorably.
The committee also advanced several infrastructure and flood-related measures. HB 595 requires local governments to respond within 30 days to certain road-use permit requests tied to natural resource development, and it was reported favorably after testimony from oil and gas and industry representatives. HB 802 creates a watershed restoration and conservation fund, narrowed to the Amite River Basin, and was reported favorably with support from conservation and levee interests. SCR 59, urging Congress to ensure FEMA lowers flood insurance rates once the Comite Diversion Canal project reaches 50% completion, was amended and reported favorably, and HCR 62, asking FEMA to review Louisiana flood maps every five years, was also reported favorably.
The committee deferred HB 1171, which would have authorized airboats in the Maripaw Swamp Wildlife Management Area, after extensive testimony from supporters and from LDWF officials who raised concerns about habitat sensitivity, migratory birds, user conflicts, and deed restrictions. Finally, HB 1161, transferring certain state property in Lafourche and Jefferson parishes to local governments, HCR 78 supporting the American Seafood Competitive Act, HCR 86 supporting a migratory waterfowl study, and HB 1189 requiring charter boat guides on certain waters to hold U.S. Coast Guard licenses were all reported favorably.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1393 strengthens the Steelhead Trout Fishing Report Restoration Card Program.
- The Steelhead Trout Fishing Report Restoration Card Program.
- And third, establishes clear rules for vessel transit through closed crab fishing areas.
- State of California Natural Resources Agency Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, at the federal level...
Summary:
The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. Supporters from The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, CalTrout, and the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations said the bill would strengthen the steelhead report card program, refine crab fishery rules, and clarify vessel transit through closed crab areas. There was no opposition, and the bill was accepted with amendments and moved on a 4-0 vote to the Appropriations Committee.
The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, with performance targets and coordination with wildlife agencies. The author and supporters argued it would improve ecosystem connectivity, reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, and save money by integrating crossings, culverts, and fencing into planned projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to neutral after amendments clarifying the bill would apply to transportation rights-of-way and not create exactions on private property. The bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations.
Members then considered SB 1212, which would repeal California’s ban on importing and selling kangaroo products. The author argued kangaroo harvest in Australia is tightly regulated and that California’s ban is outdated, while opponents from Humane World for Animals, Animal Legal Defense Fund, and others said the bill would reopen the market to products from a cruel commercial slaughter industry and undermine long-standing wildlife protections. No motion was taken at that point. The committee also heard SB 1268, codifying the Outdoors for All initiative, which supporters said would protect and expand equitable access to parks and outdoor recreation; it advanced 3-0. Finally, the committee heard three Western Joshua Tree bills from Senator Arreguín: SB 1061, SB 1062, and SB 1063. Supporters from water agencies, local governments, and industry said the bills would reduce fees and streamline permitting for tree relocation, public infrastructure, and basic utility hookups in desert communities. Opponents withdrew or softened opposition on the first two bills after amendments, but objected to SB 1063 as too broad. SB 1061 and SB 1062 each passed 2-0 to Appropriations, while SB 1063 was still under discussion at the end of the transcript.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (4-14-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Please call the first regulation.
- regulation? regulation? Not<00:02:05.360><c> seeing</c><00:02:05.600><c> any.
- </c> comments uh for the ordinary regulation. comments uh for the ordinary regulation.
- The regulation regulation regulation itself,<00:32:22.799><c> I</c><00:32:23.120><c> it's</c><00:32:23.360
- and this one was just fish.
Summary:
The subcommittee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then took up several regulations. The first was a Department of Veterans Affairs regulation, with a staff amendment, to allow nurse practitioners to apply for the Veterans Affairs nurse loan repayment program year-round and to make technical drafting changes. The committee heard from the Office of Kentucky Veteran Centers, then adopted the staff amendment and approved the regulation without objection.
The main item of the meeting was the Board of Optometric Examiners’ proposed amendment to 201 KAR 5:010, which would allow applicants to use the Optometry Examining Board of Canada written exam in place of part one of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam for licensure. The board said the change would improve access to care, provide an additional pathway for Canadian-trained candidates, and still require applicants to pass the remaining national board parts. Opponents, including NBEO officials, ARBO, Pearson VUE, and several optometrists, argued the Canadian exam is not equivalent, does not test the same biomedical science content, is not validated for U.S. scope of practice, and raises concerns about test security, transparency, and portability across states. They urged the committee to find the amendment deficient or vote no.
Committee members questioned both sides about prior communication with the board, whether Kentucky would be the first state to adopt such a change, the rationale for the proposal, and the cost difference between the exams. Supporters said the board had received some written comments and one phone call, and that the proposal was driven by access concerns and the presence of Canadian students. Opponents said they had not had direct discussions with the Kentucky board before the hearing. No final vote on the optometry regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, but the committee heard extensive testimony and rebuttal before moving on.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Natural Resources and Water
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1393 strengthens the Steelhead Trout Fishing Report Restoration Card Program.
- The Steelhead Trout Fishing Report Restoration Card Program.
- And third, establishes clear rules for vessel transit through closed crab fishing areas.
- The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service at the federal level...
- Sacramento County doesn't pay into Fish and Wildlife to acquire land for acquisition.
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources and Water
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources (02/05/2025)
Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- We enforce all hunting, fishing, and trapping regulations statewide.
- The commercial fishing industry is one of the most regulated industries in this country, and with all
- The commercial fishing industry is one of the most regulated industries in this country, and with all
- The commercial fishing industry is one of the most regulated industries in this country, and with all
- The commercial fishing industry is one of the most regulated industries in this country, and with all
Committee:
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (02/04/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And I frankly, much of the way energy regulation and utility regulation is proceeding in New Hampshire
- And I frankly, much of the way energy regulation and utility regulation is proceeding in New Hampshire
- And I frankly, much of the way energy regulation and utility regulation is proceeding in New Hampshire
- And I frankly, much of the way energy regulation and utility regulation is proceeding in New Hampshire
- > has</c><00:44:09.319><c> a</c> for fishing game fishing game has a for fishing game fishing game has
Committee:
Senate Energy and Natural Resources
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources, May 27, 2026 - AM
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Wyoming Game and Fish. Wyoming Game and Fish.
- </c> taking fishing. taking fishing.
- If we go into the regulation piece, even if it goes to a fishing outfitter board, the technical piece
- piece, even if it goes to a a regulation piece, even if it goes to a a fishing<00:14:59.640><c> outfitter
- </c><00:59:10.840><c> fish</c> Dingell-Johnson Act for fish fish Dingell-Johnson Act for fish fish restoration
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- It authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife to promulgate administrative regulations establishing
- Fish and Wildlife.
- It authorizes Department of Fish does.
- </c><00:15:52.040><c> establishing</c> administrative regulations establishing administrative regulations
- </c> so through administrative regulation. so through administrative regulation.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Agriculture and Water Management Committee Mar 31st, 2026 at 09:30 am
Agriculture and Water Management Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- there was a change in presidential administrations, the Fish and Wildlife Service adopted a regulation
- But the Fish and Wildlife Service said we are doing no effect. ...are, do not violate the regulations
- Fish and Wildlife easements.
- Fish and Wildlife.
- Fish and Wildlife. Fish and Wildlife. Yeah, it's federal. Okay.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources (01/28/2026)
Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:22:58.320><c> fishing</c><01:22:58.639><c> game</c> heard at that fishing game. fishing game
- fish? fish?
- </c> licensed fishing guides. licensed fishing guides.
- </c> licensed fishing guides. licensed fishing guides.
- </c> licensed fishing guides. licensed fishing guides.
Committee:
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- These rules affect only lands owned or managed by Fish and Game.
- So this is our WMAs, our campgrounds, and our fishing access sites primarily.
- So this is our WMAs, our campgrounds, and our fishing access sites primarily.
- One, there aren't other listed species that are included in any Fish and Game regulations right now.
- One, there aren't other listed species that are included in any Fish and Game regulations right now.
Committee:
House Resources and Conservation
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- These are rules for regulating game bird hunting and regulating game mammal hunting.
- These are rules for regulating game bird hunting and regulating game mammal hunting.
- These are rules for regulating game bird hunting and regulating game mammal hunting.
- </c> >> I curious to know which fishes on. >> I curious to know which fishes on.
- </c><01:59:28.800><c> um</c> to governance or uh fishing um to governance or uh fishing um regulations
Bills:
SB2606 , SB3253 , SB237 , SB3252 , SB1178 , SB2322 , SB2019 , SB3043 , SB3014 , SB2972 , SB1190 , SB2488
Committee:
Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on several measures related to wildlife, conservation, shoreline adaptation, and climate governance. On SB 2606, which would establish the Freshwater State Recreational Area Wildlife Sanctuary Corporation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said it had concerns about employee eligibility and was not yet prepared to comment further on the bill’s ramifications. After testimony ended, a senator asked DLNR to follow up with more detail, and the department said it would relay the questions to leadership and respond later. No vote was taken on the measure during the excerpt.
On SB 3253, which would create the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity to work with DLNR, the department said it supported the bill. In discussion, DLNR said Hawaii has not done anything like this before, described a similar model in New Zealand, and estimated that developing such a sanctuary could cost millions of dollars. Members also discussed whether the concept would fit with existing efforts such as Hakalau, and DLNR said the bill could apply to private or state lands depending on the site. No action was taken.
The most extensive discussion was on SB 237, which would expand state and county authority to develop adaptation pathways for relocating infrastructure away from sea level rise and coastal flooding areas. DLNR supported the bill, saying it prioritizes public trust resources over economic development or private property. The Kahana Bay Steering Committee and the Shoreline Preservation Coalition opposed the measure, arguing it was too focused on managed retreat and should include a broader range of shoreline responses, such as erosion mitigation, groins, sand nourishment, and other interim protections. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it appreciated the bill’s intent but wanted broader language that would allow more tools in the toolbox. Members debated whether retreat is inevitable, whether different shorelines require different approaches, and whether the bill should be more flexible. No vote was taken.
The final measure discussed was SB 3252, which would amend the powers and duties of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, create a coordinator position, and appropriate funds. The commission’s coordinator testified in support, while OPSD opposed the bill, saying it would remove the two cabinet-level co-chair positions, raise accountability concerns, and duplicate some of OPSD’s functions. In questioning, members debated whether the current commission structure has been effective, who would appoint or confirm the coordinator, and whether the bill would improve transparency and implementation. OPSD said it supported more statewide interdepartmental funding for climate planning and staffing, but had concerns about the proposed governance changes. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill ensures that placement is regulated.
- Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Fish and Wildlife Service felt that there were no incidental taking issues, then...
- Fish and Wildlife Service siting guidelines. Current Fish and Wildlife employees have confided...
- Fish will advise them. Not to put it there, and that's all it is, is advice.
Committee:
House Culture, Recreation & Tourism
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy May 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- For Fish and Wildlife, we would note that the Governor's budget proposes retaining all of Fish and Wildlife's
- Yeah, so the Department of Fish and Wildlife is here.
- Dan Reagan, Deputy Director for Fish and Wildlife.
- Hi, Chief Arnold with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- Some fees are set in regulations based on other factors.
Summary:
The subcommittee met to discuss budget issues related to vacant positions across several natural resources and environmental departments, with no votes taken and all items held open for a future hearing. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Department of Finance explained the administration’s proposal to eliminate about 6,000 vacant positions statewide, including roughly 293 positions in the departments before the committee, as a way to capture salary savings and reduce flexible funding tied up in vacancies. The LAO recommended retaining special-funded positions, while noting that eliminating General Fund positions would reduce savings. Finance argued that vacancy levels have remained steady statewide, that departments need flexibility to manage operations and hard-to-fill jobs, and that some vacant positions can be reclassified to higher-priority work.
Members raised concerns that many of the proposed eliminations would affect core public-safety, permitting, and environmental-protection functions. The Department of Fish and Wildlife said the cuts would affect permitting, environmental protection, and law enforcement, while State Parks said its proposed ranger reductions were chosen from historically vacant, hard-to-fill positions and would still leave many vacancies to fill through the academy. The Coastal Commission said its positions supported sea-level rise planning under SB 272. The Department of Pesticide Regulation and DTSC said the reductions would affect multiple program areas, though Finance said the special funds involved were not in structural deficit and the cuts could help avoid future fee increases. The State Water Resources Control Board said its proposed reductions were spread across programs, with public-health functions protected as much as possible.
The committee then heard an overview from the State Water Resources Control Board on its responsibilities for water quality, water rights, drinking water, and funding for water infrastructure. Chair Joaquin Esquivel described ongoing work on the Bay-Delta Plan update, the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes voluntary agreements, and the need to actively administer water rights. Members also discussed the board’s response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Sackett decision, which narrowed federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction. The board requested $2.6 million and 12 permanent positions to address resulting permitting and enforcement gaps; the LAO said the request met its high bar for new proposals and was supported by the board’s data and reporting.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Feb 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2554 is regarding treaty reserved fishing rights.
- Washington, the treaty fishing rights case, for 21 years.
- I represent fish and wildlife and the state in that capacity.
- Washington, the treaty fishing rights case, for 21 years.
- I represent fish and wildlife and the state in that capacity.
Summary:
The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on several House bills. ESHB 2238 would require the Department of Agriculture to develop a statewide food security strategy, monitor food system performance, and report on agricultural regulatory costs and competitiveness; the sponsor and many stakeholders from agriculture, food banks, school nutrition, counties, and advocacy groups supported it as a coordinated response to food insecurity and farm viability, while one requested amendment was addressed on the House floor. HB 2199 would expand the derelict vessel removal program by changing the definition of derelict vessel to allow earlier intervention when vessels are unregistered for two annual periods; ports, local officials, and environmental advocates testified in support, and the bill had no fiscal impact noted. HB 2104 would remove the sunset from the Aviation Assurance Funding Program for wildland fire response, with support from fire chiefs and the sponsor emphasizing its value for rapid initial attack and cost savings. HB 2554 would repeal statutes from Initiative 456 that conflict with treaty fishing rights; the Attorney General’s Office, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the sponsor supported repeal as necessary to remove unenforceable anti-tribal language, while testimony comments showed substantial opposition. HB 2619 would create a legislative task force to review regulatory stress in agriculture and recommend changes; the sponsor linked it to farmer mental health and suicide prevention, and there was no public testimony. HB 2343 would require public game farms operated by Fish and Wildlife to obtain water discharge permits and meet manure/runoff controls; staff noted it would apply to the known public facility and carry modest compliance costs, with no public testimony. The committee also unanimously waived the five-day notice rule for HB 2104, 2554, 2619, and 2343, and closed the hearings without taking final votes, planning to consider all six bills in executive session at a later meeting.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy May 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- For Fish and Wildlife, we would note that the Governor's budget proposes retaining all of Fish and Wildlife's
- So these would be the positions at Fish and Wildlife, the Water Board, DPR, DTSC, and CalRecycle.
- Dan Reagan, Deputy Director for Fish and Wildlife. Yes, the 164 position...
- Hi, Chief Arnold with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- Some fees are set in regulations based on other factors.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Mar 31st, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill relates to saltwater fishing stamps.
- The Wildlife Code requires people to acquire fishing licenses and fishing stamps to fish in Texas waters
- Saltwater fishing stamp revenue may be allocated with an emphasis on saltwater fish hatcheries, investing
- in saltwater fish hatcheries and habitat restoration for more sustainable fish. and maintains Texas
- Regulation is important, but as mentioned, there are already adequate regulations and monitoring requirements
Bills:
SB34 , SB119 , SB261 , SB532 , SB1035 , SB1245 , SB1247 , SB1267 , SB1442 , SB1930 , SB1948 , SB2078 , SB2112 , SB2143 , SB2155
Committee:
Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs