Transcript Highlights:

• Inadvertently, this had affected family and working farms that were labeled as industrial use or commercial
• This would amend those definitions to protect our working farms and ensure that the zoning preemption
• doesn't unintentionally capture farms and farm operations.
• This bill excludes farms and farm operations from the definition of commercial use, mixed use, and industrial
• In my county, in my district where I have beautiful cattle ranches with hundreds of white-tailed deer

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• We call it a solar farm, but it's actually a commercial facility. Sure.
• grow stuff under it—or it's not the case for every single farm.
• That farm is a legacy to my family.
• I could not build a water treatment plant on my farm.
• We put a deer fence up instead of a cyclone fence.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House Utilities Committee resumed hearing on House Bills 2402 and 2816, which address utility-scale solar development. The chair asked witnesses to keep comments to informational purposes, and testimony focused on setbacks, taxation, land conversion caps, county authority, decommissioning, and impacts on neighboring landowners and rural communities. Several witnesses said they supported solar in limited settings such as rooftops or industrial sites, but opposed or wanted changes to the bills’ treatment of agricultural land, especially the proposed 4% cap on cropland conversion and the 500-foot setback from homes. Testimony from landowners and farm groups emphasized concerns about property rights, viewshed impacts, fire risk, drainage and floodplain issues, and the loss of agricultural tax base and local economic activity. They argued the proposed $2,500 per megawatt tax was too low and suggested higher rates, with some recommending $6,000 per megawatt or more, along with decommissioning requirements and stronger county-level protections. A Renew Missouri representative supported much of the bill but preferred a smaller setback and raised constitutional concerns about changing solar land from agricultural to commercial assessment. Other witnesses, including a county commissioner, described local regulations already in place in some counties and asked for clearer statewide standards. Industry and utility representatives said the legislation was generally workable but needed further discussion on setbacks and property tax treatment. Clean Grid Alliance and related witnesses argued that tax comparisons with other states should account for total tax burden, not just nameplate taxes, and said higher taxes would raise electricity costs for consumers. Ameren Missouri said it was acceptable with most provisions, but cautioned against overly aggressive real-property assessments and noted its current and planned solar buildout. The hearing ended without a vote; the committee adjourned after taking testimony on both bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I fully support the idea of learning how to drive on a farm with a tractor at the age of 10.
• representing the city of Phoenix, specifically the aviation department that's in charge of Goodyear Airport, Deer
• I'm already seeing deer-in-the-headlights looks from all of you. I get it.
• I'm already seeing deer in the headlights look from all of you. I get it.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2003, which would lower the instruction-permit eligibility age for Class D, G, and M licenses from 15½ to 15, while increasing supervised driving requirements for minors and extending the permit-holding period before licensure. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill builds on Arizona’s graduated driver licensing system and would improve teen safety based on data from other states; one senator raised concerns about parents certifying driving hours and another cited a study suggesting higher crash risk from lowering the permit age. After discussion, the bill received a do pass recommendation by a 9-1 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 2063, appropriating $1.5 million from the General Fund to the Corrections Oversight Fund, and heard emotional testimony from a mother describing her son’s mental illness, incarceration, and death in prison, along with support from advocates who said the oversight office is needed, especially in light of federal receivership over prison health care. The sponsor emphasized prison transparency, public safety, and accountability. The bill passed unanimously, 10-0. The committee also heard House Bill 2210, which would prohibit state, local, and private entities from using ADS-B aircraft surveillance data to calculate or collect landing fees. Pilots argued the technology is meant for safety and that using it for billing could discourage compliance, while airport representatives and city officials opposed the bill as an unnecessary statewide restriction on local fee-setting. After extensive debate over safety, federal law, and local control, the bill received a narrow 4-4 do pass recommendation. Later, the committee heard House Bill 2116, which appropriates $1 million to the Colorado River litigation fund. The sponsor said the money is needed to prepare for possible litigation over Colorado River cuts and to signal Arizona’s seriousness in negotiations; members discussed whether the funding should come from the General Fund or WIFA resources. The bill passed 8-0. Finally, HCM 2007, a memorial urging renaming sections of State Route 69 to honor veterans of multiple wars, was approved 5-4 after some members objected to emphasizing war memorialization. The committee also briefly noted that House Bill 2111 was held, and after the votes, a pilot and flight instructor offered additional testimony on HB 2210, reiterating safety concerns about turning off ADS-B and saying the bill addresses a real risk even though Arizona airports are not currently using the technology for fee collection.

Transcript Highlights:

• I fully support the idea of learning how to drive on a farm or on a tractor at the age of 10.
• representing the city of Phoenix, specifically the aviation department that's in charge of Goodyear Airport, Deer
• Department that's in charge of Goodyear Airport, Deer Valley Airport, and Sky Harbor Airport.
• I'm already seeing deer-in-the-headlights looks from all of you. I get it.

Bills: HB2003 , HB2063 , HB2111 , HB2116 , HB2210 , HCM2007

Committee: Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Keywords: driver education, instruction permit, underage drivers, motorcycle licenses, traffic regulations, corrections oversight, appropriation, independent office, public safety, funding, driver license, examinations, motorcycle awareness, traffic laws, HB2116, Colorado River, litigation fund, water rights, Arizona water law, general fund appropriation

Transcript Highlights:

• And big game season setting for deer and elk is the main event for most Idaho hunters, and many of my
• non-resident... ...are able to contact that person and say, yes, we actually have your non-resident elk or deer
• non-resident. are able to contact that person and say, yes, we actually have your non-resident elk or deer
• got adequate water rights secured already, either through ownership or through leases of neighboring farms

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 14, 19, 20, and 21, 2026. It then heard Senate Bill 1238, which would require Idaho Fish and Game to provide a 30-day public comment period for proclamation changes related to season-setting. Senator Foreman said the bill was intended to give sportsmen more time and had support from Idaho Fish and Game management and the Idaho Wildlife Federation, but outfitter representatives testified that the proposal could delay March big-game season setting and compress the time they have to sell hunts and secure tag information. Fish and Game staff said the change was doable but would require timeline adjustments and could create pinch points. After discussion, Senator Foreman asked that the bill be held at the call of the chair, and the committee voted to hold Senate Bill 1238. The committee then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, which supports consolidating the Soil and Water Conservation Commission with the Department of Water Resources while preserving the missions of both entities. Senator Harris said the resolution reflected stakeholder discussions and could improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs. Testimony from the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts and the Department of Water Resources supported the concept, emphasizing that the change would not alter the voluntary, locally led, non-regulatory mission of conservation districts. The committee voted to send SCR 115 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to informational presentations from Idaho mining companies and industry representatives. The Idaho Mining Association and several companies described major projects and permitting status, including Thompson Creek’s molybdenum restart near Challis, Liberty Gold’s Black Pine project in southeast Idaho, Perpetua Resources’ Stibnite Gold Project in Valley County, Integra Resources’ Delamar project in Owyhee County, and U.S. Silver Idaho’s Galena Mine in the Silver Valley. Speakers highlighted job creation, capital investment, critical and strategic minerals, environmental reclamation, and ongoing federal and state permitting processes. No votes or actions were taken on those presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, someone calling a hotline and asking, 'What do I do if I see a baby deer?'
• What do I do if I see a baby deer?
• We are working collaboratively with our counterparts at the Farm Bureau and Cattlemen's Association,
• Stephen Feneroli with the California Farm Bureau. Again, same. Thank you, Chair.
• Stephen Feneroli with the California Farm Bureau.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1135, which would reestablish the California Wildlife Coexistence Program to promote nonlethal human-wildlife conflict reduction and support coexistence efforts for species such as wolves, bears, and mountain lions. Supporters, including wildlife groups and local government representatives, said the prior program was effective and that proactive tools like fladry, guardian animals, deterrents, reporting, and outreach reduce conflicts and costs. Ranching and agricultural groups were opposed unless amended, saying they supported the concept but wanted changes to the wolf-livestock compensation program, including clearer practicability standards, protection of compensation funds, and more flexibility on nonlethal requirements. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote, with the measure left on call. The committee then took up SB 1085, which would preserve water supply assessments for large development projects even when those projects are exempt from CEQA, so local agencies still receive information about whether sufficient water exists for the project. The author and sponsor argued the bill would keep water planning and land use planning linked and prevent “paper water” problems, while the California Building Industry Association opposed it, warning it could add delay, uncertainty, and litigation risk for housing projects already subject to other water-supply safeguards. Members discussed how the bill would affect different local structures, especially cities that also operate their own water systems, and whether the assessment adds value in those cases. The bill passed 4-1 to Local Government and was left on call. SB 1270 was next, expanding the California wildfire mitigation home-hardening pilot beyond the original six counties to include four additional high-risk counties identified by Cal OES and Cal Fire, and directing future funding toward those areas. Supporters said the recent Los Angeles fires showed the need to broaden access to home-hardening assistance, while members discussed whether the program should remain geographically targeted or be made available statewide based on need. The bill was amended in committee and passed 5-0 to Emergency Management, left on call. Finally, the committee heard SB 895, a major proposal to place a $23 billion bond on the ballot to create a California Foundation for Science and Health Research and stabilize scientific research funding in the state. The author, UC, UAW, and many research, labor, health, and university groups supported the measure, arguing that federal cuts and instability threaten California’s research workforce, innovation, and economy. Some members raised concerns about the size of the bond and about political issues involving one sponsor, but the author said the foundation would operate under California law and the bill is intended to keep science funding open and collaborative. The bill was moved out of committee on a 5-0 vote and left on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Resolution by Representative Butler to memorialize Congress to oppose any provision in the federal Farm
• Bill 419 by Senator Kleinpeter, relative to pre-charged pneumatic devices, relative to the taking of deer
• , special deer seasons, primitive firearms, and projectile-sized weight and energy.
• , special deer seasons, primitive firearms, and projectile size, weight, and energy.
• I brought this bill as a way to help my parish, who is dealing with some issues with a solar farm, and

Bills: HR188 , HR189 , HR190 , HR191 , HR179 , HR180 , HR181 , HR182 , HR183 , HR185 , HR186 , HR187 , HCR75 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR78 , HCR79 , SCR24 , SCR36 , SCR39 , SB64 , SB107 , SB152 , SB185 , SB217 , SB232 , SB278 , SB290 , SB294 , SB320 , SB321 , SB419 , SB424 , SB436 , SB440 , SB468 , SB470 , SB476 , SB482 , SB489 , HCR32 , SCR11 , HB12 , HB42 , HB205 , HB222 , HB267 , HB324 , HB325 , HB350 , HB478 , HB610 , HB617 , HB679 , HB745 , HB749 , HB797 , HB807 , HB821 , HB896 , HB979 , HB992 , HB1000 , HB1024 , HB1050 , HB1166 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1193 , HB1207 , HB1218 , HB1223 , SB256 , SB180 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HB59 , HB74 , HB159 , HB330 , HB364 , HB414 , HB458 , HB525 , HB568 , HB786 , HB1008 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1041 , HB1062 , HB1070 , HB1079 , HB1112 , HB1118 , HB1139 , HB1151 , HB1176 , HB1182 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB368 , HB433 , HB441 , HB447 , HB466 , HB481 , HB741 , HB1242 , HB362 , HB893 , HB990 , HB1007 , HB1153 , HB1243 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , HB615 , HB864 , HB1103 , HB1175 , HB31 , HB225 , HB608 , HB664 , HB897 , HB977 , HB1003 , HB1160 , HB1180 , HB911 , HB306 , HB366 , HB1161 , HB1230 , HB181 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB772 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1058 , HB1082 , HB1113 , HB1189 , HB1234 , HB1240

Keywords: hunting dogs, field trials, working dogs, dog training, greyhound protection, Farm Bill, federal overreach, sportsmen, sportswomen, wildlife management, conservation, rural communities, Louisiana hunting, hunting tradition, animal welfare, dog breeders, dog owners, outdoor recreation, Kathy Taylor, musical achievements

Transcript Highlights:

• The USDA, under the Farm Bill, has just created the new Office of Seafood. Right.
• It was in Section 1208 of the Farm Bill.
• So as the Farm Bill went through a variety of different amendments and got it.
• So as the Farm Bill went through a variety of different amendments and getting it out of committee on
• And so we just have to make sure that we don't, there are no Trojan horses in the Farm Bill that get

Committee: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development met with a quorum, adopted the minutes from its October 3, 2024 meeting, and Chairwoman Butler noted that HCR 82 would be voluntarily deferred in favor of continuing work on HCR 77 related to a pilot program for landscaping and crawfishing. The committee then considered HCR 205, which urges the USDA to use its Commodity Procurement Program to purchase domestic Louisiana shrimp. Representative Kerner and Commissioner Mike Strain described the shrimp industry’s low prices, full cold storage, and the need for urgent federal action to support shrimpers and move product into schools, nursing homes, and food banks. Members discussed domestic sourcing rules, enforcement against imported seafood, and marketing challenges; HCR 205 was reported favorably without objection. The committee also took up HCR 188, which memorializes Congress to oppose any federal farm bill provision that could negatively affect the use of hunting dogs. Chairwoman Butler and Commissioner Strain explained that the concern centered on vague language in a farm bill section that could be interpreted to restrict hunting dogs used for tracking or field trials. Members agreed the language should be removed if it remained in the bill, and HCR 188 was reported favorably without objection. The committee then heard a presentation from Orlando McMeans of the Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture, along with Dr. Calvin Walker. They outlined the center’s research, extension, and academic programs, including enrollment growth, dual-enrollment efforts, 1890 scholars, JAG Stars scholarships, beef cattle and aquaculture research, viticulture, precision nutrition, and food access initiatives. They also described major facility projects, including a high-tech meat processing facility, research labs, a vineyard, and a proposed disaster-safe shelter. Members asked about butcher training, cattle genetics, and the shelter’s potential uses, and the committee adjourned after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, someone calling a hotline and asking, 'What do I do if I see a baby deer?'
• What do I do if I see a baby deer?
• Stephen Fenneroli with the California Farm Bureau. Again, same. Go ahead. Thank you, Chair.
• Stephen Fenerole with the California Farm Bureau.
• And a lot of our farm water to produce the food we eat goes out into the Bay Area.

Summary: The committee heard SB 1135, which would reestablish the California Wildlife Coexistence Program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal strategies such as deterrents, conflict reporting, and outreach. The author and supporters said the program had been effective but lost funding in 2024, and they argued it would help communities, ranchers, and wildlife by preventing conflicts before they escalate. Support came from conservation, animal welfare, local government, and county groups, while the California Cattlemen’s Association and California Farm Bureau opposed unless amended, saying the bill needed clearer limits on when nonlethal measures are practicable and protections so compensation funds for livestock losses are not reduced. Members discussed wolf-livestock conflicts, compensation, and the need for continued collaboration. The committee voted 2-0 on call to send the bill to Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 1085, which would preserve water supply assessments for large housing and development projects even when those projects are exempt from CEQA. The author and sponsor EBMUD said the bill is needed to keep water planning tied to land-use planning and avoid “paper water” problems, especially as climate and drought conditions worsen. Supporters included water agencies, environmental groups, labor, and local governments. The California Building Industry Association opposed the bill, arguing that current law already requires verified water supplies, that the bill could add unnecessary process and litigation risk, and that it could slow housing production. Members raised concerns about duplication in cities that also operate their own water systems, but the author said the goal was better coordination, not more bureaucracy. The committee voted 4-1 on call to send the bill to Local Government. The committee also heard SB 1270, which would expand the state wildfire mitigation home-hardening pilot to the top 10 counties by wildfire risk and social vulnerability, adding Riverside, Calaveras, Los Angeles, and Tehama counties and prioritizing future funds for those areas. The author said the bill responds to recent destructive fires and aims to extend home-hardening assistance to more high-risk communities. There was no opposition, and members discussed how to scale funding, whether the program should be broader than the listed counties, and how to focus on cost-effective mitigation. The committee voted 5-0 on call to send the bill to Emergency Management. Finally, the committee heard SB 895, a major science funding measure that would place a $23 billion bond on the ballot and create a California Foundation for Science and Health Research to support research in the state. The author and supporters said California’s research sector is a major economic engine and that federal funding cuts and instability threaten jobs, talent retention, and scientific progress. There was broad support from UC, CSU, labor, health, and research organizations, with no formal opposition. Some members raised concerns about the role of sponsoring unions and the potential for politicization, but the author said the new foundation would operate under California law and that the measure is meant to protect science funding and collaboration. The committee discussion continued, but the transcript excerpt ends before a final vote on SB 895.

Transcript Highlights:

• I cannot call them solar farms because they are not a farm.
• And at 1,403 acres, that solar farm itself is a 200-megawatt farm.
• That farm is a legacy to my family.
• If you, if I went on our farm and tried to pave 100 acre, pay, If I went on our farm and tried to pave
• plan on my farm.

Committee: House Utilities

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 2147 requires the Arizona Game and Fish Department to issue a landowner permit for the taking of deer
• The areas, and that occurs in other areas as well when there's 20, 30, or 40 deer on private property
• House Bill 2267, as amended by ENRU, classifies utility-scale wind or solar farms constructed within
• Classifies utility, scale, wind, or solar farms constructed within four miles of a residential property

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The meeting was a rapid review of a very large bill package, with the chair repeatedly asking staff to keep descriptions high level and many bills placed on third-read consent or consent calendars. A major theme was artificial intelligence: bills would require minors to be told when they are interacting with AI, allow AI-assisted divorce arbitration by consent, create an AI education program, privilege certain AI communications, and require K-12 instruction on ethical and practical AI use. Other education measures addressed school district superintendents, health instruction, anti-Semitism prohibitions, fetal development standards, and school safety, including a bill allowing concealed firearms on school grounds under specified conditions. Several health and public safety bills were also discussed. These included funding and oversight measures for childhood cancer research, nursing care complaint timelines, firefighter cancer data collection, limits on pharmacy penalties, and a bill making it a felony to administer abortion-inducing drugs without consent. Members also heard bills on overtime wage enforcement, domestic violence evidence standards in parenting cases, probation limits for dangerous crimes against children, and a measure expanding manslaughter liability to online encouragement of teen suicide. One sponsor strongly opposed a provisional medical licensing bill for foreign-trained applicants, while other sponsors emphasized rural health access, nurse anesthetist reimbursement parity, and the need for a dental board member who is an oral surgeon. A large portion of the meeting focused on water, land, energy, and state agency oversight. Bills would streamline or change rules for small modular reactors, new power plants, water supply determinations, groundwater transportation fees, water hauling, and state land disposition. Members also considered measures affecting the State Land Department, including audits, oversight boards, continuation, land-use maps for data centers and energy projects, and rules for mineral leases and solar or wind siting. Other topics included wildlife and ranching, Mexican wolf policy, annexation, housing and development incentives, transportation and towing rules, digital driver licenses, and a proposed four-year moratorium on municipal and county fee, tax, and utility-rate increases, which drew questions about stakeholder input and the impact on enterprise funds and local utilities. No recorded roll-call votes were taken in the transcript; most items were simply presented, briefly discussed, and left on consent or calendar status, with one bill noted as held in rules and another pulled for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And others like the white-tailed deer and so on.
• Of Texas Farm Bureau, how do we get younger people involved in farming or stay involved in the family
• farm?
• Is that something that Farm Bureau agrees with?
• of agriculture and want to farm and ranch.

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

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

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:

• Coast, so maritime and oil and gas industries played an instrumental role in the first offshore wind farms
• Because once again, you're giving the power to the prosecutor now to farm shop with judge they want just
• I'm going to ask you again: if your comments are that, to protect integrity, the defendant is not farm
• , special deer seasons, commission authority, primitive firearms, projectile size, weight, and energy
• Forest Service to take action necessary to allow the use of dogs for deer hunting in Kisatchie National

Bills: HR179 , HR180 , HR181 , HR182 , HR183 , HR184 , HR185 , HR186 , HR187 , HCR75 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR78 , HCR79 , HR165 , HR166 , HR168 , HR169 , HR170 , HR171 , HR172 , HR173 , HR174 , HR175 , HR176 , HR177 , HR178 , HCR65 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR68 , HCR69 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR73 , HCR74 , SCR34 , SB34 , SB43 , SB52 , SB56 , SB165 , SB173 , SB189 , SB190 , SB260 , SB322 , SB345 , SB374 , SB387 , SB401 , SB448 , SB449 , SB455 , SB487 , SB496 , SB502 , SB505 , HB362 , HB893 , HB990 , HB1007 , HB1153 , HB1243 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HB55 , HB385 , HB394 , HB396 , HB406 , HB608 , HB622 , HB676 , HB772 , HB897 , HB1030 , HB1035 , HB1038 , HB1045 , HB1049 , HB1056 , HB1058 , HB1059 , HB1092 , HB1100 , HB1117 , HB1160 , HB1161 , HB1162 , HB1177 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB1216 , HB1239 , HB1240 , HB59 , HB74 , HB159 , HB330 , HB364 , HB414 , HB458 , HB525 , HB568 , HB786 , HB1008 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1041 , HB1062 , HB1070 , HB1079 , HB1112 , HB1118 , HB1139 , HB1151 , HB1176 , HB1182 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB368 , HB433 , HB441 , HB447 , HB466 , HB481 , HB741 , HB1242 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , HB977 , HB181 , HB31 , HB664 , HB9 , HB192 , HB225 , HB306 , HB310 , HB366 , HB635 , HB911 , HB1230 , HB1236 , HB615 , HB864 , HB1103 , HB1175 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1003 , HB1082 , HB1113 , HB1234

Keywords: neighborhood, crime prevention, security districts, law enforcement, community safety, funding, Counseling Day, mental health, Louisiana Counseling Association, community support, mental wellness, Louisiana State University, athletics, NAIA, sports achievements, recognition, success, competition, education, higher education

Transcript Highlights:

• And that 10 feet, that's where the deer funnel right there. That's why it's there, you know.
• And I started farming with an aunt.
• Mark Faganbaum with Missouri Farm Bureau, testifying in favor of H.B. 2297.
• We encompass everything from farming and ranching to animal ownership, nearly every kind of animal.
• Mark Figenbaum, with Missouri Farm Bureau, and I won't take too much of your time.

Committee: House Agriculture

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Brian Moto here on behalf of the Hawaii Farm Bureau. We have written testimony.
• Food, doubling food production, Farm to School.
• We'd like to see what about 11,000 acres for the future of these ranches and future of farming.
• Food, doubling food production, Farm to School.
• We'd like to see what about 11,000 acres for the future of these ranches and future of farming.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard SR 18, which asks DLNR to transfer active agricultural land leases to the Department of Agriculture to support agriculture. DLNR, through Don Chang, opposed the resolution, saying the department has already been transferring parcels by mutual agreement and should not be required to transfer lands it does not consent to. Ranchers and agricultural advocates strongly supported the measure, arguing that the lands are active production areas, that partial transfers would undermine ranching operations, and that water infrastructure built by ranchers must be protected. Testimony from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and others emphasized the importance of preserving agricultural land for food production, wildfire management, and long-term ranch viability. Committee members pressed both sides on acreage, specific parcels, and whether negotiations were still ongoing, with DLNR later clarifying that some parcels remain under negotiation and that some proposed transfers have been narrowed or adjusted. Several specific ranches and parcels were discussed, including Batello, Diamond B, Delo, Nobriga, and Kapala Ranch. Witnesses described the operational importance of water systems, grazing areas, and access routes, and said that losing productive acreage would threaten business viability. Some members expressed concern that the proposal appeared to transfer productive land while leaving less useful land with ranchers, and urged the department to continue transparent negotiations and consider the practical impact on agriculture and conservation. A DLNR representative said some transfers were tied to other needs, such as transportation mitigation, and not to a broader effort to take more land. The Department of Agriculture later stated it supports the intent of the measure, but suggested its concerns would likely be addressed if the resolution were narrowed to the specific parcels at issue. The chair also announced that the related House bill on the same subject remains alive and will be heard by Water and Land on Thursday. After concluding SR 18, the committee moved on to SCR 51 and SR 33, which seek a working group to evaluate establishing and administratively placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development indicated support for the concept, noting the office’s value in Maui wildfire recovery efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, the bill also addresses AIS deer.
• You know, the bill also addresses AIS deer.
• You know, the bill also addresses AIS deer.
• You know, the bill also addresses AIS deer.
• Also addresses AIS deer.

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures on agriculture, energy, stadium governance, and hotel consumer protections. On SB 448 relating to agriculture, Agra Business Development Corporation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in support of a proposed conservation easement acquisition in Central Oahu; the chair asked follow-up questions about the exact location, cost, and agricultural potential of the land, and the witness said the parcel had good soil and water and was former pineapple land, with cost still to be provided. On SB 827 relating to meat processing, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism said the state needs more meat-processing capacity and that any grant program should complement, not compete with, existing efforts; the Attorney General’s office warned the bill lacked legally sufficient standards for grants of public money under the state constitution and offered draft standards. Several industry and chamber witnesses supported the measure, while discussion focused on the need for brick-and-mortar or modular facilities, infrastructure costs, federal inspection needs, and access for hunters and neighbor islands. The committee then took up SB 1269 relating to geothermal resources, which drew broad support from county officials, energy consultants, utility representatives, and community advocates, with one witness opposing it. Supporters described geothermal as a viable, indigenous, firm baseload energy source that could help reduce Hawaii’s high electricity costs and support clean energy goals; one witness emphasized prior work in New Zealand and another urged the state to move forward with exploration. A DBEDT representative explained that the department is coordinating geothermal-related work with the Hawaii Technology Development Corp., the University of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Energy Office, noting a prior $3 million appropriation, phase-one community engagement work, and plans to seek a contractor for geoscience and exploration in phase two. Members pressed DBEDT to explain how this bill fits with other geothermal measures moving through different committees, and the chair asked the department to review SB 993 and better coordinate the package of geothermal bills. On SB 1337 relating to the Stadium Authority, the stadium manager testified in support of clarifying quorum rules, explaining that the authority currently has eight seated voting members out of nine possible voting seats and that the bill would help ensure voting members are counted for quorum; he said meetings have not been delayed. Finally, on SB 883 relating to hotels, the Attorney General’s office raised First Amendment and contract-law concerns and recommended adding a purpose statement and a non-impairment savings clause. Unite Here Local 5 and other supporters said guests should be notified of hotel service disruptions such as construction, closures, or labor disputes, while opponents questioned who would enforce the law, what penalties would apply, and whether the measure could require hotels to pay damages even without a complaint. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We specialize in sheep, goat, beef, and deer. In starting our business, we have helped our farmers.
• </c> goat, beef, and deer. goat, beef, and deer.
• And although I don't have employees myself on my farm, much of the grain that I grow goes on to feed
• Um, or whether they're able to help us with, you know, harvests that we have on our farms.
• I think that that we have on our farms.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you please can farm and clarify that we are not banning books and Florida.
• the next group will be Katie Lan Kolr Jennifer Jones representing save inequality, Florida and can deer
• I'm Kim deer. Can deer okay. Waving Waving Kristie Koski.

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• human services Senate bill 97 by Hall relating to the assessment, destruction, and release of certain deer
• Relaying the cost associated with the assessment and destruction of certain deer to water agriculture
• Testing of deer for chronic wasting disease to water agriculture and rural affairs.
• Senate Bill 682 by Hughes, relating their designation of a portion of Farm-to-Market Road. in Smith County

Bills: SJR36 , SB2 , SJR6 , SJR7 , SJR8 , SJR9 , SJR10 , SJR11 , SJR12 , SJR13 , SJR14 , SJR15 , SJR16 , SJR17 , SJR18 , SJR19 , SJR20 , SJR21 , SJR22 , SJR23 , SJR24 , SJR25 , SJR26 , SJR27 , SJR28 , SJR29 , SJR30 , SJR31 , SJR32 , SJR49 , SCR1 , SCR2 , SCR3 , SCR4 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR8 , SCR9 , SB9 , SB41 , SB42 , SB43 , SB44 , SB45 , SB46 , SB47 , SB48 , SB49 , SB50 , SB51 , SB52 , SB53 , SB54 , SB55 , SB56 , SB57 , SB58 , SB59 , SB60 , SB61 , SB62 , SB63 , SB64 , SB65 , SB66 , SB67 , SB68 , SB69 , SB70 , SB71 , SB72 , SB73 , SB74 , SB75 , SB76 , SB77 , SB78 , SB79 , SB80 , SB81 , SB82 , SB83 , SB84 , SB85 , SB86 , SB87 , SB88 , SB89 , SB90 , SB91 , SB92 , SB93 , SB94 , SB95 , SB96 , SB97 , SB98 , SB99 , SB100 , SB101 , SB102 , SB103 , SB104 , SB105 , SB106 , SB107 , SB108 , SB109 , SB110 , SB111 , SB112 , SB113 , SB114 , SB115 , SB116 , SB117 , SB118 , SB119 , SB120 , SB121 , SB122 , SB123 , SB124 , SB125 , SB126 , SB127 , SB128 , SB129 , SB130 , SB131 , SB132 , SB133 , SB134 , SB135 , SB136 , SB137 , SB138 , SB139 , SB140 , SB141 , SB142 , SB143 , SB144 , SB145 , SB146 , SB147 , SB148 , SB149 , SB150 , SB151 , SB152 , SB153 , SB154 , SB155 , SB156 , SB157 , SB158 , SB159 , SB160 , SB161 , SB162 , SB163 , SB164 , SB165 , SB166 , SB167 , SB168 , SB169 , SB170 , SB171 , SB172 , SB173 , SB174 , SB175 , SB176 , SB177 , SB178 , SB179 , SB180 , SB181 , SB182 , SB183 , SB184 , SB185 , SB186 , SB187 , SB188 , SB189 , SB190 , SB191 , SB192 , SB193 , SB194 , SB195 , SB196 , SB197 , SB198 , SB199 , SB200 , SB201 , SB202 , SB203 , SB204 , SB205 , SB206 , SB207 , SB208 , SB209 , SB210 , SB211 , SB212 , SB213 , SB214 , SB215 , SB216 , SB217 , SB218 , SB219 , SB220 , SB221 , SB222 , SB223 , SB224 , SB225 , SB226 , SB227 , SB228 , SB229 , SB230 , SB231 , SB232 , SB233 , SB234 , SB235 , SB236 , SB237 , SB238 , SB239 , SB240 , SB241 , SB242 , SB243 , SB244 , SB245 , SB246 , SB247 , SB248 , SB249 , SB250 , SB251 , SB252 , SB253 , SB254 , SB255 , SB256 , SB257 , SB258 , SB259 , SB260 , SB261 , SB262 , SB263 , SB264 , SB265 , SB266 , SB267 , SB268 , SB269 , SB270 , SB271 , SB272 , SB273 , SB274 , SB275 , SB276 , SB277 , SB278 , SB279 , SB280 , SB281 , SB282 , SB283 , SB284 , SB285 , SB286 , SB287 , SB288 , SB289 , SB290 , SB291 , SB292 , SB293 , SB294 , SB295 , SB296 , SB297 , SB298 , SB299 , SB300 , SB301 , SB302 , SB303 , SB304 , SB305 , SB306 , SB307 , SB308 , SB309 , SB310 , SB311 , SB312 , SB313 , SB314 , SB315 , SB316 , SB317 , SB318 , SB319 , SB320 , SB321 , SB322 , SB323 , SB324 , SB325 , SB326 , SB327 , SB328 , SB329 , SB330 , SB331 , SB332 , SB333 , SB334 , SB335 , SB336 , SB337 , SB338 , SB339 , SB340 , SB341 , SB342 , SB343 , SB344 , SB345 , SB346 , SB347 , SB348 , SB349 , SB350 , SB351 , SB352 , SB353 , SB354 , SB355 , SB356 , SB357 , SB358 , SB359 , SB360 , SB361 , SB362 , SB363 , SB364 , SB365 , SB366 , SB367 , SB368 , SB369 , SB370 , SB371 , SB372 , SB373 , SB374 , SB375 , SB376 , SB377 , SB378 , SB379 , SB380 , SB381 , SB382 , SB383 , SB384 , SB385 , SB386 , SB387 , SB388 , SB389 , SB390 , SB391 , SB392 , SB393 , SB394 , SB395 , SB396 , SB397 , SB398 , SB399 , SB400 , SB401 , SB402 , SB403 , SB404 , SB405 , SB406 , SB407 , SB408 , SB409 , SB410 , SB411 , SB412 , SB413 , SB414 , SB415 , SB416 , SB417 , SB418 , SB419 , SB420 , SB421 , SB422 , SB423 , SB424 , SB425 , SB426 , SB427 , SB428 , SB429 , SB430 , SB431 , SB432 , SB433 , SB434 , SB435 , SB436 , SB437 , SB438 , SB439 , SB440 , SB441 , SB442 , SB443 , SB444 , SB445 , SB446 , SB447 , SB448 , SB449 , SB450 , SB451 , SB452 , SB453 , SB454 , SB455 , SB456 , SB457 , SB458 , SB459 , SB460 , SB461 , SB462 , SB463 , SB464 , SB465 , SB466 , SB467 , SB468 , SB469 , SB470 , SB471 , SB472 , SB473 , SB474 , SB475 , SB476 , SB477 , SB478 , SB479 , SB480 , SB481 , SB482 , SB483 , SB484 , SB485 , SB486 , SB487 , SB488 , SB489 , SB490 , SB491 , SB492 , SB493 , SB494 , SB495 , SB496 , SB497 , SB498 , SB499 , SB500 , SB501 , SB502 , SB503 , SB504 , SB505 , SB506 , SB507 , SB508 , SB509 , SB510 , SB511 , SB512 , SB513 , SB514 , SB515 , SB516 , SB517 , SB518 , SB519 , SB520 , SB521 , SB522 , SB523 , SB524 , SB525 , SB526 , SB527 , SB528 , SB529 , SB530 , SB531 , SB532 , SB533 , SB534 , SB535 , SB536 , SB537 , SB538 , SB539 , SB540 , SB541 , SB542 , SB543 , SB544 , SB545 , SB546 , SB547 , SB548 , SB549 , SB550 , SB551 , SB552 , SB553 , SB554 , SB555 , SB556 , SB557 , SB558 , SB559 , SB560 , SB561 , SB562 , SB563 , SB564 , SB565 , SB566 , SB567 , SB568 , SB569 , SB570 , SB571 , SB572 , SB573 , SB574 , SB575 , SB576 , SB577 , SB578 , SB579 , SB580 , SB581 , SB582 , SB583 , SB584 , SB585 , SB586 , SB587 , SB588 , SB589 , SB590 , SB591 , SB592 , SB593 , SB594 , SB595 , SB596 , SB597 , SB598 , SB599 , SB600 , SB601 , SB602 , SB603 , SB604 , SB605 , SB606 , SB607 , SB608 , SB609 , SB610 , SB611 , SB612 , SB613 , SB614 , SB615 , SB616 , SB617 , SB618 , SB619 , SB620 , SB621 , SB622 , SB623 , SB624 , SB625 , SB626 , SB627 , SB628 , SB629 , SB630 , SB631 , SB632 , SB633 , SB634 , SB635 , SB636 , SB637 , SB638 , SB639 , SB640 , SB641 , SB642 , SB643 , SB644 , SB645 , SB646 , SB647 , SB648 , SB649 , SB650 , SB651 , SB652 , SB653 , SB654 , SB655 , SB656 , SB657 , SB658 , SB659 , SB660 , SB661 , SB662 , SB663 , SB664 , SB665 , SB666 , SB667 , SB668 , SB669 , SB670 , SB671 , SB672 , SB673 , SB674 , SB675 , SB676 , SB677 , SB678 , SB679 , SB680 , SB681 , SB682 , SB683 , SB684 , SB685 , SB686 , SB687 , SB688 , SB689 , SB690 , SB691 , SB692 , SB693 , SB694 , SB695 , SB696 , SB697 , SB699 , SB700 , SB1047 , SB1048 , SJR6 , SJR7 , SJR8 , SJR9 , SJR10 , SJR11 , SJR12 , SJR13 , SJR14 , SJR15 , SJR16 , SJR17 , SJR18 , SJR19 , SJR20 , SJR21 , SJR22 , SJR23 , SJR24 , SJR25 , SJR26 , SJR27 , SJR28 , SJR29 , SJR30 , SJR31 , SJR32 , SJR49 , SCR1 , SCR2 , SCR3 , SCR4 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR8 , SCR9 , SB9 , SB41 , SB42 , SB43 , SB44 , SB45 , SB46 , SB47 , SB48 , SB49 , SB50 , SB51 , SB52 , SB53 , SB54 , SB55 , SB56 , SB57 , SB58 , SB59 , SB60 , SB61 , SB62 , SB63 , SB64 , SB65 , SB66 , SB67 , SB68 , SB69 , SB70 , SB71 , SB72 , SB73 , SB74 , SB75 , SB76 , SB77 , SB78 , SB79 , SB80 , SB81 , SB82 , SB83 , SB84 , SB85 , SB86 , SB87 , SB88 , SB89 , SB90 , SB91 , SB92 , SB93 , SB94 , SB95 , SB96 , SB97 , SB98 , SB99 , SB100 , SB101 , SB102 , SB103 , SB104 , SB105 , SB106 , SB107 , SB108 , SB109 , SB110 , SB111 , SB112 , SB113 , SB114 , SB115 , SB116 , SB117 , SB118 , SB119 , SB120 , SB121 , SB122 , SB123 , SB124 , SB125 , SB126 , SB127 , SB128 , SB129 , SB130 , SB131 , SB132 , SB133 , SB134 , SB135 , SB136 , SB137 , SB138 , SB139 , SB140 , SB141 , SB142 , SB143 , SB144 , SB145 , SB146 , SB147 , SB148 , SB149 , SB150 , SB151 , SB152 , SB153 , SB154 , SB155 , SB156 , SB157 , SB158 , SB159 , SB160 , SB161 , SB162 , SB163 , SB164 , SB165 , SB166 , SB167 , SB168 , SB169 , SB170 , SB171 , SB172 , SB173 , SB174 , SB175 , SB176 , SB177 , SB178 , SB179 , SB180 , SB181 , SB182 , SB183 , SB184 , SB185 , SB186 , SB187 , SB188 , SB189 , SB190 , SB191 , SB192 , SB193 , SB194 , SB195 , SB196 , SB197 , SB198 , SB199 , SB200 , SB201 , SB202 , SB203 , SB204 , SB205 , SB206 , SB207 , SB208 , SB209 , SB210 , SB211 , SB212 , SB213 , SB214 , SB215 , SB216 , SB217 , SB218 , SB219 , SB220 , SB221 , SB222 , SB223 , SB224 , SB225 , SB226 , SB227 , SB228 , SB229 , SB230 , SB231 , SB232 , SB233 , SB234 , SB235 , SB236 , SB237 , SB238 , SB239 , SB240 , SB241 , SB242 , SB243 , SB244 , SB245 , SB246 , SB247 , SB248 , SB249 , SB250 , SB251 , SB252 , SB253 , SB254 , SB255 , SB256 , SB257 , SB258 , SB259 , SB260 , SB261 , SB262 , SB263 , SB264 , SB265 , SB266 , SB267 , SB268 , SB269 , SB270 , SB271 , SB272 , SB273 , SB274 , SB275 , SB276 , SB277 , SB278 , SB279 , SB280 , SB281 , SB282 , SB283 , SB284 , SB285 , SB286 , SB287 , SB288 , SB289 , SB290 , SB291 , SB292 , SB293 , SB294 , SB295 , SB296 , SB297 , SB298 , SB299 , SB300 , SB301 , SB302 , SB303 , SB304 , SB305 , SB306 , SB307 , SB308 , SB309 , SB310 , SB311 , SB312 , SB313 , SB314 , SB315 , SB316 , SB317 , SB318 , SB319 , SB320 , SB321 , SB322 , SB323 , SB324 , SB325 , SB326 , SB327 , SB328 , SB329 , SB330 , SB331 , SB332 , SB333 , SB334 , SB335 , SB336 , SB337 , SB338 , SB339 , SB340 , SB341 , SB342 , SB343 , SB344 , SB345 , SB346 , SB347 , SB348 , SB349 , SB350 , SB351 , SB352 , SB353 , SB354 , SB355 , SB356 , SB357 , SB358 , SB359 , SB360 , SB361 , SB362 , SB363 , SB364 , SB365 , SB366 , SB367 , SB368 , SB369 , SB370 , SB371 , SB372 , SB373 , SB374 , SB375 , SB376 , SB377 , SB378 , SB379 , SB380 , SB381 , SB382 , SB383 , SB384 , SB385 , SB386 , SB387 , SB388 , SB389 , SB390 , SB391 , SB392 , SB393 , SB394 , SB395 , SB396 , SB397 , SB398 , SB399 , SB400 , SB401 , SB402 , SB403 , SB404 , SB405 , SB406 , SB407 , SB408 , SB409 , SB410 , SB411 , SB412 , SB413 , SB414 , SB415 , SB416 , SB417 , SB418 , SB419 , SB420 , SB421 , SB422 , SB423 , SB424 , SB425 , SB426 , SB427 , SB428 , SB429 , SB430 , SB431 , SB432 , SB433 , SB434 , SB435 , SB436 , SB437 , SB438 , SB439 , SB440 , SB441 , SB442 , SB443 , SB444 , SB445 , SB446 , SB447 , SB448 , SB449 , SB450 , SB451 , SB452 , SB453 , SB454 , SB455 , SB456 , SB457 , SB458 , SB459 , SB460 , SB461 , SB462 , SB463 , SB464 , SB465 , SB466 , SB467 , SB468 , SB469 , SB470 , SB471 , SB472 , SB473 , SB474 , SB475 , SB476 , SB477 , SB478 , SB479 , SB480 , SB481 , SB482 , SB483 , SB484 , SB485 , SB486 , SB487 , SB488 , SB489 , SB490 , SB491 , SB492 , SB493 , SB494 , SB495 , SB496 , SB497 , SB498 , SB499 , SB500 , SB501 , SB502 , SB503 , SB504 , SB505 , SB506 , SB507 , SB508 , SB509 , SB510 , SB511 , SB512 , SB513 , SB514 , SB515 , SB516 , SB517 , SB518 , SB519 , SB520 , SB521 , SB522 , SB523 , SB524 , SB525 , SB526 , SB527 , SB528 , SB529 , SB530 , SB531 , SB532 , SB533 , SB534 , SB535 , SB536 , SB537 , SB538 , SB539 , SB540 , SB541 , SB542 , SB543 , SB544 , SB545 , SB546 , SB547 , SB548 , SB549 , SB550 , SB551 , SB552 , SB553 , SB554 , SB555 , SB556 , SB557 , SB558 , SB559 , SB560 , SB561 , SB562 , SB563 , SB564 , SB565 , SB566 , SB567 , SB568 , SB569 , SB570 , SB571 , SB572 , SB573 , SB574 , SB575 , SB576 , SB577 , SB578 , SB579 , SB580 , SB581 , SB582 , SB583 , SB584 , SB585 , SB586 , SB587 , SB588 , SB589 , SB590 , SB591 , SB592 , SB593 , SB594 , SB595 , SB596 , SB597 , SB598 , SB599 , SB600 , SB601 , SB602 , SB603 , SB604 , SB605 , SB606 , SB607 , SB608 , SB609 , SB610 , SB611 , SB612 , SB613 , SB614 , SB615 , SB616 , SB617 , SB618 , SB619 , SB620 , SB621 , SB622 , SB623 , SB624 , SB625 , SB626 , SB627 , SB628 , SB629 , SB630 , SB631 , SB632 , SB633 , SB634 , SB635 , SB636 , SB637 , SB638 , SB639 , SB640 , SB641 , SB642 , SB643 , SB644 , SB645 , SB646 , SB647 , SB648 , SB649 , SB650 , SB651 , SB652 , SB653 , SB654 , SB655 , SB656 , SB657 , SB658 , SB659 , SB660 , SB661 , SB662 , SB663 , SB664 , SB665 , SB666 , SB667 , SB668 , SB669 , SB670 , SB671 , SB672 , SB673 , SB674 , SB675 , SB676 , SB677 , SB678 , SB679 , SB680 , SB681 , SB682 , SB683 , SB684 , SB685 , SB686 , SB687 , SB688 , SB689 , SB690 , SB691 , SB692 , SB693 , SB694 , SB695 , SB696 , SB697 , SB699 , SB700 , SB1047 , SB1048

Keywords: Medicaid, healthcare expansion, affordable care act, federal funding, medical assistance, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, healthcare access, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, healthcare, affordable care, state constitution, low-income individuals, Medicaid expansion, federal matching funds, time regulation, daylight saving time, standard time, referendum, Texas constitution

Transcript Highlights:

• If that's what some of these dairy farms or farms choose to do for their particular product.
• Like deer. Thank you for the question.
• Number four says perform local farming or ranching, silviculture, forestry or any other farming or ranching
• cattle, they can't go to farming?
• , they can't go to cattle, or if they're cattle, they can't go to farming?

Bills: SB2122 , SB330 , SB2071 , SB2169 , SB2069 , SB2095 , SB2157

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Wildlife

Keywords: poultry, agriculture, out-of-state processing, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, regulation, food safety, elk population, wildlife management, Oklahoma State University, veterinary medicine, ecosystem health, habitat assessment, milk, dairy, dairy farm, milk products, Grade A milk, pasteurization, raw milk, milk inspection

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 2122, which would give the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry more flexibility to allow out-of-state poultry processing when in-state processing is unavailable. Supporters said the bill would help poultry producers who face short processing windows and lack sufficient in-state capacity, while opponents raised questions about food safety and environmental standards. The bill passed 13-0. The committee then took up Senate Bill 330, as amended, to help the Oklahoma State Veterinary School Committee study and support the state’s growing elk herd in western Oklahoma. An amendment updated dates and removed a fiscal section, and the bill passed 11-2. Senate Bill 271 followed, updating dairy regulation authority from milk from cows and goats to milk from all hoofed mammals and increasing the milk production fee from one cent to two cents per hundredweight. The Department of Agriculture said the change was needed to preserve Grade A status, maintain interstate milk shipping, and cover program costs without subsidizing the dairy program from poultry fees. After extensive debate over fees, federal pressure, raw milk safety, and state sovereignty, the bill passed 8-7. Later, the committee approved Senate Bill 2169, which creates a framework for managing invasive woody species and cedar removal on state lands to improve forage, reduce wildfire risk, conserve water, and increase school land revenues; it passed 12-1. Senate Bill 269, addressing baiting in migratory bird hunting and related penalties for guides, also passed 12-1. Senate Bill 2095, setting fees and fines for hunting guides and outfitters, passed 12-1 after questions about misdemeanor versus felony penalties. Finally, Senate Bill 2157, creating a Southeast Scenic Rivers framework, passed 8-5 after testimony that it would protect water resources and avoid federal scenic river designation, while critics argued it could expand government and affect property and agricultural rights.