Transcript Highlights:

• Therefore, I have a fish question.
• All the focus on fish.
• It does involve fish.
• It's regulation and taxation.
• they meet OSHA regulations and human rights regulations... and we're not demanding it of somebody else

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• it must repeat, it's regulating speech.
• Second, the bill regulates the design of expressive tools.
• We petitioned California to look at adding tires and 6 PPD to their regulation, and once that regulation
• was finalized in mid... ...their regulation, and once that regulation was finalized in mid-2023, we
• In our preliminary report, we identified... their regulation and once that regulation was finalized in

Bills: SB5984 , SB6119 , SB6076

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: artificial intelligence, chatbots, regulation, technology, consumer protection, pollutants, tire regulation, 6PPD, environment, public safety, SB 6076, consumer-owned utilities, public utility districts, municipal procurement, competitive bidding, public works, clean energy, renewable energy, nonemitting generation, energy storage

Transcript Highlights:

• for regulations on farms.
• for regulations on farms.
• Fish and Wildlife and Food and Egg.
• It's used by our California Fish and Game Commission to set our hunting and fishing regulations, but
• It's used by our California Fish and Game Commission to set our hunting and fishing regulations, but

Summary: The meeting began with a lengthy opening discussion with Secretary Karen Ross of the Department of Food and Agriculture, who reviewed the department’s proposed budget, emphasized California agriculture’s record output, and highlighted major priorities including climate-smart agriculture, groundwater management, local food systems, farm-to-school, food hubs, invasive pest prevention, bird flu response, and food safety. She also warned about federal budget cuts, especially at USDA and FDA, and discussed market access challenges abroad, rising input costs, labor shortages, and the need for automation and workforce training. Members raised questions about the future of Farm to School, the California Nutrition Incentive Program/Market Match, local food procurement, and how to better connect farmers to schools, food banks, and food hubs; Ross said the department had strong evidence the program benefits small farms and Title I schools and noted continued interest in building out local food infrastructure. The committee then took up item one on eliminating vacant positions at the Departments of Fish and Wildlife, Parks and Recreation, and Food and Agriculture. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that the Governor proposed eliminating 6,000 vacant positions statewide, with the Joint Legislative Budget Committee previously rejecting 650 of them, including 174 in these three departments. LAO and Finance said the vacancies represented a source of budget flexibility, but warned that eliminating them could create program impacts; LAO recommended retaining the special-funded positions at Fish and Wildlife and Food and Agriculture, while weighing the General Fund positions against other priorities. Finance argued the reductions were part of a broader budget-resiliency exercise and that departments could reclassify or shift vacancies to higher priorities. Members focused heavily on the practical impacts of the cuts. Assemblymember Petrie-Norris argued that Fish and Wildlife staffing shortages were already slowing permits needed for housing, clean energy, water, and transportation projects, and questioned the value of saving relatively small amounts of money. Fish and Wildlife officials said the department had prioritized mission-critical work and could still meet permitting obligations, but acknowledged limited-term staffing constraints. State Parks said the proposed ranger and maintenance cuts would not have immediate effects but could slow maintenance and eventually worsen deferred maintenance. Food and Agriculture said some of the eliminated positions supported early pest detection and eradication, but that the department believed it could still meet its mandate and reclassify positions if needed. The chair and several members signaled concern about the Fish and Wildlife and Parks cuts, while also noting the broader need for budget reductions. The committee then moved to item six, hearing an overview from the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation. Staff described the office’s role in CEQA implementation and said the budget requests were baseline funding to maintain existing functions, including IT services and administrative/legislative support, rather than new programs. The chair asked the presenters to move quickly through background material so the committee could get to questions, and the item began with no votes taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:31:41.120><c> that</c> there are environmental regulations that there are environmental regulations
• </c> sunset of crossbow hunting and fishing sunset of crossbow hunting and fishing uh uh uh to<00:59:
• It's absolutely this bass fishing bill.
• will typically mean that the fish is wasted.
• </c><01:47:09.239><c> have</c> lead um lead rules and regulations have lead um lead rules and regulations

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Fish Department did form the livestock loss board. Your time is up, sir.
• Wildlife Services or the Arizona Game and Fish Department. They'll contact U.S.
• Wildlife Services or the Arizona Game and Fish Department, which will initiate an investigation.
• I understand that they have a place and that they need to be represented in the Game and Fish.
• And that is not how these types of commercial regulations and labeling laws tend to roll out.

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

Summary: The House Committee on Land, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs began with member and staff introductions, then heard a committee of reference presentation from the Arizona Beef Council. The council described its checkoff-funded promotion, education, and research work for Arizona beef producers, including consumer education, classroom materials, nutrition tours, and social media outreach. After questions about the funding structure and what would happen if the council were not continued, the committee voted to recommend continuation of the Arizona Beef Council for eight years, until July 1, 2034, by voice vote. The committee then considered HB 2155, which also continued the Arizona Beef Council for eight years. Members discussed the purpose of the council and the use of checkoff dollars, and the bill received a due pass recommendation on a 7-1 vote. HB 2156, which appropriated money to the livestock compensation fund for wolf depredation losses, was amended to set the amount at $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 and then passed 5-2, with supporters emphasizing rancher compensation and opponents raising concerns about transparency, conflicts of interest, and whether the fund had fully used prior appropriations. HB 2162, requiring at least one Arizona Game and Fish Commission member to be a cattleman or rancher, drew testimony both for and against. Supporters argued ranchers deserve direct representation on wildlife policy, while opponents said ranchers already have influence through the appointment process and that the commission should represent broader public interests. The chair ultimately announced he would hold the bill rather than advance it at that time. The committee then passed HB 2762, which requires disclaimers on cultivated-cell food products, on a 5-3 vote after debate over federal labeling rules and consumer transparency, and HB 2791, which bans the sale of cell-cultured protein and makes violations a felony, also on a 5-3 vote after testimony about innovation, consumer choice, and concerns about the product’s safety and impact on traditional agriculture. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• One was to streamline or harmonize state and federal regulations.
• But I was a fish biologist for 18 years before taking this position.
• And my official title was Fish Passage Biologist at Cle Elum.
• utility regulation that spans the globe.
• It is the most regulated industry in the United States for safety.

Bills: SB5821 , SB6004 , SB6010 , SB5941

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: nuclear energy, energy strategy, advanced technology, sustainability, state policy, renewable energy, public entities, electric generation, contracting, SB 6010, Washington energy siting, EFSEC, Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, tribal consultation, government-to-government consultation, federally recognized tribes, energy facility siting, RCW, clean energy, alternative energy

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> structures,</c> to regulate investment structures, to regulate investment structures, but<01:32:
• annual hunting or fishing license for 365 days.
• </c> or fishing license for 365 days. or fishing license for 365 days.
• </c> Chief of Operations, Department of Fish Chief of Operations, Department of Fish and<01:46:03.480
• </c><01:46:16.720><c> and</c> Division of the Department of Fish and Division of the Department of Fish

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> oversight of state action to regulate oversight of state action to regulate environment<00:03:31.120
• </c> modeling done incorporating desired fish modeling done incorporating desired fish and<01:13:22.840
• </c> on Fish and Wildlife administered lands. on Fish and Wildlife administered lands.
• </c> Fish<01:28:16.760><c> and</c><01:28:16.840><c> wildlife</c><01:28:17.200><c> objectives</c> Fish
• Fish and wildlife intentional.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> director for the MinFish Sport Fishing director for the MinFish Sport Fishing Foundation<00:02:22.080
• We do maintain in certain places special regulations for bass.
• Those are meant more for quality and larger fish as opposed to the numbers of fish.
• Those are meant more for quality and larger fish as opposed to the numbers of fish.
• And, yeah, it's incredible fishing.

Transcript Highlights:

• fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
• With our tribes to protect fish populations.
• come first on the Columbia River and that water is used for fish first and not taken away from the fish
• It ensures that regulators and utilities do have sufficient tools.
• We are regulated by the UTC.

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2343, which would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to obtain CAFO or individual discharge permit coverage for its game farms, and to treat game farms with at least 5,000 birds as large CAFOs. The prime sponsor and local officials from Centralia said the WDFW pheasant farm has contributed to nitrate contamination in a critical aquifer, affecting drinking water and public health, and argued the state should be held to the same standards as private operators. WDFW testified that it has already voluntarily secured the permit the bill would require and is working with Ecology and local partners. Testimony from county health and residents largely supported the bill, citing elevated nitrate levels and health risks, especially for infants and pregnant people. The committee then heard House Bill 2301, which expands Washington’s paint stewardship program to cover additional paint-related products, aerosol paints, and certain non-industrial coatings. The sponsor and industry supporters said the existing paint recycling program is working well and should be broadened to keep more materials out of landfills and reduce local hazardous waste costs. Local government witnesses supported the expansion but asked for changes on convenience standards, packaging coverage, and reimbursement for local collection costs. Ecology supported the overall concept but raised implementation concerns, including the need for uniform standards, full reporting, and more time for rulemaking. A wood preservatives industry representative opposed including wood preservatives, saying they are not paint and have different handling requirements. The committee also took testimony on House Bill 2515, a proposed substitute addressing emerging large energy use facilities, defined mainly as large data centers and virtual currency mining facilities. The bill would require utilities to adopt tariffs or policies to protect other ratepayers, require long-term contracts, demand response or curtailment provisions, reporting on energy and water use, and new clean energy targets for these facilities, while also changing how no-cost allowances under the Climate Commitment Act are allocated and creating an annual fee for the facilities. Supporters, including environmental groups, community action agencies, some utilities, and labor and tribal representatives, said the bill would protect ratepayers, improve transparency, and keep Washington on track for climate goals. Opponents, including data center and business groups, some ports, and several labor organizations, argued the bill is too prescriptive, could raise costs or discourage investment, may affect existing contracts and other large industrial loads, and could reduce construction jobs. No votes or final actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have fishing outfitters, both sort of... At film festivals all over.
• We have fishing outfitters, both sort of traditional fishing.
• So it is not just hunting and rafting and fishing.
• Recreational water skiing regulations were last truly amended in 2011.
• It puts regulation on the driver: needs to be 18 with a driver's license.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, Mike Kelly on Zoom, please proceed. of bottom fish by westpack L bottom fish of bottom fish by
• exempting aquarium fish through this exemption.
• </c><02:16:59.960><c> of</c> for up to 365 days for the regulation of for up to 365 days for the regulation
• </c> laaya Pono native Hawaiian fishing laaya Pono native Hawaiian fishing fishing<02:32:56.439><c> Community
• </c><02:42:44.200><c> it</c> we're trying to manage and regulate it we're trying to manage and regulate

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. On HB 211 relating to stream maintenance, DLNR supported the intent but requested amendments to clarify that responsibility for removing abandoned property rests with the entity that has jurisdiction or ownership of the stream, and asked for appropriations to help cover cleanup costs. Members discussed existing county authority to clean streams and then seek reimbursement from private owners, and the City and County of Honolulu’s written testimony was noted as arguing the bill conflicts with a federal court stipulation requiring notice and storage of personal property before disposal. On HB 502 relating to land use, OPSD and the Land Use Commission supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the short timeline and the need for rule changes, with OPSD recommending a more permanent county plan-based district boundary amendment process instead of a temporary one. The Department of Agriculture asked counties to make concurrent revisions to ordinances and rules affecting agricultural land partitioning. Testimony also noted the bill is aimed at legacy agricultural subdivisions and would require Land Use Commission rulemaking. On HB 510 relating to declaration of water shortage and emergency, DLNR and the Board of Water Supply strongly supported the measure, saying it would give CWRM a more timely tool to respond to emergencies outside designated water management areas and would require rulemaking, permit classifications, and criteria for declaring shortages. In response to opposition concerns from the Land Use Research Foundation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, DLNR said the rulemaking process would allow public input and that permit classifications could help balance agricultural and other water uses. On HB 511 relating to public lands, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported removing the survey requirement before setting aside public lands between state agencies, saying it would speed Act 90 transfers and save time and money, though one testifier cautioned against misuse of agricultural lands. No votes were taken during the excerpted portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill does is set up a process whereby we do have some regulation.
• We produce clams, oysters, ornamental fish, food fish, shrimp, algae, and restoration species of all
• support the $6 billion recreational fishing industry.
• Eighty to ninety percent of all those bait fish come from the wild.
• For example, my Ph.D. is in fish health. So the foundation is built.

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture convened, took roll, and heard Senate Bill 58 by Senator Harrow, which would create regulation for companion animal cremation. Harrow described a case involving mishandled pet remains and said the bill would require written service descriptions, prohibit false or misleading statements, require certification with returned remains, authorize Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services rulemaking, and impose civil penalties for violations. With no questions or public opposition, the committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then heard presentations on robotics in agriculture and aquaculture. Dr. Nathan Boyd of UF/IFAS discussed the rapid growth of agricultural robotics, including AI-driven weed detection, targeted spraying, autonomous tractors, and harvesting technology, emphasizing reduced pesticide use, lower input costs, and labor-saving automation. Dr. Nicole Kirchoff of Live Advantage Bait and Adrian Johnson of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association highlighted aquaculture’s economic and environmental value, Florida’s strong position in the industry, and challenges including hurricane losses, lack of insurance, land-use instability, capital access, and water quality. They urged support for working waterfronts, risk mitigation, and policies to help the sector commercialize and expand. The committee also heard from dairy producers Kevin Lusher and Jacob Larson. Lusher described his family’s dairy and artisan cheese business, noting reliance on USDA grants, rising costs, labor shortages, and regulatory burdens, and asked for more grant support, marketing for Fresh From Florida products, and permanent funding for Farmers Feeding Florida. Larson discussed the broader dairy market, declining herd sizes due to efficiency gains, high production costs in Florida, and competition from out-of-state processing, suggesting incentives for local processing and supply management. Finally, FDOT Chief Planner Wayway Schen presented on arterial and local road funding programs, including ART, ARTW, SCOP, SCRAP, CIGP, and TRIP, and said rural road needs remain significant, with more than $16 billion in unfunded or partially funded project needs. The committee adjourned after brief discussion and thanks to the presenters.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any more questions for Game and Fish?
• Our Game and Fish Commission has walked in. our game of fishing commission has walked in Mr.
• Fish.
• The Arizona Game and Fish Department.
• Our safety regulations are under EPA.

Committee: Joint Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Study Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I explored the hills and hollows, fished the rivers.
• You know, I explored the hills and hollows, fish the rivers.
• Reese to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board.
• So the Game and Fish, I mean, Fish and Wildlife, they determine that it is a kill.
• Fish and Wildlife Service.

Committee: Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Natural Resources Committee met to consider several board nominations, beginning with four nominees to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board. Michael Cravens, Jared Lyman, Nathan Reese (who submitted a written statement and did not attend), and Richard Williams each described their backgrounds in wildlife management, ranching, public lands, or conservation, and emphasized balance, pragmatism, and public service in selecting commission candidates. Members asked about their experience, perspectives on candidate evaluation, and the role of the board. Each nominee was advanced to the full Senate by separate motions, all approved on 7-0 votes with one member not voting. The committee then heard Darren Rasmussen’s nomination to the Arizona State Land Department Board of Appeals. Rasmussen discussed his long career in property appraisal at the private, county, and state levels, including work with county assessors and valuation training. Senators focused on his ability to bring transparency, statutory compliance, and consistency to state land appraisals and appeals. His nomination was also forwarded to the full Senate on a 7-0 vote with one not voting. Next, the committee considered the Arizona Livestock Loss Board nominees, Stephen Clark and Randy Dahl. Clark, who chairs the board, explained the board’s process for compensating ranchers for wolf depredation and described the distinction between confirmed losses and “probables.” Senators asked about reimbursement procedures, the range of Mexican gray wolves, and whether wolves had attacked humans in Arizona; Clark said there had been no human attacks in the state and that livestock losses had been compensated. Dahl was unable to attend but submitted a statement citing his farming background and business and engineering experience. Both nominees were confirmed by 7-0 votes with one member not voting. Finally, the committee heard from Carolyn Radajack and Stephanie Teske for the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. Radajack highlighted her prior service on the board’s investigative committee and her experience with disciplinary rules, while Teske emphasized her background as a sixth-generation rancher, veterinary assistant, and agriculture regulator, with a focus on rural livestock care and access to veterinarians. Senators discussed rural veterinary shortages, telemedicine, and the changing structure of veterinary practice. Both nominees were advanced to the full Senate on 7-0 votes with one member not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I explored the hills and hollows, fished the rivers.
• Craven to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board.
• Craven to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board. Mr.
• So the Game and Fish, I mean, they, I mean, Fish and Wildlife, they determine that it is a kill.
• Fish and Wildlife Service.

Committees: Senate Natural Resources , Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• People fished there, they sold the fish, they used it to feed their families.
• that regulate brownfields.
• Your children won't be able to fish in a good fishing plant, a good fish water, because they're going
• They don't want regulations. something. They don't want regulations.
• plant, a good fish water, good fishing plant, a good fish water, because<01:20:40.880><c> they're</c

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with a prayer by Pastor Jeremy Ward and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sophia Woods. A quorum was established with 27 senators present, and the Senate adopted routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the previous day’s journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The chamber also referred Executive Message 69, appointing Brandy Williams to the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards and Education Commission, to the Committee on Confirmations. The Senate received several Judiciary Committee reports. House Bills 41 and 149 and Senate Bills 230, 87, 169, 238, and 233 were reported favorably, with amendments on Senate Bills 87, 169, and 233. Those measures received second reading and were placed on the calendar for the next legislative day. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 31, commending Mackenzie Grace Stigel, and Senate Joint Resolution 32, recognizing the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science for its national ranking; guests from the school were welcomed in the gallery. The Rules Committee report was then adopted by a 33-0 vote, setting a special order calendar that included Senate Bill 71 on administrative rules, along with several other bills on dredging, county subdivisions, legislative matters, public corruption, rural hospital investment, minority affairs, campaign finance, and natural resources. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 71, the “sound science” bill, which would limit state agencies from adopting environmental rules more stringent than federal law and require science-based standards where federal law is absent. Senator Coleman-Madison offered an amendment to preserve stronger scientific and causal standards, arguing the bill could weaken protections in heavily burdened communities; the amendment failed on a roll call vote of 25 nays to 1 yea. Senators then continued debating the bill’s effect on ADEM’s authority, emergency rulemaking, federal standards, and environmental enforcement in Alabama.

Transcript Highlights:

• unacceptable</c> permitted to fish this is unacceptable permitted to fish this is unacceptable passing
• , and it's a lovely time of year to fish in Minnesota if you like fishing through a little hole in the
• , and it's a lovely time of year to fish in Minnesota if you like fishing through a little hole in the
• , and it's a lovely time of year to fish in Minnesota if you like fishing through a little hole in the
• , and it's a lovely time of year to fish in Minnesota if you like fishing through a little hole in the

Transcript Highlights:

• The fish surveys and the fish studies that are happening at Voyageurs.
• Fish and Wildlife.
• Fish and Wildlife Service.
• it means regulations less regulation it means regulations acknowledging<01:27:40.920><c> and</c><01:
• during fishing opener.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• None of them had hunting or fishing licenses.
• I found these people fishing without any fishing licenses. Did they have permission to be there?”
• That landowner... ...found these people fishing without any fishing licenses.
• To fish isn't a crime.
• Michael Gibson said he had fished a long time in Idaho.

Committee: Senate State Affairs