Transcript Highlights:

• She is from Lamont and is a member of the Lamont FFA Chapter.
• She is from Lamont and is a member of the Lamont FFA Chapter.
• a chapter officer.
• The Brunswick FFA Chapter recently received a Horizon Grant to make greenhouse updates.
• So in the Missouri statutes, if I'm not mistaken, Chapter 565.300 already does exactly this.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal, and a long series of special guest introductions recognizing interns, community leaders, FFA officers, library advocates, park and recreation professionals, and others. Members also used points of personal privilege to honor Black History Month and the legacy of William Clay Sr. The chamber then moved into first reading of several bills, including measures on University of Missouri curators, personal property assessment lists, and state department spending. The main floor action centered on House Bill 1757, which would require universal screening of third-graders for gifted education using flexible screening methods and would help ensure students who qualify are identified regardless of zip code or family resources. Supporters argued the bill would close gaps in gifted identification and expand access, while questions focused on funding, screening methods, and whether the bill would create an unfunded mandate. The House adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. Members then debated the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, presented as House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1667 and 2294. Supporters said the bill would require medical care for infants who survive an abortion attempt and impose civil and criminal penalties for knowingly harming such a child. Opponents argued the bill was duplicative of existing law, could criminalize medical providers, and would worsen Missouri’s maternal care shortages. The debate included extended questioning about the bill’s standards, scope, and enforcement, but no final vote on the born-alive measure was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have you registered as Cyrus Reed representing the Lone Star Chapter.
• I am with the Texas Chapter of the US Green Building Council.
• I presume that those are targeted at Chapters 312, 380, and 381 agreements.
• You're here on behalf of the Texas Chapter of the U.S.
• Yes, Ken Flippen, Texas Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Bills: HB1951 , HB2715 , HB3092 , HB3237 , HB3278 , HB3511 , HB3592 , HB3675 , HB3778 , HB3782 , HB3826 , HB3970 , HB4016 , HB4049 , HB4341 , HB4344 , HB4406 , HB4427

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• This was a rare use of my discretion as the Commonwealth's Inspector General under Chapter 12, as OIG
• This is not the design-build framework for public construction projects under Chapter 149A.
• 149, or is it Chapter 149, is construction and 7A is the procurement side of it.
• It's my understanding, according to Chapter 12A, Section 10, that that is required.
• That's defined by Chapter 268A, Section 23, and there's B, there's C, there's one, two, and three.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Kappa Alpha serves people around the world through the efforts of the 360,000 members and over 1000 chapters
• The Texas chapter of the American Public Works Association are here in the gallery today.
• congratulating Heather Keister of Lubbock for being named 2024 Engineer of the Year by the South Plains chapter
• congratulates Heather Keister of Lubbock in being named the 2024 Engineer of the Year by the South Plains chapter
• Way, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, and the Texas Society of Professional Engineers South Plains chapter

Transcript Highlights:

• ITD's efforts over this time frame have resulted in the elimination of 49 rule chapters.
• It's important to note, however, over this time, we didn't just arbitrarily remove chapters and cut words
• I think we, as a department, did a really good job of combining similar chapters, removing material that
• Combining similar chapters, removing material that was already established pretty much firm in statute

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee approved the January 20, 2026 minutes without objection. It then took up two Idaho Transportation Department rule dockets. Brendan Floyd, speaking for ITD, said the department reviewed only two rules this year as part of the final year of the governor’s five-year zero-based regulation review, which has eliminated 49 rule chapters and reduced the rulebook by more than 34,000 words. He said the department received no negative feedback at negotiated rulemaking or during the public comment period. For docket 39-260-2501, the committee discussed license plate rule changes, including removing unused definitions, replacing “proof of registration” with “plate on order document,” making dealer and manufacturer plate numbering language less prescriptive, and clarifying when a special plate program may be canceled. Senators asked about whether the terminology change would affect law enforcement or drivers, and Floyd said it reflects existing practice and should not create ripple effects. The committee then approved the docket. For docket 39-0349-2501, ITD proposed minor cleanup changes to the alcohol ignition interlock rule, most notably removing a specific ethanol reference from the definition of breath alcohol concentration because no device is known to distinguish ethanol from other alcohols in that way. Floyd said the substantive effect would not change. The committee approved this docket as well, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Mark chapter 4, verse 24, right after the parable of the sower, Jesus says this: "Consider carefully
• And Mark chapter 4, verse 24, right after the parable of the sower, Jesus says this: "Consider carefully
• Bill No. 606 by the State Affairs Committee, an act relating to indecency and obscenity, amending Chapter
• safety in restrooms and changing facilities, amending Title 67, Idaho Code by the addition of a new Chapter
• the Idaho Prior Authorization Reform Act, to provide a short title, to provide the purpose of the chapter

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The passage for Scripture Day is another Hebrews passage, chapter 12, verse 11: “No discipline seems
• and Welfare Committee, is an act relating to incarcerated juveniles' transition services, amending Chapter
• Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee, is an act relating to sample collections, amending Chapter
• Code, relating to the responsibility for timing of and site for a sample collection; and amending Chapter
• Code, relating to the responsibility for timing of and site for a sample collection; and amending Chapter

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This rule chapter was reviewed and rewritten in compliance with Idaho law.
• This rule chapter was reviewed and rewritten in compliance with Idaho law requiring periodic review of
• This rule addresses the provisions of Title 41, Idaho Code, Chapter 40, regarding self-funded health
• This rule implements Title 41 provisions of Chapters 21, 42, and 52 of Idaho Code regarding short-term
• I didn't see anything, but I didn't look at whole chapters. Is that consistent with code?

Summary: Senate Commerce first took up three gubernatorial appointments and sent all three to the Senate floor with recommendations for confirmation: Salvador Cruz as director of the Department of Finance, Nora Carpenter to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, and Gregory Donica to the same board. Each motion passed without opposition. The committee then received an annual update from Pat Kelly, executive director of Your Health Idaho. He reported record enrollment activity, including more than 139,000 selections in open enrollment 2025 and over 144,000 in open enrollment 2026, with most enrollees receiving tax credits and many working with agents or brokers. Kelly said the exchange remains financially self-sustaining, has low operating costs, and achieved strong customer satisfaction scores. Members asked about rising premiums, the shift toward bronze plans, and enrollment timing; Kelly and later Insurance Director Dean Cameron said Idaho premiums remain among the lowest nationally, helped by the 1332 reinsurance waiver, though affordability concerns are increasing. The committee also reviewed and approved one Department of Commerce pending rule docket and several Department of Insurance rule dockets under zero-based regulation. The Commerce rulemaking was described as a non-substantive cleanup that removed obsolete language, aligned definitions, and adjusted some grant limits, including the Idaho GEM grant program. Insurance rule changes similarly focused on simplifying, clarifying, and removing duplicative statutory language across self-funded plans, long-term care insurance, small employer and individual health insurance, coordination of benefits, short-term health insurance, and managing general agents. The most notable policy-related change was the short-term health insurance docket, which was approved with an effective date upon adjournment to avoid a gap after a temporary rule expires; all dockets were approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• As part of the Chapter 90 bond bill the governor filed last month, the administration seeks $200 million
• And then when that is full, and they stay for the night, as long as it's less than 32 degrees, something
• That was stipulated in the fiscal year 2026 budget, section 12, section 1 of chapter 23B of the General
• I've also seen the commission absorb new responsibilities under Chapter 180, undertake new initiatives
• The Commission previously absorbed new responsibilities under Chapter 180, including the review of host

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The hearing in Barnstable opened with remarks from the House and Senate co-chairs about the importance of holding Ways and Means budget hearings on the Cape, especially given the region’s seasonal economy and infrastructure needs. The committee then heard testimony from Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones on the governor’s FY27 budget proposal. She highlighted funding for workforce programs including the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, Career Technical Initiative, registered apprenticeship, YouthWorks, reentry workforce programs, and services for young adults with disabilities. She also discussed MassHire career centers, the MassHire Innovation Project, and the Department of Unemployment Assistance modernization effort, noting improved call wait times and claims processing, but acknowledging continued challenges and federal funding uncertainty. Members asked about job-seeker barriers such as child care, housing, and transportation; domestic outmigration of young workers; youth work permits; unemployment insurance costs and the COVID assessment on employers; and the state’s unemployment rate and UI trust fund solvency. Jones and Undersecretary Josh Cutler explained the difference between workforce training funds and the unemployment trust fund, described the statewide trigger that extends unemployment benefits from 26 to 30 weeks when regional unemployment averages 5.2 percent, and said the administration is reviewing the trust fund with labor and business stakeholders. They also said the administration is trying to preserve front-line DUA staffing while shifting resources to customer service and adjudication, including a Friday adjudication pilot and seasonal hires. Senators and representatives also pressed the administration on regional equity in workforce funding, especially for Hampshire Franklin MassHire, which was described as serving a large rural area with fewer resources than other regions. Administration officials said they are reviewing MassHire funding formulas and modernizing the system with a policy committee and state workforce board input, but did not offer an immediate fix. The committee also heard that early childhood education apprenticeships are expanding quickly, with state funding leveraged to secure federal grants and support new Grow Awards. The hearing then moved to the Executive Office of Economic Development, where Secretary Eric Paley outlined House 2 proposals for economic development, including support for the Community One Stop for Growth, rural economic development, workforce partnerships, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, AI, small business assistance, tourism, and tax incentives. Undersecretary Leila D’Amilia followed with testimony on consumer affairs and business regulation, describing funding for consumer protection, banking oversight, occupational licensure, and public safety inspections.

Transcript Highlights:

• and not institutionalized<00:32:01.679><c> in</c><00:32:01.840><c> in</c><00:32:02.000><c> a</c><00:32
• </c><02:32:13.520><c> Uh,</c><02:32:13.920><c> good</c><02:32:14.160><c> morning,</c><02:32:14.640><c
• I'm<02:32:19.680><c> senior</c><02:32:19.920><c> director</c><02:32:20.160><c> of</c><02:32:20.319><c
• .<02:32:22.800><c> I'll</c><02:32:23.120><c> try</c><02:32:23.280><c> to</c><02:32:23.439><c> be</c><
• ><c> at</c><04:32:05.680><c> a</c><04:32:05.840><c> maximum</c><04:32:06.399><c> 7%</c><04:32:07.040>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ITD's efforts over this time frame have resulted in the elimination of 49 rule chapters.
• It's important to note, however, over this time, we didn't just arbitrarily remove chapters and cut words
• I think we, as a department, did a really good job of combining similar chapters, removing material that
• Combining similar chapters, removing material that was already established pretty much firm in statute

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• they were incompetent to proceed can be housed in the same secure setting as other residents under Chapter
• We also make changes to our parental rights law, Chapter 1014, and...
• We also make changes to our parental rights law, Chapter 1014, and add similar provisions in that area
• Related to Chapter 456, the amendment clarifies that both individuals and the Attorney General, versus
• Related to Chapter 1014, the amendment synchronizes with the language in Chapter 456 to clear up ambiguity

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered several bills. SB 590, by Senator Bradley, would toll the statute of limitations for failure to report suspected child abuse by mandatory reporters until the offense is known to law enforcement, with a retroactivity amendment adopted. Supporters said it would help hold mandatory reporters accountable in institutional abuse cases; it was reported favorably. SB 778, by Senator Simon, would update the definition of forensic client so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed for incompetency could be housed in the same secure setting under Chapter 916, reducing duplicative staffing and space needs at APD; it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 560, by Senator Garcia, which streamlines psychotropic medication procedures for children in DCF custody, clarifies when new medical reports are needed, reduces duplicative background checks, and simplifies consent documentation. An amendment removed language expanding who could serve as a qualified evaluator and revised the Road to Independence Program changes to focus only on post-secondary education services and support, extending eligibility ages to 26 while keeping a five-year maximum. Members discussed fiscal impacts and funding sources, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 1010, by Senator Yarbrough, which strengthens enforcement of existing prohibitions on sex-reassignment prescriptions and procedures for minors and adds civil and criminal penalties, along with Attorney General enforcement authority and related parental rights provisions. An amendment clarified that actions could be brought by individuals as well as the Attorney General and that the provisions apply only to minors. The bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing child protection and accountability and opponents warning about chilling effects on medical care, schools, and parental rights. Senators raised concerns about standing, scope, and impacts on teachers and clinicians, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably on a 5-1 vote, with Senator Sharif voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• We approach the site, we use the general approach, what is the last chapter in this story, and we work
• we look at it in the context of the end use or best development option for that property, the last chapter
• most part, we can cost effectively figure out the best remedial approach once we identify that last chapter
• Finally, making the delisting process more efficient can help achieve the last chapter more quickly and
• And let's get to the end chapter, let's get to that end zone, and let's look at it.

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Keywords: presidential nominations, EPA, environmental policy, Fish and Wildlife, committee meeting

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the presidential nominations of Brigadier General Brian Nesvick as Director of Fish and Wildlife and Jess Kramer and Sean Donahue as assistant administrators at the EPA. Each nominee presented their qualifications and experiences in their respective fields, with an emphasis on their commitment to uphold the laws passed by Congress. The discussion highlighted the nominees' dedication to addressing environmental issues and their proactive stances on regulatory matters. After deliberation, votes were held to report the nominations favorably, despite some members voicing concerns regarding their qualifications and potential conflicts with environmental interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• deals only with activities or operations challenged as being subject to the requirements of this chapter
• being subject to this requirements of being subject to this requirements of this<00:13:51.240><c> chapter
• and as HRS 34 set 3437 this chapter and as HRS 34 set 3437 provides<00:13:55.320><c> that</c><00:13:
• This updates Chapter 329 to make it consistent with amendments to the federal Controlled Substances Act
• 329 to make it updates chapter 329 to make it consistent<00:17:36.760><c> with</c><00:17:36.960><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a series of Senate bills and generally advanced most of them, often with technical or substantive amendments. SB 15 on the definition of historic property was amended to narrow the definition to properties at least 50 years old that are culturally significant or otherwise significant for Hawaii Register purposes, and it passed. SB 97 on excessive speeding was amended to clarify felony penalty language, license revocation timing, and fingerprinting procedures, and passed. Other bills passed as is or unamended included SB 145 on water shortages, SB 108 on accessible parking enforcement, SB 660 on hospitality anti-harassment measures and panic buttons, SB 1662 on landlord application fees and tenant screening reports, SB 1421 on Department of Health provider arrangements, SB 1439 on DOH nuisance authority, and SB 1452 updating controlled substances law. SB 1454 on wage payment violations passed with technical amendments only, while SB 1481 on motorcycle instruction permits was deferred as not ready. Several bills received more substantial changes. SB 253 on condominium association budget summaries was amended to require a single document and to shift the standard to substantial compliance; it passed. SB 371 on critical infrastructure damage was amended to remove a section affecting manslaughter law and to apply specifically to broadband and cable networks; it passed. SB 984 on water pollution liability for large landowners was advanced with a defective date. SB 1517 on public land leases for recreational residential use was amended to change the lease term to five years and add a defective date. SB 1074 on temporary continuation of challenged activities during environmental review was significantly amended to limit the provision to currently authorized activities, add a one-year limit with possible court extension, and clarify other terms; it passed. SB 1322 on emergency mental health transport was amended to restore provider-initiated transport language, require notice and coordination, remove special immunity provisions, and clarify court-ordered treatment procedures; it passed. The committee also passed SB 1496 on disability access to information in public accommodations, with a request that the committee report discuss the Roe v. St. Pizza case and the distinction between physical and digital accommodations. SB 1255 on Uniform Information Practices Act record retention was deferred as not ready. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted that both agendas were completed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a member of the Home Care Licensing Commission, which was established in section 97 of chapter 227
• of the Acts of 2020, I participated in Of chapter 227 of the Acts of 2020, I participated in the state's
• As a member of the home care licensing commission, which was established in section 97 of chapter 227
• of the acts of 2020, I participated in of chapter 227 of the acts of 2020 i participated in the state's
• I am the chapter president of a senior organization, and I have been a home care provider.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence held a hearing on several bills, led by Chair Tom Stanley and Senate Chair Patricia Jehlen. The committee first heard testimony on H. 765/S. 487, an act relative to councils on aging, which would update outdated statutory language and allow directors of councils on aging to make staffing decisions when a council is structured as an advisory body. Representative Donahue and Betsy Connell of the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging said the change reflects how most councils now operate and would resolve conflicts like the one that arose in Sherborn. Members asked about whether the bill would affect town managers, volunteer roles, and whether the language should more clearly exempt informal volunteer help; supporters said the bill is aimed at municipal staffing structures, not unpaid volunteer assistance. The committee then took extensive testimony on H. 789/S. 470, an act to improve Massachusetts home care, which would create a statewide licensure system for non-medical home care agencies and entities. Julie Watt, Jay Krillovich, Betsy Krimmins, Lisa Gargoni, Tim Foley, and several providers and advocates supported the bill, arguing that licensure would establish baseline standards for background checks, training, service plans, insurance, complaint procedures, and labor-law compliance, while helping consumers identify legitimate providers and reducing fraud and abuse. Several witnesses described problems with unlicensed or poorly supervised providers, and family members and dementia advocates emphasized the need for dementia-specific training and better oversight for vulnerable clients. Tim Foley also raised concerns about private equity’s growing role in home care and said stronger regulation is needed to protect consumers and workers. Committee members focused on practical questions about the bill’s scope, including whether it would reach informal paid helpers, volunteers, or people doing occasional household tasks, and what agency would enforce the rules. Supporters said the bill is intended to cover entities advertising home care services, not unpaid volunteer help, though they acknowledged regulators would need to work out details. John Sneeth of Tribute Home Care offered a more cautious view, saying licensure should not unduly burden smaller providers or reduce competition, and that enforcement would be key. The hearing also included testimony from the Alzheimer’s Association and family caregivers, who strongly supported the bill’s dementia-training provisions and described how trained caregivers improved safety and quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. At the end of the hearing, the committee also heard support for H. 778/S. 473, regarding the Commission on LGBTQ Aging, with Lisa Krinsky urging funding for a full-time director and continued support for the commission’s strategic plan. After public testimony concluded, the committee adjourned the hearing by motion and voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Community Protection Program and have not committed a sexually violent offense as defined in Chapter
• It restores CPP for those that have committed a sexually violent offense as defined in Chapter 71.09,
• DSHS prior to receiving any other services if the person has been convicted of a sex offense under Chapter
• 9A-44 or 7109 RCW. violence as defined in Chapter 9A. 44 or 7109 RCW and include several different types
• It updates the effective date of the statutes and updates chapter and session law to be repealed with

Bills: HB2510 , SGA9305

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: community custody, probation, Department of Corrections, DOC supervision, Washington criminal law, sentencing, felony supervision, risk assessment, sex offense, serious violent offense, domestic violence, repetitive domestic violence, failure to register, sex offender registration, dangerous mentally ill offender, indeterminate sentence, parole, conditional commutation, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the executive director of the Puget Sound chapter of Blue Star Families.
• Here in Puget Sound, we are just a two-year-old chapter. We launched in August of 2023.
• Ayers serves on our advisory board for the Puget Sound chapter, and the Cohen Clinic partners with us
• And here in Puget Sound, we are just a two-year-old chapter. We launched in August of 2023.
• Ayers serves on our advisory board for the Puget Sound chapter and the Cohen Clinic partners with us

Summary: The Joint Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs heard presentations on several military and veterans-related topics. Dr. Dan Calvert briefed the committee on the JBLM Sentinel Landscape Partnership, explaining its voluntary conservation work to reduce encroachment around the base by protecting prairie habitat, supporting agriculture, and managing sensitive species. He described REPI funding, recent and proposed projects, and possible policy support such as state designation, dedicated funding, management endowments, prescribed fire flexibility, and water-right transfer tools. Members asked about seed sourcing, the distinction between natural-resource encroachment and development-related encroachment, and the impact of federal REPI staffing cuts. David Puente of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs updated the committee on plans for a new state veterans cemetery in the Tri-Cities area and a replacement Spokane Veterans Home. He said the cemetery project has two candidate sites near Richland/West Richland, with pre-design funded by the legislature and a future request expected for land purchase and construction; he also noted the current cemetery funding source is limited and would not support a second cemetery without additional state operating funds. On the Spokane home, he described the current facility’s limitations and said the replacement would be a 120-bed, small-house model on a larger site, with the VA expected to cover 65% of construction costs if the state provides the match. He also reviewed agency budget reductions, including vacant positions, reduced outreach, cuts to counseling and wellness funding, and reduced support for veterans service organizations. Blue Star Families’ Puget Sound chapter also presented on its programs for military-connected families, including Coffee Connects, a children’s book club, outdoor programming, career support, and Blue Star Welcome Week. The group said it is expanding beyond the South Sound and is using local outposts and online networks to reach more families, while also helping with food insecurity through grocery gift cards and partnerships with local nonprofits. Committee members discussed the need to expand the organization statewide and the ongoing food-security challenges facing military families. During the final discussion on potential legislation, members raised ideas including restoring Washington National Guard retention efforts, expanding E-CAP eligibility to military families, revisiting the composition of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, and addressing veterans’ preference issues for service members who have not yet received a DD-214. The committee did not take any formal votes or actions, but members and presenters discussed future policy and budget requests, and the chairs thanked the presenters and staff before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• co</c><00:03:39.200><c> uh</c> are some ancillary um area co uh are some ancillary um area co uh chapters
• of the Minnesota code that chapters of the Minnesota code that would<00:03:41.120><c> also</c><00:03
• This entire chapter deals with those directing parties.
• </c> 7.26 this is Minnesota statutes chapter 7.26 this is Minnesota statutes chapter 501 501 501 c808
• </c><00:09:35.600><c> deals</c> duties Etc this entire um chapter deals duties Etc this entire um chapter

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the director for the Car Club's Grand Canyon chapter, which is the Arizona chapter, and we are opposed
• chapter, and we are opposed to House Bill 2147.
• chapter, and we are opposed to House Bill 2158.
• I'm the director for Sierra Club, the Grand Canyon Chapter, which is the Arizona chapter, and we are
• Arizona chapter, and we are opposed to House Bill 2787.

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the director for Car Club's Grand Canyon Chapter, which is the Arizona chapter, and we are opposed
• chapter, and we are opposed to House Bill 2147.
• chapter, and we are opposed to House Bill 2158.
• I'm the director for Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter, which is the Arizona chapter, and we are opposed
• Arizona chapter, and we are opposed to House Bill 2787.

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

Committee: House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

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