Video & Transcript : 'ethical research' :
Page 288 of 500
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Jan 27th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Labor & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- In my research, I learned that 32 other states would have presumptively acknowledged Eric's death as
- Research continues to prove this is true. Your risk doesn't clock in and out when you do.
- I'm the research director of the SHARP program at the Department of Labor and Industries.
- I'm the research director of the SHARP program at the Department of Labor and Industries.
- They're just looking at the research.
Committee:
Senate Labor & Commerce
Keywords:
interest arbitration, parks and recreation, public employees, labor relations, employee rights, laid-off employees act, WARN notice, mass layoff, business closure, plant closing, worker adjustment and retraining notification, employment security department, employee notice, layoff notice, worker protections, job loss, employment loss, public records exemption, privacy, employee names and addresses
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Elementary and Secondary Education Jan 14th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Elementary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Sixty years ago, a researcher was tasked with finding out what school factor mattered most in schools
- And in 60 years since then, a number of researchers have duplicated that research and come up with the
- colored boxes, and it should say professional... classrooms and textbooks, curriculum, and that researcher
- And in 60 years since then, a number of researchers have duplicated that research and come up with the
- The next step was that research secured... The next step was that research secured U.S.
Committee:
House Elementary and Secondary Education
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Health Service (1-14-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- It is proven through research that a pharmacist uh will have um greater contact with those members in
- It is proven through research pharmacy.
- It is proven through research that<00:02:28.000><c> a</c><00:02:28.160><c> pharmacist</c><00:02:29.200
- So the recommendation is to research and evaluate alternative Medicaid delivery models."
- :19:41.360><c> and</c> recommendation is to research and recommendation is to research and evaluate<00
Keywords:
26RS SB 38 Testimony 00:28
26RS SB 38 Roll Call Vote 06:54
26RS SCR 9 Testimony 11:06
26RS SCR 9 Roll Call Vote 32:00
Adjournment 32:49, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first considered Senate Bill 38, sponsored by Sen. Richardson, which would require Medicaid to reimburse pharmacists for services already within their legal scope of practice. Richardson and Taylor Williams of the Kentucky Pharmacists Association argued the bill would improve access to care, especially in rural areas, reduce emergency room use, and lower Medicaid costs by using pharmacists as lower-cost providers. Members asked whether the bill’s language simply aligned Medicaid with an earlier commercial parity law, and Richardson confirmed that it did. He also cited prior study work, research articles, and examples such as strep/flu testing and medication therapy management as covered services. The bill passed unanimously, and several members commented in support, including concerns about pharmacy access and the need for pharmacists to remain available to patients.
The committee then took up a concurrent resolution sponsored by Sen. Meredith calling for a feasibility study of a proposed new Medicaid delivery model. Meredith argued that Kentucky’s Medicaid spending is growing unsustainably and that current managed care arrangements are not improving outcomes enough. He proposed an accountable community health care organization, described as a locally owned, not-for-profit public-private partnership combining elements of accountable care models, with the goal of reducing bureaucracy, improving outcomes, and lowering costs. He said the study would examine a five-year program and ultimately test the model in five regions, with initial focus on the Lincoln Trail, Green River, and Barren River area development districts. Members asked about the study timeline, vendor costs, rural versus urban impacts, and provider recruitment; Meredith said the resolution would be studied by November and that no fiscal note had been prepared. The resolution passed unanimously.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING Jan 9th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
Transcript Highlights:
- Stanley, as a sponsored research program, a sponsored program meaning external funding.
- And so there was oversight institutionally through the sponsored research division.
- You mentioned sponsored research. Is there some follow-up on that?
- Where's the research, the paper, the documentation?
- I believe sponsored research now reviews all such expenditures for eligibility.
Committee:
All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
Summary:
The committee first adopted prior minutes and then heard several standing committee audit reports. The executive committee report noted audit and special reports scheduled for the month, one outstanding committee-requested report, and a request to gather information on a possible special report for February. The city/county/local report covered delinquent private water and sewer audits, including reinstatement of turn-back funds for 17 entities, 59 of 64 delinquent 2023 entities filing reports, and action on the town of Daisy requiring repayment of misused street funds. The education report filed three higher education audit reports and deferred one Northwest Arkansas Community College report. The state agencies report filed four reports and deferred audits of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism for more information on corrective actions.
The committee then received a special audit review of the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UA Little Rock. Auditors said the program received $10 million in desegregation funding and a $50,000 grant, awarded $1.87 million in scholarships to 379 students, and saw 116 students graduate. The review found many scholarship eligibility exceptions, including awards above the maximum and to students who did not meet GPA, enrollment-hour, or full-time requirements, and numerous disbursement documentation and authorization problems. Committee members sharply questioned the program’s oversight, the role of former staff, the use of funds for travel and cultural activities, and whether any improper spending should be referred for criminal review. UALR representatives said the program was overseen as a sponsored program, that some controls were later strengthened, and that Philander Smith only verified enrollment rather than eligibility. The committee voted to table the report until the next meeting and asked staff to gather the federal court order and additional information.
Finally, the committee reviewed the annual report on matters referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General for 2024. Staff said 164 matters were referred, with 28 criminal charges filed, 39 still under review, 3 dismissed, 5 pending in court, and 96 not charged; convictions in 20 cases led to fines, restitution, audit costs, and some bond trust fund payments. Prosecutor representatives explained that many referrals do not become criminal cases because of intent, timing, or other legal limits, and said they generally seek restitution even when charges are not filed. Members asked for more standardized reporting, including whether restitution was recovered and why cases were not prosecuted, and discussed possible training and a checklist for future reports. The committee then voted to file the report and adjourned, with the next meeting set for February 12-13.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Working Group on Omnibus Capital Investment Bill - 06/09/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:11:06.320><c> U</c><00:11:06.560><c> Miss</c> analyst with House Research.
- U Miss analyst with House Research.
- I am GOP Senate research. Hi, I'm Jenny Nash, the DFL CA on the House.
- I am GOP Senate research. Lake. And Johnson Stewart, District 45, Lake.
- I am GOP Senate research. All right. Uh, Senator Pappas. Thank you, Madam Chair.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- subject to the approval of the Executive Director of the State Board, to partner with one or more research
- Rather, the language is for the researcher to find out what other states do.
- Research does support using math coaches, but we think it's more likely to be effective supporting the
- I know one area of focus is around coaches and in terms of research showing that that is where we're
- Their research is based on a diverse perspective from administrators.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We're looking at quality research to show for each ingredient.
- However, looking at it from, like I said, the quality research. making sure that that is there to ensure
- It's not all. research and so what we are quality information so what we just want to ensure is that
- So we have to do the research to determine what is medically appropriate. service for that, that it will
- The research has demonstrated that some of these preventive services and helping access nutrition and
Committee:
House Human Services
Keywords:
Medicaid, nutrition support, maternal health, chronic conditions, pilot program, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child protective services, child abuse investigations, child neglect, child exploitation, advisory committee, Family and Protective Services Council, council abolition, foster care, due process, investigative procedures, child welfare, parental rights, family preservation services
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/04/2026 - House International Trade
House International Trade Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- As you know, we provide a lot of research and produce a lot of research, but I want to tell you a little
- So quite a bit of bandwidth to produce lots of research and economic development.
- We've done this for three decades now, and this is the most comprehensive compilation of secondary research
- We also do primary research.
Summary:
The Committee on International Trade heard a presentation from Monica Villalobos, president and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who shared trade and economic data on Hispanic businesses and consumers in Arizona and nationally. She emphasized that Hispanics represent a major economic force, that small and medium-sized businesses are key exporters, and that tariffs or border disruptions can significantly affect Arizona businesses. She also highlighted Arizona’s trade relationship with Mexico, major import/export sectors such as computers, electronics, transportation, and machinery, and the need for more state support for small businesses through capital access and technical assistance. Villalobos noted the Chamber’s upcoming business engagement tour to Mexico City and said the organization would provide district-specific trade profiles to legislators.
Members asked questions about top Mexico trade products, transportation equipment, and how the state could better support small businesses. Villalobos said major Mexico-related trade areas include automotive electronics, transportation, and service-oriented business opportunities, and she pointed to the need for microloan access and funding for technical assistance programs that have lost federal support. She also offered to share additional data and connect members with experts on transportation infrastructure and trade.
The committee then considered HB 2754, which would add the chairs of the Senate Finance Committee and House International Trade Committee, or designees, to the Arizona Commerce Authority board; shift trade office oversight and the Arizona Competes program to legislative appropriation; require annual reporting on trade office activities; and remove the Competes program’s termination date. The bill sponsor argued the legislature should have more direct oversight of trade offices and the Competes Fund. After discussion, the committee voted 5-0 with 2 present and 3 absent to give HB 2754 a do pass recommendation, and the committee adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 2206 is a critical piece of legislation that strengthens the commitment to research and development
- You're here on behalf of the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, and you're here for the bill.
- SB 2206 is especially important to the business community because research and development fuels progress
- It also incentivizes deeper collaboration between the private sector and our research universities, reinforcing
- You're here on behalf of the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association.
Committee:
House Ways & Means
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:00 am
Agriculture and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- What I did get was I had Kyla at the head librarian or research specialist do a little bit of searching
- a little unfair in that EPA just kind of signs off on what the chemical company says, here's our research
- And they go through it and they evaluate the research, but they don't do the research themselves.
- So let's, I will do some more research here this morning, and we'll have our caucus and we'll have a
Bills:
HCR3018
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs
Keywords:
water rights, wetlands, inundated lands, taxation, property tax, drainage, flooded land, seasonal wetlands, meltwater, navigability, jurisdiction, county tax rolls, agricultural land, soil health, wildlife habitat, environmental regulation, public health, land ownership, riparian, drain and fill
Summary:
The Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 3018, which was amended to expand a study of wetlands and jurisdictional water issues, including questions about taxing authority over land inundated by water. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the resolution as amended on a roll call vote, with all members present voting yes or aye. Senator Weston agreed to carry the measure.
The committee then considered House Bill 1581, relating to funding for the Native American Tourism Alliance. Senator Marcellais explained an amendment restoring the funding level to $500,000 and adding a 10% tribal match. Members debated the budget impact and the likelihood of the bill surviving in that form. The amendment failed on a 3-3 tie, after which the committee moved to the original House version. That version, with $100,000 total funding and matching requirements, received a 4-2 do pass recommendation and was sent to Appropriations, with Senator Marcellais designated as carrier.
The committee also discussed House Bill 1541, which would create a new commission to oversee septic systems, but members indicated a preference for a different approach already moving in the House that would place licensing and oversight under DEQ with health units still handling inspections. No final action was taken on that bill. Finally, the committee reviewed House Bill 1280, a water/drainage-related measure involving voting eligibility for landowners who have not paid assessments, but members raised legal questions and deferred further action. The committee also discussed broader concerns about a chemical-labeling bill and related public emails, then recessed until the call of the chair.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I would like to have research explain a little bit more deeply because they found the reason how this
- I I would like to<00:04:11.920><c> have</c><00:04:12.480><c> um</c><00:04:12.640><c> research</c><00:
- explain a little bit to have um research explain a little bit more<00:04:14.159><c> deeply</c><00:04
- and in physicians, um they they research and in physicians, um they they many<00:13:24.800><c> times
- </c> they're many times wrapping up research they're many times wrapping up research in<00:13:33.040>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/11/26
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Johnson, no, we have not done any research on that. I could get back to you on that.
- </c><00:31:00.399><c> into</c><00:31:00.720><c> how</c> uh have we done any research into how uh have
- we done any research into how many<00:31:01.120><c> people</c><00:31:01.360><c> are</c><00:31:01.679
- into just how have we done any research into just how many<00:32:51.600><c> organizations</c><00:32:
- I could get done any research on that.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Senate Health Committee and Assembly Health Committee Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The research is clear: when we have patients established with a primary care provider, when we invest
- Better care, but that is not what our research shows.
- Now, second, and this is equally important, research shows that 25% of those underlying costs in our
- The research bears that out when it comes to health care systems.
- And I think that, like, consistent with the research is going to drive value and this overall cost of
Summary:
The joint informational hearing focused on the cost of uncertainty in California health care, especially the effects of federal policy changes on coverage, access, and affordability. Opening remarks from committee leaders and members emphasized that California’s uninsured rate had fallen to historic lows under the Affordable Care Act and state policies, but that the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, H.R. 1, and other federal regulatory changes could reverse those gains. Members repeatedly cited rising premiums, skipped care, medical debt, and the strain on low-wage workers, families, clinics, hospitals, and public programs.
The first panel reviewed the federal landscape and state response. A federal policy analyst described the ACA’s coverage gains and consumer protections, then outlined current threats: H.R. 1’s Medicaid and marketplace cuts, the end of enhanced premium tax credits, shorter open enrollment, more verification requirements, and changes affecting preventive services and vaccines. Covered California reported that the loss of subsidies is expected to nearly double average monthly premiums, reduce enrollment, and push more consumers into bronze plans with higher deductibles; it also noted that California’s $190 million affordability fund is helping the lowest-income enrollees. HCAI’s Office of Health Care Affordability explained its work on spending targets, market consolidation review, and primary care investment, saying the goal is to slow spending growth rather than impose price caps.
Committee members pressed witnesses on the practical effects of bronze plans, administrative burdens, immigration-related disenrollment, provider taxes, uncompensated care, and whether California can sustain current coverage levels without new revenue. Witnesses said bronze plans preserve essential benefits but shift more costs to consumers, and that H.R. 1’s verification and auto-renewal changes will likely reduce enrollment. They also said provider tax reductions could significantly weaken state financing over time, and that higher uninsured rates may increase uncompensated care and pressure premiums elsewhere in the system. The second panel, featuring UC Berkeley Labor Center and California Health Care Foundation experts, highlighted broader affordability problems across job-based coverage and Medi-Cal, citing medical debt, skipped care, and the role of underlying system costs, administrative waste, and lack of competition. They pointed to medical debt relief efforts such as Los Angeles County’s program as a short-term mitigation strategy while the Legislature considers longer-term policy and budget responses.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- Gartner is actually a world leader in research and advisory, and we are the consulting arm of that.
- and has ITS as one of our research clients as well.
- </c><00:04:52.200><c> on</c><00:04:52.360><c> technology</c> of research on technology of research on
- </c><00:04:57.680><c> client</c> ITS has one of being our research client ITS has one of being our research
- </c><00:12:29.040><c> uh</c> interviews and our research uh interviews and our research uh that<00:12
Committee:
Joint Technology
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The work of researching is important, but what our grant writer is doing right now is, uh, she's working
- She comes up with a project, she's doing the research, kind of putting the skeleton together and putting
- </c><00:26:31.679><c> is</c> grant. the the work of researching is grant. the the work of researching
- Applied field research versus ours is we're collecting the actual production data.
- Applied field research versus call that?
Committee:
House Finance
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 1602 HD1 drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Ulupono Initiative, and others, with testimony emphasizing the value of a dedicated grant writer who had secured nearly $9 million in federal funds and was pursuing additional grants. Members discussed how much time grant applications take and how the position helps position projects for implementation. The committee then moved on without objection.
HB 1832, relating to aquaculture, received support from state agencies and industry groups, with one individual opposed. HB 1707 HD1, relating to agriculture, also drew broad support. A committee question focused on the bill’s definition of “necessary supplies,” and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said the language was broad enough to cover the inputs farmers need, including transportation-related costs, and would help reduce production costs and food prices. HB 2155 HD1, relating to agricultural statistics, prompted testimony in support of better data collection to help Hawaii compete for federal agriculture funding. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that its role would focus on production, import, and export data, distinct from the scientific data collected by another unit, and said it wanted an electronic system tied to existing manifest and GIS tools to avoid duplicative clipboard-based collection.
HB 1831 HD1, relating to agricultural lands, was heard with support and no questions. HB 1650 HD1, relating to environmental assessments, drew opposition from several individuals who argued it would weaken environmental protections and resident input; no action was taken. The committee then heard HB 1652 HD1, relating to storm water management systems. The engineering industry supported clarifying that low-risk green stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement should not be treated like detention or retention ponds subject to fencing and other safety requirements. Opponents, including family members affected by a drowning and other residents, argued the bill would weaken Act 281’s safety protections and increase liability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau questioned whether agricultural water infrastructure should be exempted from the fencing requirements and said the costs would vary by system, but the committee did not take final action during the hearing.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <c> assignment</c> Next part is, um, the governor is very excited about this part: expanding the research
- We need to increase the growth of, uh, research and development. This credit will help do that.
- </c> that because if you are doing research that because if you are doing research and<00:09:14.640><
- Department to see if they could research Department to see if they could figure<00:31:42.320><c> out
- That's my conclusion off the data, not House research, but the data would lead to those conclusions.
Committee:
Senate Taxes
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE Public Hearing 03-11-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We do have a comment that we need to, you know, develop some baseline data research so that we can be
- There has been some baseline research done.
- There has been some baseline research done.
- There has been some baseline research done.
- </c> uh other than our institutional research uh other than our institutional research office<00:19:16.760
Summary:
The Committee on Higher Education met on March 11 and began with House Bill 442, which would appropriate funds to the University of Hawaiʻi system for nursing programs. University of Hawaiʻi representatives testified in strong support, and several additional supporters submitted testimony. Members asked about a similar Senate measure, and the witness confirmed the university supported that bill as well. No opposition or vote was recorded on HB 442 during the excerpt.
The committee then heard House Bill 1169, a housekeeping measure concerning the University of Hawaiʻi Conference Center revolving fund. Testimony explained that the bill would consolidate existing Conference Center statutes into one centralized fund statute and allow campuses to use the fund more broadly. Members raised no questions, and no vote was taken in the excerpt.
House Bill 185, which would establish a plant-based building materials working group, drew the most discussion. The Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent but wanted baseline research before a larger working group was formed. Supporters argued the measure could help develop a homegrown industry using bamboo, hemp, and other plant materials, create green jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Several members questioned whether a formal working group was necessary and whether the work could be done without new legislation. The University of Hawaiʻi later estimated the bill’s requested work would cost about $150,000 over two years to analyze crop options and report findings.
The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 1320, which requires the University of Hawaiʻi to collect, analyze, and publicly report graduate outcome data and develop a Graduate Outcomes Dashboard. University officials said they already use some data sources but lack a dedicated data-visualization specialist and need additional capacity to consolidate and present the information. Members questioned the need for new positions and funding, arguing the university should use existing resources and that students already have many ways to explore careers. Supporters responded that the dashboard would help students and the state better understand postgraduate outcomes, workforce needs, and program value. No final action or vote was shown in the excerpt.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-HOU, AEN, AEN DEFER, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 02-03-2025
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- to really combat needed for research to really combat this<00:09:38.399><c> problem</c><00:09:38.640
- These are small changes, but based on my research of farm-to-food assistance and work in Hawaii over
- at Community Based work in research at Community Based work in Hawaii<00:19:48.000><c> and</c><00:19
- of farm to food assistance and research of farm to food assistance and work<00:20:42.440><c> in</c><
- </c><00:58:34.359><c> Center</c> the uh Water Resources Research Center the uh Water Resources Research
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Environment
Summary:
The committees heard several agriculture and food-system bills. SB 1562 would create a Combined Housing Operational Agricultural Mobilization Program to help bona fide farmers live and farm on agricultural lands and provide a tax credit for donated land. Testimony generally supported the goal of housing for farmers and farm workers, but raised concerns about placing the program within the Department of Agriculture, possible constitutional and drafting issues, land-quality standards, lease structure, and whether another agency might be better suited. The committees recommended passing SB 1562 with amendments, including clarifying DOA authority to acquire agricultural lands and establishing an advisory committee within the department; the recommendation was adopted.
The committees also heard SB 1171 on providing monofilament netting through hardware stores to help slow coconut rhinoceros beetle spread, SB 1186 on creating a statewide interagency food systems coordination team and working group, SB 1250 on a Farm to Families program, SB 1303 on agricultural loans, SB 1395 on a climate mitigation and resiliency special fund, SB 504 on a local agricultural transportation cost reimbursement program, SB 1185 on reviewing and repealing obsolete agricultural laws, and SB 187 on funding permanent agricultural biosecurity positions. Most testimony on these measures was in support, with some suggested refinements: for SB 1186, a youth advisory seat and clearer performance benchmarks; for SB 1250, broader eligibility for food pantries, cold storage, and staffing support; for SB 1303, support for lower interest rates and expanded loan tools; for SB 1395, debate over the fund’s structure and revenue source; for SB 504, clearer eligibility for small and beginning farmers, cooperatives, and food hubs; and for SB 1185, interest in joining the working group but concern about overbroad deregulation.
No roll-call votes were taken on the other measures in the excerpt, but the chair reported testimony counts on some bills, including 89 in support and none opposed for SB 1250, 13 in support and one opposed for SB 504, and 14 in support with one comment for SB 1395. SB 1303 and SB 187 also drew supportive testimony from the Department of Agriculture, farm groups, food banks, and industry organizations, with SB 187 emphasizing the need to make Act 231 biosecurity positions permanent and fully funded.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Rethinking Paying Subminimal Wage to Persons with Disabilities Task Force Apr 24th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a third-year law student at OU, and one of the big research projects I worked on while I've been
- And we did some research on this area. We'll start with I need a clicker. That's right. Thank you.
- Thank you for doing that research. I appreciate you all.
- All the testimony that we've heard today, the research that you guys have done today, and as keeping
- I actually wanted to mention from our research, one thing that we that I heard over and over and over
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- , ...based on online research, based on the manufacturer, that we'd be able to collect that product,
- House Bill 126 at the time accounted for processing, transportation, growing of hemp, and the research
- That can be nutrition research or product science to help with commercialization.
- Research and innovation, which I talk And support commercialization and new products to market.
- Research and innovation, which I touched on a little bit before with that Build program.
Committee:
House Agricultural Affairs
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 771, which would create a licensing and inspection framework for retail hemp products and give the Idaho State Department of Agriculture authority to test products for THC. Representative Shirts said the bill was still being worked on and asked that it be held at the call of the chair. Testimony from the Idaho Farm Bureau, Boise Police Department, and the Idaho Retailers Association generally supported the goal of closing loopholes and ensuring products sold as CBD are actually THC-free, while also raising concerns about the bill’s scope and the need to narrow it so it would not unintentionally cover non-consumable hemp items such as shampoos, clothing, rope, and other retail goods. Committee members also asked about THC thresholds and enforcement, and ISDA Director Chanel T. Walt explained existing hemp and controlled-substances definitions and said the proposal would shift routine oversight from law enforcement to an administrative licensing process. The committee then voted to hold HB 771 in committee at the call of the chair.
The committee next took up House Bill 772, which would clarify when hemp producers do not commit a negligent violation if their crop exceeds the THC limit under certain conditions. Representative Shirts said the bill would align Idaho’s rules with federal standards and would not change the 0.3% THC limit, but would define a negligent violation for grain or fiber hemp when the producer made a reasonable effort to comply and the crop did not exceed 1% THC. Braden Jensen of the Idaho Farm Bureau supported the bill, explaining that it would protect growers from losing licenses over THC spikes caused by heat stress or other factors outside their control. The committee voted unanimously to send HB 772 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
After the hemp bills, the committee received an informational presentation from Dairy West and the Idaho Dairy Products Commission. Dairy West CEO Steve Seppi described the organization’s regional structure, funding through producer assessments, board governance, and programs focused on marketing, research, nutrition, exports, and industry relations across Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Utah. He highlighted Idaho’s large dairy sector, continued growth in production and processing investment, and efforts to promote dairy consumption and innovation. Chairman Don Galswick added comments about the value of Dairy West’s work in countering plant-based protein competition and supporting the industry’s sustainability message. At the end of the meeting, the committee approved the minutes from February 26, 2026, and adjourned.