Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, those lines are where the provision for grazing activities. Oh yes.
• are where the provision for grazing are where the provision for grazing activities.<00:04:11.280
• And then, of course, we still have the interest of conservation grazing, which maintains a concern.
• <00:42:55.599> I grazing uh maintains a concern. I grazing uh maintains a concern.
• Um so I I don't know if graze there.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A majority of our land is actually leased for grazing operations.
• A majority of that is leased for grazing.
• Are they going to be grazing leases now? Are we going to not do anything out of there?
• I believe the land use classification may have changed to grazing in that area.
• Is it worth people grazing those lands?

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Joint Natural Resources and House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committees of Reference heard the Arizona Auditor General’s sunset review of the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. The audit found the board generally met some licensing requirements, but it did not timely investigate and resolve 49 of 159 complaints in fiscal year 2024, and it did not fully comply with conflict-of-interest disclosure and filing requirements. The Auditor General also identified weaknesses in continuing-education verification and other sunset-factor areas, and the board agreed to implement all 21 recommendations. Board staff said complaint volume has risen sharply since the pandemic, that the board’s process is slower because every case goes through an investigative committee and then the full board, and that it has already corrected some conflict-of-interest issues and is adding tools to improve continuing-education audits. The committee then heard testimony from the board’s executive director and from the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association. The executive director emphasized the board’s public-protection mission, described the shortage of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and said the board is working to improve efficiency through a new e-licensing system and staff training. Members asked about the shortage of large-animal veterinarians, complaint backlogs, and whether the board could do more to recruit rural practitioners; the board said it lacks direct recruiting authority but supports multiple licensure pathways and loan-assistance efforts. The veterinary association supported the board’s oversight and said it is also working on rural and large-animal workforce issues through partnerships and advocacy. The committee then voted to recommend continuing the board for eight years, until July 1, 2034. The committee next took up the Arizona State Land Department, beginning with the Auditor General’s presentation on the department’s sunset review and prior special audit. The audit found the department had not updated its required five-year disposition plan since 2011, had sold more than 48,000 acres without an active plan, had allowed agricultural rental rates to go unchanged since 2006 despite market increases, and had not consistently inspected mineral-related leases or properly managed reclamation bonds. The Auditor General said these issues created risks of lost revenue, reduced transparency, and public-safety hazards, and recommended 18 corrective actions in the main review plus 34 additional recommendations on other issues; the department agreed to most recommendations but declined to adopt a written policy for commissioner-initiated land sales. Commissioner Robin Sahid said the department is working through audit recommendations, has created a rules team, improved its customer portal, and is pursuing new policies on water use, transportation-basin leases, and disposition planning. Members questioned the department about agricultural leases, groundwater valuation, the Fondomonte leases and reimbursement for improvements, the canceled Coyotes land auction, backlog and processing times, and the use of consultants and administrative funds. The commissioner said the department had over 2,000 applications in queue when she arrived, that it has made progress reducing the backlog, and that it is conducting stakeholder outreach on water-efficiency standards and lease addenda. No final vote on the land department continuation was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can find a lot of information about the livestock loss board on the Arizona Grazing Clearinghouse
• You can find a lot of information about the livestock loss board on the Arizona Grazing Clearinghouse
• They could also include not grazing where there's heavy drought impacts, which reduces the prey base
• They can get—there's a list on the Arizona Grazing Clearinghouse website of probably 15 to 20 federal
• and state compensation programs for ranchers if they can't graze due to drought.

Bills: HB2013, HB2026, HB2056, HB2098, HB2113, HB2156, HB2158, HCM2011, HCR2057

Keywords: air pollution, wildfires, environmental standards, public health, Arizona Revised Statutes, assured water supply, groundwater, commingling, commingled water, water supply, Arizona Department of Water Resources, ADWR, active management area, AMA, subdivision plat, development approval, water rights, municipal provider, private water company, certificate of assured water supply

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from February 27 and March 3, 2026, and then heard several natural resources and water-related measures. House Bill 2013 would require ADEQ to submit an exceptional event demonstration to EPA when wildfire smoke from federally managed land affects Arizona air quality. The sponsor said this would help Arizona’s ozone/nonattainment position, while Sierra Club and ADEQ raised concerns that the bill duplicates an existing process and could waste staff time and resources. The bill passed 5-3. House Bill 2156 would appropriate $250,000 to the Livestock Compensation Fund. Supporters argued ranchers need help with livestock losses and drought impacts, while opponents criticized the board’s transparency and said the program already receives federal and prior state funding. The bill passed 5-3. House Bill 2113 would require RUCO to intervene in utility rate cases when a proposed increase reaches 100% or more; the sponsor said rural customers are being overlooked, while RUCO said it would need significant additional staff and funding and could not absorb the workload without more resources. The bill passed 6-2, with members noting they expected a future amendment to add funding. The committee also approved House Concurrent Memorial 2011, which urges Congress to delist the Mexican gray wolf and return management to states and local authorities. Supporters cited livestock losses and ranching impacts, while opponents said the species remains endangered and recovery decisions should remain science-based; the memorial passed 5-3. House Bill 2026, concerning how ADWR evaluates water availability when supplies are commingled, passed 5-3 despite concerns that it could weaken groundwater safeguards. House Bill 2056, which funds a feasibility study for brackish groundwater desalination sites, also passed 5-3 after debate over whether the study was necessary given existing groundwater accounting and treatment efforts. House Bill 2098, modernizing Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority bonding authority, passed unanimously 8-0. Finally, House Concurrent Resolution 2057, supporting a geothermal permitting roadmap and agency coordination for next-generation geothermal development, passed unanimously 8-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:52.640> The<00:09:52.880> management grasslands for grazing.
• The management grasslands for grazing.
• livestock in many as you know, we graze livestock in many of<00:45:15.200> these<00:45:15.440
• Grazing that can be extremely helpful when there is a fire.
• <00:46:15.359> uh<00:46:15.599> grazing that uh is under those trees. uh grazing that

Bills: HB0078, SF0012, SF0013, SF0052, SF0069, SF0070

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, funding, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment, referral bonus, military service, eligibility expansion, incentive program, wildlife management, environmental restoration

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to the exemption modification for grazing activities, there are a number of agricultural
• Uh, speaking on Senator Weber on the grazing exception. Welcome to the committee.
• Uh, speaking on Senator Weber on the grazing exception. Welcome to the committee.
• Uh, speaking on Senator Weber on the grazing exception. Welcome to the committee.
• Uh, speaking on Senator Weber on the grazing exception. Welcome to the committee.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The current post-mining land use is designated for grazing, wildlife grazing, and habitat.
• It could potentially be used for the intended post-mining land use of grazing because there have been
• Chair, is there currently any grazing happening in this area or region? Mr.
• For better understanding, but one thing that was just mentioned about the grazing in the southern part
• The grazing that is done there is actually on unmined property; it's within the permit. area, but it's

Transcript Highlights:

• c> much<01:51:49.760> just we're not going to graze as much just we're not going to graze
• We we do do something around grazing.
• So my problem with this is the grazing aspect of it.
• are not going to be able to graze because of the drought.
• are not going to be able to graze because of the drought.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the previous day’s journal, and received several committee reports and conference committee permissions. It also adopted a Senate resolution recognizing the 125th anniversary of Western Colorado University (SR 8) by a 35-0 vote, with remarks highlighting the university’s history, workforce role, mountain rescue team, athletics, and ties to Gunnison and the Western Slope. The resolution was adopted and co-sponsors were added. The chamber then took up third reading and final passage on several bills. Senate Bill 152, concerning automated vehicle identification systems, was amended on the floor with a technical correction and passed 32-3. House Bill 1322, creating civil actions related to conversion therapy efforts, prompted emotional testimony from Senator Mullica about his mother and passed 23-12. House Bill 1123, addressing sexual abuse prevention in jails, passed 27-8 after a technical amendment. House Bill 1226, reducing emissions from certain electric generating units, passed 22-13. House Bill 1076, modifying transportation statutes, passed 28-0, and House Bill 1207, requiring employer disclosure of demographic workforce data, passed 23-12. Senate Bill 115, a postconviction relief measure for certain older incarcerated people, was amended and debated at length. Supporters described it as narrowly tailored to a small number of eligible inmates and emphasized victim-rights protections and exclusions for serious offenses; opponents remained opposed. The bill ultimately passed 18-17. The Senate then approved a Committee of the Whole report advancing Senate Bill 181 and several House bills—1338, 1344, 1336 as amended, 1227, 1314, 1028, 1282, and 1317 as amended—to third reading and final passage, and later adopted the consent-calendar bills in special orders without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• And through that rotational grazing, they were able to implement their sheep and chicken operation.
• The sheep were able to graze, and because of that rotational grazing practice, that farm specifically
• Um the sheep were<01:00:34.559> able<01:00:34.799> to<01:00:34.960> graze.
• Um, and because of were able to graze.
• practice,<01:00:39.920> that that rotational grazing practice, that that rotational grazing

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 219, which would revise the renewable portfolio standard by changing several class definitions, eliminating Class 2, lowering the utility obligation for Class 1 thermal renewable energy certificates from 2.2% to 1.7%, and adjusting alternative compliance payments. Representative Vose said the bill would save ratepayers an estimated $5.7 million annually, arguing that Class 2 is already saturated and that the changes would not materially affect renewable energy development. Members questioned the fiscal impact, with an amended fiscal note cited as showing a $1.2 million reduction in general fund revenue, and some members raised concerns that the bill could weaken one of the remaining incentives for renewable investment. The committee also reviewed the bill’s history, including that it had been added to HB 2 and then removed in conference committee. No vote was taken in the work session. The committee then heard House Bill 164, concerning local records retention and the creation of a local records manager position. Secretary of State David Scanlan testified that the position has existed in statute for years but has never been funded, and said the need has grown as records management has become more digital and ADA accessibility has become more important. He described the bill as a way to help towns preserve and digitize records, especially for smaller communities with limited resources, while keeping records locally when possible. Members asked about the fiscal note, the potential cost of a public website and storage system, and whether the state could start by funding the position alone; the secretary said the staffing cost estimate remained accurate but that storage costs could rise over time. Several members expressed support and suggested further discussion with the Department of Information or other agencies. The work session was then closed without action. Finally, the committee opened House Bill 365, which would provide proof of U.S. citizenship assistance for indigent voters. Secretary Scanlan said the bill is intended to help voters comply with the new voter registration documentation requirements by allowing the state to verify eligibility through federal, private, and other state databases, and by providing vouchers to cover the cost of obtaining documents such as birth certificates. He compared the proposal to the earlier voter ID law, which he said was successfully implemented with accommodations for voters lacking acceptable ID. Members asked how “indigent” would be defined and how the process would work for out-of-state-born applicants; the secretary said indigency would likely be based on a voter’s statement of inability to pay and that the state would help identify where to obtain records and, if necessary, verify them through outside databases. The discussion continued as the transcript ended, with no vote recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• graze cropland, as consistent with soil health principles.
• However, in today's practices, you have rotational grazing whereby grazing occurs for a limited period
• beneficial to those who are grazing beneficial to those who are grazing livestock<01:37:09.400><
• comment that in today's grazing comment that in today's grazing practices<01:37:50.400> have<
• grazing whereby uh grazing<01:38:02.400> occurs<01:38:02.800> for<01:38:03.000> a

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Line 35 is a property tax exemption for nonprofits that use their property for grazing.
• Line 35 is a property tax exemption for nonprofits that use their property for grazing.
• :39.279> for nonprofits that use their property for nonprofits that use their property for grazing
• um that has a negligible effect grazing um that has a negligible effect on<00:30:43.960> property
• by a nonprofit conservation organization that is leased, loaned, or otherwise made available for grazing

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, back on the grazing piece of it, we do allow grazing on some of those conservation lands.
• If you get too many animals grazing in too small an area, it can be harmful, but if you do it right,
• and things like that but um of grazing and things like that but um of course<01:25:51.239> that
• what have you so um back on the grazing what have you so um back on the grazing piece<01:25:57.080
• <01:25:59.239> on<01:25:59.480> some piece of it we do allow grazing on some piece

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We also are looking at, you know, adding additional programs in grazing.
• And how do you utilize grazing with animals on that farm?
• We also are looking at, you know, adding additional programs in grazing.
• And how do you utilize grazing with animals on that farm?
• And it is focused on premier grazing crops and using photovoltaic.

Bills: HF3692

Keywords: Farmer-Lender Mediation Act, mediation, agriculture finance, debt relief, civil law, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Imagine a community with a central green space upon which local farmers graze their sheep.
• Initially, the pasture is abundant, and each farmer benefits from grazing their sheep freely.
• Through collaboration and a system of governance, the farmers could manage the number of sheep grazing
• Initially, the pasture is abundant, and each farmer benefits from grazing their sheep freely.
• Through collaboration and a system of governance, the farmers could manage the number of sheep grazing

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:08:29.440> Grazing Research and Outreach Station.
• Grazing Research and Outreach Station.
• move into grazing for um solar<01:13:29.120> sites.
• <01:16:30.000> for we now are using sheep grazing for we now are using sheep grazing for efficient
• enough for dairy cows to graze under. enough for dairy cows to graze under.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, I work hard to foster soil health and promote water quality through rotationally grazing our
• livestock, a practice sometimes called management-intensive prescribed grazing, as it sounds.
• <00:48:39.119> our<00:48:39.319> livestock<00:48:40.000> a rotationally grazing
• grazing as it sounds<00:48:45.319> these<00:48:45.559> practices<00:48:46.079> provide
• of Agriculture, and we're glad that there are programs in the state to support people who want to graze

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We also graze one of the largest flocks of sheep east of the Mississippi and have two patents where we
• built the world's first solar facility specifically designed for beef cattle grazing.
• We also graze one of the a project.
• We also graze one of the largest<00:28:18.320> sheeps<00:28:18.720> of<00:28:19.039>
• . grazing. grazing.

Bills: HB542, HB566, SB270, HB618, HB617, HB542, HB566, SB270, HB618, HB617

Keywords: HB542, district attorney, prosecutor, supernumerary district attorney, Employees' Retirement System, ERS, Alabama retirement, public employee retirement, pension, retirement benefits, post-retirement employment, salary cap, dual participation, double dipping, District Attorneys' Plan, assistant district attorney, deputy district attorney, state pension, survivor benefits, Office of Prosecution Services

Transcript Highlights:

• That area is more like grazing land and can't be used for farming.
• Grazing Service, and several other agencies in the 1940s.
• , if both can be used simultaneously, or putting recreational use in rocky areas where there's no grazing
• that's not economical for them to do when what they can do is rent that land, lease that land for grazing
• We had our own meal, our own feed, our animals, and we had the land in order to graze them to produce

Transcript Highlights:

• Ninety-six percent of that is leased out for hunting, grazing, and other purposes.
• Just quick, when y'all also have grazing rights on those properties, is that right?
• The grazing is on roughly 2.1 million acres.
• And what about the erosion of our grazing land? There was crickets.
• And what about the erosion of our grazing land?

Summary: The committee heard testimony first from the Texas General Land Office and School Land Board. GLO officials described the agency’s role in managing more than 13 million acres of state lands and mineral interests for the Permanent School Fund, overseeing the Alamo, coastal programs, veterans’ services, and federal disaster recovery. They said the agency has generated about $6 billion for the Permanent School Fund since Commissioner Buckingham took office, and that its disaster recovery portfolio is about $14 billion across multiple events, with more than 22,000 housing units rebuilt or reconstructed since Hurricane Harvey. Members asked about land purchases such as Brewster Ranch, rare earth mineral leasing, SpaceX-related beach access, and whether the lands are public access lands; GLO staff said the holdings are managed to maximize revenue for education, that most land is leased rather than open to public access, and that they are coordinating on coastal access and compliance. On the School Land Board, members sought clarification on the difference between GLO-managed lands and the Permanent School Fund Corporation’s investment role, and staff explained that GLO generates the revenue while the separate corporation invests it. No votes or formal actions were taken. The Board for Lease of University Lands then testified. University Lands officials explained that they steward 2.1 million acres of surface and mineral interests in West Texas for the Permanent University Fund, which supports UT and Texas A&M institutions. They said a 2025 lease sale produced about $50 million in bonus revenue from 28,000 acres, and described the Board for Lease’s role in approving lease forms, lease sales, and development agreements. Members asked about the size and use of the PUF, how distributions work through UTIMCO, whether PUF money can be used for athletics, and how the land is managed; the witness said the fund is a constitutional endowment, the land is largely leased rather than sold, and distributions are generally used for buildings, labs, and other permanent structures, with some institutions also using a portion for operations. No votes or formal actions were taken. The committee then took up municipal utility districts. Testimony from a law firm, the Texas Municipal League, Fort Bend County Commissioner Vincent Morales, and Johnson Development largely supported MUDs as a financing tool for infrastructure tied to growth. Witnesses said MUDs help fund water, sewer, drainage, roads, parks, and related infrastructure, allowing development to proceed without shifting costs to existing taxpayers and helping keep housing affordable. They emphasized that MUDs are created with disclosure to homebuyers, are subject to the Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act, and are overseen by TCEQ for bond issuance and related financial stress tests. Members questioned whether MUDs are taxing entities, whether they can be created inside city limits or ETJs, how much control cities and counties retain, and whether MUDs are becoming permanent local governments; witnesses acknowledged they levy taxes and debt, can exist within city limits with city consent, and often function as long-term local entities. The committee did not take any formal action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• On HB 1421 for Cattle Grazing on State Lands by Representative Albert, you are recognized. Rep.
• Albert: of cattle grazing on such lands.
• I know there are five state parks that already allow cattle grazing. Chair Botana: Follow-up? Rep.
• I wouldn't want to see cattle grazing supersede the other benefits we have for our state parks.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Forest Reserve is adjacent to Hakala Ranch, and there is a lot of grazing that occurs adjacent to
• Plantation in order to do uh targeted Plantation in order to do uh targeted grazing<00:27:35.640>
• :36.159> area<00:27:36.440> to<00:27:36.600> reduce<00:27:36.960> the grazing
• within that area to reduce the grazing within that area to reduce the grasses<00:27:37.679> so
• on that occurs adjacent lot of grazing on that occurs adjacent to<00:27:45.799> it<00:27:46.000

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 19, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures before taking up decision-making. Senate Bill 1381, relating to the Hawaii National Guard, received support from the Department of Defense and other testifiers and was recommended to pass as is. Senate Bill 422, relating to education and high school diplomas for veterans, also drew support from the Department of Education, the Military Affairs Council, and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, and was recommended to pass as is. Senate Bill 414, relating to restoring access to disaster-affected areas in Lahaina, was discussed with testimony from HHFDC and others; members agreed to amend the bill to refer to the Department of Transportation as the acquiring agency, and the measure was recommended to pass with amendments. The committee then considered Senate Bill 223, relating to fire prevention. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the bill but recommended changes to make the wildland-urban interface code a matter for the State Fire Council/State Fire Marshal rather than statute, and noted it lacked authority to mandate fuel reduction work on lands outside its control. Members also discussed community fuel reduction funding, with DLNR indicating that $10 million would be an effective amount and describing current funding for equipment, outreach, and positions. The chair proposed amendments to make fuel reduction on non-set-aside lands permissive rather than mandatory, to allow the State Fire Council to amend the state fire code to include easement holders, and to note a defective date and the funding request in the committee report. The bill was recommended to pass with amendments, with one member voting with reservations. In a later decision-making session, the committee considered Senate Bill 1379, relating to emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers, and Senate Bill 371, relating to property damage of critical infrastructure facilities. For SB 1379, the chair proposed an HD1 incorporating the Hawaii Advisory Council on Emergency Management and county emergency management in site-selection criteria, adding geographic resilience considerations, changing the defective date, and noting $10.8 million for site design plus $1.2 million for contract support; the bill passed with amendments, with reservations from some members over county input and funding. For SB 371, the chair amended the bill to remove recklessly/negligently causing damage and require intentional conduct throughout, while leaving other issues for Judiciary review; the bill passed with amendments, with at least one member voting with reservations.