Transcript Highlights:

• 35 acres.
• 35 acres.
• 35 acres.
• 35 acres.
• We think go from 25 acres to 35 acres.

Bills: HB1601, HB1828, HB1616, HB1603, HB1606, HB1604, HB1605

Keywords: biosecurity, invasive species, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, Department of Land and Natural Resources, appropriation, agriculture, land use, farm dwelling, renewable energy, income qualification, solar energy, geothermal resources, hydropower, agricultural tourism, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, land leases, Hawaii

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, the top-selling farm is $193,000 an acre.
• So this graph shows the amount of acres So this graph shows the amount of acres enrolled<01:20:49.760
• The companion program to Green Acres... as a result. So um that's kind of you as a result.
• decreased<01:22:05.520> uh Uh enrollment acres have decreased uh Uh enrollment acres have
• something where those amount of acres something where those amount of acres are<01:22:15.360>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• LET'S TALK ABOUT THE EAA RESERVOIR. 10,000 ACRE RESERVOIR. WE SPEAK IN ACRE FEET.
• WHEN YOU ARE CIVIL ENGINEER AND YOU'RE CHANGING THE COURSE OF RIVERS IT'S ACRE FEET WHICH IS IN ACRE
• OF LAND WITH A FOOT AND YOU'RE CHANGING THE COURSE OF RIVERS IT'S ACRE FEET WHICH IS IN ACRE OF LAND
• SO WE HAVE 60,000, NOW 66 ACRES OF THE WETLAND TREATMENT SYSTEMS THAT WE RUN EVERY DROP THROUGH BEFORE
• IT'S 10,000 ACRES. YOU CAN FIT THE TOP TEN FLORIDA UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES INSIDE OF IT.

Transcript Highlights:

• CONSERVATION FLORIDA FLORIDA'S REGULAR 40,000 ACRES AND LIKE I SAID WE ARE WORKING WITH LANDOWNERS A
• OF THE 18 MILLION ACRE CORRIDOR 7 MILLION ACRES OF WORKING LAND ARE RANCH LAND AND TIMBERLAND WHICH MAKES
• THERE ARE 3.8 MILLION ACRES OF TIMBERLAND IN THE CORRIDOR. ABOUT 22 PERCENT OF THE CORRIDOR.
• END OF THE CORRIDORS MILLIONS OF ACRES OF OPPORTUNITY AREA WHICH ARE THE AREAS WE ARE LOOKING AT THAT
• AND THERE ARE STANDARD STOCKING RATES FOR EXAMPLE BLUEBERRIES MAY NEED TWO TO THREE COLONIES PER ACRE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ACR. ACR.
• And we simply added that they cannot collect ACR data without a consumer's consent.
• And we simply added that they cannot collect ACR data without a consumer's consent.
• Yeah, the ACR data is specific to that.
• Yeah, the ACR data is specific to that.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:21 HB 480 Discussion: 01:40 HB 480 Voting: 02:36 HB 577 Discussion: 05:14 HB 577 Voting: 08:38 HB 692 Discussion: 09:23 HB 692 Voting: 14:00 HB 869 Discussion: 15:21 HB 869 Voting: 18:56, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The answer pond less than 10 acres?
• <00:38:25.280> are beds of a pond less than 10 acres are beds of a pond less than 10 acres
• We have municipalities that would require a quarter acre and some go up to 10 acres. Oh, okay.
• quarter acre and some go up to 10 acres. quarter acre and some go up to 10 acres.
• That's 2.3 acres. These are the feet. That's 2.3 acres.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 27FN, which would change how improvements to dwellings over water are handled and align those projects more closely with the state building code. The bill was presented by Trisha Milo on behalf of Senator Lang, and attorney John Cronin explained that it arose from a specific New Hampshire Supreme Court case involving the Newcombs’ lakeside property, but that it could affect a small number of older waterfront homes statewide. He said the intent was to give the Department of Environmental Services (DES) limited waiver authority for improvements that do not harm water quality, plant life, or fish, while still requiring DES review and local permits. Committee members asked several questions about the scope of the bill, including whether it was tied to one case, how many properties might be affected, what counts as “living space,” and whether the language could allow larger decks or other expansions. Cronin said the bill was meant to be narrow, focused on access and egress and not on creating new living space, and that DES would still be able to deny unreasonable requests. He also described the Newcombs’ project as a rehabilitation of an older structure that had been approved locally and later challenged by DES, leading to the current dispute. Darlene Forst, the Wetlands Bureau administrator at DES, testified in opposition. She said the department was surprised the bill was being heard because it believed the Senate had sent it to interim study, and she argued the language was unclear and could have broader statewide effects than intended. Forst also said the underlying case was still active and should not be effectively re-litigated through this bill. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we've got a little over 155,000 acres of irrigated crop production in that area.
• Our land management area includes about 770,000 acres that we own.
• We have 461,000 acres that we either own in fee or through conservation easements.
• We have 461,000 acres that we either own in fee or through conservation easements.
• On those million acres of land. So that's a major effort that we have in South Florida.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from all five water management districts for FY 2026-2027: Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and how most of its spending is tied to the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Several directors noted budget reductions from the prior year largely because major projects were completed or because grant/appropriation funding is not yet fully reflected in preliminary budgets. Committee members repeatedly asked how districts project operations and maintenance costs, how projects are selected, and what share of staff and spending is devoted to core missions versus administration or regulatory work. Northwest Florida Water Management District said its preliminary budget is $93.4 million, down about 15%, with 97% of spending tied to core responsibilities and a request for additional regulatory services funding. Suwannee River Water Management District presented a $70.4 million budget, emphasized its rural/agricultural character and spring protection work, and highlighted the Water First North Florida reclaimed-water recharge project; members also discussed its need for an additional FTE to handle consumptive use permit reviews tied to a new lower Santa Fe rule. St. Johns River Water Management District presented a $181 million budget, highlighted major water supply, water quality, flood protection, and land management projects such as Taylor Creek Reservoir, Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Crane Creek, and Lake Jessup restoration, and said about 93% of its budget supports core missions. Southwest Florida Water Management District presented a $227.6 million budget, with major spending on alternative water supply, water control structure repairs, watershed projects, and land management; officials said 93.4% of the budget supports core missions and discussed rising construction costs for aging infrastructure. South Florida Water Management District presented the largest budget at $1.05 billion, focused on Everglades restoration, flood control, water supply, and ecosystem recovery; the director described major reservoirs and treatment projects, the EAA Reservoir, and ongoing efforts to improve water quality and restore flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay. The committee took no formal votes on the district budgets and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We only sell 20,000 acre-feet of water. Our total water sales are like 400,000.
• That's almost 67,000 acres of water proposed project, which would take in another close to 200,000 acres
• In 2023, 71,000 acres did not get planted due to the lack of irrigation water.
• Four days after that flood, I still had about 300 acres underwater.
• In addition to the Arbuckle Reservoir, ...about 90,000 acre-feet to our existing supply.

Bills: HB16, HB16, HB1618, HB2692, HB2712, HB2970, HB3609, HB3628

Keywords: judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, water infrastructure, Texas Water Development Board, financial assistance, water supply projects, rural municipalities, water access assessment, aquifer storage, Edwards Aquifer, water injection, environmental regulations, groundwater management, San Antonio River, pollution control

Transcript Highlights:

• has 7 million acres.
• has 7 million acres.
• has 7 million acres.
• gram instead of pounds per acre. gram instead of pounds per acre.
• production acres uh across the state. production acres uh across the state.

Bills: HF3965, HF3704, HF3260, HF3718

Keywords: pesticide, agriculture, environmental protection, health risks, chemical safety, local agriculture, insecticides, pollinators, seeds, environmental health, neonicotinoids, systemic insecticides, civil penalties, pest management, land trends, report, appropriation, farmers, veterinary medicine, veterinary technology

Transcript Highlights:

• 69,000 plus acres going to be enhanced. 69,000 plus acres going to be enhanced.
• Two acres down to one acre, which would be comparable to the equivalent of 40,000 square feet of a greenhouse
• /c><01:31:57.840> 1 talking about that. 2 acres down to 1 talking about that. 2 acres down to
• On the 2 acres down to 1 acre, an acre is 43,560, by the way. adjust dates related to that somewhat,
• down to 1 Senator DeBolt, on the 2 acres down to 1 acre,<01:34:23.920> an<01:34:24.040> acre

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:32.800> of for the surveying of 54,000 acres of for the surveying of 54,000 acres of
• of land that would join an existing 32 acres currently owned by the authority.
• of land that would join an existing 32 acres currently owned by the authority.
• of land that would join an existing 32 acres currently owned by the authority.
• of land that would join an existing 32 acres currently owned by the authority.

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:49 Approval of Minutes 02:06 Information Items 03:48 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 14:38 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 18:50 OFM – Ky Infrastructure Authority 26:40 OFM – Cabinet for Economic Development 31:50 Office of Financial Management 40:40 Remaining 2025 Meeting Dates 41:25 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and a quorum call, then the committee approved the prior meeting minutes. Staff reported several informational items, including University of Kentucky medical and research equipment purchases, school district debt issues, leasehold improvements, and Kentucky Community and Technical College System bond allocations. The committee then approved a line-item appropriation increase of $350,000 in federal funds for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ Cumberland Forest Conservation Program, along with two Department of Military Affairs projects: the Ashland Readiness Center window replacement and the MATES HVAC replacement at Fort Knox. It also approved four larger maintenance-pool projects without further action: HVAC and smoke evacuation work at the Kentucky State Penitentiary, HVAC and hot water tank replacements at Oakwood, a Green Bank energy-savings performance project across state facilities, and roof replacement at Lake Barkley Lodge. Members asked about the prison project, the roof procurement process, and whether minority-owned firms receive special bidding preference; staff said capital projects are awarded through open low-bid procurement with qualification and warranty requirements, and that minority participation is preferred but not a bidding criterion. Two lease modifications were approved for Franklin County agencies: an expansion and renovation for the Auditor of Public Accounts and a downsizing and renovation for the Kentucky Workers Compensation Funding Commission. The committee also approved Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items, including a Monticello sewer loan, several Cleaner Water Program grants and reallocations, and a House Bill 1 water grant that required no action. Members questioned engineering costs and were told the KIA board reviews technical details and anomalies before approval. Finally, the committee approved six economic development grants: one EDF grant for V Simple in Jefferson County and five KPDI EDF grants for projects in Breckinridge, Erlanger, Todd, and Washington counties. The last action item was approval of Western Kentucky University’s up-to-$10 million general receipts revenue bond issue for athletic facilities. An informational Kentucky Housing Corporation multifamily bond item prompted concern from members about rising per-unit costs for affordable housing, and they requested further explanation from the housing corporation at a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, they have airily treated over 33,000 acres of salt cedar.
• So he's done over 10,000 acres. Uh, and then mechanically treated.
• on 665 acres from livestock, then cut stump treatments on 613 acres.
• Um, he did that on 435 acres. And this is not just a one-man show.
• on up to like 5000 acres.

Transcript Highlights:

• This year, we had on DNR acres just around 76,000 acres that burned and just over 1,100 fires classified
• And it was not due to the fact that we had more acres.
• Basically, this fire was held at 882 acres.
• And to highlight some real-life examples of photos of the project, ...acres.
• So we only have 71,000 acres more to go to reach our goal.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a work session covering the state revenue outlook, caseload forecasts, wildfire costs, budget balance, tort liability, water supply, and pension policy. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported modest near-term U.S. growth, no near-term Washington employment growth in 2026, continued personal income growth, and elevated inflation, with tariffs and federal policy cited as major risks. Revenue forecasts were slightly improved for the current biennium by about $105 million but down about $185 million for the next biennium. Members asked about income inequality and housing permits; staff said personal income is an aggregate measure and housing production remains below long-term needs. The Caseload Forecast Council then reported that most forecasts were unchanged or only slightly changed, but several programs increased, including Washington College Grant, Working Connections, aged/blind/disabled cash grants, nursing homes, home and community services, and developmental disabilities personal care. The largest policy-driven change was in Medicaid low-income adult caseloads, where federal H.R. 1 was projected to reduce coverage substantially through narrower eligibility, community engagement requirements, and shorter eligibility periods. The committee also heard a wildfire funding update and a 2025 fire season review. Staff explained that the state budgets $93 million annually for suppression and uses supplemental appropriations for costs above that level, with an estimated state supplemental need of about $139 million for the current year. Department of Natural Resources officials said 2025 fire activity remained below the 10-year average in acres burned, but fires were more complex and closer to communities, contributing to higher residence loss. They described expanded use of aircraft, firefighters from other states, corrections crews, and the Arcadia 20 hand crew, and said the state did not need National Guard ground support this year. A budget preview then showed that the near general fund outlook had worsened after vetoes, lapses, and forecast changes, and that maintenance-level costs alone would leave a projected negative balance by fiscal year 2027 and about $4.3 billion by fiscal year 2029, before any policy decisions. Jason Seams, the state risk manager, reported a sharp rise in tort claim costs, with indemnity expenses nearly doubling from fiscal year 2023 to 2025 and DCYF accounting for most of the increase. He said the state self-insurance liability account has run deficits for four straight biennia and is now facing nearly $600 million in deficits, driven largely by a surge in DCYF claims, especially juvenile rehabilitation and long-running sex abuse cases. Members asked about the role of old claims, comparisons with other states, excess insurance, and whether more Attorney General staff could reduce special assistant attorney general costs. The committee then shifted to water policy, hearing from tribal leaders, Ecology, and the Washington Water Trust. Tribal witnesses emphasized overappropriation, declining flows, climate impacts, and the need for legislative oversight and tribal participation in water policy. Ecology described major projects in the Odessa sub-area, Yakima Basin, and Dungeness, along with the need for storage, recharge, conservation, and policy changes to support water supply development. The Washington Water Trust argued that climate change is reducing summer flows and that the state needs more funding, enforcement, and long-term commitment to restore instream flows. The final item was a pension update on LEOFF 1 surplus assets; staff reviewed two 2025 bills that would have merged or restructured the plan and used surplus assets, but neither passed, and instead the budget directed the Select Committee on Pension Policy to study the issue and report back.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Navajo Nation alone is 17 million acres in three states.
• Nine million acres in New Mexico are state trust lands.
• That's up where I live, national grasslands. acres in three states.
• Nine million acres in New Mexico are state trust lands.
• The Arming Darus, it just sold to a conservation group, 362,885 acres.

Bills: HB2, SB193, SB132, SB35, SB145

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law, agricultural water, farmers, Rio Grande, acequia association, forest land protection revolving fund, state fund transfer, irrigation projects

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise today in strong support of ACR 63, and just want to echo my colleague's words.
• So I strongly urge your aye vote. on ACR 63. Thank you, Assemblymember Hadwick.
• That brings us to file item 154 ACR 76 by Assemblymember Szilagyi. Clerk will read.
• Okay, we are moving on to file item number 155, ACR 77 by Assemblymember Davies.
• Speaker, I rise in support of ACR 77.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How many acres do you think we harvested in Florida in the past year? Thank you.
• How many acres are registered by entities to grow? Do you know how many acres that are registered?
• There were well over 1,000 acres potentially.
• In 2020, there were 22,000 prospective acres, 243 acres were harvested.
• We have 100 acres of ag land going to development every day. How do we stop that?

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture heard a presentation from Florida FFA state officers Gabby Howell and Macy Jordan, who described FFA and agricultural education as a three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development. They highlighted FFA membership growth, Florida’s more than 60,000 members, industry certifications, and state funding that allows all agriculture education students to participate at no cost. Members praised the students and the organization’s role in developing future agricultural leaders. The committee then took up SB 438, which would regulate hemp and hemp extract products, including THC-infused beverages, by adding testing, labeling, retail location, age, and event restrictions, along with penalties and $2 million for testing equipment. Senator Burton said the bill is intended to address public safety, prevent products with illegal THC levels from reaching consumers, and respond to the governor’s prior veto concerns, especially store location and regulation. An amendment clarifying final batch testing was adopted without objection. Testimony was mixed. Supporters, including beverage distributors, law enforcement, and some hemp beverage businesses, backed regulation and said the bill would improve safety and clarity, though some asked for changes to avoid treating specialty beverage retailers like liquor stores. Opponents and some hemp industry representatives argued the bill was too restrictive, would hurt small businesses, and could push products into the black market; they also objected to THC limits, event restrictions, and the proposed regulatory structure. After debate, the committee voted 6-0 to report CS for SB 438 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, we will take up file item 58, ACR 59. The clerk will read.
• I respectfully request your support for ACR 59. Thank you, Assemblymember Addis.
• Members, I ask that we all support ACR 59 today. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• I stand in solidarity and urge an aye vote on ACR 59. Thank you Assemblymember.
• And with that I respectfully ask for your aye vote on ACR 15.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Since 1999, Conservation Florida has protected over 40,000 acres.
• Of the 18 million-acre corridor, 7 million acres of working lands are within it.
• That's ranch lands and timberlands... ...million acres of working lands are within it.
• And of the corridor's millions of acres of opportunity areas... ...of the corridor's millions of acres
• For example, blueberries may need two to three colonies per acre.

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture heard two informational presentations before taking up legislation. Tracy Dean of Conservation Florida described the organization’s work protecting wild and working lands, especially ranch and timber lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and argued that agricultural conservation easements are essential to preserving habitat, water resources, family farms, and the corridor itself. Senators discussed how conservation easements can help family operations remain viable across generations, and Dean emphasized strong demand for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and Florida Forever funding. Dr. Jamie Ellis of the University of Florida then gave a detailed presentation on honeybees, their role in pollination and Florida agriculture, and major threats such as Varroa mites, queen quality, nutrition issues, hurricanes, and the yellow-legged hornet; senators asked about colony losses, pollination alternatives, and the economic importance of beekeeping in Florida. The committee then considered SB 210 on animal cremation, sponsored by Senator Harrell. The bill was described as a response to a case involving mishandled pet cremation and would require crematories to provide clear disclosures about services, prohibit false or misleading information, and authorize civil penalties enforced by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. Next, the committee took up SJR 318, a joint resolution by Chair Truenow creating a proposed ad valorem tax exemption for tangible personal property used in agricultural production or agritourism on agricultural land and owned by the landowner or leaseholder. Several industry and agency representatives appeared in support, and the resolution was also reported favorably by unanimous vote. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment motioned by Senator Rouson.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we learned from that was that 26% of all the forested land—11 million acres in Wyoming—is currently
• latest forest health briefing and the latest flights that we're looking at an additional 3 million acres
• I mean, not only what we have, but an accumulating additional 3 million acres of high-hazard fuels.
• extra acres that you're talking about? extra acres that you're talking about?
• of high hazardous three million acres of high hazardous fuels.<00:10:49.920> And<00:10:50.160

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The meeting focused on resolving a House-Senate disagreement over funding for a new forestry/fire mitigation program. House members explained that their objection was not to the program itself, but to the Senate’s increase from the original $3 million level; they argued the program should start at the lower amount and be expanded later if needed. Senate members responded that the higher amount was based on forest health briefing information showing significant beetle kill, rising fire danger, and the need to act quickly while federal partners and current conditions made treatment work feasible. They cited recent large fire suppression costs and argued the added funding would have a strong return on investment by reducing future suppression expenses. After discussion of possible compromise amounts, including $4 million and then $3.5 million, House members said $3.5 million would be more acceptable to their chamber and suggested supplemental funding could be considered later if the program proved successful. The Senate agreed to the $3.5 million compromise. Members also noted that other amendments in the bill, including repeal of a sunset date and changes intended to speed contracting by removing an attorney general step, were important and appreciated by the House. The committee then took a voice vote on the compromise, and it passed unanimously. Members indicated they would take the agreement back to their respective chambers as part of the conference report and expected the bill to move forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's ACR 176 by Assembly Member Elhawary. The clerk will read.
• Today, I am so proud to present ACR 176, a resolution recognizing April as Second Chance Month.
• That's ACR 1119 by Assembly Member Ta. Clerk will read.
• I'm proud to introduce this ACR 119.
• Speaker and members, I ask for your aye vote on ACR 119. Thank you, Assembly Member Wynn.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then proceeded through routine journal, procedural, and guest-introduction business. Majority Leader Garcia secured suspension of rules for several procedural matters, including allowing guests in the chamber, moving AB 2568 Johnson out of Appropriations to the second reading file, and setting SB 73 Cervantes for a Public Safety Committee hearing; the rule-suspension motion passed 41-14. The floor also recognized several guest groups, including Placer County Sheriff Wayne Wu and Undersheriff Shane Wright for the sheriff’s office’s 175th anniversary, students from John Muir Charter Schools, youth art contest winners from the 24th District, the Oak Ridge High School cheer team, and students from Casa Grande High School. The Assembly then moved through the daily file, passing and retaining numerous second- and third-reading items. Two resolutions drew floor debate and were adopted by voice vote after coauthor roll calls: ACR 176 by Assembly Member Elhawary, declaring April as Second Chance Month, and HR 109 by Assembly Member Schiavo, recognizing California’s janitorial and cleaning workforce. Supporters of ACR 176 emphasized rehabilitation, reentry barriers, and the importance of second chances for formerly incarcerated people, while also noting the need to remember victims and survivors. Supporters of HR 109 highlighted janitors’ role in public health and the often unseen nature of their work, with members sharing personal experiences in janitorial and service jobs. The Assembly also adopted ACR 119 by Assembly Member Ta, recognizing Black April Memorial Month and the 51st anniversary of the fall of Saigon. Speakers described the trauma of the Vietnamese refugee experience, honored those lost during and after the Vietnam War, and praised the contributions of Vietnamese Americans in California. After additional items were passed and retained on the third reading and consent calendars, the House announced its schedule and adjourned until Monday, May 4 at 1 p.m.