Video & Transcript : 'treatment program' :
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AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/17/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #6
Transcript Highlights:
- Leader: Is the fraud rate in the ESA program 20%? Can we learn that this week?
- Leader: Is the fraud rate in the ESA program 20%? Can we learn that this week?
- assistance program.
- , with an exception for the livestock loss program.
- with an exception for the livestock loss program.
Summary:
The caucus reviewed a long calendar of House bills across education, health, water, land, housing, labor, public safety, and taxation. Several measures dealt with artificial intelligence, including bills on AI disclosures for minors, AI-assisted divorce arbitration, an Arizona AI education program, AI privilege protections, and a required AI course in schools. Other topics included ESA administration funding, a prohibition on public money for certain foreign-controlled genetic sequencing devices, towing regulations, DUI and ignition interlock changes, health facility and nursing facility complaint timelines, internationally trained physicians, nurse anesthetist reimbursement, pharmacy penalties, childhood cancer research, cybersecurity encryption, school mental health instruction repeal, superintendent performance pay, adoption disclosures in student health settings, anti-Semitism in schools, and a range of water, land, and housing bills.
Members frequently raised concerns about local control, unfunded mandates, constitutional issues, and the scope of state intervention. Several bills drew criticism for affecting school curriculum, public education, reproductive rights, protest activity, or tribal communities. Others were supported as technical fixes, consumer protections, or funding measures. The caucus also discussed a series of bills related to the Mexican gray wolf, state land management, solar and wind siting, groundwater transport, and rural development, with some members objecting that the proposals would undermine federal protections or tribal interests.
A number of bills were pulled from consent for further discussion, including HB 2020, HB 2957, HCR 2044, HB 2352, HB 2667, HB 2906, HB 2093, HB 2386, HB 2481, HB 2830, HB 2076, HB 2411, HB 2136, HB 2665, and HB 2904. The meeting ended with an announcement of the Latino Caucus guest presentation and an emotional tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, followed by presentation of an Affordability Award to Representatives Lorena Austin and Stephanie Simacek for work on economic justice and working families. The caucus then adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Idaho's cosmetology program costs anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000 more than states with lower programs
- So we don't change our training for longer programs, or shorter programs, actually.
- and 2,000-hour programs.
- Federal Title IV funding is tied directly to program length.
- program in a salon with employees and real action.
Summary:
The House Business Committee first introduced and approved two RS requests. RS 33044, brought by Rep. Ehart, would examine changes affecting military chaplains so their counseling work could be considered toward licensing requirements; the committee introduced it without opposition. RS 33004, brought by Rep. Cornelis, would require businesses to allow restroom access to people with Crohn’s disease or similar medical conditions who present documentation; it was also introduced unanimously.
The committee then heard House Bill 513, which would reduce cosmetology training from 1,600 to 1,000 hours and apprenticeship hours from 3,200 to 2,000, with a proposed implementation date of January 1, 2027 in the related RS 33099. Supporters argued the bill would lower barriers to entry, reduce student debt, speed entry into the workforce, and still preserve safety through existing board standards and testing. Opponents, including cosmetology instructors, school owners, and industry representatives, argued the change would weaken training, shift costs to salons, and harm reciprocity for Idaho licensees moving to other states. After public testimony and committee discussion, HB 513 was held in committee, while RS 33099 was introduced and sent to the second reading calendar, with Reps. Birch and Cheatum recorded in opposition.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 514, which would allow cosmetology students to take their licensing exam after completing 80% of the program rather than waiting until the end. The sponsor said this would get students into the workforce sooner and reduce delays caused by test scheduling and results. Testimony was generally supportive, with some comments that earlier testing could help students and employers, though one member noted the need to balance free-market goals with public safety and consumer protection. The committee voted to send HB 514 to the House floor with a due pass recommendation.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Does this include Ph.D. programs in highly technical scientific engineering?
- So yes, ma'am, it would represent graduate programs, professional programs, and all undergraduate programs
- And then lastly, just the graduate program portfolio: so Ph.D.s and other professional master's programs
- programs.
- What is the market rate for a comparable program?
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to examine how Florida’s state universities are funded and to begin discussing a possible university funding model. The panel included the State University System chancellor and CFOs from FSU, UF, FAMU, FAU, UNF, and UCF. Members first reviewed major cost drivers, which the universities said are broadly similar across institutions: wages and benefits, equipment and supplies, financial aid, professional services, utilities, IT, and maintenance. Several institutions noted unique pressures from geography, growth, research intensity, and mission, such as UCF’s size and engineering focus, UF’s land-grant and research enterprise, FAMU’s need to recruit top talent while serving a high-Pell student population, and FSU’s large facilities and research obligations. The chancellor also summarized systemwide cost growth since 2012-13, including higher health insurance, retirement, and salary costs, while noting tuition had been held flat.
The committee then discussed other revenue sources, including auxiliaries, restricted funds, capital projects, and component units such as foundations and health systems. University leaders explained that many of these funds are restricted to specific purposes, and some, like UF Health, account for a large share of operating expenses. Members also discussed the current performance-based funding process. University representatives generally praised it for transparency, accountability, and its focus on student success, but said the heavy use of one-time funds, nonrecurring appropriations, and unfunded mandates makes long-term planning difficult. FSU and others argued that rising employee costs, waivers, and facilities expenses are not fully covered, while FAMU said performance funding has improved outcomes but can disadvantage institutions serving more low-income students.
In response to questions about improvements, the universities suggested more recurring and predictable funding, better coverage of mandated costs, more flexibility in fees, and continued investment in research and strategic priorities. The chancellor said the Board of Governors is considering a version 3.0 of performance funding that would benchmark institutions against peers and Carnegie classifications. The committee also explored whether universities should have more flexibility to set out-of-state tuition and professional school tuition. Most university leaders favored giving boards of trustees more authority, while the chancellor cautioned that increasing out-of-state enrollment or tuition too much could affect legislative support. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair thanking the panel and adjourning the committee.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:31:40.080><c> The</c><00:31:40.240><c> bill</c> the chemotherapy treatment.
- The bill the chemotherapy treatment.
- Program.
- The bill aligns the circumstances under which a nonprofit training program may disqualify a program participant
- Move the adoption of the program.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/06/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- This means a PA trained at a nationally accredited PA program cannot move here and begin seeing patients
- This means a PA trained at a nationally accredited PA program cannot move here and begin seeing patients
- at the University of Minnesota Midwifery program, but does not, understandably, want to start that program
- Nothing related to, like, treatment of a child there.
- </c><00:59:22.200><c> of</c> um nothing related to like treatment of um nothing related to like treatment
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 22nd, 2026 at 11:13 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (02/11/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Confidentiality is paramount to treatment, and for treatment to be effective, the patient must be able
- </c> um income-based disability program um income-based disability program um<03:18:17.520><c> for</c
- the homeless youth and young adult programs.
- But we do have a mediator program going on before they get to Family Court.
- </c> 50% but um we do have a mediator program 50% but um we do have a mediator program going<04:49:20.520
Summary:
The House Children and Family Law Committee opened with a brief prayer for Representative Grossman’s son, Oscar, who was reported to be in critical condition after a traumatic fall. The committee then took up House Bill 430, which would reduce DHHS retention of unfounded abuse and neglect reports from 10 years to 3 years. Prime sponsor Chairman James Spain argued that 10 years is excessive and burdens families with a long-lasting stigma, while emphasizing that founded reports and reports with reasonable concern would still be retained indefinitely. Committee members questioned whether longer retention helps identify malicious reporting or patterns of abuse, and whether parents understand the distinction between unfounded and unfounded with reasonable concern.
The Office of the Child Advocate and DCF opposed the bill. Child Advocate Cassandra Sanchez said historical reports are important for identifying patterns, reviewing critical incidents, and understanding family dynamics, and that screened-out and unfounded reports can be essential context when later reports arise. She also noted that the records are highly confidential and not publicly accessible. DCF General Counsel Susan Larabe added that the bill could create inconsistencies by retaining screened-out reports longer than unfounded reports, and explained that unfounded reports can be used in court and in administrative reviews when there are multiple prior reports. The committee discussed how other states handle retention, with testimony that some keep records indefinitely and others for long periods. The hearing on HB 430 concluded, and the chair said the bill would not be executed until early March, leaving time for amendments.
The committee then opened House Bill 187, concerning restraining orders sought by a parent on behalf of a minor child. Prime sponsor Representative Mike Belcher said the bill is intended to correct a gap in the law so children can access the same restraining-order protections adults can, through a parent or guardian, and framed it as an equal-protection issue. Members questioned why the proposal was placed in the child abuse and neglect statute rather than the civil restraining-order statutes, and whether it should instead be handled as a broader civil-law fix. Alanda Peterson, who said she created Jade’s Law, testified that the original wording was meant to protect all children, not just those harmed by family members, and supported expanding the language. The hearing continued with additional discussion of the bill’s scope and purpose.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- They have left prison and established programs.
- They have left prison and established programs that help individuals to come home to.
- When you look up the term inmate, inmate is a resident of treatment, right?
- and social programs that exist behind the wall are supposed to do.
- I am an attorney at Campaign Legal Center and in its voting rights program.
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on S. 7 and H. 63, proposed constitutional amendments to restore voting rights to people incarcerated for felony convictions. Sponsors Rep. Erica Iderhoven and Sen. Liz Miranda argued that Massachusetts should reverse the 2000 disenfranchisement change, describing it as a recent and racially discriminatory policy that excludes thousands of residents—disproportionately Black and Latino—from civic participation. They said the amendment would put the question before voters, likely in 2028, and noted that implementation details such as domicile and where incarcerated people would register to vote would be handled separately through legislation and existing jail-based voting work.
A large number of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people testified in support, many speaking remotely from MCI Norfolk, MCI Shirley, and MCI Framingham. They said voting would affirm dignity, accountability, rehabilitation, and connection to community, and several described civic education programs inside the facilities that had helped them engage with public policy. Witnesses repeatedly characterized disenfranchisement as “civil death,” linked it to racial injustice and the legacy of slavery, and urged the committee to advance the bills favorably. A few speakers also addressed practical questions about voting location and domicile, with sponsors saying those issues are not specified in the constitutional amendment and would be worked out later.
Committee members asked several questions, including whether incarcerated people would vote in the community where they were incarcerated or where they previously lived, and whether future legislation could include carve-outs based on offense type or time served. Testifiers and sponsors generally said the amendment itself does not decide those implementation questions, and some said they would oppose carve-outs. One member raised a broader moral objection about allowing people convicted of serious crimes to vote; supporters responded that punishment should not erase democratic rights and that voting can support rehabilitation and reentry. No vote or final committee action was taken during the transcript provided.
The hearing also briefly included testimony on a separate matter, S. 521, a proposed ratification of the federal Child Labor Amendment. Witnesses supporting that measure warned against renewed child labor rollbacks in other states and argued Massachusetts should reaffirm protections for children and education. That portion of the hearing was separate from the voting-rights discussion.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House panel hears bill proposing constitutional amendment to return surpluses to taxpayers 2/11/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This amendment could also make it harder to invest in roads, water treatment, and other infrastructure
- This amendment could also make it harder to invest in roads, water treatment, and other infrastructure
- We created enough programs to spend the surplus, so it's not there anyway.
- We created enough programs to spend the surplus, so it's not there anyway.
- </c> enough programs enough programs to<00:31:59.480><c> spend</c><00:31:59.919><c> the</c><00:32:00.080
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/17/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #6
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a really great program, especially for those rural hospitals.
- This bill continues the Arizona Competes Fund program indefinitely.
- This bill continues the Arizona Competes Fund program indefinitely.
- This bill continues the Arizona Competes Fund program indefinitely.
- It's managing the wolf program, and what we're trying to get is we're trying to minimize the wolf program
Summary:
The meeting was a rapid bill review caucus with the chair emphasizing a hard stop before 11 a.m. and asking members to keep questions brief. A large number of bills were introduced or summarized, with many placed on third-read consent or consent calendars and several receiving brief sponsor explanations. The topics ranged widely, but much of the discussion centered on artificial intelligence, education, health care, water policy, state land management, commerce, transportation, public safety, and local government finance.
In the AI and education sections, members heard bills requiring disclosure when minors interact with AI, allowing AI-assisted divorce arbitration by consent, creating an AI education program, recognizing certain AI communications as privileged, and requiring schools to teach AI ethics and basic prompting. Other education measures addressed superintendent employment rules, school district oversight, anti-Semitism prohibitions, fetal and prenatal development standards, and a resolution expanding race- and ethnicity-based nondiscrimination rules in public education. Health-related bills included funding and oversight for ESA administration, childhood cancer research grants, health facility licensure and complaint timelines, a firefighter cancer registry, nurse anesthetist reimbursement parity, and a bill criminalizing nonconsensual abortion-inducing drugs.
The committee also reviewed many land, water, and natural resources bills, including measures on groundwater transportation fees, assured water supply reviews, water hauling, state land audits and oversight, solar and mining land-use mapping, and state land disposition planning. Several bills focused on wildlife and ranching, such as landowner permits for deer and wolves, expanding predatory animal definitions, and a memorial urging federal reform of the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Conservation Act. Transportation and public safety bills covered towing regulation, DUI interlock rules, motorcycle lane splitting/filtering, digital driver licenses, and a resolution on tax and fee increases for municipalities and counties. Members asked a number of questions on controversial items, especially the municipal tax/fee moratorium, water policy, and state land governance, but no roll-call votes were taken in the transcript; most items were simply advanced or noted as consent-calendar measures, with one bill (HB 2913) being pulled from consent for further discussion.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 6th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They joined my young legislator program to build their understanding of state government and develop
- The only one that got a C was wastewater treatment.
- The only one that got a C was wastewater treatment.
- By Assembly Member Solache relative to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program.
- Without program stability, our businesses, employers, and local economies suffer as well.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then handled a series of procedural motions, guest introductions, and floor actions. Members approved motions to suspend rules for various purposes, removed some bills from consent, and added coauthors to resolutions. The chamber also adopted a Rules Committee request to place ACR 233 on second-day consent.
The body then took up multiple concurrence and resolution items. Among the measures approved were AB 2056 on teacher exchanges with Mexico, AB 2323 on public notice, AB 1778 on controlled substances and testosterone-related scheduling, AB 2692 on common interest developments, H.R. 110 on “food as medicine,” H.R. 117 urging Congress to reform Section 230 to address online harms, SCR 152 designating Dolores Huerta Day, SB 575 reestablishing the Sea Otter Voluntary Contribution Fund, SB 939 simplifying retirement service-credit purchases, SJR 6 urging the federal government to honor infrastructure funding commitments, SB 1165 improving tax compliance for contractors, SB 930 requiring encryption for school exam proctoring services, SB 922 clarifying local road-repair cost recovery tied to public service operations, and H.R. 124 supporting DACA recipients. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition; H.R. 110, H.R. 117, and SCR 152 were adopted by voice vote after adding coauthors.
The most contentious item was AB 1923, which would ensure the Fresno County Transportation Improvement Act appears on the November 2026 ballot. Supporters argued it protects voters’ right to decide on a qualified local initiative and prevents delay from a county-ordered study; opponents said it overrides local authority and changes the rules to facilitate a tax measure. After debate, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments and passed the bill 54-16, sending it to the Governor. The session also included several adjournments in memory honoring Jonathan Gregg Burgess, Jeffrey Mosedo, Brian Haney, Anne Cronin Dunn, and Pastor Darryl Monroe Moore, before the Assembly adjourned until Monday, August 10.
PA
Transcript Highlights:
- by creating an entirely new Commonwealth Authority to administer the Prison Industry Enhancement Program
- The amendment also retains the core provisions necessary to operate a prison industry enhancement program
- The amendment also retains the core provisions necessary to operate a prison industry enhancement program
- requires insurers to provide coverage for fertility preservation services as medically necessary treatment
- of iatrogenic infertility by specifying that the infertility is caused directly or indirectly by treatment
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- What started as life-changing medical treatment turned into alleged treatment and examination for the
- Certainly, we have mentorship programs in place.
- They understood that these were reasonable increases to pay for things such as our new body cam program
- That program has helped to reduce the backlog dramatically, but it is not a permanent solution.
- We've got people that are actively treating that sometimes the PIP wage loss part of that program may
Summary:
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on bills in the Civil Actions 2 and Court Administration areas, with testimony spanning judicial security, judicial compensation, civil process fees, bar advocate compensation, interstate discovery, defamation protections for sexual assault survivors, and related criminal procedure changes. Chairs Edwards and Day opened with housekeeping rules on testimony limits and written submissions, then called witnesses on each bill in turn.
On H. 1766, judicial officers and the Massachusetts Bar Association strongly supported a judicial security bill that would protect judges’ personal information, citing threats, online harassment, swatting, and violence against judges and their families. On H. 1819, judges and the Massachusetts Judges Conference asked for higher compensation, saying Massachusetts judges rank low nationally after cost-of-living adjustment and that pay affects recruitment and retention. The committee also heard support for H. 1582/S. 1183 to raise civil process service fees, with sheriffs saying the fees have been unchanged since 2003 and are needed to cover rising costs, safety equipment, and operations funded by those fees.
The committee heard from prosecutors on H. 1604 and H. 1846, which would give district courts concurrent jurisdiction over certain school-threat and leaving-the-scene offenses, allowing prosecutors to handle less serious or panic-driven cases more efficiently while preserving mandatory penalties. CPCS and bar advocates supported H. 1876 on bar advocate compensation, describing a continuing shortage and crisis in indigent defense despite recent pay increases and staffing investments. The Boston Bar Association supported H. 1857, a Massachusetts version of the Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, saying it would simplify out-of-state discovery and reduce cost and delay.
A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1974/S. 1143, which would protect survivors of sexual assault and harassment from retaliatory defamation suits unless the plaintiff proves actual malice, and would allow fee shifting and damages against abusive suits. Survivors, advocates, and attorneys described threats, legal costs, and chilling effects that silence reporting, while supporters said the bill would protect truthful speech and improve access to counsel. The committee also heard insurance-industry testimony on S. 1101, which would change personal injury protection payment rules to require insurers to tender disputed amounts within 30 days to avoid attorney’s fees; insurers said the bill would curb a growing volume of provider lawsuits and reduce abuse of the no-fault system. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed after all scheduled testimony was complete.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Health Service (2-4-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- And podiatry is a specialty solely dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the foot.
- </c> treatment of diseases of the foot. treatment of diseases of the foot.
- Um there are educational supports through that birth to three program, First Steps in Kentucky.
- brought in significant revenue for us and it carried other programs with the EPSDT rate.
- Well, it's really the school programs, the education side.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services heard Senate Bill 18, a bill described by the sponsor and podiatry witnesses as a modernization of Kentucky’s podiatry laws. The bill would recognize and regulate podiatric assistants, podiatric residents, and supervising podiatrists; allow podiatrists to supervise physician assistants in podiatry practices with approval from the relevant licensing boards; require new podiatrists licensed after January 1, 2027 to complete at least two years of residency; and extend disciplinary authority to the new categories. Witnesses said the measure would improve access to foot and ankle care, especially in rural areas, without expanding scope of practice. The Kentucky Medical Association was said to be neutral after working on the language with the sponsors.
Committee members raised concerns about the meaning of “supervision,” whether it required direct or indirect oversight, and whether the bill could broaden billing or coding privileges. Dr. Roberts said supervision could mean direct supervision or indirect supervision, including being available by telephone, and noted the bill mirrors language used in allopathic PA supervision. He also said the bill would not change office staff billing roles and that podiatric assistants would not bill separately. Several senators said they supported moving the bill forward but remained concerned about workforce, cost, and scope creep.
The committee adopted a committee substitute, then voted on the bill. The motion passed unanimously with favorable expression. After the vote, the committee moved on to a presentation on outpatient pediatric therapies, where providers described Medicaid reimbursement pressures, workforce turnover, and long waiting lists for children’s therapy services, but no action was taken on that presentation in the portion provided.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:58:41.520><c> without</c> competitive swimming program without competitive swimming program without
- centers, including psychiatric residential treatment.
- centers, including psychiatric residential treatment.
- centers, including psychiatric residential treatment.
- . treatment. treatment.
Keywords:
education, cell phones, smart devices, school policy, student conduct, school property, rental fees, youth activities, education policy, Wyoming legislature, teacher licensure, teacher mobility, interstate compact, education compact, licensure reciprocity, reciprocal certification, teacher certification, professional teaching standards board, out-of-state teachers, military spouse
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Debate on bill to bar transgender athletes from girls sports 3/3/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- identified 12A and statute as Minnesota's Title 9 chapter, and the title of the chapter is athletic programs
- So this is from Kathy in Anoka, as an advocate for fair treatment for female athletes.
- struggling to stay advocacy programs struggling to stay open<00:58:25.920><c> and</c><00:58:26.240><
- </c><01:08:03.920><c> operated</c> contrary in athletic programs operated contrary in athletic programs
- </c><01:15:03.199><c> promote</c> classroom these programs promote classroom these programs promote physical
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 15th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- The Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program.
- There are three main stages to the Odessa program.
- If you look at VSP, which is the Voluntary Stewardship Program, our farmers utilize that program to the
- Voluntary programs. Again, we've talked about that some. Voluntary programs are important.
- Voluntary programs. Again, we've talked about that some. Voluntary programs are important.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- OPTIONS THE PARENT IS NOT INFORMED THAT STD THE PARENT IS KEPT OUT OF TREATMENT OPTIONS AND DISCUSSIONS
- AS FAR AS TREATMENT FOR AN STI OR STD, THEY WOULD NEED PARENTAL CONSENT OR A COURT ORDER UNLESS THEY
- ENTIRE FAMILY AND THAT TREATMENT AND THEY HAVE THE PARENTS AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WORK
- SO WE WERE ABLE TO DE-ESCALATE AND REFER AND HELP THAT INDIVIDUAL RECEIVE TREATMENT.
- WE DO NOT CONSIDER TREATMENT NECESSARY TO THAT CHILD'S WELL-BEING?
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program.
- There are three main stages to the Odessa program.
- If you look at VSP, which is the Voluntary Stewardship Program, our farmers utilize that program to the
- Voluntary programs. Again, we've talked about that some. Voluntary programs are important.
- Voluntary programs. Again, we've talked about that some. Voluntary programs are important.
Summary:
The committee first received an update from Larry Madsen of the Office of Columbia River on eastern Washington water supply projects. He described the office’s mission to develop new water supplies for in-stream and out-of-stream uses, noting that funded projects have developed more than 800,000 acre-feet of water toward a 1 million acre-foot goal by 2030. He reviewed the four major program areas: the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program, the Walla Walla Water 2050 plan, the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, and the Icicle Work Group. He highlighted major projects such as East Low Canal work, Springwood Ranch reservoir planning, Bateman Island causeway removal, and Icicle Creek improvements, and emphasized the importance of state, federal, tribal, and nonprofit partnerships and cost-sharing. Senators asked about accelerating the Springwood Ranch study, reservoir sizing and refill potential, and how conservation fits into the Yakima plan.
The committee then heard from Betsy Peabody, Dr. Micah Horwith, and Bill Dewey on the Marine Resources Advisory Council and ocean acidification. They explained that Washington was an early bellwether for ocean acidification impacts, especially on shellfish hatcheries, where low aragonite saturation and changing pH caused major oyster larval mortality. They described the state’s monitoring network, hatchery buffering systems, research partnerships, and adaptation strategies such as kelp co-culture, selective breeding, and native oyster restoration. Testimony stressed that ocean acidification is affecting shellfish, Dungeness crab, razor clams, and even salmon, and that continued state investment, emissions reductions, and nutrient pollution control are needed. Senators asked about differences between native and farmed species, real-time monitoring, and the pH/aragonite thresholds that threaten shellfish production.
Finally, Todd Myers and Pam Lewis of the Washington Policy Center presented concerns about agricultural viability, sustainability, and food security. Lewis said Washington farms are under severe financial pressure, citing negative farm take-home pay, high production and labor costs, and the need to rely more on voluntary programs, tax relief, and labor cost changes. She also argued that food insecurity is rising and that donations to food banks are harder when farms are financially strained. Myers followed with remarks on forest health and salmon recovery, arguing for more active forest management, expanded use of Good Neighbor Authority, and fewer permitting barriers. He also said salmon recovery funding should be locally prioritized and science-based, with regulatory barriers reduced so projects can move faster. The committee then voted to refer Senate Bill 6154, a culvert replacement permitting bill, to the Senate Local Government Committee without recommendation, and the motion passed.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Dec 8th, 2025 at 09:32 am
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And any way that we could You know, set up some programs or some ideas.
- Restoring Our Communities is a program that's directed at infill, and so that program purchases homes
- programs because we can issue mortgage revenue bonds.
- We also provide and the Linkages Program, which is a state-funded voucher program for people with serious
- We are not asking for special treatment.