Transcript Highlights:

• We are a food bank in Minnesota that is actually now the second largest food bank in the country.
• They can't afford the food insecure. They can't afford the food they<01:20:37.640><c> need.
• We have food." This is the 11-year-old. But the 4-year-old goes, "No, we don't have any food.
• We have food." This is the good. We have food."
• We need "No, we don't have any food. We need food.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> donations to sustain our local food donations to sustain our local food shelves.<00:40:22.200><c
• </c> Minnesota Food Share March campaign. Minnesota Food Share March campaign.
• </c><00:42:29.600><c> food</c> fundraise and receive receive food fundraise and receive receive food
• As you may know, food is more expensive now, and even the food banks can't get the food supplies, which
• </c> get many of their day-to-day food. get many of their day-to-day food.

Bills: HF1660 , HF1824 , HF1926 , HF1002 , HF994 , HF1915 , HF1336

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• That affects the food we eat, where we get our food, the resupply of where that food...
• That affects the food we eat, where we get our food, the resupply of where that food will come from from
• I mentioned his passion about food systems.
• He was passionate about food systems.
• This was his food truck that was reliable every weekend, serving local fare, and his wife says the food

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> registration</c><00:59:37.720><c> for</c> food is a separate registration for food is a separate
• So if they're actually preparing food or handling food, this could be anything from an association, say
• </c> a food truck? a food truck?
• ,</c><01:04:16.920><c> which</c><01:04:17.080><c> is</c><01:04:17.200><c> a</c> yes, a food cut a food
• </c> Um and then the specialty event food Um and then the specialty event food stand<01:13:13.960><c>

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• their start at food trucks or might<00:16:00.319><c> have</c><00:16:00.480><c> food</c><00:16:00.720>
• trucks there are small might have food trucks there are small startup<00:16:02.160><c> food</c><00:16
• </c><00:19:12.679><c> Hall</c> that allowed us to open the food Hall that allowed us to open the food
• on food waste.
• on food waste.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> nutritionally whole type of food diet. nutritionally whole type of food diet.
• that you choose, the food that you cook, and how you consume that food.
• We're talking about food is medicine. Yeah. Talking about food is medicine.
• </c> food is medicine. food is medicine.
• Talking about food is medicine. &gt;&gt; Yeah. Talking about food is medicine.

Summary: The task force opened with a moment of silence for the Louisville UPS plane tragedy, approved the October 15 minutes, and reminded members to submit policy recommendations before the December 16 meeting, when the group will discuss its report to LRC. The first informational presentation, from the Department for Public Health, focused on youth vaping. Elizabeth Good and Julie Brooks cited a recent Surgeon General report warning that youth vaping can harm brain development, mental health, lungs, asthma, and hormones, and noted Kentucky survey data showing 8.7% of students reported daily vaping and 19.7% used vaping products in the prior 30 days. They described prevention and cessation resources including Catch My Breath, I Can End the Trend, Not on Tobacco, My Life, My Quit, Quitline services, and the Kentucky TRUST retailer education program, which trained 3,371 individuals in 2024 and distributed 253 Tobacco 21 toolkits. The next presentation came from Kentucky ABC on implementation of SB 100, which created the division of tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product licensing. Commissioner Scotty Tracy and Jamar Carter said all retailers selling tobacco, nicotine, or vapor products must be licensed, regulations were filed October 31, 2025, and the online application portal is live. In response to questions about sales to minors, they said violations carry escalating fines for clerks and owners, with a fourth violation resulting in no license renewal for two years and unpaid fines also blocking renewal. They said complaints can be submitted through the portal, by phone, or on the ABC website, and enforcement investigates tips and may use underage compliance checks. The committee then heard from Kim McKenna Johnson of One Cross Community Health, who argued for a “deficiency-first” and holistic approach to care centered on nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation. She said her clinic serves more than 7,000 patients in Taylor and Marion counties and described a model that includes primary care, behavioral health, functional medicine, addiction recovery, and chronic care. She cited Kentucky health rankings, claimed nutritional deficiencies cost the state billions, and said many children are overprescribed while undernourished. She urged broader insurance coverage for nutritional testing and supplements, rural demonstration grants, and Medicaid pilots for clinically prescribed supplements. Members asked about testing costs, dietitian support, long-term cost savings, compliance, and whether medications are often used to prevent damage from noncompliance; the presenter said the lab tests are generally covered, supplements are the main cost barrier, and seeing lab results can improve family buy-in. No votes were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are due a food handler monograph.
• Evidence of any benefit of antibacterial hands-open food prep.
• Plains Open Water is fully compliant with the FDA's food code.
• FDA's food code still allows plain soap in food preparation because there's no evidence of benefit of
• these soaps for food handlers.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• banks statewide as the demand for emergency food assistance increases.
• That's one in four Ventura County residents who needed food assistance.
• Food Share receives about 25% of our food from the federal government, along with 10% of our $9 million
• The loss resulted in over 200,000 pounds of food that cost Food Share $400,000 to replace.
• In closing, the work of food banks like Food Share is more vital than ever, but we can't do it alone.

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly Select Committee hearing focused on the nonprofit sector’s mounting challenges in 2025 and possible state responses. Opening remarks emphasized the sector’s size and importance in California, the impact of federal funding disruptions and new federal tax policy, and the need for stronger public-private coordination, especially during disasters. Witnesses and members repeatedly pointed to nonprofits as essential providers of food, housing, health, education, environmental, and emergency services, while warning that sudden funding losses are forcing layoffs, service cuts, and operational instability. Testimony from community foundations and food bank leaders described how federal cuts, delayed reimbursements, and disaster-related demand are straining nonprofits. Monica White of Food Share Ventura County said H.R. 1 and USDA food cancellations are worsening hunger needs, while immigration enforcement fears are keeping some families from seeking help. Abby Browning of Cal OES outlined how the state coordinates with nonprofits, philanthropy, and businesses through VOADs and long-term recovery groups in wildfire response. Bruce Yerman of the Camp Fire Collaborative said recovery groups are effective but lack dedicated funding, and urged flexible spending, sustainable support, and streamlined partnerships. The second half of the hearing focused on institutional reforms, including a proposed Office of Nonprofit Empowerment, advance payments, prompt payment, and higher indirect cost coverage. Jeff Green of CalNonprofits argued for a central state office to coordinate policy, technical assistance, and interagency alignment. Annie Chang of Nonprofit Finance Fund cited survey data showing widespread late payments, low cash reserves, and indirect cost rates below federal guidance. Alfredo Cruz Jr. of Community Resource Project described how reimbursement-only contracts, delayed payments, and underfunded overhead create cash-flow crises and staffing problems. Members discussed possible interim steps, including expanding advance pay, improving payment timeliness, modeling best practices, and using state leadership to spotlight nonprofit needs. The hearing ended with public comment from nonprofit, labor, and advocacy representatives, and no votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• system, which includes our food bank partners.
• I got cut off last January from SSI, food stamps, and county food because of going back to work.
• in lost food support.
• It provides funding to food banks who operate the emergency food program for the purchase, storage, and
• We're co-sponsors of the Food for All campaign and are in support of the Food for All budget request

Transcript Highlights:

• Food was scarce and it was often expired.
• . ...foods and sweetened drinks.
• Are you familiar with food deserts? I am.
• So granola is considered snack food, yogurt is considered snack food, boiled eggs are considered snack
• foods, and no offense when I say this.

Bills: HB2510 , HB3589 , HB4611 , HB4655 , HB4665 , HB4666 , HB4670 , HB4700 , HB4730 , HB4798 , HB4838 , HB5136 , HB5243 , HB5302 , HB5539

Committee: House Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• The Idaho Food Bank distributes millions of pounds of donated food, not government food, to individuals
• The Edo Food Bank distributes millions of pounds of donated food, not government food, donated food,
• Our program provides food through a food bank.
• We would also be working with that food bank to provide aid through that food.
• Providing food at a food bank is a form of financial support via in-kind aid.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're talking about most people on food stamps having a job.
• So we're talking about most people on food stamps having a job.
• stamps on snack foods of minimal nutritional value.
• So all this does is put real food back at the center of our citizens' lives.
• We have steaks, various different types of foods.

Transcript Highlights:

• Food co-ops are a vital partner in food access.
• So we would like to be a partner in food access with you, as well as other food co-ops, and support this
• So we would like to be a partner in food access with you as well as other food co-ops and support this
• Healthy food access is a public health priority.
• Food and Drug Administration.

Summary: The committee heard briefings, sponsor presentations, and public testimony on several finance bills. HB 2038 would impose an additional B&O tax on businesses operating social media platforms beginning in 2027 and create a youth behavioral health account funded by the tax. The sponsor argued the bill would help address youth mental health harms linked to social media and support implementation of the Washington Thriving plan. Supporters in testimony, including youth advocates and some public health voices, said social media contributes to youth anxiety and addiction and that the revenue should be used for behavioral health services. Opponents, including technology and business groups, argued the tax unfairly singles out one sector, could be passed on to consumers, and may violate federal internet tax law. The hearing on HB 2038 was suspended and later reopened for public testimony; no vote was taken. HB 2297 would create tax incentives for grocery stores in underserved communities, including local B&O preferences, a sales tax exemption for security services, a 30-year property tax exemption program, a B&O tax credit, and a B&O exemption for certain locally owned or employee-owned stores. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to preserve and attract grocery stores in food deserts, especially after recent store closures, and to help communities with limited transportation and access to healthy food. County representatives supported the goal but raised concern about the bill’s sales tax exemption and its effect on local revenues. Public testimony was largely supportive, with advocates, local officials, grocers, and residents describing grocery stores as essential community infrastructure. No action was taken. HB 2382 would raise cigarette taxes by $2 per pack, restructure vapor and other tobacco product taxes, and dedicate portions of the revenue to a time-sensitive emergency system, tobacco enforcement, and the foundational public health services account. The sponsor said the bill would generate needed revenue, support cancer research funding, and strengthen public health and enforcement. Supporters said higher tobacco taxes reduce use and help cover long-term health costs, while some public health witnesses supported the revenue but suggested directing more funds to existing tobacco prevention accounts. Opponents from retail and industry groups argued the proposal is regressive, could increase illicit sales and cross-border purchasing, and would hurt small businesses and low-income consumers. The committee also heard HB 2487, a Department of Revenue request bill that would narrow the B&O exemption for insurers to clarify that it applies only to premium income subject to insurance premium tax, and apply the change retroactively to 2019. The sponsor and supporters said the bill closes a loophole created by a recent Supreme Court ruling and preserves tax equity, while insurers and business groups objected to the retroactive application, warning of higher premiums and unfair taxation. Finally, HB 2018 would increase the solid waste tax by 0.5% per year for five years and direct the new revenue to a local government solid waste assistance account for county and city waste management plans. County officials supported the bill as a way to stabilize funding for solid waste systems, and testimony emphasized rising disposal and infrastructure costs. No votes were taken on any of the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• That affects the food we eat, where we get our food, the resupply of where that food will come from from
• We need to prioritize the importance of our food. ...working the soil to produce the food that we eat
• I mentioned his passion about food systems.
• He was passionate about food systems.
• This was his food truck that was reliable every weekend, serving local fare, and his wife says the food

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized the YMCA on its 175th anniversary and later welcomed officials from the city of Lindsay. The chamber then moved through confirmations for Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission; all three appointments were confirmed after roll calls. The Senate also adopted a consent calendar of bills and resolutions without objection. On the floor, senators debated Senate Joint Resolution 12 opposing federal offshore oil and gas leasing off California. Supporters argued offshore drilling would threaten coastal environments and public participation, while opponents said California’s energy shortages and affordability problems require more in-state production. The resolution passed. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 118 urging release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to promote transparency and accountability for survivors, and Senate Resolution 99 declaring April 21, 2026, California Agriculture Day, with broad praise for the state’s agricultural industry and concerns raised about water, farmland loss, and farmworker treatment. Finally, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 100 designating April 16, 2026, as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness to highlight child sexual abuse prevention, mandated reporting, and survivor support. The chamber then adjourned in memory of Rob Trice and Alwyn Ben Holman, honoring their service and community impact. The session concluded with announcements of upcoming budget subcommittee meetings and notice that the Senate would reconvene on April 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this would be the food handlers washing their hands.
• Preempted by the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
• handling food, that it's clean.
• Do you want to comment on any of the food handling stuff? Oh, sure.
• soap in food preparation because there's no evidence of benefit of these soaps for food handlers.

Summary: The Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee met to adopt its rules, establish quorum, and approve a consent calendar of five bills, all sent to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee then heard three measures: AB 638 by Assembly Member Rodriguez on stormwater capture for irrigation of urban public lands; AB 60 by Assembly Member Papin on banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products; and AB 916 by Assembly Member Lee on restricting certain antibacterial soap ingredients in consumer hand soaps and body washes. AB 638 was presented as a climate and water-supply measure directing the State Water Resources Control Board to develop guidelines for capturing and safely reusing stormwater for irrigation. Supporters, including NRDC and several environmental groups, argued it would reduce potable water use and help move stalled projects forward. The bill drew no opposition and received strong support from committee members, including requests to coauthor. It passed the committee on a due pass motion to Appropriations. AB 60 would ban synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products due to health and environmental concerns. Supporters cited endocrine disruption, reproductive harms, persistence in waterways, and international restrictions. The bill passed on a due pass motion to the floor, with one member not voting. AB 916 generated the most debate: supporters said the three targeted antimicrobials offer no added benefit over plain soap, may contribute to health harms and antibiotic resistance, and should be banned in consumer products while exempting health care settings. Opponents argued the ingredients are already under FDA and DTSC review, raised preemption concerns, and warned of costs and impacts on food handling and other uses. After extensive discussion, the committee approved AB 916 on a due pass motion to the Committee on Health, with several no votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• , food shelves, and the Farm to School program in three school districts.
• I would appreciate having local foods for our kids so that they know where their food is coming from
• The Minnesota legislature established the Good Food Access Program and the Good Food Access Program Advisory
• program by suggesting that certain foods are inherently good.
• This proposal aims to adapt the food licensing statutory structure to better fit current food business

Committee: House Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and sell food directly to consumers. and sell food directly to consumers.
• foods.
• Homemade food products hazardous foods.
• </c> kitchens and homemade food products. kitchens and homemade food products.
• </c> food products. food products.

Bills: SB2275 , SB2390 , SB2540 , SB3142 , SB2414 , SB2340 , SB2848

Committee: House Health

Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on a series of bills related to public health, pharmacy regulation, disability access, and health care infrastructure. HB 1535, creating an income tax credit for automated external defibrillator installations, drew support from the Department of Health, tax department comments, and public testimony emphasizing AED access in community and transit settings. HB 1765, requiring safety warnings for spear fishing gear, received comments from DLNR and strong support from a free-diving safety advocate who described blackout risks and argued for point-of-sale warnings. HB 1549, which would repeal the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health, the Public Defender, and harm-reduction advocates supported repeal as a public health measure, while HPD and a county prosecutor opposed it, warning it could encourage drug use and create public safety issues. The committee also heard HB 1550, which would exclude drug testing products from the definition of drug paraphernalia. The Department of Health and harm-reduction advocates supported the bill, saying drug checking tools save lives and help prevent overdoses, while one written opponent was noted. HB 1995, allowing people who are blind or deaf to receive disabled parking permits, drew opposition from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability and Communication Access Board, and other opponents, while a few written supporters were also noted. HB 1671, allowing licensed dental hygienists to place interim therapeutic restorations in public health settings, received support from the Department of Health and several oral health organizations, with the Board of Dentistry offering comments. HB 1643, establishing a framework for pharmacy audits and record retrieval, prompted the most extended discussion. The Board of Pharmacy and independent pharmacy representatives supported the bill as a needed framework to limit burdensome audits and protect patient care, while HMSA raised concerns about possible conflicts with upcoming federal PBM reforms and potential unintended consequences. Committee members questioned both sides about timing and workload, and supporters argued the bill was needed now to protect rural and independent pharmacies. Finally, HB 1978, appropriating funds for a new outpatient care center in North Kona, received strong support from Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Queen’s Health Systems, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, and others, who described it as a long-term investment in West Hawaii’s health care capacity and economy. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:02.239><c> support</c> were going to slash SNAP food support were going to slash SNAP food
• </c> food benefits. food benefits.
• And we have to carry the bag. or rent, surgery or food on the table. or rent, surgery or food on the
• banks, food shelves.
• I have a bill food banks, food shelves.

Summary: Senate DFL senators discussed the Health and Human Services supplemental budget on the floor, framing it as a response to federal HR 1 and related Trump administration policies that they said shift costs to states, counties, hospitals, and families. Senators Liz Bolden, Lindsey Port, Erin Murphy, Alice Mann, and Rob Kupec argued the bill is needed to backfill cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, stabilize hospitals, and prevent property tax increases and service disruptions. They said the package totals about $700 million, with more than $250 million aimed at hospital support and roughly $300 million to help counties absorb food-support cost shifts. Members described the federal changes as adding red tape and work-reporting requirements that would cause eligible people to lose coverage, with estimates cited of more than 150,000 Minnesotans losing Medicaid and about 62,000 losing individual-market coverage due to higher premiums. They also said counties would face new administrative burdens and hiring needs, and that rural hospitals, safety-net providers, and EMS systems would see more uncompensated care. One senator noted Dakota County could face an additional $11 million next year and property tax increases, while another said Minnesota hospitals could see charity care rise by more than $269 million next year. The discussion also covered specific funding in the bill, including $300 million for hospital stabilization, with $150 million for HCMC, nearly $115 million for other hospital stabilization grants, almost $18 million for community safety-net providers, and $15 million for rural EMS uncompensated care. Senators said these funds are short-term measures, not long-term fixes, and that if the state did nothing, the health care system and SNAP administration could collapse. They said they do not expect Republican support in the Senate and suggested longer-term options could include federal changes after the next election or state-level tax changes on the ultra-wealthy. No vote outcome was stated in the excerpt, but the senators indicated the bill would move forward with DFL support.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the Census Bureau began to include food security questions in their national surveys.
• As a former farmer and legal services attorney, food and food insecurity are issues that I care about
• The need to collect reliable data on food insecurity in California has never been more urgent.
• Food insecurity among older Californians is on the rise.
• acts swiftly to implement its own food insecurity survey.

Committee: House Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome, and you have the Food Recovery and Composting Act. Act.
• In essence, enacting the Food Recovery and Composting Act, establishing the food recovery and composting
• waste disposal, and creating the food recovery and composting fund.
• Over a third of our food produced in the U.S. is never eaten.
• Edible food. That is just dumb. Food waste is expensive, and it's also preventable.

Bills: SB47 , SB110 , SB122 , SB143 , SB168

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation