Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Monty Aiken, and I have oyster farms in Apalachicola and also Alligator Harbor.
• Clam and oyster farming is an emerging industry in the state of Florida.
• Clam and oyster farming is an emerging industry in the state of Florida.
• If you haven't been on one of our oyster farms, I invite you to come out.
• On my farm, I also teach and mentor high school students from Franklin County.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up five bills related to Florida waterways, vessels, and environmental protection. HB 1149 on vessel accountability was presented as a way to strengthen enforcement against derelict and long-term anchored vessels, create nuisance authority for repeat violators, and shift relocation/disposal costs to owners; it drew support from marine industry and boating groups and passed 15-1. HB 795 would allow voluntary buffer zones near deepwater port channels and turning basins to prevent anchoring or mooring in protected areas; after questions about federal overlap and impacts on other counties, an amendment narrowed the buffer concept and added authority to remove uninsured vessels anchored more than 45 days, and the bill passed 13-3 with committee substitute. HB 1285 defined “migrant vessels” and authorized FWC to remove them more quickly as derelict vessels; a technical amendment was adopted, Monroe County supported the bill, and it passed unanimously 16-0. The committee then considered HB 1133, which would restructure the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission by requiring geographic representation on the seven-member board, staggering terms, and limiting warrantless entry onto private land by FWC officers. The sponsor said the goal was to ensure statewide representation and align FWC enforcement with probable-cause standards; an amendment changed board terms from five years to three years, and the bill passed 16-0. Finally, HB 1143, sponsored by Representatives Shoaf and Tant, would prohibit oil and gas drilling and exploration within 10 miles of certain sensitive estuarine and coastal areas and require DEP to weigh environmental and economic impacts before permitting near waterways. Support came from oyster farmers, shellfish groups, conservation advocates, and local residents, while the American Petroleum Institute opposed the setback as too broad and raised mineral-rights concerns. After extensive debate emphasizing protection of Apalachicola Bay, tourism, seafood, and fragile ecosystems, the bill passed unanimously 16-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• includes apparel, including a broad selection of footwear, small and large appliances, building supplies, farm
• includes apparel, including a broad selection of footwear, small and large appliances, building supplies, farm
• includes apparel, including a broad selection of footwear, small and large appliances, building supplies, farm
• includes apparel, including a broad selection of footwear, small and large appliances, building supplies, farm
• includes apparel, including a broad selection of footwear, small and large appliances, building supplies, farm

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Representative Ken Wells, who reflected on his father’s approach to news and argued that reducing time spent watching it could improve people’s well-being. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the chamber took up five new bills: H.891 on the definition of harassment in Title 16, H.892 on school attendance requirements, H.893 creating a municipal emergency shelter program and reimbursing municipalities for emergency housing costs, H.894 prohibiting snowmobiles on the BB Spur Rail Trail, and H.895 on secondary enforcement of certain motor vehicle violations. Each was read for the first time and referred to the appropriate committee; H.566, concerning sealing postcharge court diversion records, was referred to Ways and Means under House Rule 35A. The House also read H.C.R. 166, a congratulatory resolution honoring the Pick and Shovel in Newport City on its 50th anniversary. A member from Newport City spoke in support, describing the store’s history and the Hamlet family’s long service to the community, and invited the family to the chamber. Additional announcements recognized Vermont Law and Graduate School’s 50th anniversary and congratulated Vermont athletes, including Ben Ogden and Paula Moltzan, with one member correcting the record on Moltzan’s event. The House also voted to move H.403, relating to fair labor and housing standards for agricultural workers, from General and Housing to Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry. In the day’s only floor action on legislation, H.611, miscellaneous provisions affecting the Department of Vermont Health Access, was taken up on third reading and passed. The House then announced caucus meetings and other events, including a producer night hosted by the Agency of Agriculture, and adjourned by motion until Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are home to the largest Christmas tree farm in the state.
• Wilson's is a multi-generational family farm.
• They need another well to be able to irrigate all areas of their farm.
• c><00:18:30.400> families<00:18:30.720> in<00:18:30.880> my certainty for the farm
• families in my certainty for the farm families in my own<00:18:31.280> community.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, we will take up Tab 2, SB 374 on farm products by Senator Truenow.
• At this time, we will take up Tab 2, SB 374 on farm products by Senator Truenow.
• Members, SB 374 refines the term farm product to include plant and plant products.
• That is the consideration of a bona fide farm operation on land classified for agriculture.
• By your vote, SB 374 is reported favorably, and I will turn it by... farm, you know, on our farms and

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and heard four bills. CS/SB 150, by Senator Gates, would make it a third-degree felony to abandon a restrained animal during a declared weather emergency, such as a hurricane or tornado, and was presented as “Trooper’s Law” in response to a widely publicized rescue of a dog during Hurricane Milton. The bill drew supportive public cards and brief supportive remarks from Senator Boyd, then passed unanimously and was reported favorably. SB 374, by Senator Truenow, would refine the definition of farm product to include plant and plant products and bar local governments from adopting ordinances that limit the collection, storage, and processing of farm products on bona fide agricultural land. An amendment was withdrawn to allow further discussion on food waste issues. Speakers from composting, recycling, and poultry interests supported the bill, and it was reported favorably. SB 560, by Senator Martin, would restrict certain chemical additives in food products. The sponsor said the bill targets 10 chemicals he believes are harmful, noted that two have already been banned by the FDA, and argued Florida should act rather than wait for federal action. Industry and retail witnesses opposed the bill as creating a patchwork of state rules, raising costs, and disrupting supply chains, while some senators said they supported the bill for now but expected further changes. The committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Rouson voting no. SB 572, the Pam Rock Act by Senator Collins, would create a statewide dangerous dog registry, add criminal penalties for certain dangerous-dog attacks, and require permits, microchipping, spay/neuter, and $100,000 liability insurance for dangerous dogs. The sponsor and the Rock family described severe attacks and deaths involving dangerous dogs and argued the registry would help protect the public. Some senators questioned the registry’s usefulness, the amount of information collected, and insurance availability, but the bill passed and was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Kenny Bierman, and I serve on the Archer Farm School Board.
• I've served on the Archer Farm School Board for 20 years.
• I don't ever remember Archer Farm failing one.
• Well, Archer Farm is pretty rural. Not ever since they developed New Town, it's got more urban.
• Louis to me, but then I've never heard of Archer Farm until right now.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Children and Families heard public testimony on Senate Bill 1002, which would move St. Charles County school board elections and school levy/bond questions to the November general election, extend school board terms to four years, and allow candidates to voluntarily list party affiliation. The bill sponsor argued the change would increase turnout, broaden parent and taxpayer participation, and better align school board decisions with the broader electorate. Supporters echoed those points, saying April elections have low turnout, campaigning is difficult in winter, and November voting would give more residents a voice. Opponents, including school board members, parents, and the Missouri School Boards’ Association, argued the bill unnecessarily singles out St. Charles County, could politicize school board races, and might bury local issues on crowded November ballots. Several witnesses said school boards should remain nonpartisan and warned that four-year terms and the loss of staggered elections could reduce continuity and institutional knowledge. Others said limiting levy and bond questions to November could delay urgent district needs and reduce local flexibility. Some supporters and opponents also debated whether the bill should be statewide rather than county-specific. After testimony, the committee moved into executive session and voted Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1002 “do pass” by a vote of 10 aye, 5 no, and 1 present. The committee also voted Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1135 “do pass” by the same 10 aye, 5 no, and 1 present margin.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are destroying natural resources and spaces when we build cities and farms.
• to farm or something like that.
• My name is Ann Conway, and I'm the registered lobbyist for State Farm.
• My name is Ann Conway, and I'm the registered lobbyist for State Farm Insurance.
• I'm a field executive for State Farm.

Bills: SB154, SB187, SB193, SM3

Keywords: insurance, wildfire, flood damage, natural disasters, property coverage, water projects, appropriation, New Mexico, finance authority, infrastructure, New Mexico Finance Authority, funding, SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law

Transcript Highlights:

• It's, you know, Farm Market Road 1960 was called Jack Rabbit Road back then.
• House Bill 2415, relating to the designation of a portion of Farm-to-Market Road 969 in Travis County
• President, members, House Bill 2143 designates a portion of Farm to Market Road 1097.
• House Bill 2018, relating to the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program.
• House Bill 2018, relating to the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation, received a House message announcing passage of HB 74 creating the Puerto Verde Port Authority District, and heard a recognition from Senator Hancock about a weekend human trafficking operation in Fort Worth in which Unbound Now and the Fort Worth Police Department freed 19 victims. The Governor also submitted nominations to the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. The chamber then repeatedly suspended rules to take up and pass a series of House bills and one House joint resolution, mostly by wide margins, along with several local and honorary designations. Among the substantive measures, the Senate passed HB 1244 on open-space appraisal after property transfers, HJR 99 and HB 1399 to exempt animal feed from ad valorem taxation, HB 166 expanding child/endangered-person protections to fentanyl-related conduct, HB 1672 speeding DMV enforcement against unsafe motor carriers, HB 2018 clarifying the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program, HB 140 creating a DFPS advisory committee on child protective investigations, HB 467 providing for dissolution of the Cedar Creek Hospital District, HB 2000 requiring sex-offender registration for child grooming, HB 331 creating presumptions for first responders who suffer heart attacks or strokes after strenuous shifts, HB 1089 creating the Gulf Coast Protection Account, HB 2730 limiting when appraisal districts may require new homestead exemption applications, HB 2723 easing cemetery tax-exemption procedures, HB 353 creating a trespass offense near schools and day care centers, and HB 3248 authorizing defense-based development authorities to employ and commission peace officers. Several of these bills drew brief explanations and, in some cases, questions from other senators about their scope and purpose. The Senate also passed numerous memorial highway and facility designations, including HB 767 for Paul P. Mendez, HB 1708 for Trooper Kevin Ramirez-Vasquez, HB 2415 for Senior Police Officer Louis Andy Taylor, HB 2143 for Army Specialist Joey Lenz, HB 2457 for the Molly Mullins Mile, HB 2523 for Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia, HB 2198 for Officer Jacob Candinoza, and HB 2763 naming a TxDOT facility for Eduardo Eddie Garcia Jr. Other local or administrative measures included HB 3513 on the Moore County Juvenile Board and HB 3135 creating specialty plates for retired firefighters. The chamber also adopted several concurrent resolutions and later moved through a large local calendar, including HCR 80, which designated Brenham as the ice cream capital of Texas. Most measures passed with little or no opposition, though a few votes on rule suspensions and final passage recorded small numbers of nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• to farm like it was 1920 all over again. to farm like it was 1920 all over again.
• If you don't want to farm, don't farm.
• district who runs Coleman Crest Farm. district who runs Coleman Crest Farm.
• Speaker. operations, farm adjacent workers, operations, farm adjacent workers, visitors<01:17:16.320>
• But this bill is not about farming. But this bill is not about farming.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 3953 would expand the opportunity to purchase the dedicated plate to commercial 1-ton pickups and farm
• farm trucks. farm trucks.
• truck and found out that it farm truck and found out that it statutorily<00:33:48.440> was<00
• ,<00:36:33.640> but<00:36:33.800> for not only for careers in farming, but for not
• only for careers in farming, but for roles<00:36:34.440> across<00:36:34.880> Minnesota's

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Farm Safety Net and Disaster Support, the Agricultural Risk Coverage Program, and the Price Loss
• Okay, so with the WIC and Senior Farmers Market Program, this is funded by the Food Farm Bill.
• In the past, both programs have been 100% federally funded through the Farm Bill.
• That's great news for New Mexico because we fully utilize those from our farm service agents.
• So is that funded through the Farm Bill, Madam Chair?

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, if you don't know, those are vehicles that are used in farming, nothing to do with actual husbandry
• And again, those are farm equipment—tollable farm equipment.
• many of us have experienced driving behind an implement of husbandry, otherwise known as a piece of farm
• <00:02:18.599> equipment<00:02:19.000> tollable<00:02:19.680> farm those are
• farm equipment tollable farm those are farm equipment tollable farm equipment<00:02:21.080> um

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and nation and even the world, but also promoting it through things like ag in the classroom and our farm
• have about 740 schools and almost 200 producers participating in a closely related program called Farm
• We'll also hope to continue to grow those Local Food for Schools and Farm to School programs and expand
• Because I farmed for many years, 30 years with my dad and on my own, and our goal at that time was to
• Because I farmed for many years, 30 years with my dad and on my own, and our goal at that time was to

Summary: The meeting began with a budget presentation from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Secretary Blaine Arthur and Deputy Commissioner Jan Lee described the agency’s divisions and recent efforts to improve efficiency, including expanded online licensing, electronic veterinary inspection certificates, and a new laboratory information system. They highlighted youth and workforce programs, local food initiatives for schools, market development efforts, and ongoing animal health concerns such as avian influenza, equine herpesvirus, and the threat of New World screwworm. They also discussed staffing, turnover, and uncertainty around federal cooperative agreement funding, while noting they were not requesting new or additional appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year. Members asked about meat inspection staffing, the use of one-time forestry firefighting funds, biosecurity and national security coordination, and agency staffing levels. The department said meat inspection was currently in good shape but dependent on federal funding stability, and explained that prior firefighting dollars had been used for equipment purchases. They also said they work with state and federal partners, including DHS and FBI, on threat preparedness and have reduced turnover by adjusting salaries and maintaining staffing at or below prior levels. The Oklahoma Conservation Commission then presented its budget and program overview. Staff described the agency’s long history and current work in water quality, flood control, soil health, unpaved roads, wetlands, and woody species control, especially eastern red cedar removal. They emphasized data-driven, voluntary conservation practices, citing stream cleanups, flood-control dam benefits, pond cleanouts during drought, and the Cherry-Peach watershed project as examples of programs that improve water resources and reduce wildfire risk. The agency said its workload has grown significantly and requested funding for critical dam repairs, local conservation district staffing, continued unpaved roads work, and expansion of woody species control statewide. Members asked about county matching for road and dam projects, who to contact about flooding roads, sediment removal from pond cleanouts, and the effectiveness of county training programs. Commission staff explained that county in-kind work can count as match, local conservation districts are the first point of contact, and the road training has produced measurable savings and better maintenance practices. They also clarified that “high hazard” dams are those where failure could threaten people or infrastructure downstream, not necessarily dams that are structurally failing.

Transcript Highlights:

• and all the Washington had a hemp farm and all the livestock<00:41:33.920> used<00:41:34.079>
• <00:50:29.119> bill<00:50:29.359> cap cap and that's the federal farm bill cap cap
• and that's the federal farm bill cap that's<00:50:29.839> there<00:50:30.079> on<00:50:
• <00:56:39.280> bill fact that the hemp the farm bill fact that the hemp the farm bill legalized
• I will say that we lived the farm bill in Congress of 2019.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, people that shuck oysters at the farms are unable to serve them up right out of the bay to
• Currently, people that shuck oysters at the farms are unable to serve them up right out of the bay to
• That's an oyster farm. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. I want to say, why did you just say that?
• That's an oyster farm. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. I want to say, why did you just say that?
• That's an oyster farm. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. I want to say, why did you just say that?

Bills: HB277, SB89, HB135, HB277, SB89, HB135

Keywords: HB277, 2A Sales Tax Holiday, firearms tax exemption, ammunition, hunting supplies, sales tax holiday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Second Amendment, gun tax holiday, gun rights, outdoor gear, hunting equipment, state sales tax, use tax, local option tax exemption, county opt-in, municipal opt-in, Department of Revenue, Alabama

Transcript Highlights:

• c><01:54:20.159> farm And we just modified those rules for selling meat at farm stands and at
• and you sell at your farm or a farm stand or a farmers market, and they need to meet the labeling requirements
• to sell at farm from their farm,<01:59:55.360> the<01:59:55.599> farmers<01:59:56.000>
• market<01:59:56.239> and<01:59:56.480> farm<01:59:56.800> stands farm, the
• farmers market and farm stands farm, the farmers market and farm stands um<01:59:57.760> within

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Why would we limit a big state expenditure with a solar farm?
• It looks like it's a farm that's here, is that right? It is. Okay.
• , wind farms, storage facilities, and pipelines.
• <01:16:20.360> wind<01:16:20.639> farms power plants solar Farms wind farms power plants
• solar Farms wind farms storage<01:16:21.600> facilities<01:16:22.040> and<01:16:22.600

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The farm winery is literally for a farm. It is on agricultural land.
• wineries are Farm wineries are Farm wineries<01:10:04.120> but<01:10:04.239> if<01
• wineries but if you're not on a farm wineries but if you're not on a farm you're<01:10:06.480>
• right as our farm wineries they cannot wholesale<01:10:41.480> the<01:10:41.600> Farm<
• that crosses all three tiers the Farm that crosses all three tiers the Farm Winery<01:10:51.800>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They wouldn't have a farm.
• They wouldn't have a farm.
• on the farm. on the farm.
• They wouldn't have<01:23:51.600> a<01:23:51.760> farm.
• So um you know there's have a farm.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Alex Bing from the California Farm Bureau, and I'm here to speak in support of AB 430.
• These... ...and funding for wetlands while increasing water flows for farms.
• farms, and many of whom are entirely groundwater dependent.
• They persist only in fragments of habitat around farm fields.
• Chair and member Stephen Fenrelli with the California Farm Bureau in support.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of water, parks, transportation, species protection, and fisheries bills. AB 430 would require the State Water Resources Control Board to publish an economic and environmental impact study when emergency water regulations are extended over multiple years; the author and supporters from agricultural and water groups said it would add transparency without limiting emergency authority. AB 1139 would expand a CEQA exemption to let county park agencies open existing roads and trails for non-motorized recreation, with supporters emphasizing access to nature and opponents warning about impacts to sensitive habitat, tribal resources, and fire risk. AB 929 would temporarily exempt small community water systems and managed wetlands from certain SGMA pumping reductions and fines; supporters said it would protect vulnerable communities and wetlands, while farm and water coalition opponents argued it would undermine basin-wide groundwater management and shift burdens to other users. AB 1225, creating an Accessibility Advisory Committee for State Parks, drew broad support and passed unanimously. The committee also heard AB 514, which would encourage local water suppliers to develop emergency water supplies for drought and service interruptions; it passed with broad support, though one member cautioned against using scientific research as a loophole. AB 550 would let developers seek incidental take permits for species under consideration for listing, aimed at reducing delays for clean energy projects; environmental groups supported the goal but asked for clearer standards, limits on using research as mitigation, and a fee provision, and the bill passed as amended. AB 697 would authorize an incidental take permit for the State Route 37 interim project in Solano and Marin counties, balancing congestion relief and habitat restoration; supporters stressed long commutes and urgent restoration deadlines, while opponents raised climate, sea-level-rise, and tribal concerns. The bill passed, with some members noting they would continue to work on the measure. Other measures discussed included AB 975, which would give Sutter County a narrow, temporary exemption from streambed alteration agreements for certain damaged small bridges and culverts; county officials described repeated flood damage and long permitting delays, and the bill passed as amended. AB 1056 would phase out transferability of set gillnet permits after 2027, allowing only a final family transfer; supporters framed it as a gradual response to bycatch concerns, while fishing industry opponents said it would unfairly target an existing fishery and set a bad precedent. The committee also took up AB 1146, described by the author as a response to politically motivated water releases; supporters from conservation and water organizations backed the bill. Several bills were voted out to Appropriations, some were left open for later action or add-ons, and the committee repeatedly noted it was working through the agenda without a quorum early in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't comment on what might happen with the Farm Bill; that's unknown at this time.
• There was a very large boom in production after the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill.
• I'm the Food and Farming Program Director for the Ecology Center.
• If we do not see funding for CNIP, we will lose farms, we will lose farm income, and we will see farmers
• If we do not see funding for CNIP, we will lose farms, we will lose farm income, and we will see farmers

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard several May Revision proposals, primarily from the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Government Operations Agency, the Department of Technology, and the Franchise Tax Board. CDFA presented funding for the animal care program under Proposition 12, a transition away from the state hemp program to USDA oversight by January 1, 2028, ongoing support for agricultural statistics reporting after USDA reorganization, and trailer bill changes to the department’s indirect cost cap. The LAO generally supported the animal care, hemp transition, and statistics proposals, while also urging future review of the Prop 12 funding once litigation is resolved. The indirect-cost-cap language was described as technical and not increasing charges to programs, and it was held open with no objections from the LAO or Finance. The committee also discussed the new federal Workforce Pell program and related Cradle to Career funding and trailer bill language. Finance said the state is still reviewing federal rules and is focusing on basic implementation steps, with the trailer bill assigning eligibility determinations to the California Student Aid Commission, requiring data sharing through Cradle to Career, and prioritizing public institutions first. The LAO urged caution because the federal rules were just finalized and said the Legislature should better define the process and costs before appropriating the $1.3 million requested for Cradle to Career. Members raised policy concerns about limiting the program to certain institutions and about aligning the proposal with pending legislation and broader workforce policy. The Department of Technology presented a $1 million request for Poppy, the state’s digital assistant, to expand a secure GenAI platform for state employees. Members asked detailed questions about data security, model training, bias controls, and whether the system could eventually support local governments; CDT said the system uses state-controlled cloud infrastructure, does not use user data for training, and quarantines new models for review. CDT also sought provisional authority for the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative to cover possible operating shortfalls while the network is still being built; the LAO remained concerned about broad spending authority, and several members questioned the revenue assumptions and oversight. FTB then proposed retaining a smaller set of CalFile resources after the federal Direct File program was discontinued, with the LAO saying the reduced staffing level was broadly reasonable but still worth legislative scrutiny. The committee also began hearing the administration’s revenue proposals, including a permanent limitation on business tax credits and a tax on electronically delivered prewritten software, with the LAO generally supporting the goal of raising ongoing revenue but recommending changes to the software proposal’s exemptions and business-use treatment.