Transcript Highlights:

• currently being used to technology currently being used to target<00:48:33.520><c> content</c><00:48
• ><c> predicts</c> If age estimation technology predicts If age estimation technology predicts that<00
• using this technology to to lure<00:54:03.920><c> young</c><00:54:04.200><c> users</c><00:54:05.080>
• And then I just kind of wonder about the technology itself, if it's ready.
• And then I just kind of wonder about the technology itself, if it's ready.

Bills: HF4502 , HF3388 , HF4106 , HF400 , HF4138 , HF4118 , HF4203

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: trusted contact, financial exploitation, elder abuse, elder financial abuse, fraud prevention, financial institution, banking, credit union, broker-dealer, account security, dormant account, consumer protection, scam, suspicious activity, protective services, law enforcement reporting, Minnesota Statutes chapter 45A, HF3388, Minnesota premium security plan, reinsurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh the committee held its uh technology.
• &gt;&gt; Technology.<00:31:25.440><c> Thank</c><00:31:25.600><c> you.
• From behind me, I &gt;&gt; Technology. Thank you.
• From behind me, I hear<00:31:26.640><c> technology.
• That's the right one hear technology.

Bills: HB0159

Committee: House Education

Keywords: student rights, free expression, K-12 education, speech protection, religious views, political speech, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no technology to remove them.
• to remove them there's no technology to remove them they<00:30:31.480><c> will</c><00:30:31.679><c>
• </c> agreement between the high technology agreement between the high technology development<01:28:04.119
• I wanted to ask: is there new technology to be able to make it a viable development site that doesn’t
• Specifically, what technology we don’t know yet.

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard several measures focused on water quality, waste management, aquifer protection, wastewater, and climate-related funding. SB 984 on water pollution drew opposition from DLNR and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, with the latter arguing the bill could unfairly blame landowners for runoff caused by terrain and storm events; the chair noted there were also supporters and commenters submitted in writing. SB 639 on underground storage tanks received support from the Department of Health, the Board of Water Supply, and the Sierra Club, with testimony emphasizing environmental restoration standards after jet fuel releases; no opposition was noted in the live testimony. SB 946 on wastewater management was presented as clarifying that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters applies to treatment plants, and it drew support from the County of Maui, DOH, and Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, with no questions or opposition raised in the hearing. The committee also heard SB 438 on waste disposal facilities near significant aquifers. DOH and the Water Commission offered comments, while the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services opposed the bill because of a provision affecting ash recycling; the Board of Water Supply and Sierra Club supported the measure, and the Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board and Energy Justice Network raised concerns about fly ash and bottom ash recycling, landfill capacity, and potential contamination of aquifers. Testimony reflected a split between environmental protection concerns and arguments that the bill could block beneficial reuse of ash. The committee then took up HB 1395 on state funds, which would direct interest from the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund to the general fund when the reserve exceeds the state’s target. The Governor’s office, emergency management, the State Energy Office, the Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority, the Nature Conservancy, and several other groups supported the bill’s climate-resilience intent, while the Tax Foundation and committee discussion raised concerns that the measure functioned mainly as a revenue transfer without a dedicated spending mechanism. Members discussed whether a special fund or legislative appropriation process would better ensure the money was used for climate mitigation and related projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• to include an examination of alternatives, including, without limitation, advanced transmission technologies
• The utility would be required to utilize advanced transmission technologies if necessary and economical
• , and the commission may consider those technologies and their costs when evaluating the project.

Committee: Senate Energy, Industry and Mining

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's more like for a startup or some kind of technology or testing or something.
• The Missouri Chamber, we run the Missouri Chamber Technology Alliance, a consortium of private industry
• partners that are on the cutting edge of technology in a variety of different sectors. ...Alliance,
• a consortium of private industry partners that are on the cutting edge of technology in a variety of

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Summary: The committee first called the roll and established a quorum, then heard Senate Bill 1553, sponsored by Senator Curtis Gregory. The bill is aimed at reshoring critical supply chains to the United States through tax credits and related incentives for production of pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, materials, and metals. Gregory said the Senate version added clarifying language tying eligible materials to federal critical-materials and FDA lists. Witnesses in support described the bill as a national security measure and an economic development tool for Missouri, citing dependence on China and India for medicines and materials, forced labor concerns in cobalt supply chains, and examples of Missouri companies and institutions already working in pharmaceutical and mineral production. Several supporters noted the bill’s incentives would be difficult to use without additional federal support, and one witness said the transferable tax credits were a key strength, though the scope could be narrowed in the future. Support testimony came from Douglas Jost of Jost Chemical Company, Jared Hankinson of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Matt Thompson of the API Innovation Center, Michael Givens of Doe Run Company, and Matthew Smith of Associated Industries of Missouri. Their comments emphasized supply-chain vulnerability, national security, and Missouri’s existing manufacturing base. No opposition or informational testimony was presented, and there were no substantive questions after the witnesses. The committee then moved into executive session and voted unanimously, 9-0, to report Senate Bill 1553 do pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• was</c> But the importance of your bill and why this is such good work is that this is emerging technology
• such good work is that this is this is such good work is that this is emerging emerging emerging technology
• 10.200><c> of</c><00:08:10.480><c> emerging</c><00:08:11.040><c> tools</c><00:08:11.920><c> for</c> technology
• kind of emerging tools for technology kind of emerging tools for transportation<00:08:13.360><c> that

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3785, a bill from Representative DePauw dealing with classification issues for electric bicycles and electric motorcycles. DePauw said the bill responds to concerns raised by a constituent, the Department of Public Safety, insurance companies, and law enforcement about the lack of a clear category for electric motorcycles and the need for clearer rules on where these vehicles may be used and how accidents and liability are handled. Several members spoke in support of the bill’s safety and education benefits, while also noting that the issue is still evolving and may need further work before final passage. The committee first considered and adopted the DePauw A11 amendment, described as a technical amendment to allow the Department of Natural Resources to use appropriated money or license-fee revenue for signage. Fiscal staff explained that the DNR has a $30,000 cost and $32,000 in offsetting revenue in a special revenue fund, but cannot access that revenue without a direct appropriation, making the amendment necessary. Representative Frazier noted the bill still needs additional work and confirmed with DePauw that further changes would be made before the bill reaches the floor. After discussion, including comments about the growing use of e-bikes by seniors, people with disabilities, commuters, and families, the committee voted to advance House File 3785 as amended. The motion to refer the bill to the general register passed on a voice vote, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since March 2022, over 6 million proceedings have been conducted with remote technology.
• For the benefit of all Californians who see the advantages of technology and choose to appear remotely
• They also underscore the importance of human judgment in all AI-assisted processes, ensuring that technology
• Our goal is to strike the right balance between innovation and accountability, ensuring technology does

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Since March 2022, over 6 million proceedings have been conducted with remote technology.
• For the benefit of all Californians who see the advantages of technology and choose to appear remotely
• They also underscore the importance of human judgment in all AI-assisted processes, ensuring that technology
• Our goal is to strike the right balance between innovation and accountability, ensuring technology does

Summary: The Legislature convened in joint convention for the 2026 State of the Judiciary, escorting Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and the Associate Justices to the rostrum and recognizing statewide constitutional officers in attendance. Legislative leaders welcomed the court and framed the address around the importance of judicial independence, equal justice, and the judiciary’s role in California’s democracy. Chief Justice Guerrero reported on several major judicial branch priorities. She emphasized rising threats to judges and court security, the need to extend authority for remote proceedings beyond its current sunset, and the ongoing implementation of the CARE Act in all 58 counties, including data on petitions, agreements, and plans. She also discussed trial court funding and persistent judgeship shortages, especially in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, where congested calendars have led to case dismissals and heavy use of temporary assigned judges. The Chief Justice also addressed the judiciary’s response to artificial intelligence, including guidance on generative AI, deepfakes, and evidence issues, as well as concerns about federal immigration enforcement at courthouses and its effect on access to justice. She reviewed corrective actions after the February 2025 bar exam problems, including scoring adjustments, a return to in-person testing, and rule changes for attorney admissions. She closed by noting judicial salary concerns, the 100th anniversary of the Judicial Council, and the need for continued collaboration with the Governor and Legislature. No votes were taken. The joint convention ordered the State of the Judiciary address printed in the Journal as a separate appendix and then adjourned, with an invitation extended to a reception with the Chief Justice later that evening.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since March 2022, over 6 million proceedings have been conducted with remote technology.
• For the benefit of all Californians who see the advantages of technology and choose to appear remotely
• They also underscore the importance of human judgment in all AI-assisted processes, ensuring that technology
• Our goal is to strike the right balance between innovation and accountability, ensuring technology does

Summary: The Legislature recessed into a joint convention for the 2026 State of the Judiciary, escorted the California Supreme Court justices to the rostrum, and heard remarks from legislative leaders and Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. The speakers emphasized judicial independence, the rule of law, and the importance of the courts as a co-equal branch of government. The Chief Justice framed her address as a calm report on the judiciary’s work and major challenges, while thanking legislative and executive partners for collaboration. Chief Justice Guerrero highlighted several policy and operational issues facing the courts. She urged continued support for remote proceedings, noting more than 6 million remote hearings since 2022 and strong user satisfaction, and discussed the CARE Act’s statewide implementation, including petition and agreement numbers and the recent expansion to cover certain bipolar disorders. She also raised concerns about judicial security and privacy, threats and negative rhetoric toward judges, courthouse access issues tied to federal immigration enforcement, and the need for more judgeships and funding in high-need counties such as Riverside and San Bernardino. She also discussed the judiciary’s response to artificial intelligence, including guidance on generative AI, deepfakes, and evidence admissibility, and reported corrective actions after the troubled February 2025 bar exam, including scoring adjustments, expanded provisional licensing, and a return to in-person testing. Additional points included proposed ongoing funding for trial courts, long-standing judicial salary disparities, and the Judicial Council’s 100th anniversary. No votes were taken; the joint convention concluded with the address ordered printed in the Journal and an invitation to a reception for members and guests.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know we have a lot of technology out there that helps us run plates and do those things.
• I know we have a lot of technology out there that helps us run plates and do those things, but a lot
• His last point was that sometimes being able to do things with technology does not mean it is better.
• And the last point I want to make is sometimes when we can do things with technology doesn't mean it's

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 629 from Representative Joe Palmer, which would let vehicle owners choose not to receive a paper registration card from ITD and instead keep an electronic copy on a phone or print one themselves. Palmer said the change was intended to give drivers flexibility and save ITD about $800,000, with the savings redirected to highway-related funds. He also said the bill would not require electronic registration, only allow it as an option, and noted that commercial vehicles already have a similar option. Chief Deputy Zach Hesing of the Ada County Sheriff’s Office testified in opposition on behalf of the Idaho Sheriffs Association. He said officers need a paper registration during traffic stops because phones, computers, or DMV systems can fail, especially in rural areas, and because handling a driver’s phone raises practical and officer-safety concerns. Several senators questioned how the bill would work if a phone was unavailable or if officers had to take a phone back to a patrol car; Palmer responded that drivers could still print a copy and that officers could radio in information if needed. During debate, supporters argued the bill was a modern convenience and a cost-saving measure that did not change the underlying requirement to provide proof of registration. Opponents raised privacy, Fourth Amendment, and officer-safety concerns, and some said registration should remain with the vehicle rather than be stored on a personal phone. A motion by Senator Kaiser to send HB 629 to the floor with a due pass recommendation failed on a voice vote, and the bill remained in committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those frameworks do not exist today, but as technology advances, frameworks do not exist today, but as
• technology advances, that is where a lot of power generation is headed.
• Commerce, which is in charge of the program called Local Updated Census Addresses, or LUCA, has the technology
• The appropriations for this bill would go towards that staffing and that technology. ...to make sure

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a series of bills, mostly on a due-pass basis. Representative Grego’s bill to keep a prescribed-burn indemnity fund framework alive, with no state cost and hopes of private or insurance funding, passed 6-0 after discussion about wildfire risk and encouraging safer burns. Representative West’s HB 2962, removing time limits and refund caps for certain tax overpayment claims and extending refund rights for tribal members and former wards, also passed 6-0, with the sponsor saying it would apply retroactively. Representative Archer’s HB 3175, as a committee substitute, would begin creating a state nuclear regulatory framework in anticipation of future federal court changes; it passed 4-3. Representative May’s HB 3336 to remove the salary cap on the OMES CIO failed 2-5 and remained in Appropriations and Budget, while his HB 3831 to create a revolving fund for Oklahoma Task Force One equipment upgrades passed 6-1. Representative Wolfley’s HB 3566 raising tag agent title-transfer fees from $2.25 to $3.75 passed 6-1, and Representative Lawson’s HB 3621 to recreate a state data center for census preparation and LUCA support passed 6-1 after he agreed to amend it to be subject to available funds. Other measures advanced included HB 2958, a 9% pay raise for state employees, which passed unanimously 8-0; HB 3047, making LOFT the clearinghouse for statutorily required agency reports, which passed 6-1; HB 4301, strengthening the VA escape clause by requiring earnest-money refunds when a VA-financed home does not appraise, which passed 7-0; and HB 1979, creating a two-year task force to consolidate early childhood programs across agencies, which passed 4-2. The committee also heard a bill allowing the Attorney General’s Office and District Attorneys Council to buy vehicles without going through OMES, and it passed 6-2. After finishing the agenda, the committee announced a short recess before reopening for an Emergency Management budget hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• , 4, 5, and 6, which are the different statutes where prosthetics, orthotics, and complex rehab technology
• There was also a section when we separated the complex rehab technology from the prosthetics or orthotics
• Which are the different statutes where prosthetics, orthotics, and complex rehab technology were separated
• There was also a section when we separated the complex rehab technology from the prosthetics or orthotics

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up the committee substitute for HB 38, a complex insurance bill concerning coverage for prosthetics, orthotics, and complex rehab technology. The sponsor and expert witness explained that the substitute made technical clarifications across multiple sections of law, including explicit coverage language, restoration of services and supplies, and replacement timing rules to avoid overuse while preserving access when a patient’s medical needs change. They said the changes had been reviewed and supported by the Office of Superintendent of Insurance and insurers, and there was no opposition from the public. Members asked about the need to return the bill to committee because of the number of statutory changes, and the sponsor said the Speaker wanted a clean committee substitute before floor action. The committee adopted the substitute and then approved a do pass recommendation on the committee substitute for HB 38, with no opposition. The committee then heard House Memorial 59, which requests a study of fair compensation for foster parents, including consideration of a cost-of-living allowance, with findings due to the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee by November 30. CYFD testified that the study would likely use a contractor and that the department already has related recruitment, retention, and placement work underway. Members asked about foster parent numbers, foster care plus stipends, Social Security benefits for children in care, and clothing allowances; CYFD explained current payment structures, including a $50 monthly clothing amount built into the rate and separate vouchers in some cases. The committee heard supportive testimony from the New Mexico Child First Network and then voted do pass on HM 59 without opposition. The chair announced there would be no meeting the next day and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• you look at the bill, you can see it's fairly detailed with, in terms of the color, and there's technology
• color and<00:02:07.600><c> um</c> and um and um there's<00:02:10.319><c> uh</c><00:02:10.800><c> technology
• </c><00:02:11.360><c> that</c><00:02:11.599><c> I'm</c><00:02:11.840><c> not</c> there's uh technology
• that I'm not there's uh technology that I'm not familiar<00:02:12.400><c> with</c><00:02:13.040><c>

Committee: Joint Tourism

Keywords: Tourism - Room 210, 2 February, 2026; 4:00 P.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• County repurposed vacant space to create a courtroom designed for large multi-party trials with technology
• that To create a courtroom designed for large multi-party trials with technology that improves the experience
• address the physical security needs, the judicial branch has continued parallel efforts on the technology
• trust, ensuring a safe and secure work environment, fostering a strong workforce, and finally using technology

Summary: The Senate convened with 34 members present and one excused absence, then approved the prior day’s journal. After moving to motions and resolutions, the chamber welcomed the Chief Justice and members of the Idaho judiciary for the annual State of the Judiciary address. The Chief Justice described the courts’ workload, including rising civil caseloads, ongoing criminal and juvenile matters, and the continued use of treatment courts, mediation, remote hearings, self-help services, and online case access tools to improve access and efficiency. The Chief Justice also highlighted courthouse facility upgrades in several counties, concerns about courthouse security and threats to judges and court staff, and cybersecurity efforts that blocked large numbers of phishing and malicious access attempts. He emphasized civic education efforts, the judiciary’s five governing principles, and the need for continued collaboration with the legislature and counties. The Senate ordered the address spread upon the journal and then returned the Chief Justice to the chamber exit. In later business, the Senate received Senate Joint Resolution 102, proposing a constitutional amendment related to state trust lands, and referred it to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for printing. The chamber also received two gubernatorial appointments: Estella Zamora to the Idaho Commission on Human Rights and Janet Lawler to the Commission of Pardons and Parole, referring them to the appropriate committees. Two bills were introduced on first reading—Senate Bill 1224 on slow-moving vehicles and Senate Bill 1225 on presidential searches for state higher education institutions—and both were referred to Judiciary and Rules for printing. The Senate then announced a schedule change for America 250-related activities the next day and adjourned until 11 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Natural Resources, Energy and Water; HB 2803, Expenditure Limitation; HB 2809, Statewide Science and Technology
• corporation 2330 line sitting vectors 2330 one electrical service providers 2332 Prohibition MRNA technology
• contracts public works. 2698 rental assistance study committee, 2699 contracts public works, 2700 technology
• Speaker Pro Tem, with your permission, the Committee on Science and Technology will not be meeting today

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 49/11 as a necessary and timely update to Texas child protection laws in response to emerging technologies
• Since then, we've seen that technology has advanced rapidly and the law needs further updates to close
• Um, to close on this, uh, the reason this bill is so important is one, technology should never outpace
• recently or in recent sessions made some strides towards helping law enforcement, but unfortunately technology

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the technology here to do that. We want to make sure as many voices are heard.
• have</c><00:03:55.599><c> the</c> state of Minnesota we have the state of Minnesota we have the technology
• 03:57.280><c> that</c><00:03:58.280><c> we</c><00:03:58.400><c> want</c><00:03:58.480><c> to</c> technology
• here to do that we want to technology here to do that we want to make<00:03:58.720><c> sure</c><00:03

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Out of Banking, Business, Insurance, and Technology, one favorable, seven on its merits.
• Out of Banking, Business, Insurance, and Technology.
• Out of Banking, Business, Insurance, and Technology, eight on its merits.
• Out of Banking, Business, Insurance, and Technology, two favorable, six on its merits.
• Delaware Code relating to the Medical Debt Protection Act, out of Banking, Business, Insurance, and Technology

Summary: The Senate received communications from the House listing numerous bills, substitutes, amendments, and concurrent resolutions passed by the House or returned to the Senate, and it also noted a Senate amendment being stricken from House Bill 190. Committee reports were read on a wide range of nominations and bills, including favorable reports on several executive nominations and legislation involving nurse preceptors, voting, agricultural/forestry grants, child care, Title IX coordination, vehicle security devices, dry needling, human remains disposition, child care assistance, autism-related oversight, nursing advancement, correctional oversight, massage and bodywork, probate letters, computer security breaches, automobile insurance, medical debt protection, and technical corrections. The Senate also assigned House Bill 300, House Bill 64, and House Bill 385 to the Finance Committee. The chamber confirmed several gubernatorial nominations by roll call vote, each receiving the required majority: Heidi J. A. Gilmore to the Marijuana Appeals Commission; Lee Wynne and Ruth J. Tucker to the Delaware River and Bay Authority Board; Jennifer R. Hallman and Lindsay E. Alexich to the Professional Standards Board; Jason M. Munion and F. Todd Kulata to the Environmental Appeals Board. The Senate also passed House Substitute 1 for House Bill 383, which changes overtime eligibility for certain DelDOT employees and clarifies covered positions, and Senate Bill 315 with Senate Amendment 1, which revises the Delaware Technical Innovation Program to give the Division of Small Business more flexibility in using federal grant funds. Consent Agenda M passed unanimously, including Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319 on menopause and perimenopause coverage, House Bill 411 on alcohol/tobacco/marijuana enforcement, House Bill 271 on marijuana establishment spacing, House Bill 258 on alcohol licenses, House Bill 303 on juvenile probation/parole officers and DCYF employees, and House Bill 377 on Ocean View municipal election deadlines. Consent Calendar 63 also passed unanimously, including resolutions recognizing Day of Service, National Adoption Month, National Coaches Day, Free Speech Week, Women’s Equality Day, and Spirit of America 250, along with resolutions encouraging a veteran cemetery in Kent County, seeking plans for repurposing underused public buildings, and honoring Delaware Boys State. The Senate spent significant time on floor remarks about the Boys State delegates and on a tribute to emergency responders who helped save a seven-year-old child trapped by a seatbelt; the responders were recognized individually and thanked for their work. Additional remarks explained the purpose of the menopause coverage bill, the adoption month resolution, the free speech resolution, and the America 250 resolution. The session ended with no further business and the Senate recessed until June 18.

Transcript Highlights:

• J1A is Department of Shared Administrative Services, Office of State Technology.
• Jay Harton, Director of the Office of State Technology.
• J1A is Department of Shared Administration Services, Office of State Technology.
• It's from various line items to a telecommunications technology delivery line.
• Jay Harton, director of office of state technology.

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Summary: The committee met to review a large slate of fiscal year 2026 and 2027 appropriation, transfer, and continuation requests across multiple sections. Early items included temporary appropriations for agencies such as Health, DHS, Education, Public Safety, State Police, Emergency Management, Aeronautics, Military, Economic Development, and Game and Fish, covering items like maternal health outreach, energy assistance repayments, Wynne High School tornado rebuilding, senior food services, cybersecurity, crime victim reparations, aviation grants, conservation incentives, and emergency tower maintenance. Members asked questions on several items, including DHS aging carry-forward funds and Treasury custodial banking fees tied to COVID-era balances; the committee also approved a disclosure by the chair on the Game and Fish-related item before voting to approve the section. The committee then approved continuation requests, CARES Act and ARPA reallocations, and federal grant appropriations. Notable discussion included the Boonville developmental disability project, ALIGN program reallocations at several universities, a small business technical assistance grant at UA Little Rock, and a Department of Public Safety highway safety grant, for which members requested more detail on operating expenses and professional fees. Additional approvals covered a transfer to the Merit Teacher Incentive program, restricted reserve fund transfers for military medical command and university projects, and a state central services deduction held at 2%. The Department of Commerce also received approval for a reallocation of positions and spending authority tied to its organizational realignment. Later sections included shared technology and higher education transfers, cash fund appropriations for school Medicaid reimbursements, corrections, youth mental health, narcotics detection canines, bike safety equipment, a state motor pool pilot, and law enforcement safety costs. The committee also reviewed budget classification transfers, including a Governor’s Office legal fee transfer related to a California lawsuit, and heard explanations about E-Rate reimbursements affecting the Office of State Technology. Members asked about VOCA funding levels for crime victim services and about the National Security Grant Program for nonprofits and faith-based organizations; officials said federal funding had declined from prior highs but appeared to have stabilized, and that the nonprofit security grant is an annual federal program. The meeting concluded with review of pay plan requests, DHS overtime funding for child protection caseloads, and a year-end adjustment request allowing DFA to make up to $1 million in transfers to close the books, after which the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And viticulture technology, I'll talk a little bit about that later.
• And this is some more of our technologies.
• The presidents, we talked about AI and technology as it relates to soil, soil moisture, growing crops
• And it's not just the Ag Center, but a lot of it deals with infrastructure and technology, but also some
• And of course, you guys used to STEM: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Committee: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development met to approve the October 3, 2024 interim minutes and then took up two resolutions. HCR 205, by Representative Kerner, urged USDA to use its Commodity Procurement Program to purchase domestic Louisiana shrimp. Supporters said shrimpers are facing very low prices, full cold storage, and an urgent need for federal purchases to stabilize the market and help local processors and fishermen. Commissioner Mike Strain explained that USDA commodity purchases can support schools, nursing homes, and food banks, and members discussed the need for cold storage, marketing, and better promotion of local seafood. The resolution was reported favorably without objection. The committee also considered HCR 188, which memorializes Congress to oppose any federal farm bill language that could negatively affect the use of hunting dogs; members said the provision had raised concerns about field trials, scent hounds, and hunting practices, and the resolution was also reported favorably without objection. The committee then received a presentation from Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture leadership, led by interim president and chancellor Orlando McMeans and Executive Vice Chancellor Calvin Walker. They outlined the center’s research, teaching, and extension work, including medicinal cannabis research, beef cattle and smart ranching, viticulture, aquaculture, precision agriculture, food and nutrition, and support for small farmers and K-12 dual enrollment. They highlighted scholarship and enrollment programs, including USDA-supported 1890 scholars and JAG Stars, as well as partnerships with LSU and USDA. They also described major facility projects, including a high-tech meat processing facility, research labs, a vineyard, and a proposed 1,300-bed disaster shelter/mega shelter at the experiment station. Members asked questions about meat-cutting and processing training, cattle genetics, and the shelter’s use when not needed for disasters. Southern officials said the new processing facility is intended to support training and workforce development, and that the shelter could also be used for events such as weddings, graduations, and agricultural activities. The committee expressed appreciation for the presentation and the work of the Ag Center. Representative Broussard then moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned.