Transcript Highlights:

• Its expertise ensures that the study will be... farming communities.
• These drones can be very disruptive to farm operations.
• We will treat farms like other critical infrastructure in Florida.
• Trip Hunter, Florida Farm Bureau, waving in support.
• It's at 0.7 milligrams per liter of water in the United States.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard a presentation on its 2025-2026 budget recommendations and adopted the proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The chair highlighted major funding items including more than $1.2 billion for water quality and Everglades work, citrus recovery, food bank and pantry grants, wastewater and drinking water loans, beach restoration, flood and sea level rise projects, rural land protection, disaster loans, state facilities repairs, SLERS, accounting system replacement, and continued funding for My Safe Florida Home. Staff were authorized to make technical adjustments, and members were told final proviso project lists would be printed later in the week. The committee then considered several bills and reported them favorably, including SB 796 on DEP general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems to help local governments address failing septic-related water quality problems; SB 1162 expanding boating improvement and water access facilities programs; SB 466 implementing the Florida Museum of Black History task force’s selection of West Augustine as the museum site; SB 178 creating a FAMU agronomic study on viable crops for land taken out of production; CS/SB 678 allowing pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; and CS/SB 736 updating the Brownfields program, with a technical amendment adopted. Testimony on these bills was generally supportive, with speakers from affected industries, local governments, and advocacy groups. The committee also took up CS/CS/SB 700, the comprehensive Florida Farm Bill, which included technical agency changes and major policy provisions such as restrictions on additives to public water supplies, labeling requirements for meat, milk, poultry, and eggs, drone-related protections for farmland, disaster recovery loan updates, an honest services registry for charities, FFA scholarship and school infrastructure provisions, and a mechanism for state purchase of former solar-converted agricultural land. The water-additive provisions drew extensive debate and testimony from supporters and opponents, including dental professionals, public health advocates, and groups arguing for medical freedom and local control. Despite the controversy and a no vote from Senator Arrington, the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1226 creating a regulatory framework for pet insurance was also reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after members recorded additional votes on several bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• regarding farm inspections and secondary fencing.
• Representative Buerkle, they were not found on deer farms.
• Regarding the deer farm inspection budget, I'm curious.
• As we know, no two farms or farming operations are alike, so each one is different and unique.
• Those two entities manufacture about 60% of the keys in the United States.

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• This first and importantly includes support units.
• totals into support units.
• that raised it from $13,300 per unit to $21,900.
• And so that's where the support units are going to play in, because how many support units I have as
• “Is tied to those units and variables tied to other statutory formulas unrelated to support units still

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy presentation on the K-12 public school support budget, including how support units, career ladder funding, health insurance, discretionary funding, transportation, facilities, and the Public Education Stabilization Fund (PSIF) work. Legislative Services explained that FY 2026 support units were revised downward, creating a $22.3 million ongoing general fund reduction, and walked through the FY 2027 agency request and governor’s recommendation. The governor recommended no increase for population forecast adjustments, but did recommend some statutory and policy changes, including shifting certain interest earnings to the general fund and reducing funding for some virtual school and IDLA-related items. The agency request also included one-time proposals for a high-needs special education fund and a regional service model for related services. Members asked extensive questions about how career ladder dollars are distributed, how health insurance and discretionary funds interact, why the health insurance increase in the budget differed from current plan estimates, and how facilities money under House Bill 292 is used. There were also questions about the size and use of the Idaho Career Ready Students fund, the maintenance-of-effort implications of special education funding, and whether some special education costs are being used for student housing or other noninstructional expenses. The superintendent and budget staff emphasized that many of the budget lines are formula-driven or statutorily required, that local districts determine actual staffing and spending within those formulas, and that special education costs continue to outpace available funding. Superintendent Debbie Critchfield then framed the budget request around enrollment trends, shifting demographics, and the need for more flexibility in how districts use existing dollars. She highlighted proposed categorical flexibility for some funds, changes to digital content and curriculum distribution, continued literacy gains, growth in career technical education programs funded through Idaho Career Ready Students, and the importance of endowment and Millennium Fund support. She also described the special education proposals as a temporary bridge while the state considers larger formula changes and noted a near $100 million gap between special education spending and funding. She further outlined planned federal waiver requests on assessments and flexibility, and said the department is seeking more state control over testing and reporting requirements. The committee did not take final action on the budget during this portion of the meeting. Members raised concerns about interest transfers from dedicated funds, the complexity of the funding formula, special education accountability, and whether the state should revisit the overall school funding model. Several follow-up data requests were made, including information on health insurance participation, regional special education service needs, and school contingency fund balances.

Transcript Highlights:

• recognizes the Honorable Angie Button of Dallas County to lead us in the pledges of allegiance to the United
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands
• Let this celebration at our Capitol be a step forward to building a more united Texas, one that reflects
• Senate Bill 682 by Hughes, relating to the designation of a portion of Farm to Market Road number 2493
• President, it is my great honor to introduce the President of the United States. Mr. President, Mr.

Bills: HB75 , HB188 , HB199 , HB4029 , HB330 , HB507 , HB524 , HB1517 , HB 1065 , HB1375 , HB1630 , HB1398 , HB 1227 , HB689 , HB1814 , HB2160 , HB2140 , HB4897 , HB5600 , HB5489 , HB4188 , HB2881 , HB2048 , HB3900 , HB4074 , HB5568 , HB5528 , HB3811 , HB3726 , HB3382 , HB4507 , HB4775 , HB3626 , HB3569 , HB5212 , HB5248 , HB5178 , HB3453 , HB3231 , HB3941 , HB1571 , HB1969 , HB1865 , HB2879 , HB2643 , HB4799 , HB4891 , HB5567 , HB5549 , HB5187 , HB5118 , HB3191 , HB1730 , HB1687 , HB2192 , HB4511 , HB4805 , HB1863 , HB3195 , HB3199 , HB5562 , HB5551 , HB5169 , HB3290 , HB3712 , HB3996 , HB5098 , HB5097 , HB5089 , HB3897 , HB3868 , HB3829 , HB4840 , HB3753 , HB4368 , HB4142 , HB2841 , HB3457 , HB3784 , HCR46 , HCR109 , HCR10 , SB1844 , SB1833 , SB2284 , SB2052 , SB1666 , SB1265 , SB1146 , SB1921 , SB480 , SB1734 , SB296 , SB2039 , SB462 , SB1646 , SB2173 , SB2925 , SB682 , SB1173 , HB4535 , HB4520 , HB3824 , HB3066 , HB2442 , HB3863 , HB4773 , HB4327 , HB5115 , HB5515 , HB3372 , HB5659 , HB 127 , HB386 , HB 115 , HB2868 , HB 1249 , HB4766 , HB3720 , HB4879 , HB5383 , HB4621 , HB5431 , HB5678 , HB5534 , HB4212 , HB3954 , HB3966 , HB3918 , HB1422 , HB4765 , HB4732 , HB4742 , HB4518 , HB5084 , HB3986 , HB4144 , HB3976 , HB4473 , HB3425 , HB3641 , HB3642 , HB3475 , HB3424 , HB4744 , HB4539 , HB3159 , HB5228 , HB5370 , HB4359 , HB4443 , HB4466 , HB3849 , HB4240 , HB5141 , HB5686 , HB3629 , HB3554 , HB3567 , HB2015 , HB3575 , HB5381 , HB4398 , HB3514 , HB4614 , HB4546 , HB5681 , HB5663 , HB4271 , HB4350 , HB4035 , HB3812 , HB3540 , HB3715 , HB3664 , HB4233 , HB3333 , HB3510 , HB4222 , HB2070 , HB2854 , HB2347 , HB 113 , HJR218 , HB5623 , HB4921 , HB5673 , HB5520 , HB 105 , HB4685 , HB5354 , HB4683 , HB75 , HB983 , HB4847 , HB1449 , HB3833 , HB5151 , HB265 , HB1845 , HB782 , HB 108 , HB1960 , HB158 , HB1954 , HB1955 , HB2512 , HB605 , HB2581 , HB2803 , HB627 , HB2667 , HB1738 , HB636 , HB3679 , HB2638 , HB2655 , HB871 , HB2438 , HB 1107 , HB1765 , HB1822 , HB2153 , HB4099 , HB3732 , HB3171 , HB3178 , HB3182 , HB3749 , HB2814 , HB3977 , HB4204 , HB4207 , HB4449 , HB1820 , HB1876 , HB1939 , HB1347 , HB2593 , HB2136 , HB2132 , HB2658 , HB2413 , HB2757 , HB2080 , HB3154 , HB3063 , HB3009 , HB3448 , HB3006 , HB2844 , HB3241 , HB3680 , HB3169 , HB2078 , HB2507 , HB4559 , HB3946 , HB3460 , HB3405 , HB475 , HB3463 , HB3441 , HB3441 , HB3520 , HB2060 , HB4731 , HB4991 , HB1991 , HB5596 , HB2014 , HB2142 , HB2673 , HB2731 , HB2417 , HB2399 , HB2301 , HB2301 , HB3335 , HB3234 , HB3320 , HB5573 , HB5573 , HB4848 , HB4848 , HB4748 , HB4769 , HB4795 , HB2086 , HB2086 , HB2234 , HB2234 , HB2203 , HB4916 , HB5624 , HB4505 , HB139 , HB5093 , HB5302 , HB5402 , HB5606 , HB2333 , HB4630 , HB4701 , HB2583 , HB2983 , HB4924 , HB3339 , HB3339 , HB3793 , HB3631 , HB4882 , HB5509 , HB5499 , HB5430 , HB5561 , HB5561 , HB5611 , HB5043 , HB5064 , HB5064 , HB3733 , HB3733 , HB3781 , HB3219 , HB32 , HB4515 , HB5348 , HB3902 , HB4420 , HB3269 , HB469 , HB336 , HB316 , HB5396 , HB993 , HB1342 , HB1342 , HB5216 , HB2046 , HB2046 , HB2188 , HB2188 , HB2450 , HB2813 , HB2857 , HB4075 , HB4075 , HB2911 , HB4682 , HB4682 , HB3117 , HB3253 , HB3442 , HB4820 , HB4336 , HB5356 , HB3669 , HB3428 , HB5465 , HB3662 , HB2590 , HB2288 , HB2288 , HB1886 , HB3458 , HB3458 , HB5603 , HB5620 , HB1489 , HB1489 , HB4101 , HB4990 , HB5685 , HB5685 , HB4950 , HB4950 , HB4980 , HB5684 , HB3507 , HB3507 , HB3566 , HB4487 , HB4487 , HB4462 , HB4462 , HB4876 , HB4915 , HB4663 , HB5570 , HB2929 , HB5261 , HB2920 , HB4642 , HB4746 , HB1609 , HB5403 , HB5453 , HB3844 , HB2336 , HB1572 , HB 1226 , HB 1226 , HB2806 , HB2806 , HB2617 , HB2617 , HB2827 , HB3948 , HB3948 , HB3945 , HB4266 , HB4542 , HB3319 , HB1772 , HB2496 , HB1970 , HB3434 , HB5545 , HB5545 , HB5577 , HB5577 , HB31 , HB31 , HB279 , HB370 , HB370 , HB4768 , HB513 , HB875 , HB982 , HB 1085 , HB 1085 , HB2677 , HB2874 , HB5478 , HB4880 , HB4798 , HB4514 , HB4958 , HB4958 , HB4508 , HB4508 , HB3758 , HB3830 , HB3744 , HB3622 , HB741 , HB741 , HB2204 , HB2204 , HB2860 , HB4659 , HB4578 , HB813 , HB712 , HB712 , HB1551 , HB2790 , HB2698 , HB3365 , HB3504 , HB3118 , HB3118 , HB2959 , HB1862 , HB1862 , HB 1026 , HB4401 , HB4401 , HB4164 , HB4164 , HB3920 , HB4737 , HB4966 , HB4966 , HB4967 , HB1958 , HB4979 , HB4979 , HB5459 , HB3862 , HB1823 , HB1823 , HB4415 , HB4893 , HB2343 , HB 1228 , HB4337 , HB188 , HB199 , HB4029 , HB330 , HB507 , HB524 , HB1517 , HB 1065 , HB1375 , HB1630 , HB1398 , HB 1227 , HB689 , HB689 , HB1814 , HB2160 , HB2140 , HB4897 , HB5600 , HB5489 , HB4188 , HB2881 , HB2048 , HB3900 , HB4074 , HB5568 , HB5528 , HB3811 , HB3726 , HB3382 , HB3382 , HB4507 , HB4775 , HB3626 , HB3569 , HB5212 , HB5248 , HB5178 , HB3453 , HB3231 , HB3941 , HB1571 , HB1969 , HB1865 , HB2879 , HB2879 , HB2643 , HB4799 , HB4891 , HB5567 , HB5549 , HB5187 , HB5118 , HB3191 , HB1730 , HB1687 , HB1687 , HB2192 , HB4511 , HB4805 , HB4805 , HB1863 , HB3195 , HB3199 , HB5562 , HB5562 , HB5551 , HB5169 , HB3290 , HB3712 , HB3996 , HB5098 , HB5098 , HB5097 , HB5089 , HB5089 , HB3897 , HB3868 , HB3829 , HB4840 , HB3753 , HB4368 , HB4142 , HB2841 , HB3457 , HB3784 , HCR76 , HCR76 , HCR127 , HCR9 , HCR40 , HCR118 , HR559 , HCR59 , HCR59 , HCR135 , HCR141 , HCR46 , HCR46 , HCR109 , HCR10

Keywords: magistrate, criminal procedure, probable cause, written findings, law enforcement, Texas STRONG defense fund, severance tax revenue, oil and gas revenue, constitutional transfers, rainy day fund, economic stabilization fund, state highway fund, oil and gas production, qualifying county, county grants, water infrastructure, first responders, public safety, DPS staffing, commercial motor vehicle safety

Transcript Highlights:

• This is allegiance to the United States and Texas flags. Our pledge of allegiance.
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
• I believe it's true because there have been multiple reports across the United States and in Texas of
• The Foundation has objected to the United States being part of the United Nations Council for Children
• The Street Crimes Unit has initiated 108 fentanyl-related investigations.

Bills: HJR73 , HB31 , HB279 , HB370 , HB4768 , HB513 , HB875 , HB982 , HB 1085 , HB2677 , HB2874 , HB5478 , HB4880 , HB4798 , HB4514 , HB4958 , HB4508 , HB3758 , HB3830 , HB3744 , HB3622 , HB741 , HB2204 , HB2860 , HB4659 , HB4578 , HB813 , HB712 , HB1551 , HB2790 , HB2698 , HB3365 , HB3504 , HB3118 , HB2959 , HB1862 , HB 1026 , HB4401 , HB4164 , HB3920 , HB4737 , HB4966 , HB4967 , HB1958 , HB4979 , HB5459 , HB3862 , HB1823 , HB4415 , HB4893 , HB2343 , HB 1228 , HB4337 , HCR141 , SB250 , SB1883 , SB617 , SB2411 , SB2306 , SB2929 , SB552 , SCR27 , HJR218 , HB168 , HB2545 , HB5436 , HB4926 , HB5165 , HB4811 , HB4755 , HB3179 , HB4310 , HB4611 , HB3637 , HB3153 , HB2786 , HB2966 , HB2159 , HB5081 , HB638 , HB640 , HB876 , HB4809 , HB5308 , HB4687 , HB5623 , HB4412 , HB3284 , HB3420 , HB3449 , HB4098 , HB4281 , HB4120 , HB4504 , HB4370 , HB4421 , HB 1106 , HB4070 , HB2370 , HB2407 , HB2253 , HB2273 , HB2040 , HB1586 , HB3788 , HB3993 , HB4690 , HB4696 , HB2308 , HB 1142 , HB1533 , HB1621 , HB2242 , HB2012 , HB2193 , HB2464 , HB2348 , HB2313 , HB2289 , HB1942 , HB2011 , HB1629 , HB2993 , HB3592 , HB4076 , HB4623 , HB4535 , HB4327 , HB4520 , HB3824 , HB4921 , HB2494 , HB3066 , HJR112 , HB2695 , HB3138 , HB2442 , HB3863 , HJR73 , HB4773 , HB 1091 , HB5115 , HB5515 , HB3372 , HB5659 , HB 127 , HB386 , HB 115 , HB2868 , HB 1249 , HB4766 , HB3720 , HB4656 , HB4879 , HB 105 , HB5383 , HB4621 , HB5431 , HB5678 , HB5534 , HB4174 , HB4212 , HB3954 , HB3966 , HB3636 , HB3918 , HB1422 , HB4765 , HB4732 , HB4742 , HB5122 , HB4518 , HB5084 , HB3986 , HB4045 , HB4144 , HB3911 , HB3976 , HB4473 , HB3425 , HB3641 , HB3642 , HB3475 , HB3509 , HB3424 , HB3383 , HB4744 , HB4531 , HB4539 , HB3159 , HB5228 , HB5370 , HB4359 , HB4398 , HB4443 , HB4466 , HB3861 , HB3849 , HB4240 , HB4706 , HB4685 , HB5354 , HB5141 , HB5686 , HB3629 , HB3554 , HB3567 , HB2015 , HB3575 , HB5381 , HB1431 , HB3514 , HB4614 , HB4546 , HB4683 , HB5681 , HB5673 , HB5663 , HB4271 , HB4350 , HB4035 , HB3807 , HB3812 , HB3552 , HB3540 , HB3715 , HB3710 , HB3664 , HB4196 , HB4233 , HB4173 , HB1998 , HB3333 , HB3510 , HB4222 , HB2070 , HB2854 , HB2347 , HB 113 , HB983 , HB4847 , HB1449 , HB3833 , HB5151 , HB265 , HB1845 , HB782 , HB 108 , HB1960 , HB158 , HB1954 , HB1955 , HB2512 , HB605 , HB2581 , HB2803 , HB627 , HB2667 , HB1738 , HB636 , HB3679 , HB2638 , HB2655 , HB871 , HB2438 , HB 1107 , HB1765 , HB1822 , HB2153 , HB4099 , HB3732 , HB3171 , HB3178 , HB3182 , HB3749 , HB2814 , HB3977 , HB4204 , HB4207 , HB4449 , HB1820 , HB1876 , HB1939 , HB1347 , HB2593 , HB2136 , HB2132 , HB2658 , HB2413 , HB2757 , HB2080 , HB3154 , HB3063 , HB3009 , HB3448 , HB3006 , HB2844 , HB3241 , HB3680 , HB3169 , HB2078 , HB2507 , HB4559 , HB3946 , HB3460 , HB3405 , HB475 , HB3463 , HB3441 , HB3520 , HB2060 , HB4731 , HB4991 , HB1991 , HB5596 , HB2014 , HB2142 , HB2673 , HB2731 , HB2417 , HB2399 , HB2301 , HB3335 , HB3234 , HB3320 , HB5573 , HB4848 , HB4748 , HB4769 , HB4795 , HB2086 , HB2234 , HB2203 , HB4916 , HB5624 , HB4505 , HB139 , HB5093 , HB5302 , HB5402 , HB5606 , HB2333 , HB4630 , HB4701 , HB2583 , HB2983 , HB4924 , HB3339 , HB3793 , HB3631 , HB4882 , HB5509 , HB5499 , HB5430 , HB5561 , HB5611 , HB5043 , HB5064 , HB3733 , HB3781 , HB3219 , HB32 , HB4515 , HB5348 , HB3902 , HB4420 , HB3269 , HB469 , HB336 , HB316 , HB5396 , HB993 , HB1342 , HB5216 , HB2046 , HB2188 , HB2450 , HB2813 , HB2857 , HB4075 , HB2911 , HB4682 , HB3117 , HB3253 , HB3442 , HB4820 , HB4336 , HB5356 , HB3669 , HB3428 , HB5465 , HB3662 , HB2590 , HB2288 , HB1886 , HB3458 , HB5603 , HB5620 , HB1489 , HB4101 , HB4990 , HB5685 , HB4950 , HB4980 , HB5684 , HB3507 , HB3566 , HB4487 , HB4462 , HB4876 , HB4915 , HB4663 , HB5570 , HB2929 , HB5261 , HB2920 , HB4642 , HB4746 , HB1609 , HB5403 , HB5453 , HB3844 , HB2336 , HB1572 , HB 1226 , HB2806 , HB2617 , HB2827 , HB3948 , HB3945 , HB4266 , HB4542 , HB3319 , HB1772 , HB2496 , HB1970 , HB3434 , HB5545 , HB5577 , HB31 , HB279 , HB370 , HB4768 , HB513 , HB875 , HB982 , HB 1085 , HB2677 , HB2874 , HB5478 , HB4880 , HB4798 , HB4514 , HB4958 , HB4508 , HB3758 , HB3830 , HB3744 , HB3622 , HB741 , HB2204 , HB2860 , HB4659 , HB4578 , HB813 , HB712 , HB1551 , HB2790 , HB2698 , HB3365 , HB3504 , HB3118 , HB2959 , HB1862 , HB 1026 , HB4401 , HB4164 , HB3920 , HB4737 , HB4966 , HB4967 , HB1958 , HB4979 , HB5459 , HB3862 , HB1823 , HB4415 , HB4893 , HB2343 , HB 1228 , HB4337 , HCR76 , HCR127 , HCR9 , HCR40 , HCR118 , HR559 , HCR59 , HCR135 , HCR141

Keywords: ad valorem tax, property tax, tax limitation, elderly, disabled, low-income, homestead exemption, constitutional amendment, juvenile justice, community supervision, felony offenses, treatment of children, juvenile facilities, chemical dispensing device, solitary confinement, rehabilitation, criminal proceedings, HB 279, uranium mining, uranium permit

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• was working with him on some agriculture issues because, although I don't have farms or many farms,
• ,</c> America, dust from unpaved roads, farms, America, dust from unpaved roads, farms, off-road<02:33
• </c><02:37:40.880><c> worker</c> know what it means when a farm worker know what it means when a farm
• In 2007, Europe and the United States had the same economy, same size economy.

Bills: HR1206 , HB6387 , HB4690 , HR1182 , HR1189

Keywords: David Scott, Representative David Scott, Georgia, House resolution, memorial resolution, condolence resolution, death of a member, adjournment in honor, Congressional tribute, House of Representatives, ceremonial resolution, obituary resolution, Clean Air Act, wildfire risk, air quality monitoring, exceptional events, regulations, environmental policy, energy efficiency, federal buildings

Transcript Highlights:

• And SB 1329 concerns solar farms.
• The county sees a reduction in revenue when that happens because farms, agricultural farms, pay property
• Do you want to live next to a solar farm?
• And the county sees a reduction in revenue when that happens because farms, agricultural farms, pay property
• There are two United States senators in Washington, Democratic United States senators, who are pushing

Transcript Highlights:

• Where are the units? Why isn't it happening? Why is it so slow?
• So, in comparison to 2024, last year we awarded 10,000 more units.
• The second program highlighted is the Community Conflict Resolution Unit.
• I mentioned the code enforcement unit to help mitigate that.
• We serve over 5,000 residents, low-income families, and farm workers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Farming is different because its product is perishable.
• Farm workers deserve safe conditions and fair treatment, but labor mandates that push farms out of business
• On behalf of the United Farm Workers in support of SB 6045.
• On behalf of the United Farm Workers in support of SB 6045, Washington farmworkers are long overdue for
• As a daughter of farm workers and representing farm workers across the state, we look forward to the

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on multiple bills, beginning with a motion to suspend the five-day notice rule for a long list of Senate bills, which passed on a voice vote. The committee first heard Substitute Senate Bill 6026, a governor-request housing bill that would require cities and counties over 30,000 population to allow residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones, limit mixed-use/ground-floor commercial requirements in some areas, and allow added height where such requirements are imposed. The lieutenant governor testified strongly in support, arguing the bill would add needed housing capacity without requiring ground-floor retail burdens. The hearing on SB 6026 was then suspended so the committee could move through the agenda. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6294, a broad local government finance measure with eight parts, including expanded uses for certain REET revenues, a new county public utility tax, a new local sales tax for children and family services, expanded housing-related tax uses, changes to county levy structure, longer lid lift periods, and expanded use of rental car tax revenue. Local government, housing, and public health witnesses largely supported the bill, emphasizing flexibility for affordable housing, rental assistance, children’s services, and county fiscal stability. Opponents, including wireless industry, water/sewer district, auto dealer, realtors, energy, and cannabis representatives, objected to specific tax provisions as regressive, costly, or likely to raise consumer prices. Several witnesses requested amendments, including adding public health clinic funding and flood recovery language from House bills. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5400 on local news sustainability, which would create a state grant program funded by a surcharge on large search engines and social media platforms to support journalism jobs and the Murrow Fellowship program. News organizations, the League of Women Voters, open government advocates, and local journalism supporters testified in favor, saying local news is essential to civic life and that the bill would help sustain reporting without using general fund dollars. Technology industry representatives opposed the bill, arguing it unfairly singles out tech companies and could face legal challenges. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6211, which would let opt-in GMA jurisdictions impose REET-2 without voter approval; cities and counties supported it as a parity and infrastructure funding measure, while Realtors opposed the loss of voter approval. Senate Bill 5650, authorizing local cannabis excise taxes, drew support from some local officials but strong opposition from cannabis businesses, which argued Washington’s cannabis taxes are already too high and drive sales to the illicit market. Senate Bill 6033, waiving penalties and interest for taxpayers who failed to collect new sales tax on certain services, was supported by NFIB as a compliance and fairness measure. Senate Bill 6297, exempting temporary staffing services for nonprofit behavioral health providers from sales tax, drew strong support from behavioral health organizations citing workforce shortages and unsustainable costs. Finally, Senate Bill 6343, extending and expanding tax relief for disaster-damaged property and repairs, was presented as aid for flood recovery; local officials testified in support. No final committee votes on the bills were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> celebrate the shared values that unite celebrate the shared values that unite us.<00:01:59.920><
• Allegiance to the flag of the United Allegiance to the flag of the United States<00:03:38.319><c> of<
• Whereas Taiwan imported $3.8 billion worth of United States farm products in 2024, making it the fourth-largest
• </c> imported $3.8 billion worth of United imported $3.8 billion worth of United States<00:11:33.040>
• <c> farm</c><00:11:33.440><c> products</c><00:11:33.920><c> in</c> States farm products in States farm

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:40:45.599><c> of</c> the buck down to our local units of the buck down to our local units of
• There was a time when corporate farming was a dirty word in the family farm issue.
• was a dirty word in in the farming was a dirty word in in the family<01:04:09.839><c> farm</c><01:04
• </c> facilitate uh the transfer of the farm facilitate uh the transfer of the farm to<01:04:19.039><c
• </c><01:14:15.920><c> of</c> disabled, our local units of disabled, our local units of government.<01

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• I deal more with the farming and the rural issues.
• I deal more with the farming and the rural issues.
• And there are farms that the same thing happens to. There's been mink farms.
• There's been cattle farms that the animals are killed because they... Barb York: ...farms.
• So that's taking away money. farms.

Committee: House Special Committee on Urban Issues

Transcript Highlights:

• Um on line 16 for farm safety, MBA.
• </c><00:09:02.240><c> the</c><00:09:02.320><c> farm</c> management through male for the farm management
• </c><00:10:53.839><c> to</c> Um on line 23 for the agri farm to Um on line 23 for the agri farm to school
• </c> Senator Putnham mentioned with farm Senator Putnham mentioned with farm income<00:25:43.360><c>
• They're farm co-ops.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> soccer unit in school or nutrition unit soccer unit in school or nutrition unit in in in school<
• Public schools, clinics, wind farms, solar farms, roads to access wind farms, telescopes, military bases
• Hawaii Farm Bureau in support. The Hawaii Farm Bureau stands on its written testimony.
• Hawaii Farm Bureau in support.
• We have the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau in support. The Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau was in support.

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I, too, am a United States Army veteran.
• They will go into a prison unit.
• They will go into a prison unit.
• There are over 150 Arizona farms providing food for the program.
• Or those shelter beds and that housing unit go empty.

Committee: House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met on January 28 and heard several bills, beginning with introductions of members and staff. The committee first considered HB 2056, which would appropriate $100,000 to the Arizona Department of Water Resources for a feasibility study of brackish groundwater desalination sites. Sponsor Rep. Gail Griffin argued the state should explore use of large brackish groundwater reserves amid Colorado River concerns, while one speaker opposed the bill on aquifer-protection grounds. The committee voted 11-6-1 to give HB 2056 a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2798, as amended, which appropriates $100,000 to the Arizona Geological Survey to compile data on materials relevant to nuclear energy, including thorium and other non-uranium fuels. Rep. Carbone and others framed the bill as an economic development and national security measure, while opponents questioned whether Arizona has meaningful deposits and whether the state should fund the research. The University of Arizona testified that the Geological Survey could do the work. The committee adopted the Livingston amendment and then approved the bill 11-5-1. Next, the committee considered HB 2303, which codifies investment standards for the State Treasurer, emphasizing safety and principal preservation and prohibiting speculative investments and insider misuse. The Treasurer’s Office supported the bill, saying it reflects existing policy and ethics rules, though members asked for clearer definitions of “speculative” and how the bill would interact with other statutes. The committee passed HB 2303 15-0 with two members present and one not voting. HB 2344, which directs the Treasurer to manage the local government investment pool internally and allows a third-party contract only for emergency backup, also passed after questions about local control and whether the bill was necessary; the vote was 12-2-3 with one not voting. The committee later heard HB 2759, a $500,000 appropriation to the Department of Veterans’ Services to partner with an educational institution in Yavapai County for veterans programs. Retired Navy SEAL Chief Richard Rodriguez testified about Embry-Riddle’s veteran population and emergency assistance needs for housing, travel, and equipment, while opponents objected to using state funds for a private institution and argued veterans services should be broader and statewide. The bill received a due pass recommendation 11-6-1. The committee also approved HB 2207, which funds the prison Braille transcription program at $300,000 and was described as a successful rehabilitation and service program, and HB 2224, as amended to $1 million, which funds the Double Up Food Bucks produce incentive program through SNAP; supporters said it helps families, farmers, and local economies, and the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• He survived and returned to the United States in 1953.
• It requires the United States Congress to call them in front of us.
• However, then Acting United...
• We applaud the effort of the President of the United States.
• WE APPLAUD THE EFFORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

Bills: HB1670 , HR493 , HR492 , HR491 , HB5140 , HB4922 , HR713 , HR721 , HB2721 , HR707

Keywords: fertility, health benefits, family planning, assisted reproductive technology, employees, fertility treatment, ART, in vitro fertilization, IVF, infertility, family building, reproductive health, oocyte preservation, sperm preservation, embryo preservation, artificial insemination, gamete donation, embryo genetic testing, federal employee health benefits, FEHB

Transcript Highlights:

• And that unit, we've really been tracking reliability.
• And that oldest unit in '23 and '24 was our most reliable unit.
• You're buying some wind farms, I believe two now, is that correct? Two wind farms in the purchase?
• , which is a gas unit, and then ultimately the Badger Wind unit.
• and continuing to run the The cost of running those units and continuing to run those units would have

Summary: The committee met at the Coteau Freedom Mine in Mercer County, approved the June 2 minutes, and heard an overview of the mine from Coteau Properties president Andrew Hawbaker. He described the Freedom Mine’s production history, customer mix, safety record, reclamation practices, workforce, community involvement, and economic impact. Members asked about how long land stays in production before reclamation, how quickly it returns to agriculture, labor shortages, groundwater impacts, and which skilled trades are hardest to fill. Hawbaker said the mine typically disturbs land for three to five years, reclamation returns much of the land to agricultural use, and the biggest hiring challenges are electricians, welders, mechanics, operators, engineers, and accountants. The committee then heard from Public Service Commission Chairman Randy Christman on coal mining reclamation. He reviewed the history of North Dakota and federal reclamation laws, the PSC’s permitting and inspection authority, bonding requirements, contemporaneous reclamation standards, and how the state handles topsoil, subsoil, drainage, and revegetation. He emphasized that North Dakota’s program is well regarded, with frequent inspections and no corrective-action issues in recent federal reviews. Christman also discussed problems caused by federal coal ownership that can delay mine plans, and he answered questions about reclamation timing, wildlife easements, wind and pipeline reclamation, and whether similar bonding concepts could apply to data centers. In the afternoon, the committee received an update from Lignite Energy Council President and CEO Jonathan Fortner on the lignite industry. He highlighted the industry’s long-term role in providing reliable electricity, jobs, and tax revenue, along with North Dakota’s low electricity rates and strong grid reliability. Fortner discussed severance and conversion tax revenues, federal regulatory changes, litigation over EPA rules, carbon capture, critical minerals, and the potential for large-load customers such as data centers to support new coal generation. He said the industry sees a window of opportunity for growth and expressed support for new large-load development, while noting that diversified energy companies are also pursuing natural gas and other resources. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and adjourning for the tour.

Transcript Highlights:

• [Captioning made possible by TH, Inc., in cooperation with the United States House of Representatives
• rooted in the traditions of dairy farming.
• The Painterland Sisters source milk from their farm and partner with 25 other Pennsylvania dairy farms
• For the C.C.P. to expand their apparatus in the United States.
• The Clerk: To the Congress of the United States: Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act, 50 United

Bills: HCR17 , HR993 , HR901 , HR495 , HR1374 , HB1692 , HR1166 , HR708 , HR862 , HR706

Keywords: Holocaust, remembrance, Emancipation Hall, ceremony, commemoration, Iran, Iranian protests, Islamic Republic, free and democratic Iran, human rights, women, life, freedom, morality police, political prisoners, internet shutdown, communications blackout, civil liberties, democracy, self-determination, regime repression, dissidents

Transcript Highlights:

• In my area, farming is more of a smaller size.
• I grew up on a farm.' We hear a lot of that. I grew up on a farm, and I have Parkinson's disease.
• They're able to outproduce the United States with soybeans.
• As a farmer, how often do the non-farming residents of the area live within 500 meters of a farm where
• I mean, we farm up to... They would be close. I mean, we farm up to property lines. Sure.

Committee: House General Laws

Transcript Highlights:

• The Navy SEAL, everyone—this is the United States Navy SEAL. I just wanted to recognize him.
• I, too, am a United States Army veteran.
• We have five prison units that are requesting this, but we have hit capacity.
• They will go into a prison unit.
• Or those shelter beds and that housing unit goes empty.

Bills: HB2056 , HB2202 , HB2207 , HB2224 , HB2303 , HB2344 , HB2532 , HB2759 , HB2798

Committees: House Appropriations , House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Keywords: brackish water, groundwater, desalination, water resources, feasibility study, environmental impact, dementia care, telementoring, healthcare education, rural communities, grant funding, braille, disability access, education funding, state corrections, inclusion, produce incentive, agriculture, economic support, funding