Transcript Highlights:

• I'm wondering if you have similar issues with bird strikes and with wildlife.
• I think airports have devices often to, you know, scare birds away.

Transcript Highlights:

• There was collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico to capture the wolves that remained in the wild,
• And it's from that handful of wolves that we have Mexican wolves in the wild today.
• lands, and we would like to see them stay. that handful of wolves that we have mexican wolves in the wild
• We now have 286 in the wild, but we have an additional 300, close to 400 in captivity, so we have over

Bills: HB2013 , HB2292 , HB2334 , HB2349 , HB2350 , HB2845 , HCM2011

Committees: House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs , House House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee of Reference

Keywords: air pollution, wildfires, environmental standards, public health, Arizona Revised Statutes, wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, forest fire, brush removal, defensible space, community hardening, vegetation management, fire-resistant construction, wildland urban interface, WUI, insurance premium tax, property insurance, homeowners insurance, commercial property insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• 2023, and it allowed a coordinated, proactive approach to the inevitable conflicts that come when wild
• animals' instincts to stay wild.
• Do we want to have some of that wildness in California?
• Do we want that have some of that wildness in California?
• I certainly do, but we do. some of that wildness in California.

Summary: The committee heard SB 1135, which would reestablish the California Wildlife Coexistence Program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal strategies such as deterrents, conflict reporting, and outreach. The author and supporters said the program had been effective but lost funding in 2024, and they argued it would help communities, ranchers, and wildlife by preventing conflicts before they escalate. Support came from conservation, animal welfare, local government, and county groups, while the California Cattlemen’s Association and California Farm Bureau opposed unless amended, saying the bill needed clearer limits on when nonlethal measures are practicable and protections so compensation funds for livestock losses are not reduced. Members discussed wolf-livestock conflicts, compensation, and the need for continued collaboration. The committee voted 2-0 on call to send the bill to Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 1085, which would preserve water supply assessments for large housing and development projects even when those projects are exempt from CEQA. The author and sponsor EBMUD said the bill is needed to keep water planning tied to land-use planning and avoid “paper water” problems, especially as climate and drought conditions worsen. Supporters included water agencies, environmental groups, labor, and local governments. The California Building Industry Association opposed the bill, arguing that current law already requires verified water supplies, that the bill could add unnecessary process and litigation risk, and that it could slow housing production. Members raised concerns about duplication in cities that also operate their own water systems, but the author said the goal was better coordination, not more bureaucracy. The committee voted 4-1 on call to send the bill to Local Government. The committee also heard SB 1270, which would expand the state wildfire mitigation home-hardening pilot to the top 10 counties by wildfire risk and social vulnerability, adding Riverside, Calaveras, Los Angeles, and Tehama counties and prioritizing future funds for those areas. The author said the bill responds to recent destructive fires and aims to extend home-hardening assistance to more high-risk communities. There was no opposition, and members discussed how to scale funding, whether the program should be broader than the listed counties, and how to focus on cost-effective mitigation. The committee voted 5-0 on call to send the bill to Emergency Management. Finally, the committee heard SB 895, a major science funding measure that would place a $23 billion bond on the ballot and create a California Foundation for Science and Health Research to support research in the state. The author and supporters said California’s research sector is a major economic engine and that federal funding cuts and instability threaten jobs, talent retention, and scientific progress. There was broad support from UC, CSU, labor, health, and research organizations, with no formal opposition. Some members raised concerns about the role of sponsoring unions and the potential for politicization, but the author said the new foundation would operate under California law and that the measure is meant to protect science funding and collaboration. The committee discussion continued, but the transcript excerpt ends before a final vote on SB 895.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> It's the Wild Turkey Stamp Bill. Uh, we had this bill last year.
• Uh, Senate Bill 2657. >> It's the Wild Turkey Stamp Bill. Uh, we had this bill last year.
• Uh, Senate Bill 2657. >> It's the Wild Turkey Stamp Bill. Uh, we had this bill last year.
• Uh it's the Wild Turkey Stout Bill. Uh Uh it's the Wild Turkey Stout Bill.
• </c><00:38:08.720><c> turkey</c> into a special fund, the wild turkey into a special fund, the wild turkey

Committee: Joint Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

Transcript Highlights:

• But wild hogs, would you agree that wild hogs generally carry more parasites, and their meat quality
• So, was your point when you mentioned that wild hogs carry more parasites?
• Generally speaking, wild animals will carry more parasites than animals that are in captivity, that have
• They are not releasing these in the wild.

Bills: SB2108 , SB2121 , SB2171 , SB2061 , SB2112 , SB2138

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Wildlife

Keywords: feral swine, nuisance control, wildlife management, hunting permits, agriculture, cultivated meat, food safety, public health, misbranding, advertising, food labeling, food distribution, state regulations, hunting licenses, fishing licenses, veterans, controlled hunts, deer population, wildlife conservation, food policy

Transcript Highlights:

• CEO CONSERVATION FLORIDA IS A SIX GENERATION FLORIDIAN WHO IS PASSIONATE ABOUT PROTECTING FLORIDA'S WILD
• WE WILL LOSE WILD FLORIDA IF WE DO NOT HAVE THESE RANCHES. >> THE RANCHLANDS IN OUR STATE ARE SOME OF
• WE WORK ACROSS THE STATE FROM PENSACOLA THE FLORIDA KEYS PROTECTING WATER AND WILDLIFE AND WILD PLACES
• SOME OF THE MOST STUNNING LANDSCAPES IN THIS ROLE I AM LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EXPLORE A LOT OF WILD
• AGRICULTURE THOSE POLLINATORS BEES AND OTHER POLLINATORS COULD PROVIDE POLLINATION SERVICES NEEDED FOR THE WILD

Transcript Highlights:

• , camping, biking, hiking, nature studies, swimming, boating, canoeing, horseback riding, diving, birding
• and ensure that future generations, students like me, can continue to explore and learn from these wild
• They protect what's left of Florida's wild side.

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice, health, and public safety bills, with several measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations and mostly no opposition. CS for SB 1782 on dangerous excessive speeding, CS for SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access, CS for SB 716 on mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses by registered offenders, CS for SB 1084 on intimate image dissemination and digitally forged images, and CS for CS for SB 1604 on corrections-related litigation and sentencing changes all passed the committee. Members also approved CS for SB 1838, which increases protections for court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for SB 1252, which directs FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database. CS for SB 468 on fleeing or eluding, CS for SB 490 on off-duty concealed carry for certain officers, and CS for SB 890 on blood clot screening and treatment also received favorable votes, with SB 890 drawing supportive testimony from the bill sponsor, medical and patient advocates, and family members affected by blood clots. The most extensive debate centered on CS for CS for SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for adults trafficking children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons for sexual exploitation. Senator Martin defended the bill as a response to especially heinous crimes and argued it fit within constitutional punishment principles, while several members raised concerns about the Eighth Amendment, the risk of lengthy and costly litigation, and the possibility of retraumatizing victims. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, citing moral objections, due process concerns, and constitutional precedent; the bill nevertheless was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 572, the “Pam Rock Act,” which tightens dangerous-dog rules, adds enclosure, microchip, insurance, and penalty requirements, and allows stronger enforcement actions after serious attacks. The Rock family and animal control supporters testified in favor, describing the bill as a response to fatal dog attacks and urging stronger accountability for owners. For SB 572, members discussed insurance requirements, the role of local authorities in classifying dangerous dogs, and whether the bill would affect ordinary pet insurance or only liability coverage after a serious attack. The sponsor said the measure is not breed-specific and is aimed at dogs that have already caused significant harm. The committee also heard testimony from family members of Pam Rock and other victims, along with supporters from animal control and sheriff’s offices. All of the bills taken up in the meeting that were voted on were reported favorably, and no roll-call votes failed.

Transcript Highlights:

• a recent post on the Minnesota Department of Health's website indicating that avian influenza, or bird
• The CDC recommends that workers exposed to bird flu stay home and isolate.
• The CDC recommends that workers exposed to bird flu stay home and isolate.
• flu is an occupational hazard or bird flu is an occupational hazard that<00:38:17.560><c> impacts</c
• flu stay home workers exposed to bird flu stay home and and and isolate<00:38:26.599><c> earn</c><00

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, Lord knows the Iraqi children need a little Big Bird in their life, right?
• I mean, Lord knows the Iraqi children need a little Big Bird in their life, right?
• </c> and Big Bird and Big Bird and<04:13:25.359><c> Daniel</c><04:13:25.760><c> Tiger</c><04:13:26.239
• Instead, Republicans are attacking Elmo and Sesame Street and Big Bird and Daniel Tiger.
• </c><04:14:26.080><c> and</c><04:14:26.479><c> Daniel</c> and Big Bird and Daniel and Big Bird and Daniel

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I represent a portion of Colorado that takes pride in being considered the Wild West.
• </c> takes pride in being considered the wild takes pride in being considered the wild west.<01:45:49.679
• </c> prides itself on being the Wild West. prides itself on being the Wild West.
• Um, for instance, it will conduct research on bird interactions with utility-scale solar energy.
• interactions with utility scale bird interactions with utility scale solar<03:50:57.199><c> energy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your wild hay rack, your wild hay ride that you're on, uh, will not be able to go that fast.
• Your<00:50:37.839><c> wild</c><00:50:38.160><c> hay</c><00:50:38.480><c> rack,</c><00:50:38.800><c> their
• </c><00:50:39.200><c> wild</c><00:50:39.440><c> hay</c><00:50:39.760><c> ride</c> Your wild hay rack,
• their wild hay ride Your wild hay rack, their wild hay ride that<00:50:40.160><c> you're</c><00:50:40.319

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the Wild, Wild West, and you're learning every day.
• first year is I mean it's hard it's your first year is I mean it's hard it's the<00:18:35.600><c> Wild
• </c><00:18:35.799><c> Wild</c><00:18:36.080><c> West</c><00:18:36.480><c> and</c><00:18:36.640><c> and
• </c><00:18:36.760><c> you're</c> the Wild Wild West and and you're the Wild Wild West and and you're

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 48, which would reduce the state-required formal observation cycle for tenured teachers from once every three years to once every five years, while preserving local district authority to conduct more frequent observations if they choose. Supporters argued the change would cut paperwork and time burdens on experienced teachers and principals, while still allowing districts to monitor performance and place teachers on improvement plans when needed. Members also discussed the bill’s separate provisions on school improvement plans, with clarification that CSI/TSI low-performing schools would still be required to maintain comprehensive improvement plans and receive additional support from KDE, and that the bill was not changing the evaluation system for those schools. A second major topic was professional development and teacher induction/mentoring requirements. The bill would consolidate state-mandated PD requirements into a rotational schedule for tenured teachers, and members noted that teachers are already subject to federal and local PD obligations that the legislature cannot change. Several speakers emphasized that the bill was intended to reduce state-level mandates, not eliminate useful supports for new teachers, and one member raised concern that mandatory induction/mentoring could limit districts’ ability to use Title II funds; the response was that the program remains valuable and should be revisited with dedicated funding rather than discarded. There was also a brief question about suicide prevention hotline and Safe Haven Baby Box posting language, which was explained as existing statute consolidated into one place. The committee then voted on the bill and it passed, with members offering brief explanations of support and noting frustration with recurring annual training requirements such as bloodborne pathogens. After the vote, members thanked the bill sponsors and educators who helped shape the legislation, and the chair announced weekly office hours in Room 367. The meeting ended with congratulations to the new K-12 chair and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• looking at the population of what the Wildlife and Fisheries, or whomever, calculates the number of wild
• And we pay, because of the decline in the market for wild skins, we are actually having to pay nuisance
• Yeah, so just the lack of a market for wild hides.
• Really, the commercial value in wild-caught alligators is in meat right now.
• But it's just, it's, it's a species that used to get a lot more for commercial value for wild harvested

Summary: The committee first adopted the 2025 minutes, then took up House Bill 727, which would allow burning untreated, unpainted dimensional lumber such as two-by-fours. The bill was presented as a narrow exemption to existing restrictions on burning construction debris, and it was reported favorable without objection. Members then heard from DEQ Secretary Courtney Burdett on House Bill 697, the department’s sunset/recreation bill. She outlined DEQ’s work on permit modernization, interagency coordination, field inspections, spill response, criminal investigations, environmental education, and small business assistance. Members raised issues including a large waste-tire site, an oil spill response, and a stormwater discharge issue at Smitties. The committee praised DEQ’s responsiveness and reported the bill favorable without objection. House Bill 758, dealing with DEQ fees, was then considered. The bill and amendment package would update and increase various permit and program fees, add annual or biennial CPI-based adjustments, and remove outdated provisions, with the stated goal of aligning revenues with expenditures and reducing reliance on the state general fund. Several industry and landowner groups supported the measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorable. The committee also advanced House Bill 726, which increases penalties for abandoning vessels and related gross littering. Members discussed how abandoned boats are identified, owner notice procedures, registration versus title issues, hurricane-related losses, and protections for older or distressed owners. Wildlife and Fisheries said the bill targets intentional dumping and that existing law allows case-by-case discretion for true hardship situations. The bill was reported favorable. House Bill 756, concerning personal watercraft, was also reported favorable after testimony that it would require reasonable suspicion for vessel stops, align state rules more closely with federal boating safety standards, and update provisions on accident reporting and inflatable PFDs. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 767, which creates recreational alligator hunting license and lottery fees contingent on separate legislation authorizing the season. Supporters said the measure would help create a recreational opportunity while generating conservation funding, but landowners and commercial harvesters warned the fee may be too low, the proposal may be moving too quickly, and recreational harvest could affect commercial operations and landowner interests. After extensive discussion, the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorable. House Bill 964, authorizing a state property transfer in Caddo Parish, was also reported favorable, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It had become the Wild Wild West.
• We have a bunch of people in the wild, wild west running around doing things without licenses or violence
• We have a bunch of people in the wild, wild west, running around doing things without licenses or violating

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The joint Audit Committee meeting focused on implementation of Ali’s Law, including MDAR’s progress on kennel regulations and municipal reporting. MDOT/MDAR officials said the department formed the required advisory committee, held trainings for animal control officers and municipal clerks, created a public information webpage, and completed draft regulations that are now under secretarial review. They reported that 269 of 351 municipalities had filed kennel counts, leaving 82 out of compliance, and said the reported statewide total was 1,408 licensed kennels, with an estimated 1,800 to 1,850 statewide. Committee members pressed the department on the pace of rulemaking, the lack of a clear enforcement mechanism for municipalities that fail to report, and the need for stronger accountability. The chair said he wanted to avoid a formal investigation if answers could be obtained, but urged MDAR to move quickly and to consider stronger public reporting and possible sanctions. He also asked about injury reporting and suggested that injury data should be sent to the state and tracked in a way that provides context, such as the number of animals in a facility. Representatives from animal welfare organizations and the advisory committee supported the law’s goals but emphasized that rollout should be fair to compliant businesses and that municipalities and ACOs need better training, resources, and standardized guidance. They backed a filed bill, House Bill 4849, which would give MDAR authority to fine municipalities that do not comply and would add more detailed reporting, including last inspection dates and injury reports. They also raised concerns about third-party advertising platforms that may list unlicensed kennels and argued that public education, consumer transparency, and stronger oversight are needed to prevent bad actors from operating.

Transcript Highlights:

• Taylor and Wyatt's experience is a stark reminder that the beauty of California's wild places comes with
• April Bird, on behalf of the Sacramento Area Sewer District, in opposition.
• April Bird, on behalf of the Sacramento Area Sewer District, in opposition.

Summary: The committee heard several water, wildlife, and land-use bills. AB 2218 by Assembly Member Calóra would establish a state policy directing agencies to recognize and address water-related inequities affecting tribes; tribal supporters said it is a needed step toward restoring a voice at the table, while water agencies and local government groups opposed it as vague and potentially harmful to water supply reliability. The bill was amended in committee and moved forward on a vote, though it was left on call. AB 2032 by Assembly Member Ransom, the Golden Mussel Response Act, would speed agency response to the invasive golden mussel by streamlining permits and research; it drew broad support and no opposition, and passed the committee unanimously to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. AB 1712 by Assembly Member Pacheco would let Santa Fe Springs sell its small, contaminated water system through a protest process instead of a municipal election; supporters said it would avoid major rate hikes and improve reliability, and it was moved to Appropriations, though the vote was left on call. The committee also considered AB 1722 by Assembly Member Hadwick, which would create a clearer self-defense exception under the California Endangered Species Act for people facing dangerous predators. The author and a sheriff described a fatal mountain lion attack and argued rural residents need certainty; Defenders of Wildlife withdrew opposition after committee amendments, and the bill advanced to Judiciary on a vote that was left on call. AB 1613 by Assembly Member Wilson would require an off-highway vehicle safety and stewardship certification course before operating OHVs on public lands starting in 2029. Supporters said it would reduce accidents and educate new riders, while Vice Chair Gonzalez raised concerns about fees, penalties, tourism, and impacts on low-income residents in his district; the bill passed on a split vote and was left on call. Later, AB 1808 by Assembly Member Carrillo would expand local permitting authority for Western Joshua tree projects and reduce or waive some fees for homeowners and public works. Supporters framed it as a way to balance conservation with housing and infrastructure needs, while environmental groups opposed changes they said would weaken avoidance and mitigation protections; the bill passed to Natural Resources and was left on call. AB 1894 by Assembly Member Rubio would address imported water deliveries and groundwater recharge in the context of golden mussel restrictions, with supporters arguing for a statewide, science-based approach that preserves water reliability; it advanced to Appropriations with no opposition. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly emphasized the need to balance competing interests, especially around water reliability, tribal equity, public safety, and environmental protection.

Transcript Highlights:

• United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to reform the Endangered Species Act, which includes migratory bird
• United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to reform the Endangered Species Act, which includes migratory bird
• 600 wolves We're close to that number now, but we know that there's close to 600 wolves in both the wild

Transcript Highlights:

• In other words, releasing the birds, having staff drive to release sites, and checking out release sites
• So if I heard you correctly, the Pheasant Fund is to buy the birds, right?
• And it sounds like in order to release the birds and manage the birds, you have to use money from the
• And so you’re asking to be able to release and manage the birds from the Pheasant Fund.
• from the Pheasant fund I'm birds from the Pheasant fund I'm assuming<00:15:36.160><c> that</c><00:15

Summary: The Finance Division II work session focused on Fish and Game’s budget-revenue proposals and several statutory changes the department said it needs to support its operations. The department recommended raising the fisheries habitat fee and wildlife habitat fee to $5 each, estimating additional annual revenue of about $640,000 and $144,000 respectively. Members clarified that these are habitat fees added on top of licenses, not reduced by senior or youth license categories, and discussed the need for RSA changes to allow the revenue to be transferred into the Fish and Game Fund. The department also said it would work internally on any broader license fee increases through the commission process. The committee then reviewed proposals to cap several dedicated accounts and transfer excess balances to the unrestricted Fish and Game Fund. Those accounts included the fisheries and wildlife habitat funds and the game management account, with the department proposing a $750,000 cap on each and transfer of amounts above that threshold. The department said the cap was based on several years of expenditures and the fact that dedicated funds are often used as match for federal funds. Members asked for reports on fund activity and questioned whether the cap and mandatory transfer language should be “shall” or “may,” with the department indicating it would prefer “may” for flexibility. The committee also discussed a Pheasant Management Program account, where the department said current law limits use of the money to buying and propagating pheasants and it wants authority to use it for broader program management. A substantial portion of the meeting addressed Fish and Game’s environmental review unit and the transfer of ARPA-funded positions to DEES under the governor’s initiative. The department said four positions are currently ARPA-funded, that DEES supports keeping them in place through the end of the year, and that the transition will require time because environmental review work is intertwined across the agency. The department explained that before the ARPA positions, biologists handled the work and that current staffing has helped eliminate a backlog and meet deadlines. Members also discussed a proposal to expand environmental review fees beyond private developers to state, federal, municipal, and local governments, with the department saying it would need rulemaking and stakeholder input. Additional requests included authority to conduct raffles to raise funds, creation of a revolving account for donations and raffle proceeds, and repeal of the obsolete fish food sales statute because the vending machines are no longer functional and the account generates no revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• are we going to do biofuels for airplanes and support that in a responsible way, or whether it is bird
• committee meetings unless we both agree, from now until the end of session, and perhaps if there are some bird
• 09.280><c> some</c> there would be I think if there are some there would be I think if there are some bird
• :52:11.599><c> we</c><00:52:11.839><c> would</c><00:52:12.079><c> need</c><00:52:12.319><c> to</c> bird
• flu uh outbreaks we would need to bird flu uh outbreaks we would need to perhaps<00:52:13.280><c> come

Bills: HF2446

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• whether it's, you know, my favorite, biking or hiking or whatever it is they do, hunting, fishing, bird
• 02:53.120><c> do,</c><00:02:53.360><c> hunting,</c><00:02:54.000><c> fishing,</c><00:02:54.480><c> bird
• </c> it is they do, hunting, fishing, bird it is they do, hunting, fishing, bird watching.<00:02:55.760

Bills: HF3426 , HF3428

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Terry Wilding. I am the superintendent of the Minnesota State Academy.
• Thank you, Superintendent Wilding.
• </c> disabilities as superintendent Wilding disabilities as superintendent Wilding said<01:26:13.360>
• So again, thank you, Superintendent Wilding. Thank you, thank you, Superintendent Wilding.
• Senator Pappas, thank you so much, Superintendent Wilding.

Committee: Senate Capital Investment