Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, current law at the time required that no more than 20 acres per owner per county be eligible for
• an exemption, and what this change reflected in 2019 did was to extend, uh, from 20 to 40 acres.
• time required that no more than 20 acres time required that no more than 20 acres per<00:20:04.520
• So a property, the homestead would be like sort of the house, garage, one acre, would be treated as a
• So a property, the homestead would be like sort of the house, garage, one acre, would be treated as a

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But I can be very clear: we can explain down to an acre-foot of water and an acre of habitat restoration
• number of acres of habitat.
• What's the acquisition going to cost per acre? It would be $175 million divided by 161.
• So it's a little bit over a million dollars an acre, right? Okay, in terms...
• I support the governor's proposal to fund the acquisition of Goldegate Fields, some 160 acres.

Summary: The hearing focused on the governor’s May Revision proposals for transportation, natural resources, climate, and related programs, with the Department of Finance and the LAO presenting competing views on the state’s fiscal condition. Finance said the budget remains balanced over two years, with major climate-bond, water, parks, transportation, DMV, and agriculture proposals, while the LAO argued the state still has a structural deficit and should reject or defer many new discretionary spending items, preserve reserves, and be cautious about ongoing commitments. The LAO specifically questioned the timing and scale of new spending for programs such as Clean California, Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, and the Golden Gate Fields acquisition, and urged more clarity on future obligations and revenue scenarios, including for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes proposal for Bay-Delta water quality implementation. Secretary Wade Crowfoot and Finance described it as an enforceable, science-based alternative to a more traditional regulatory approach, with the state’s $25 million request intended to support early implementation, monitoring, habitat restoration, and environmental flows. The LAO countered that the Water Board has not yet adopted the updated Bay-Delta plan, that the proposal may be premature, and that the Legislature should wait for more information on the state’s total funding commitment and the program’s long-term costs. Several members expressed support for the program as a way to reduce conflict and protect water reliability, while others echoed concerns about timing and fiscal exposure. The committee also examined the proposed $125 million Proposition 4 contribution toward acquiring the Golden Gate Fields property for a shoreline park and habitat project. State officials said the acquisition is a time-sensitive, once-in-a-generation opportunity, with an appraised value of $175 million and additional philanthropic and local funding expected to close the gap. Members questioned whether the project had gone through the usual competitive process, whether the site is the best use of scarce park bond dollars, and how public access, habitat, and disadvantaged-community priorities would be protected. The discussion ended without a vote, and the committee moved on to transportation items including Clean California litter abatement, the Games Route Network, homeless encampment coordinators, and DMV modernization and field office proposals, with LAO recommending rejection or delay on several of those requests as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• The following measures are proposed for consent: Item 1, ACR 157 Hoover; Item 4, SB 899 Grove.
• Item 1, ACR 157 Hoover; Item 4, SB 899 Grove; Item 5, SB 949 Becker; Item 6, SB 9663 layered; Item 7,
• The committee has already seen and approved Assembly Member Hart's ACR-R-149, which is identical to this
• The plan proposed would issue lease sales across 1.27 billion acres of federal waters, including six
• Consent items: Item 1, ACR 157, Hoover; SB 899, Grove; SB 949, Becker; SB 963, Laird; SB 1008, Ochoa;

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The following measures are proposed for consent: Item 1, ACR 157, Hoover; Item 4, SB 899, Grove.
• Item 1, ACR 157, Hoover; Item 4, SB 899, Grove; Item 5, SB 949, Becker; Item 6, SB 963, Laird; Item 7
• The committee has already seen and approved Assembly Member Hart's ACR 149, which is identical to this
• The plan proposed would issue lease sales across 1.27 billion acres of federal waters, including six
• Item 1, ACR 157. Consent items.

Summary: The committee considered several coastal, climate, and air quality measures. Senator Laird presented SCR 136 marking the 50th anniversary of the Coastal Act and Coastal Conservancy Act, and SJR 12 opposing the federal offshore oil and gas leasing program; both drew broad support from environmental groups, local governments, and other advocates, with no opposition heard. Senator Padilla presented SB 10, requiring state climate plans to include gender impact assessments, with supporters arguing climate harms fall disproportionately on women and LGBTQ+ people; the bill also drew no opposition in the hearing. Senator Padilla also presented SB 675 to restructure the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District board and expand public transparency, while supporters cited severe air quality problems and opponents raised concerns about unfunded mandates, consultation, and impacts on local permitting and economic development. Senator Allen presented SB 1229 to limit disaster-rebuild coastal permit exemptions when replacement structures would newly impede coastal access or sensitive protections, with supporters saying it would prevent investor abuse of post-disaster rebuilding rules. After testimony, the committee took up the measures and recorded votes. SCR 136, SJR 12, SB 10, SB 675, and SB 1229 all advanced on party-line or near-party-line votes, with some members voting no on the more regulatory measures. The consent calendar was also approved, including ACR 157, SB 899, SB 949, SB 963, SB 1008, SB 1207, SB 1428, and SJR 5. All of the listed measures were sent onward, generally to Appropriations, and the committee concluded its hearing after the roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• > that<01:19:38.080> was maximum number of acres that was maximum number of acres that
• I don't remember at the 27,000 acres.
• , if you get get me the number of acres, if you get get me the number of acres, I'd<01:20:07.600>
• of acres of corn grown in Minnesota. of acres of corn grown in Minnesota. would<01:44:12.400>
• <01:44:16.960> And acres that we we currently grow. And acres that we we currently grow.

Bills: HF3898, HF3957, HF4372, HF4350, HF3692, HF4085

Keywords: pesticides, wild rice, environmental protection, agriculture, water quality, pollinators, training, management plan, fertilizer research, education grants, Minnesota Agricultural Council, technology transfer, agricultural productivity, HF4372, Minnesota agriculture, meat processing, meat processing training, retention incentive grants, grant extension, project deadline extension

Transcript Highlights:

• Average farm size in 1970 was 440 acres.
• In Missouri between 2017 and 2022, farms under 1,000 acres have lost 7,617 farms.
• Farms over 1,000 acres have gained 184 farms. Farms over 1,000 acres have gained 184 farms.
• Between 2017 and 2022, farms under 1,000 acres have lost 1.4 million acres.
• Farms over 1,000 acres have gained 712,000 acres. Missouri producers, USDA stats here.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The preserved 20,000 acres of farmland.
• The Bureau of Land Management acres.
• In 2024, more than 90,000 acres burned in the state.
• In 2024, more than 90,000 acres burned in the state.
• Approximately 584 acres of U.S.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, December 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of total land. 1.4 million acres of their land is PILT eligible.
• Another way to see that is 1.4 million acres does not pay property taxes.
• > is land. 1.4 million acres of their land is land. 1.4 million acres of their land is Pilt<00
• not is 1.4 acre 1.4 million acres does not is 1.4 acre 1.4 million acres does not pay<00:05:16.720
• Quite frankly, if we're going to cut PILT, then we better stop buying acres.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:09.640> of then uh the 12 million Acres of then uh the 12 million Acres of state-owned
• We have over 170 SNAs right now, covering almost 200,000 acres.
• We have over 170 SNAs right now, covering almost 200,000 acres.
• or I should say 1,500 WMA covering 1.3 million acres of land.
• or I should say 1,500 WMA covering 1.3 million acres of land.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• My husband had 30 to 35 acres of anthuriums, okay?
• My husband had 30 to 35 acres of anthuriums, okay?
• Now, 30 to 35 acres of anthuriums, okay?
• Each farm is about 15 acres.
• So, amount of 4 million acres of land?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees met on March 19, 2025, to hear HB 966 HD2, which would create statewide standards for agricultural tourism in counties that adopt ag-tourism ordinances. The bill would require registration with county planning departments, require ag-tourism to remain tied to an active farming operation, and end the activity when the agricultural use stops except in limited circumstances. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kualoa Ranch, and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was generally supportive of the bill’s intent, with several witnesses emphasizing that agritourism can help farm viability, food security, and public education about agriculture. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and several other testifiers supported agritourism but urged strong guardrails, minimal statewide standards, and deference to county home rule. They said agriculture should remain the primary activity, warned against adding burdens to farmers and ranchers, and suggested better enforcement and agricultural expertise within county planning departments. Phil Weber and others argued for objective standards, such as minimum revenue or work-performed thresholds, annual reporting, and clearer compliance tools, and cautioned that the bill’s termination exemption could be too broad if not tightened. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on whether the bill should apply to Department of Agriculture lands, especially ag park lands, and to DLNR lands. Department of Agriculture staff explained that ag park lands currently do not allow agritourism, while non-ag park lands under Act 90 allow limited related activity tied to farm production, with revenue limits and other conditions. Members and witnesses debated how to define and measure agritourism, how to enforce county rules, and whether to exempt ag park parcels or otherwise clarify that existing DOA rules would control. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the chair requested follow-up language from DOA to address possible exemptions and clarify the bill’s application.

Transcript Highlights:

• The largest single block of farms that went out of operation were one- to nine-acre farms, very small
• Eighty-two percent are less than 180 acres.
• If we look at their total regulatory costs and wages, it's about $7,631 an acre. $7,631 an acre, and
• in 2023, about $1,400 per acre.
• Their total wage and state regulatory costs were reported at $37 an acre.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held an interim work session focused on Washington agriculture’s viability, workforce, and competitiveness. Director Derek Sanderson of the Washington State Department of Agriculture and WSU Dean Raj Kosla described the size and diversity of the state’s farm sector, declining farm numbers, major export markets, and pressures from labor costs, low commodity prices, trade barriers, drought, regulatory burdens, and pests and disease. Kosla emphasized WSU’s land-grant role in education, research, and extension, including precision agriculture, broadband needs in rural areas, and the need for state support to help producers adopt new technologies and train the next generation of agricultural workers. Members asked about retaining farmland, increasing workforce capacity, and the role of precision agriculture. Kosla said precision agriculture can help address labor shortages and water scarcity, but adoption is limited by cost and rural broadband gaps. He explained precision agriculture as tailoring inputs to the right place, time, amount, and manner, and said WSU is working on low-cost sensor technologies and other innovations. Members also asked about how widely precision agriculture is used and whether it improves farm bottom lines; Kosla said adoption varies by tool and that he would follow up with more data. The committee then heard from Dr. Randy Fortenberry of WSU’s Impact Center on an agricultural competitiveness study and the effects of tariffs and trade. He reported that Washington’s competitiveness has generally declined relative to peer states in dairy, grapes, hops, apples, and wheat, with potatoes as the main bright spot. Surveyed producers said a substantial share of revenue is tied to regulatory compliance, with labor-related costs a major driver, and small diversified farms reported land access, capital, and profitability as bigger barriers than regulation. On trade, Fortenberry said Washington agriculture is highly export-dependent and vulnerable to retaliation, citing past losses in wheat, apples, pulses, and cherries when tariffs disrupted markets, while noting current uncertainty around China and India. The committee asked follow-up questions about compliance time, peer-state comparisons, and regulatory burdens; no votes were taken, and the department said it plans an interim report by the end of the year and a final report by June 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• It'll transmit water through the system about 25 million acre-feet.
• It'll transmit water through the system about 25 million acre feet.
• , allocations on use, or a reduction in irrigated acres.
• And then there's also a $10 irrigated acre occupation tax.
• No irrigation acres were lost.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• egg or subag which is about half acre egg or subag which is about half acre lots<01:12:14.480>
• They got 100 acres each; it's five of them, 500 acres.
• They got 100 acres each; it's five of them, 500 acres.
• They got 100 acres each; it's five of them, 500 acres.
• They got 100 acres each; it's five of them, 500 acres.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• An acre-foot is the amount of water it would take to fill one acre of land with one foot of water.
• What we use across the board when we issue our permits is always acre-feet.
• Across the board, when we issue our permits, it's always acre-feet.
• So 16.7 million acre-feet, we only use 325,000 on average.
• For an acre-foot of water, we can get up to 425 megawatts of electricity.

Summary: The committee met to review advanced nuclear energy issues in North Dakota, beginning with approval of the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon presented an overview of the advanced reactor landscape, distinguishing light-water SMRs, advanced Gen 4 reactors, and microreactors. The presentation emphasized that light-water SMRs are the most near-term deployable and use familiar low-enriched uranium fuel, while many Gen 4 designs may require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALU), which is not yet supported by a mature U.S. supply chain. Nucleon also noted that advanced reactors are being developed primarily for industrial heat applications, while microreactors are niche, higher-cost systems for remote or mission-critical uses. Committee members asked about fuel availability, safety, recycling, and whether large reactors such as AP-1000s were evaluated; the presenter said fuel development is proceeding in parallel but remains a bottleneck, and that siting and grid capacity often make SMRs more practical than gigawatt-scale plants in North Dakota. Representatives from the National Association of State Energy Officials described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, regional coordination, grants, tax incentives, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and pilot programs. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and said states are focusing on multi-state coordination, demand aggregation, regulatory coordination, waste management, workforce readiness, and community engagement. They also discussed affordability tools such as construction work in progress (CWIP), financing incentives, and consumer protections, citing examples from Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, Tennessee, and others. In response to questions, they explained that pilot programs often involve site-readiness and feasibility studies, and that the federal Nuclear Innovation Campus process is moving forward with multiple submissions while broader waste and recycling policy may require congressional action. The Public Service Commission said it would likely have a major role in any North Dakota nuclear project through certificate-of-public-convenience-and-necessity review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted gaps in current law for small reactors, co-located facilities, NRC coordination, and long-term site stewardship. The commissioner said the commission has no authority over a private, self-contained reactor not connected to the grid. The Department of Environmental Quality explained that the state regulates radioactive materials under its agreement-state authority, but NRC retains primacy over fission reactors; DEQ would likely assist with emergency planning and could have a larger role if fusion reactors emerge. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, requiring a dedicated radiological emergency preparedness program, training, drills, public outreach, and likely additional funding and staffing, with industry expected to bear much of the cost. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota’s water laws and prior-appropriation system are adequate for nuclear siting, that the Missouri River is the best likely source, and that no statutory or budget changes are currently needed from a water perspective. The committee recessed for lunch after these agency presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• An acre-foot is the amount of water it would take to fill one acre of land with one foot of water.
• What we use across the board when we issue our permits is always acre-feet.
• What we use across the board when we issue our permits is always acre-feet.
• So 16.7 million acre-feet, we only use 325,000 on average.
• For an acre-foot of water, we can get up to 425 megawatts of electricity.

Summary: The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee met to review prior minutes and hear a series of presentations on advanced nuclear technology and state readiness. The committee approved the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon’s William Bridge outlined the advanced nuclear landscape, distinguishing near-term light-water SMRs from more advanced Gen 4 reactors and microreactors, and emphasized that fuel supply, especially HALEU, remains a developing supply chain. He said light-water designs are the most deployable in the near term, while advanced reactors may be better suited for industrial heat applications and could face a 2- to 3-year delay from fuel availability. Representatives from NASEO described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, pilot programs, financing tools, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and regional coordination. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and stressed that states are focusing early on emergency preparedness, community engagement, waste management, affordability, and consumer protections. They also noted that some states are creating nuclear-ready community programs and cost-recovery guardrails, while public utility commissions are examining long-term lifecycle costs and rate impacts. North Dakota agencies then outlined their potential roles. The Public Service Commission said it would likely be involved in public-interest review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted current statutes may not fully address long-term nuclear projects, co-location, or decommissioning. The Department of Environmental Quality said it would continue to regulate radioactive materials and likely support emergency planning, while fission reactor oversight remains federal. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, needing a radiological emergency program, training, exercises, equipment, and possibly industry funding. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota has sufficient surface water, especially from the Missouri River, but that water planning would be important; it did not recommend statutory or budget changes at this time. The committee recessed for lunch after these presentations, with no additional votes or actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• So people take your yields on your acre.
• He said he can go home and plant 300 acres in an afternoon of corn.
• . me can cover can farm a lot of acres.
• I can do acres in an afternoon of corn.
• So when you say 100 acres all goes to fuel, that's not correct.

Bills: HF3718

Keywords: veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal care, licensing, client consent, continuing education, emergency services, teletriage, 1183, house

Summary: The Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee met with quorum present, approved the March 2 minutes, and then heard a presentation on economic consolidation in agriculture from Austin Ferk, who said he was not taking additional public testimony. Ferk argued that consolidation in meat, dairy, and grain markets has squeezed farmers on both input and output prices, raised consumer prices, and reduced product quality. He used charts and examples to claim that concentrated markets lead to price gouging, that farmers now receive a historically low share of each food dollar, and that industrial production has contributed to environmental problems, especially in Iowa. Ferk focused on several large agribusiness firms, especially JBS and Cargill. He described JBS as a dominant meatpacker with a history of bribery allegations and market power across beef, pork, poultry, and leather, and said its ownership of brands can obscure who is actually selling the product. He also criticized Cargill as an opaque, privately held company with enormous influence over grain and food markets, and said the farm bill and crop insurance system have been shaped to favor overproduction of corn and soy rather than diversified farming. He argued that these policies, along with ethanol demand and export-oriented livestock production, have harmed rural communities, increased manure and nitrate pollution, and contributed to health problems. In the latter part of the presentation, Ferk discussed antitrust and policy responses, including concentration studies, a proposed packer ban that would prevent meatpackers from owning the animals they slaughter, and restrictions on slotting fees and other pay-to-play practices in grocery retail. He also referenced the failed Kroger-Albertsons merger as an example of consolidation harming local communities. No committee vote or formal action was taken on the presentation beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I request unanimous consent to order ACR 7, Bryan and ACR 9, Pellerin. To the second reading file.
• File Item 1, ACR 10, by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez. The clerk will read.
• I rise to present ACR 10, which recognizes today, January 13th, 2025, as Korean American Day.
• As chair of the AAPI Legislative Caucus, it is my honor to stand in support of ACR 10, recognizing January

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:07:24.479> so The total impact area is 0.17 acres, so The total impact area is 0.17 acres
• And we're talking 16 acres in total.
• Um, we have a lot of acres.
• those 7 million acres, 2.75 in the pool. those 7 million acres, 2.75 in the pool.
• there because there's millions of acres there because there's millions of acres that<02:39:13.200

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council met on May 27, 2026, approved the January 7 minutes and the day’s agenda, and reported no conflicts of interest. The executive director gave staff updates, including introductions of new staff member Cara Castanza and DNR liaison Jason Co., both of whom were welcomed by the council. Members were also informed about three minor easement/conveyance matters in the packet, including a small Bowser easement impact with about $1,600 returned to the Outdoor Heritage Fund, a Minnesota Land Trust easement request involving a DNR trout stream easement, and an access easement revision in Itasca County. The council also noted several upcoming dedication events and a June field tour in southeast Minnesota beginning in Winona on June 16, with visits to Whitewater WMA, bluff prairie and stream sites, and a river segment if a boat is secured. A major agenda item was a legislative session recap on the Outdoor Heritage Fund portion of Senate File 2077, the omnibus Outdoor Heritage Fund, Legacy, and Lands bill. Staff reported that all council recommendations were incorporated into the bill, which passed both chambers on May 17 and was expected to be signed by the governor. The fiscal year 2027 Outdoor Heritage Fund recommendations covered 53 programs totaling about $188.9 million, with the February forecast increasing the appropriation slightly so the final total was about $191.16 million; eligible programs were proportionately increased. Staff also highlighted a few changes made during the legislative process, including adjustments to the Roso Lake rehabilitation phase three project, the conservation partners legacy grant language, and statutory provisions affecting the council. The recap also covered policy changes in the bill: a public member term limit of eight years, with a short vacancy exception and transition rules for current members; a revised executive director hiring process allowing the Legislative Coordinating Commission to provide support while preserving the council’s final hiring authority and permitting closed meetings for candidate discussions; and an extension of the Upper Mississippi River invasive carp deterrent design deadline to June 30, 2027. Members discussed the Roso Lake amendment at length, with Senator Lang and Representative Burkel explaining that the added delay and injunction-related language were intended to address local concerns and preserve the council’s process while litigation proceeds. The meeting ended without any additional formal action beyond receiving the updates and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, sir, the how many acres did it burn about 15?
• I think was a total just told Fifteen acres total. Yes, sir. Okay.
• If it's less than a hundred acres, it's...
• In 24, Oregon burned more than 800,000 acres.
• So in 2017. and there was another million acre fire.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, we've seen this $50,000, $65,000 an acre. And guess what?
• And, you know, we've seen this $50,000, $65,000 an acre. And guess what?
• And, you know, we've seen this $50,000, $65,000 an acre. And guess what?
• <00:15:23.199> and looking upwards of $1,500 an acre and looking upwards of $1,500 an acre
• We've invested a lot of money acres.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee discussed House Bill 353, a proposal to tighten eminent-domain procedures and property protections while still allowing public projects. Supporters said the bill would not prohibit condemnation, but would require proof that property is in blight, give owners notice and an opportunity to cure, require a reasonable plan and funding for the public use, and ensure the taking is limited to what is necessary. They argued this would protect good-faith property owners, prevent abandoned projects, and make the process more efficient for utilities and infrastructure by encouraging easements where possible instead of full takings. Much of the discussion focused on the proper measure of compensation and the broader constitutional limits on eminent domain. Several members argued that compensation should reflect current market value and that public benefit should not be treated as the standard for value. Others said market value can be unfair in cases involving unique property uses, damage to land, or public-private projects, and suggested owners should share in some upside. Members also raised concerns about Kelo v. City of New London, the risk of abuse by governments or large corporations, and the need to protect farmers and rural landowners from one-sided treatment. A number of legislators supported the concept but asked for more detail on how the bill would work in practice, whether it is based on model legislation from other states, and how it could be tailored to Kentucky. The bill sponsor said it was a modified model policy and was open to amendments to make it more Kentucky-specific. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.