Video & Transcript : 'Legislative Appropriations Request' :
Page 387 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 04/07/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> necessary for every direct appropriation necessary for every direct appropriation made<00:03:50.480
- Uh, it is part of an appropriation.
- Uh, it is part of an appropriation.
- Uh, it is part of an appropriation.
- Uh, it is part of an appropriation.
Committee:
Senate Jobs and Economic Development
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- House File 821 would appropriate $3.866 million per year to provide water treatment systems and well
- Idess, identify yourself and proceed. continue Appropriations that will help continue Appropriations
- of 2.8 million enhance the appropriation of 2.8 million that<00:23:37.640><c> was</c><00:23:37.799><
- </c> due to clean water fund Appropriations due to clean water fund Appropriations to<00:26:09.440><c
- He thought it would be easy as a legislator, but it was still rigorous to get recertified.
Committee:
House Agriculture Finance and Policy
Keywords:
HF363, property tax credit, agricultural water quality credit, Minnesota agricultural water quality certification program, clean water fund, class 2a, class 2b, certified acres, conservation incentive, water quality, agricultural property, county assessor, county auditor, Department of Revenue, Department of Agriculture, property tax reimbursement, school district reimbursement, legacy finance, taxes committee, southeastern Minnesota
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there an appropriation for this? There is not an appropriation.
- , age-appropriate curriculum.
- Just basic age-appropriate instruction that emphasizes... ...guns, just basic age-appropriate instruction
- allocate the appropriated monies according to the terms of the appropriation.
- Joint Legislative Committee jointly provide notifications as prescribed and the legislature enacts legislation
Bills:
SB1004 , SB1424 , SB1497 , SB1507 , SB1572 , SB1684 , SB1711 , SB1741 , SB1754 , SB1763 , SB1798 , SCR1012 , SCR1041 , SCR1051
Committee:
Senate Education
Keywords:
sex offender registration, sex offender registry, A.R.S. 13-3821, sexual offenses, public safety, GPS monitoring, electronic monitoring, transient offender, homeless registrant, online identifiers, internet identifiers, sheriff notification, Department of Public Safety, DPS, DNA collection, juvenile adjudication, kidnapping of a minor, unlawful imprisonment of a minor, lifetime registration, community notification
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-29 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Definitions that have been added or amended to align with Vermont's age-appropriate design codes, which
- Connecticut's 2025 update and the passage of the Vermont age-appropriate design code.
- Um, I request that we pass over S. 313, move on to JRH 12, and then move to confirmations after that,
- President, at this time, would it be appropriate to pick up a bill that is on notice?
- So, I invite you to go down there and look at the scoreboard and Senate Appropriations.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 22 Morning Session Mar 10th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and the family and the... ...request and informed consent of the patient and the family.
- Is this a request bill from the Funeral Directors Association? Thank you for the question.
- The reason was because this was found out later on in the legislative process.
- Was this a request bill from a constituent, or how did you come about filing this?
- I believe this piece of legislation is ineligible to be heard under Rule 8.4A.
Bills:
HB4104 , HB3722 , HB3787 , HB3700 , HB3701 , HB3310 , HB3404 , HB2964 , HB2398 , HB3024 , HB3499 , HB3278 , HB3279 , HB3645 , HB3649 , HB2293 , HB3260 , HB3176 , HB3177 , HB3114 , HB3172 , HB3322 , HB3323 , HB4248 , HB3720 , HB2210 , HB1322 , HB1937 , HB3301 , HB4107
Keywords:
Oklahoma criminal law, felony classification, Class B5, Class D1, sentencing enhancement, repeat offender, domestic violence, stalking, voyeurism, peeping tom, clandestine recording, hidden camera, privacy offense, sex offender registry, Sex Offenders Registration Act, protective order violation, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, public safety
Summary:
The House convened, heard the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, recognized the Doctor of the Day, and held several special presentations, including the Bethany Youth Council and a centennial recognition for Ascension St. John. The chamber then took up a long series of bills on second and third reading, with members asking questions on hospice care, broadband, funeral director continuing education, economic development, court reporters, DUI-related GPS monitoring, banking discrimination, statutory interpretation, electronic filings, intoxicating hemp beverages, homemade food production, youth apprenticeships, domestic violence, school communications with minors, firearms definitions, and outdoor warning sirens.
Among the measures considered, House Bill 3645 on hospice referrals for patients without next of kin or a durable power of attorney passed 16-0. House Bill 3649, allowing proceeds from certain state property sales to remain in the mental health real estate trust, passed 15-0. House Bill 2293 extending the Oklahoma Broadband Office sunset to 2030 passed 84-10. House Bill 3216 adding the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association to approved continuing education providers passed 94-0, and House Bill 3176 directing Commerce to pursue national lab and innovation opportunities passed 51-37 after extensive debate about its aspirational nature and cost.
Other bills approved included HB 3177 on Corporation Commission court reporter pay and retention, HB 3114 removing DUI with great bodily harm from DOC GPS monitoring eligibility, HB 3172 restricting adverse banking actions by large financial institutions against lawful activity, HB 3322 on statutory interpretation, HB 3323 removing notarization requirements for electronic Service Oklahoma submissions, HB 4248 restricting certain intoxicating beverages to those 21 and older, HB 3720 expanding the Homemade Food Freedom Act, HB 2210 modernizing youth apprenticeships, HB 1322 creating a domestic violence offender registry, HB 1937 revising school communications with minors and receiving emergency passage, HB 3301 aligning state firearms definitions with federal law, and HB 4107 criminalizing hacking or unauthorized activation of outdoor warning sirens. Most bills passed with broad support, though some drew significant questioning over fiscal impact, public safety, and implementation details.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment panel hears bill to establish responsible foraging task force 2/27/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm authoring this legislation to help build that task force to ensure that we have a transparent process
- to help build authoring this legislation to help build that<00:02:49.200><c> task</c><00:02:49.519><
- I am volunteering my time to lead the advocacy around this legislation.
- This legislation has been a few years in the making.
- </c><00:15:51.759><c> their</c> governor's office requesting their governor's office requesting their
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- appropriations.
- </c> requested it for those workers. requested it for those workers.
- </c> coming to to the legislative body. Yes. coming to to the legislative body. Yes. Okay. Okay.
- </c><00:19:50.960><c> that</c> Uh the reason why we're requesting that Uh the reason why we're requesting
- And when we appropriate funds, like the governor appropriates to the cancer center, that's to take care
Committee:
Senate Education
Keywords:
teacher pay, teacher salaries, salary step increase, annual increment, longevity step, public school teachers, public charter school teachers, collective bargaining, Hawaii Department of Education, teacher retention, teacher recruitment, cost of living, educator compensation, public employee bargaining, appropriation, salary schedule, school staffing, teacher shortage, HB1888, Hawaii
Summary:
The committees heard three measures, beginning with HB 1890 HD3, which would provide automatic step increases and a COVID-era retention bonus for teachers. Supporters included HSTA, the Democratic Party’s Education Caucus, and a student who said higher pay and predictable salary growth would help retain teachers in Hawaii. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked that the bill be expanded to cover all department employees. The Attorney General’s office said the draft needed clarification to avoid conflict with Chapter 89 and to make clear any funding was subject to legislative appropriation. The Office of the Public Defender and B&F testified in opposition, and committee members questioned whether the step increases were already in the current contract and whether the bill was needed. HSTA said the current contract includes automatic step increases subject to funding, but argued the bill was still needed because funding is not guaranteed and the measure would codify the policy. HSTA also said the COVID bonus would apply only to active teachers who worked during the pandemic and estimated the total cost at roughly $150 million to $200 million over four years. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then took up HB 1888 HD3, which would require DOE and charter schools to report harassment incidents and strengthen penalties for harassment of educational workers from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor. DOE supported the bill and suggested narrowing language about assisting workers with temporary restraining orders, saying that function would be better handled through the Attorney General’s pilot program. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the harassment language was overly broad, vague, and potentially unconstitutional, and that existing assault and terroristic threatening statutes already protect educational workers. HSTA, the State Commission on the Status of Women, and several individual testifiers supported the measure, describing increased intimidation and harassment of teachers and other school staff, especially since COVID. The Special Education Advisory Council opposed the bill’s language on “disrupting and interfering” with school functions, saying it could chill parents of students with IEPs from advocating for their children. Testimony was split, with the chair noting 20 in support and 16 in opposition in the portion shown.
A final witness, Michelle Pestana, testified in opposition based on her family’s experience with special education services, describing alleged seclusion and restraint of her daughter and expressing concern that DOE testimony in prior hearings had targeted special education parents. Her remarks were cut off as time expired. The transcript ends before any committee action or vote on HB 1888 was taken.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health May 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- As you know, the administration had to request a supplemental appropriation bill of $2.8 billion in March
- So we've had a lot of pieces of legislation.
- So we've had a lot of pieces of legislation.
- This uniform dollar add-on increase is the more appropriate mechanism to utilize.
- Karina Hendren with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held the first of several hearings on the Governor’s May Revision for health care, with opening remarks focused on the state’s projected $12 billion deficit, looming federal Medicaid changes, and the potential impact on Medi-Cal, public health, reproductive health, and safety-net providers. Several members criticized the proposal as balancing the budget on vulnerable Californians, while others defended the need for cost containment and questioned the administration’s assumptions. The chair set ground rules for respectful, focused questioning and outlined three topics: the Medi-Cal proposals, Proposition 35, and Proposition 56.
DHCS Director Michelle Baas presented the May Revision’s Medi-Cal package, saying the department’s budget totals $200.6 billion overall, including $45.2 billion General Fund, and that the proposals are intended to address rising caseloads, pharmacy costs, and managed care spending. She described proposed changes for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, including a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for those 19 and older, $100 monthly premiums beginning in 2027, elimination of adult dental and long-term care coverage, removal of PPS/RAP payments to FQHCs and rural health clinics for that population, and a pharmacy rebate aggregator. Other proposals included eliminating certain OTC drug classes, removing GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, prior authorization and step therapy changes, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test, eliminating acupuncture as an optional benefit, allowing utilization management for hospice, raising the managed care minimum medical loss ratio to 90%, reducing PACE capitation rates toward the midpoint of the actuarial range, eliminating the skilled nursing facility workforce and quality incentive program, and suspending the SNF backup power requirement.
The LAO said the revised Medi-Cal spending estimate is about $2.5 billion higher than the Governor’s Budget in the budget year, and that the increase appears driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload alone. The LAO said the budget solutions are concentrated in a few areas, are largely ongoing, and should be considered in light of federal uncertainty, but suggested the Legislature could explore alternatives such as more targeted income thresholds for the undocumented expansion and simpler asset-test rules. Department of Finance officials said the proposals are difficult but necessary to address a third consecutive deficit and rising Medi-Cal costs. Members then pressed the administration on the methodology and impacts of the proposals, especially the enrollment freeze, premiums, asset test, hospice controls, PACE reductions, and the elimination of benefits and provider payments. No votes or formal actions were taken at this hearing.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- A fiscal note has been requested and it's in process.
- Just a couple of points here: would you just simply clarify on this legislation?
- So our request is...
- So we do not support the legislation as written.
- So we think this is really important legislation.
Committee:
Senate Law & Justice
Keywords:
tort claims, state liability, Washington law, government accountability, legal process, parole, criminal justice reform, felony, recidivism, rehabilitation, public safety, personality rights, right of publicity, publicity rights, name image likeness, NIL, deepfake, AI-generated content, digital impersonation, forged digital likeness
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- This is my third legislative session. Happy to be working with you. Thank you. Mr.
- I staff finance and appropriations, transportation, and technology. This is my 31st session. Mr.
- The legislative intent of this bill is to help every single student.
- There was a legislator from Tucson, Cavera, that posed the bill.
- Because of this, I am personally and deeply invested in this legislation.
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee heard a series of bills, many dealing with cryptocurrency and tax administration. SB 1042 would allow certain state retirement and treasury funds to invest up to 10% in virtual currency; SB 1043 would let state agencies accept cryptocurrency payments; SB 1044 and SCR 1003 would exempt virtual currency from property tax, with SB 1044 contingent on voter approval of the referral. All four measures advanced on 4-3 votes, with Democratic members largely opposing them as risky, speculative, and favoring wealthy crypto interests.
The committee also considered SB 1221, which would require the Department of Revenue to notify legislative tax chairs before adopting a new tax interpretation or application that would adversely affect taxpayers and to testify if a hearing is held. Supporters framed it as transparency and good governance, while opponents worried about added red tape and administrative burden. The bill passed 4-3. Another major item, SB 1142, would opt Arizona into a new federal scholarship tax credit program administered through certified scholarship-granting organizations; supporters said it would expand scholarship opportunities for public, charter, private, and homeschool students, while opponents argued it would deepen inequities, lack accountability, and divert resources from public schools. That bill also passed 4-3.
A lengthy discussion followed on the Department of Revenue’s press release about tax conformity and the governor’s executive order. DOR explained that the forms were issued assuming conformity with federal changes, including the standard deduction and certain below-the-line adjustments, and said taxpayers generally should file on time but may need amended returns if the Legislature later changes the law. Members pressed DOR on the cost and clarity of the guidance, with estimates that widespread amendments could cost the department about $20 million. Finally, the committee heard SB 1254, which would require both grantor and grantee signatures on real property conveyances before recording; county assessors said it would reduce deed-fraud risk and fix recording gaps. County officials from Maricopa and Mohave supported the bill.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (11/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> ordinary course of the legislative ordinary course of the legislative process.<00:39:41.520><c>
- </c> Constitution and the legislative Constitution and the legislative branches.<00:42:25.599><c> So<
- </c> the the bullying policy appropriately the the bullying policy appropriately and<00:58:19.280><c>
- You can ask the next person. legislation after they've heard from um legislation after they've heard
- ><c> we</c> >> may I request that someone request we >> may I request that someone request
Summary:
The House Education Policy and Administration Committee met to hear a non-germane amendment to House Bill 131, which concerns bullying and cyberbullying prevention. Representative Glenn Cordelli, the prime sponsor, said the amendment was intended to revise and improve language from last year’s SB 210 and to incorporate measures from a cyberbullying bill previously passed by the House. He described changes to school communication requirements, mandatory reporting of bullying and retaliation, stronger investigation and collaboration requirements for cross-district cases, added safety and remediation language, a required conference with the alleged perpetrator and parents if available, updated reporting deadlines, and disciplinary consequences for harassment, intimidation, retaliation, and false reports. He also noted a later amendment would be needed to insert the words “the perpetrator” in one section, and he explained that some changes were meant to align with prior legislation and legislative drafting suggestions.
Committee members raised several concerns. Representative Murray questioned the treatment of private and parochial schools, the change from gross negligence to negligence, and the removal of a definition of bullying based on imbalance of power and perceived characteristics. Representative Damon also objected to deleting that definition, arguing it would narrow the scope of bullying too much. Representative Han spoke in opposition, saying the amendment was too broad, unnecessary in parts, and not ready for final action; he criticized the removal of the imbalance-of-power language, the conference requirement when parents may not participate, and the reporting obligations for bus drivers and others. Cordelli responded that some issues were already addressed in prior law or SB 210 and that private schools have their own policies.
Michelle Wongran of New Hampshire Legal Assistance testified in opposition, saying the bill was being heard without enough notice and that it does far more than the committee analysis suggests. She said the amendment adds undefined retaliation language, imposes reporting duties on school vendors and contractors, may conflict with FERPA and other federal privacy rules, and includes provisions that could have serious implications for schools and students. She said she supports parental involvement and some conference provisions in concept, but urged the committee to reject the amendment or at least send it through the normal legislative process for fuller review. No vote was taken during the hearing portion described in the transcript.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services Aug 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 138 is budget-related legislation that establishes legislative intent to provide more statewide uniformity
- And I think it was appropriate because...
- That, number one, it is validated appropriately.
- It shouldn't take new legislation and tax funds.
- It shouldn't take new legislation and tax funds.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Emergency Management Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- Number one and number two, some legislator said, 'I want to be back in my district during that time.'
- Number one and number two, some legislator said, I want to be back in my district during that time.
- At the appropriate time, it sounds like you're going to get a motion. Thank you.
- We can hear testimony at the appropriate time. Sounds like you're going to get a motion. Welcome.
- We request an I vote. Thank you very much, Mr. Antwey. The committee requests an aye vote.
Committee:
Senate Emergency Management
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That's not a request. It doesn't activate the language of this bill.
- No request was made. Is that health care? No request was made.
- So the minor student is actually requesting and referencing the change.
- covered entities, are requesting the sex change.
- . requests a covered entity to facilitate a transition, then they must notify.
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes from March 5, 2026, then took up House Bill 681, which would remove the statute of limitations for aggravated lewd conduct with a child and for producing or making sexually exploitive material. The sponsor and the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association said the bill would help prosecute serious child sexual abuse cases, including cases involving delayed reporting and AI-generated child sexual abuse material. A motion to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation passed unanimously.
The committee then heard extensive testimony on House Bill 822, a parental rights bill requiring schools and health care providers to notify parents when a minor requests assistance with social transition or related changes. Supporters argued it protects parental rights and prevents secret transitions; opponents said it could endanger vulnerable youth, create vague reporting duties, and expose providers and schools to excessive penalties. After debate, a motion to hold the bill in committee failed 12-4, and the original motion to send it to the floor with a due pass recommendation passed.
Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 1296, which updates Idaho’s criminal trespass law to create a specific offense for disrupting worship services at houses of worship and sets misdemeanor penalties for intentional interference. Supporters said it would protect churches from harassment and disruption while preserving lawful protest. After limited testimony, the committee voted unanimously to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> comfortable leaving the appropriation comfortable leaving the appropriation open<00:59:37.760><c
- All right then, a roll call having been requested, the Legislative Assistant will take the roll.
- <01:00:00.000><c> the</c><01:00:00.200><c> community</c><01:00:00.559><c> Legislative</c> requested the
- community Legislative requested the community Legislative Assistant<01:00:01.359><c> will</c><01:00:
- Are we anticipating that in some of the current or future requests for appropriations from the state?
Committee:
House Agriculture Finance and Policy
Keywords:
agriculture, depredation compensation, livestock, crop damage, elk, wolves, wildlife management, skills path program, career and technical education, CTE, dual credit, postsecondary options enrollment, apprenticeship, apprenticeship readiness, dual training, work-based learning, career pathways, skilled trades, workforce development, high school to career
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Mar 2nd, 2026
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't disagree that we want to make sure what we're doing here is appropriate and is timely for the
- I'm the legislative liaison for the Department of Corrections.
- We just want to go on record in support of this legislation.
- So this legislation, we're hoping to be able to assist with addressing these issues as they arise.
- Local law enforcement request assistance from the current Office of Investigations.
Committee:
House Corrections and Public Institutions
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 2708, which would increase penalties for bringing or possessing unauthorized electronic communication devices in prisons and jails, raising the offense from a misdemeanor to a Class D felony and clarifying the statutory language. Representative Hovis said the bill is intended to deter contraband cell phones and similar devices that can be used to coordinate criminal activity, threaten victims, or continue gang operations from inside facilities. Department of Corrections staff supported the bill, saying cell phones are dangerous contraband and that current administrative sanctions are not always enough. Members asked about notice to visitors, current DOC discipline, whether the bill applies to inmates, staff, and visitors, and whether the language should be tightened to cover devices “capable of” communication; the sponsor agreed to have House Research review the wording and potentially offer a committee substitute. No opposition testimony was presented.
The committee then heard House Bill 3038, which would place the Department of Health and Senior Services’ Office of Special Investigations into statute and give it limited authority to assist investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of eligible adults. Representative Cook said the office already exists and the bill mainly codifies its role, allowing limited subpoena and search warrant authority to speed investigations, especially financial exploitation cases, while preserving local law enforcement and prosecutorial control. DHSS witnesses supported the bill, explaining that their investigators have long worked on vulnerable-adult cases and often need quicker access to records; they said the office has law enforcement experience and coordinates with Adult Protective Services and public safety agencies. Committee members asked about the fiscal note, vacancies, the definition of exploitation, whether the office can investigate public administrators or guardianship cases, and whether investigators have arrest authority; witnesses said the bill is not intended to create a new police force or expand arrest powers, but to formalize existing functions and improve access to records. No witnesses testified in opposition, and the hearing concluded without a vote.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- school district or geographic area in which the child or children reside in accordance with the appropriate
- Otherwise, I request the, the opportunity to close.
- I, I, I, I'm not a legislators. Uh, Chair recognizes, uh, Chairman Frank.
- We request that Texas do the same. Thank you. Thank you very much, members.
- And to notify students, parents, guardians, so that they can make the appropriate medical decisions.
Committee:
House Public Education
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/27/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Are they funded in this budget request?
- request request extensions proa parties request extensions<04:43:04.760><c> as</c><04:43:04.920><c>
- There's no request anywhere.
- There's no request anywhere.
- There's no request anywhere.
Summary:
The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs’ budget, with testimony from division leadership on staffing, funding sources, and program changes. Early discussion focused on vacant positions in the agency, including a senior planner tied to FEMA requirements, a federally funded program assistant, a program specialist to be reclassified during a planning reorganization, and two Housing Champions positions that were authorized but not funded in the current biennium and are requested for 2026-27. The witnesses also explained that temporary welcome center positions are filled as funds allow, and that the agency’s requested general fund increase is driven largely by the Division of Travel and Tourism Development and its formula-based funding.
Members then reviewed rest areas, welcome centers, outdoor recreation, economic development, procurement, and workforce opportunity lines. The department said there are 12 rest areas, with 5.8 million foot counts in FY 24, and that welcome centers are generally open year-round, though Sutton is currently closed and staffing relies on a mix of full-time and temporary employees. The outdoor recreation position is federally funded through USDA and supports business outreach, trade shows, and industry promotion. In economic development, the agency said increased dues reflect participation in the Northern Borders Regional Commission, and that a marketing line item is intended to support recruitment and promotion of growth industries such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences. The Apex Accelerator Program was described as a state-federal partnership requiring a state match and providing government contracting assistance to businesses, while the Office of Workforce Opportunity was explained as a federally funded WIOA-related effort administered through multiple agencies and subrecipients.
A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which members said had generated significant public concern. The department described SBDC as a highly effective technical assistance program for new and small businesses, but said the cut was one of the few places it felt it had room to reduce funding. Members asked about federal support and matching requirements for various programs, and the department said less than half of its overall budget is generally funded by the state and that some programs require state match. The committee also discussed travel and tourism marketing and the Joint Promotional Program, with the department saying those funds support broader advertising campaigns and grants to chambers and trade associations for events such as Bike Week, Restaurant Week, and the Seafood Festival. No votes were taken during the work session.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Agriculture and Environmental Quality Mar 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Helen Kirstein with the Legislative Analyst's Office. Thanks for inviting me today.
- Helen Kirstie with the Legislative Analyst Office, thanks for inviting me today.
- And then finally, on page six, we just have a few questions for legislative consideration.
- This request is supported by NRDC, EDF, Geo-Ammonia, and all of our members at the GHC.
- It's legislative direction. Thank you so much, Senator. Thank you so much.
Summary:
The joint informational hearing examined how California agricultural programs have used cap-and-invest funding and what role agriculture should play in future climate investments. Committee chairs framed the issue as balancing climate goals, food production, rural economic vitality, and the fact that agriculture was not specifically funded in the recent cap-and-invest reauthorization. The first panel from CDFA and the Legislative Analyst’s Office described the state’s climate-smart agriculture portfolio, including Healthy Soils, SWEEP, the Dairy Methane Reduction Program, and Alternative Manure Management, and explained that GGRF revenues are now more constrained and may not fully support all tiered programs. LAO emphasized that agriculture is about 8% of California’s emissions, that most ag emissions are outside the cap, and that the Legislature should consider program effectiveness, the role of incentives, and GGRF priorities.
CDFA testified that roughly $727 million has been invested in its flagship climate-smart ag programs, producing estimated reductions of 31 million metric tons of CO2e, 1.6 million acre-feet of water savings, and about 4,000 projects. The department said technical assistance is essential because farmers face risk when adopting new practices, and noted new Proposition 4 funding for Healthy Soils, SWEEP, and a regional farm equipment sharing program. University researchers then presented economic and methane-reduction analyses: UC Berkeley’s Dr. Hill described working landscapes as a major economic driver, while UC Davis’ Dr. Kibreab outlined dairy methane reduction pathways, including herd efficiency, digesters, alternative manure management, and emerging feed additives such as 3-NOP and seaweed, arguing that incentive-based programs have helped California move toward its methane goals.
A later panel featured sharply different views on dairy digesters. Phoebe Seton argued that digesters worsen air and water quality, encourage manure liquefaction, and are an inefficient use of public funds, while CalCAN’s Brian Schobey and agricultural representatives said programs like AMP, SWEEP, Healthy Soils, FPIP, and the Farmer Program deliver measurable emissions reductions plus co-benefits such as water savings, lower energy costs, and improved air quality. Farm and industry witnesses stressed that stable, incentive-based funding helps family farms remain viable, supports co-investment, and should be treated as a partnership rather than a regulatory stick. No votes or formal actions were taken; the hearing ended with public comment and a continued call for future funding and policy discussion.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I would request a roll call, please. Roll call requested. Roll call granted. Uh, Mr.
- </c> not appropriations not appropriations and<00:25:06.720><c> um</c> and um and um on<00:25:08.000>
- </c> because $10 million was appropriated because $10 million was appropriated back<00:32:19.960><c>
- </c> this money was appropriated years ago. this money was appropriated years ago.
- </c> legislation in a bipartisan fashion. legislation in a bipartisan fashion.