Video & Transcript : 'USDA programs' :
Page 38 of 500
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, April 28, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:08:37.760><c> to</c> modernize our workforce programs to modernize our workforce programs to
- </c> programs or set or authorize programs programs or set or authorize programs for<02:51:55.040><c>
- </c> service program funding. service program funding.
- The program was very positive.
- ><c> programs</c><07:48:17.520><c> like</c> cuts to programs like cuts to programs like Medicaid<07:48
Bills:
SB146 , HR973 , HR859 , HR906 , HB2449 , HB2399 , HR866 , HB2482 , HB2444 , HB2458 , HB1721 , HB2480 , HB1479 , HB1442 , HR1402 , HR617 , HR452
Keywords:
nonconsensual, visual depictions, digital forgery, intimate content, online platforms, privacy, protection, harm prevention, John F. Kennedy Center, Donald J. Trump, Federal arts funding, memorial designation, cultural institutions, Congressional authority, public arts programs, Hampden-Sydney College, anniversary, higher education, civic responsibility, liberal arts
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine S.124, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for disciplinary procedures for supervisors and managers at the Department of Veterans Affairs and to modify the procedures of personnel actions against employees of the Dep Mar 11th, 2025 at 09:30 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We do have a comprehensive outreach program that does include a survivor's element.
- We have a program right now that could save the VA $20-30 billion a month, but nobody will talk to us
- I presume we all want veterans to be able to take advantage of the programs that Congress has passed
- Chairman, so my wife went through this program.
- There's potential for adding inconsistency and the VA staff working on the program.
Bills:
SB124 , SB201 , SB275 , SB410 , SB478 , SB607 , SB610 , SB611 , SB654 , SB702 , SB787 , SB831 , SB892
Committee:
Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs
Keywords:
Department of Veterans Affairs, disciplinary procedures, accountability, personnel actions, whistleblower protection, cancer, military, aircrew, veterans, health study, toxins, morbidity, mortality, service members, mental health, community care, accessibility, treatment programs, substance abuse, appointments
Summary:
During the meeting, various members engaged in extensive discussions surrounding 15 proposed bills related to veterans' affairs. Notably, concerns regarding recent VA workforce changes sparked debates, particularly about potential cuts and their implications for veterans' care and benefits. Chairman Moran emphasized the need for thoughtful reforms and coordination with stakeholders, urging responsible measures to prevent negatively impacting service delivery. The meeting highlighted a significant bipartisan effort to enhance veterans' access to essential health services, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by the VA workforce. Senator Blumenthal's assertions about the urgent plight of veterans due to cuts in personnel drew strong reactions, showcasing the deep concern among committee members regarding the current state of veteran services.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-CLAIMS REVIEW/LITIGATION REPORTS OVERSIGHT Mar 16th, 2026
ALC-CLAIMS REVIEW/LITIGATION REPORTS OVERSIGHT
Transcript Highlights:
- Simpson had an agreement with USDA Rural Development..." "Mr.
- Simpson had an agreement with USDA Rural Development to build a home, and there was a breach of contract
- So since this sounds like USDA, federal, federal court, why is the state involved in this?
- Court of Appeals issued an opinion on those state law claims, which didn't have anything to do with USDA
- and forth, I believe, between USDA and the parties in the amount of, it looks like, there are $35,000
Summary:
The committee first reviewed litigation reports from the Department of Labor and Licensing involving wage claims brought under the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act. Members questioned the department’s authority, jurisdiction, use of attorney fees and costs, and whether defendants had to be licensed. The department explained it has long enforced wage and overtime laws, that the claims were small-dollar cases handled by investigators and counsel, and that one case had been paid and dismissed while others were unresolved or had service issues. The committee voted to review or batch-file the labor cases after discussion.
The University of Arkansas System then reported three pending lawsuits: an age- and race-discrimination claim by a tenured professor that was resolved early; an ADA/FMLA retaliation claim by a former employee that survived in part on a motion to dismiss and was moving into discovery; and a Section 1983 claim against a UAMS sergeant arising from a parking-ticket dispute, with the university explaining that only punitive damages could create personal exposure for the officer. The committee reviewed each report and voted to accept them.
The Department of Finance and Administration presented a proposed tax settlement reducing a sales-and-use tax assessment from about $48,000 to $20,000 and waiving interest and penalties, which the committee approved for review. The Claims Commission then presented several claims: an unpaid salary differential for a Department of Health employee, reissued warrants, unpaid DHS bills, and multiple negotiated settlements involving ATRS, UAMS, Arkansas State Police, and ARDOT. Members approved or affirmed most of these items, including a $65,000 settlement in the Tetronics/ATRS matter, a $150,000 medical-negligence settlement, and several vehicle-accident settlements.
The most extended debate involved a tax-delinquent property sale claim by Sharon Greer and relatives. The claimant argued they were not properly notified and sought the $4,200 excess from the 2009 sale. Land Commissioner counsel explained the excess had escheated to the county after the statutory claim period expired, while members debated sovereign immunity, standing, heirs, and whether the committee could or should award money anyway. The committee ultimately chose to hold the matter over for further review in a future joint session rather than decide it immediately. The committee also heard appeals from dismissed claims, including a UAMS medical-negligence claim, a land-sale notice claim, a pothole claim against ARDOT, and a judicial-immunity claim against the Court of Appeals; most dismissals were affirmed, and the Simpson matter was held over for additional review after the claimant testified.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-CLAIMS REVIEW/LITIGATION REPORTS OVERSIGHT Mar 16th, 2026
ALC-CLAIMS REVIEW/LITIGATION REPORTS OVERSIGHT
Transcript Highlights:
- Simpson had an agreement with USDA Rural Development to build a home, and there was a breach of contract
- So since this sounds like USDA, federal, federal court, why is the state involved in this?
- Court of Appeals issued an opinion on those state law claims, which didn't have anything to do with USDA
- So since this sounds like USDA, federal, federal court, why is the state involved in this?
- There was money that went back and forth, I believe, between USDA and the parties in the amount of, it
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We issued an unmodified opinion on the federal program, a clean opinion on the federal program.
- The three programs that we audited this year were the mortgage insurance program, the Ginnie Mae program
- A child care workforce incentive program, a program that we had never had in North Dakota.
- “The National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs are federally administered by USDA and they're
- That's a required component in USDA meal programs.
Summary:
The Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee met to receive a series of audit presentations, beginning with approval of the prior meeting minutes and a review of the state’s annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) for fiscal year 2025. The State Auditor’s Office and the Office of Management and Budget reported a clean opinion on the state’s financial statements and described continued growth in net position, strong general fund balance, and significant Legacy Fund investment income. Committee members asked about how the report reflects long-term finances and how North Dakota compares with other states, and OMB noted that the ACFR is based on audited actual results rather than budget forecasts.
The committee then heard the North Dakota University System audit, which also received a clean opinion but included four findings: misreporting of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund construction money, insufficient monitoring of service organizations, improper bank reconciliations at several campuses, and investment/cash recording issues at Bismarck State College. University System officials agreed with the findings and said corrective actions were underway, including internal review of bank reconciliations and greater use of shared services. Members also questioned practices such as campus use of certificates of deposit and whether repeated findings were being adequately addressed.
Additional audits were presented for the State Fair Association, State Auditor’s Office, Workforce Safety and Insurance, Housing Finance Agency, Housing Incentive Fund, Job Service North Dakota, the Retirement and Investment Office, PERS, the Center for Distance Education, the Securities Department, the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents, the Ethics Commission, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Most received clean opinions with no findings; exceptions included a repeat component-unit issue at the State Fair Foundation, a securities personnel-evaluation finding, and a Housing Finance Agency finding involving a late return of escrow surplus. The committee also discussed broader oversight issues, including the need for independent auditing of the Ethics Commission, possible legislative changes to give the State Auditor more subpoena power and independent legal counsel, and future work on data analytics, cybersecurity reviews, and audit capacity. The meeting recessed for lunch after these discussions.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The three programs that we audited this year were the mortgage insurance program, the Ginnie Mae program
- Care Assistance Program.
- The National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs are federally administered by USDA and they're
- That's a required component in USDA meal programs.
- Is that a similar program? Yeah. Is that a similar program?
Summary:
The committee met to receive a series of audit presentations, beginning with the statewide Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for fiscal year 2025. The State Auditor’s Office and OMB reported a clean, unmodified opinion for the state, with strong financial results including a $40.6 billion net position, $30.99 billion in assets, $1.81 billion in liabilities, and continued Legacy Fund growth. OMB also explained the new GASB 101 compensated-absences reporting change and discussed pension-liability fluctuations tied to discount-rate assumptions and investment performance. Members asked about how the state compares to others and about the effect of short-term commodity price swings, and OMB said the report reflects actual fiscal-year results rather than forecasts.
The committee then heard the University System audit, which also received a clean opinion but included four findings: misreporting of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund revenue, insufficient monitoring of service organizations at CTS, NDSU, and UND, improper bank reconciliations at Dakota College of Bottineau, Dickinson State, and Williston State, and investment/cash reconciliation problems at Bismarck State College related to bond proceeds. University officials agreed with the findings and said corrective actions were underway, including internal review of bank reconciliations. Members raised questions about NDSU’s use of certificates of deposit, and university staff explained that CDs are used to earn interest on funds being accumulated for future projects.
Several other audits were presented, most with clean opinions and no findings, including the State Auditor’s Office, Workforce Safety and Insurance, Housing Finance Agency, Housing Incentive Fund, Job Service North Dakota, the Retirement and Investment Office, PERS, the Center for Distance Education, the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents, the Ethics Commission, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Notable exceptions included a State Fair Association audit with an adverse opinion on the foundation component unit because its financial statements were not available for audit, and a Securities Department performance audit finding that performance-based pay increases and bonuses were issued without required evaluations. The committee also discussed the State Auditor’s future needs, including more staff capacity, data analytics, cybersecurity reviews, possible subpoena authority, independent legal counsel, and whether some audits—such as the Ethics Commission and State Fair—should be handled by independent third parties or under different statutory arrangements.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Wed Jan 21, 2026, 10:00AM HST - Day 1 Opening Day
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They are also administering the Irat program.
- [applause] program. Lonni Ozaki the executive program.
- We received updates on upcoming federal funding cuts to critical safety net programs, innovative programs
- Cory Chun supported a neighborhood security watch program in Pearl City and educated his community in
- We found out at the end of September that the federal government would not use USDA contingency funds
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Fri Jan 30, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> is currently administering the program. is currently administering the program.
- </c> programs to the form of egg parks. programs to the form of egg parks.
- </c> development program which has two names. development program which has two names.
- Hawaii's State Department of Agriculture participates in that program, the RAP program.
- Hawaii's State Department of Agriculture participates in that program, the RAP program.
Keywords:
biosecurity, invasive species, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, Department of Land and Natural Resources, appropriation, agriculture, land use, farm dwelling, renewable energy, income qualification, solar energy, geothermal resources, hydropower, agricultural tourism, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, land leases, Hawaii
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (02/11/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- anything to help a CTE program.
- This wouldn't just help the CTE programs; this also would help the regular Ed programs.
- </c> halfday program or a full day program halfday program or a full day program for<00:45:06.119><c>
- </c> free free lunch under the the um USDA free free lunch under the the um USDA program<03:22:20.800
- It's a USDA program. still only impact District adequacy till still only impact District adequacy till
Summary:
The committee first discussed HB 443, which would change terms and vacancy language for members of a higher education commission. Members raised concerns that the bill was too narrow to address broader issues with commission membership, including expired appointments, attendance expectations, and whether the Department of Education could replace the commission’s role. Several members suggested the bill was not ready for action and favored holding it for further work, possibly through a subcommittee or work session. One member suggested that if attendance standards were added, no more than two unexcused absences should trigger removal, given the commission’s meeting schedule. The chair said he would defer action and form a small subcommittee to report back before the committee deadline.
The committee then moved to HB 484, dealing with repurposing Career and Technical Education classroom space after 20 years of exclusive use. The chair explained that the bill was aimed at the Milford CTE project, where shared use of space could allow a school to repurpose part of a CTE facility while still using it for CTE-related instruction. Members discussed other possible situations around the state, including Claremont, North Conway, and Jaffrey/Rindge, and whether the bill should be limited to Milford or broadened to allow local districts more flexibility. Some members favored passing the bill now to help CTE projects move forward, while others argued for an amendment removing the requirement that the space be vacated specifically to expand the CTE program occupying it.
Testimony and discussion emphasized that the Milford project had state approval but reduced funding, requiring a smaller scope and repurposing of existing space. Supporters said the bill could help preserve CTE programs while also benefiting general education space needs, and that local districts should have flexibility after 20 years. Opponents or cautious members noted that the language might not fit every district situation and asked for feedback from Director Beard and Steve Rothenberg before final action. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, and instead discussed waiting for an amendment and additional input before acting.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- We do have an evaluator with our program that evaluates all of our programs.
- We do have an evaluator with our program that evaluates all of our programs.
- We do have an evaluator with our program that evaluates all of our programs.
- This is to partner with the social work program to implement the WIC Baby and Me parenting program in
- It amends an existing program for administration of the Autism Waiver Program.
Committee:
All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
An oversight hearing to examine Native communities' priorities for the 119th Congress. Feb 12th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Indian Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Byrd, I know that USDA is is listening feedback from tribes right now regarding the child nutrition programs
- , whether it's the school lunch programs. school breakfast programs, summer food services, the child
- and adult care food program.
- , for the kids to come to an after-school program. or a summer school program where they actually get
- Those are your programs. Those are programs that impact you.
Committee:
Senate Indian Affairs Committee
Keywords:
tribal sovereignty, healthcare, education, public safety, Economic Development, Tax Parity Act, PROTECT Act, trust obligations, bipartisan support, Indian Health Services
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on crucial issues facing tribal nations, particularly emphasizing the federal government's trust and treaty obligations. The discussions highlighted ongoing challenges such as disparities in healthcare, education, and public safety within Native communities. Chair Murkowski underscored the importance of listening to Native leaders and aligning congressional efforts with community needs, advocating for legislative actions that support tribal sovereignty and economic development. Various initiatives, including the Tax Parity Act and the PROTECT Act, aimed at addressing jurisdictional and financial disparities, were discussed in detail. A call for bipartisan support to alleviate the funding shortages affecting Indian Health Services was made several times during the meeting. Testimonies from tribal leaders and representatives emphasized the dire need for legislative support to enhance infrastructure, healthcare access, and public safety initiatives in tribal communities.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- This section governs only the temporary care assistance program at the department, created in 2021.
- I think that program already exists. I think, you know, that's up to the small entrepreneurs.
- I think that program already exists. I think, you know, that's up to the small entrepreneurs.
- When just one week ago, there was a USDA-approved, jumped through all the hoops, meat packer in Kuna
- USDA-approved, jumped through all the hoops.
Committee:
Senate Health and Welfare
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Sep 10th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't know if you want to speak to the pay parity program and some of the other wage supplement programs
- These features of the program are more comprehensive than any other universal meal program in other states
- with funding and program costs.
- of the NM Grown Program as we speak.
- The other program that we brought up kind of simultaneously is our Assertive Community Treatment Program
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The LIHTC program, Joe Cerna farmworker housing grant, and CalHome program are the leading resources
- It is critical to adequately fund the CalHome and CERNA programs to keep these programs vibrant.
- It is critical to adequately fund the CalHome and CERNA programs to keep these programs vibrant.
- Just a few weeks back, USDA made dramatic changes to the 502 mortgage program, which instantaneously
- Just a few weeks back, USDA made dramatic changes to the 502 mortgage program, which instantaneously
Summary:
The committee held an outcomes review hearing on AB 457 and related farmworker and rural housing policy, with members and witnesses discussing whether recent streamlining laws are actually increasing production. Chair Haney, Assembly Members Soria and Pellerin, and others described the purpose of AB 457 and its predecessor bills AB 1783 and AB 3035: to make farmworker housing easier to build through ministerial approval and other reforms. Witnesses emphasized that farmworkers face severe overcrowding, high rents, long commutes, and limited access to housing in both rural and coastal agricultural regions.
The first panel focused on practical barriers and local models. Napa County described its county-owned farmworker centers, which provide nightly lodging, meals, and services, funded by lodger fees, a grower assessment, and state support. Testimony stressed that these centers function as navigation hubs rather than permanent housing, and that stable, inflation-adjusted operating funding, language access, transportation, and local set-asides are critical. United Farm Workers urged that local farmworkers be prioritized over H-2A workers and warned against displacing long-term resident workers. Several witnesses said the biggest barriers remain infrastructure, land costs, local opposition, and insufficient subsidy rather than approval streamlining alone.
The second and third panels addressed AB 457’s implementation and broader state funding issues. Santa Clara County said the bill could help on a county-owned Gilroy site, but financing remains the main obstacle. Self-Help Enterprises said AB 457’s expanded geography and project-size rules may help future sites, but rural projects still struggle with water, sewer, and environmental review costs, and with the state’s Super NOFA process, which tends to favor deeper-income projects that do not match farmworker household incomes. HCD reported that CERNA and other programs have increased farmworker housing production in recent years, but witnesses argued that rural regions still receive too little funding, that infrastructure dollars are too fragmented, and that more rural-specific set-asides, local funding incentives, and predictable allocations are needed. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (12-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, so I need someone to explain this program. Either one.
- This is a new program for Kentucky.
- So we don't new program for Kentucky.
- </c> million supports a multitude of programs million supports a multitude of programs including<01:21
- Uh, how much how much Narcan's programs?
Summary:
The committee first established a quorum, approved the minutes from the November 10 meeting, and then approved a large agenda of contracts and related items, with the total agenda amount stated as $359,638,393.88. Most items were approved without objection, but two contracts were pulled for discussion: attorney general panel counsel contingency fee contracts and a Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission personal services contract.
For the attorney general’s office, Chris Lewis explained that the contracts were panel counsel contingency fee agreements, with 14 qualified awards from 16 applicants. He said the contracts were contingency-based, so no money would be paid unless cases were successful, and that the fee structure worked out to roughly 5% under the statutory waterfall. Senators asked about the size of the contracts, whether the terms were uniform, why no Kentucky firms were among the awardees, and how the public should understand the large dollar figures. Lewis said one Kentucky firm applied but was disqualified for a late submission, other Kentucky firms had inquired but did not apply, and local firms could still work with national firms on cases. The committee then approved the contracts.
The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission contract drew more extensive questioning. Commission representatives said they had previously had a contract disapproved because the proper process was not followed, so they used an RFI process posted on the state and commission websites for at least three weeks. They received one applicant, a Kentucky firm, and set the rate at $125 per hour. Members questioned whether the commission was acting beyond its ethics mission, whether staff were helping draft complaints against legislators, and whether the commission was taking on a prosecutorial or human-resources role. The commission said its role is limited to enforcing the legislative code of ethics, providing advisory guidance, and following the formal complaint process; it does not pursue matters outside that code. Members also raised concerns about the earlier procurement misstep and the commission’s credibility, and the commission apologized, said it had corrected the process, and pledged to comply going forward. The committee then approved the contract.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 5th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This program works. It puts fresh locally grown food on... This program works.
- This program is about helping school lunch programs for poor children eat balanced, locally sourced meals
- In October 2024, the USDA had announced Breakfast programs.
- the food program.
- We literally only have a pilot program, the farm-to-school program that was started a few years ago.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then held its Latino Spirit Awards ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 16, proclaiming May 4–11, 2025 as Cinco de Mayo Week, after supportive remarks from several caucuses emphasizing Mexican history, women’s contributions, LGBTQ solidarity, Black and Brown unity, and AAPI and Jewish community support. The chamber then recognized 11 Latino Spirit honorees for achievements in human rights, business, arts, public service, community empowerment, health and science, environmental justice, philanthropy, and entertainment.
After the ceremony, the Assembly returned to floor business and approved a series of measures. AB 60, banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products, passed 56–3. AJR 6, urging Congress to protect federal school meal and local food funding, drew extensive debate and broad bipartisan support; members cited child hunger, farm economies, and local food systems, and it passed 76–0 with 73 coauthors added. Other measures adopted included AB 679 on state park land acquisitions, AB 681 expanding Dream Loan Program caps for undocumented graduate students, AB 1224 on substitute teacher continuity, AB 831 on gaming technical changes, AB 259 extending Brown Act teleconferencing flexibility, AB 467 extending Los Angeles Neighborhood Council teleconferencing authority, and AB 519 targeting deceptive puppy mill sales.
The chamber also passed AB 1522, an urgency Judiciary Committee bill protecting attorneys from politically motivated discipline and creating an expedited licensing path for some former federal attorneys, and AB 263, which extends temporary water flow requirements on the Shasta and Smith Rivers; that bill drew sharp disagreement over water rights, tribal participation, and impacts on farmers, but ultimately passed 51–16. Additional measures approved included AB 428 on pooled insurance for water corporations, AB 492 requiring notice to local jurisdictions when recovery treatment facilities are licensed, and AB 536 preserving colorectal cancer screening coverage. The Assembly also adopted a motion to suspend file notice so Appropriations could hear AB 379 on May 7.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- child care program... ...the program rating levels for every child care program that receives a state
- The first is called a program profile area.
- In addition to licensing, we receive visits from the USDA food program every three to four months.
- The USDA food program visits every three to four months, and they monitor the quality of the meals that
- they have from their program.
Summary:
The committee began with a work session on Washington’s child care oversight and subsidy system, focusing on Working Connections Child Care, licensing, audits, and fraud prevention. DCYF officials said the program serves over 63,000 eligible families, with about 6,600 licensed providers and roughly 2,200 license-exempt family, friend, and neighbor providers. They described annual unannounced licensing visits, complaint investigations, attendance tracking, eligibility verification, random and focused audits, and referrals to the Office of Fraud and Accountability or Office of Financial Recovery when needed. Senators asked about voucher amounts, visit frequency, and what happens when children are not present; officials said the average subsidy is about $2,200 per month, providers are paid directly, and repeated failed visits can lead to license closure. Child Care Aware and provider testimony emphasized the quality system, Early Achievers, and a virtual provider described the practical realities of home-based care and unannounced inspections.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 5952, which would standardize the process for waiving high school physical education requirements. The bill’s sponsor said the goal was to make PE waiver decisions consistent across districts so students who move schools are not disadvantaged, especially in six-period schedules with limited room for electives. Student supporters said a uniform process would improve fairness and help students fit in AP, career, or other coursework. Opponents, including PE teachers and the Washington Association of School Principals, argued that PE is a core academic subject, that athletics is not interchangeable with PE, and that local flexibility should remain. The State Board of Education supported the bill, saying current district policies vary widely and a standardized process would improve equity and transparency.
Next, the committee took testimony on Senate Bill 5961, which would transfer the Imagination Library of Washington from DCYF to OSPI. The sponsor called it a simple administrative move to align the book-gifting program with early literacy and K-12 education, noting the program serves about 120,000 children in all 39 counties. OSPI and program representatives supported the transfer, saying it better fits the birth-to-grade-three literacy continuum and strengthens accountability. Testifiers highlighted the program’s role in school readiness, early brain development, and access to physical books for young children.
Finally, the committee opened Senate Bill 5969, which would allow a student’s IEP transition plan to satisfy high school and beyond plan requirements if the IEP team chooses. The sponsor, a special education teacher, said the bill would reduce duplication and better support students with disabilities as they transition to postsecondary life. The committee then began hearing testimony on the proposal.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture (2-18-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- First, the Kentucky Ag Leadership Program is here. Appreciate y'all coming up.
- We also have the Kentucky Cattleman's Ag Leadership Program. Will y'all please stand? Thank you.
- Uh, we have our Kentucky Proud program or Buy Local programs.
- We have our LFPA programs that are federally funded, our farm-to-school programs.
- </c> hosting Secretary Rollins and new USDA hosting Secretary Rollins and new USDA secretary<00:32:43.680
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum and adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 28, which would create a framework for the $5 million in agricultural economic development funding included in the 2024 budget. Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell testified that the bill is intended to support agriculture-focused economic development, especially processing and further processing projects, by giving the Department of Agriculture tools to identify opportunities, convene partners, and offer incentives. He emphasized the role of the new economic development division in the department and said the effort is meant to complement, not replace, the work of the state Economic Development Cabinet.
Shell and several senators described the bill as a rural development tool aimed at helping smaller communities attract projects that fit their scale. He cited examples such as poultry processing, grain and elevator operations, milling, and specialty crop ventures, arguing that local processing can create jobs, strengthen markets for farmers, and keep more value in Kentucky. Senators discussed the need for return-on-investment metrics and clawback provisions for unsuccessful projects, and Shell said the framework includes those concepts. He also said the department is working on opportunities in sustainable aviation fuel, biofuels, and other markets that could bring more acres into production.
Members also raised questions about small-farm innovation, raw milk, and direct-to-consumer opportunities. Shell said raw milk testing and related consumer protection issues are more closely tied to the University of Kentucky and the department’s consumer/environmental protection functions than to the bill’s economic development focus, but he said the department can help expand small-farm programs such as Kentucky Proud, Buy Local, KOAP, CAP, food-as-medicine efforts, LFPA, and farm-to-school initiatives. The discussion also turned to beef processing and feedlot development, with Shell saying Kentucky wants a beef processor but first needs to prove it can feed cattle at scale; he said changing conditions in western states could create an opening for Kentucky if it can build the necessary supply chain.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development Apr 9th, 2026
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, so this itself is not a pilot program. It's to launch pilot programs. Yes.
- It's not a pilot program. It's to launch pilot programs. So we're...
- And so, again, it is a very good program.
- And so, again, it is a very good program.
- Administered food distribution through the USDA Commodity Program and the department's emergency management
Committees:
House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development , House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development
Summary:
The committee took up several agriculture-related bills and heard testimony on each. HB 715 by Representative Dezotel would require aerial applicators using public airports or landing fields to carry radios and transponders for safety; after a technical amendment was adopted, the bill was reported favorably. HB 663 by Vice Chairman Travis Johnson would update the board makeup of the Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District by removing certain ex officio members and reducing the board from 24 to 23; amendments were adopted and the bill was reported favorably. HB 717 by Representative Schamberhorn would increase and clarify labeling requirements for cell-cultured food products, including a larger, more visible font size; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably with support from committee members and witnesses.
The committee also considered HB 834 by Representative McMahon, a local-control bill on animal shelters and stray animals. A large amendment package of 23 amendments was adopted, revising hold periods, ownership transfer rules, local government discretion, liability protections, and the role of nonprofit or designated shelters. Testimony from the author, Police Jury Association representatives, and Michelle Hall emphasized that the bill is intended to fix a legal gap so shelters can transfer ownership to adopters, while preserving local control and limiting liability for good-faith actions. The bill was reported favorably with amendments.
The committee then heard from Louisiana 4-H and FFA student leaders, who described how those programs developed leadership, public speaking, and agricultural career goals. Members responded with personal reflections and praise for the programs’ impact on rural youth and future agricultural leadership. Finally, the committee took up sunset review legislation: SB 349 to recreate the Department of Agriculture and Forestry was reported favorably, and SB 350, a technical change to the Louisiana Soybean Association/soybean board structure, was also reported favorably. Commissioner Mike Strain then began a lengthy presentation on the department’s functions, programs, boards, and commissions, but no further action was taken in the portion provided.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 30th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill before you, House Bill 2579, creates two programs and a tax on phones to fund the programs.
- The first program, the Public Media Broadcaster Program, is created to ensure that every Washingtonian
- The second program, the Digital Equity Program, is created to ensure that every Washingtonian has resources
- , continued funding of this program.
- Programs are still unfunded.
Bills:
HB2579