Transcript Highlights:

• . persons. persons.
• missed me. missed me.
• You miss me, don't you? Say that, don't you? >> I miss you, committee, yeah.
• miss<01:18:40.520> you >> I miss the I miss you >> I miss the I miss you committee
• sorry I missed physical therapy day. sorry I missed physical therapy day.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Steid, please continue.
• <00:28:16.960> 10 that we're trying to address Miss 10 that we're trying to address Miss 10
• Miss Miss stond<00:30:30.279> Madam<00:30:30.559> chair<00:30:31.039> representative
• being billed for 203 hours in just one day for treatment. person build 23 hours in one day and person
• <00:45:46.440> being overbilling which is one person being overbilling which is one person

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam chair thank you thank you Miss Madam chair thank you thank you Miss hear<00:18:31.280>
• <00:43:22.800> G<00:43:23.200> said college we are Miss G said college we are Miss
• "Miss Good... Thank you, Madam Chair.
• <01:03:59.279> goodmy Miss goodmy Miss goodmy said<01:04:01.720> Thank<01:04:01.880>
• <01:48:23.199> uh what did you teach and I personally uh what did you teach and I personally

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Miss Johnson? >> Mr.
• >> Miss<00:29:21.200> Johnson. >> Miss Johnson. >> Miss Johnson.
• Thank you, Miss Johnson. >> Senator Hick. Thank you, Miss Johnson.
• <00:36:44.880> or help them get through a personal or help them get through a personal or
• >> Thank you, Miss Sullik. So, um uh I >> Thank you, Miss Sullik.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting of the session with member introductions and a statement from the chair that veterans issues would remain distinct and receive separate attention. The first item was an update on the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley from Executive Director Randall Dietrich. He said the museum has operated for nearly 50 years, has outgrown its current space, and is building a new 40,000-square-foot facility with $32 million in state support plus several million more in private funding. He described construction progress, planned exhibits including restored military artifacts and the USS Ward gun, and said the museum is scheduled to open on September 12. In response to Senator Kunish, Dietrich said the museum is actively incorporating stories and flags representing women, tribal nations, and other underrepresented groups, including 11 tribal flags at the entrance, and is working to integrate those stories throughout the galleries rather than isolating them. The committee then received an update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on the veterans suicide prevention plan from Rachel Johnson, Veterans Committee Health Director, with John Kelly later answering questions on department impacts. Johnson said the plan is a coordinated statewide framework built with legislative support, expanding regional coordinators, veteran health navigators, data analytics, and community partnerships, including a suicide mortality review pilot in Hennepin County. She said Minnesota loses about 100 veterans a year to suicide, that firearms remain the primary mechanism, and that prevention must address community connection, economic stability, and access to care, not just clinical treatment. She also said the plan aligns with state and federal strategies and is intended as a living roadmap. In response to questions, Johnson said the department is exploring data-sharing policy issues, has not seen a direct financial impact from federal VA staffing changes, and is tracking federal proposals affecting VA advisory groups. She also said 988 data is available in general but more Minnesota-specific data on the veteran option is still being gathered. Members asked follow-up questions about trends in veteran suicide, the role of families in identifying warning signs, and the Hennepin County mortality review pilot. Johnson said the annual number has remained around 100 for about 15 years, with a dip in 2024 and a return to that level in 2025, and that the Hennepin County pilot was chosen because it offers a manageable geography and existing coalition work, with an initial review expected by May or June. The final item began a presentation from the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers. Legislative chair Larry Fonder said the group’s priorities are protecting veterans from fraud and modernizing the property tax benefit for disabled veterans, but the presentation would focus on educating the committee about the role, training, certification, and accountability of county veteran service officers. President Tom Anderson, the Winona County VSO and a Navy veteran, began describing his background and office staffing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Baird. Mr. Davis. Mr. Prior. Miss Smith Willis here. Co-chair Maize Bledsoe.
• So, with us for the first time today, welcome Miss Ivonne Smith, and, Miss Smith, we would love to give
• today, welcome Miss Ivonne Smith and,<00:01:49.439> uh,<00:01:49.600> Miss<00:01:49.840
• We would love to, and, uh, Miss Smith.
• Oh yeah, Miss uh Smith Willis. Oh yeah, Miss uh Smith Willis.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The August 2025 interim meeting of the Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity began with roll call, confirmation of a quorum, approval of the June meeting minutes, and welcoming a new member, Ivonne Smith, who noted her background in MWBE and DBE work. The chair also offered condolences to a member whose father recently passed away and explained that the committee had invited agency officials to answer questions raised at the prior meeting. The first presentation was from Singer Buchanan of the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, who described the state’s equal opportunity and contract compliance office and its certification programs for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and minority/women business enterprises. He outlined outreach efforts, including partnerships with veterans’ organizations, the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, UK, and transportation-related groups; explained that the programs are intended to expand market access rather than provide grants; and said the office has moved to an online application portal that has processed 227 new applications since December 2023. He reported 536 total vendors across the programs, including 29 service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and said the office is considering website testimonials to improve outreach. Members asked about staffing, application assistance, and whether the state program conflicts with federal policy; Buchanan said the office has three staff members and that the program is state-funded and, based on legal advice, should continue under Kentucky law. Tony Yusefi of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet then presented on the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. He explained the program’s legal basis under federal DOT regulations, its eligibility standards, and its purpose of creating a level playing field while helping firms grow and eventually compete without assistance. He described certification requirements, annual documentation, prompt-payment protections, commercially useful function reviews, good-faith effort requirements, and sanctions for violations. He also discussed barriers facing DBEs, including access to capital, bonding, insurance, training, and prequalification requirements, and noted that 50 firms were removed last month for noncompliance with annual documentation rules. Yusefi said the cabinet has expanded supportive services, including an online application platform, bid notifications, and a nine-class business development program; 95 DBEs are enrolled this year, and the bid-matching system reaches an average of 377 DBEs monthly.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Very good, Miss Auger. Thank you.
• Miss Zipco. Just say no. Miss Zipco. Just say no.
• appreciate greatly the work of Miss appreciate greatly the work of Miss Auger<00:47:25.599> and
• Uh this isn't about personalities. bill. Uh this isn't about personalities.
• <00:57:41.359> is doubt that ultimately the new person is doubt that ultimately the new person

Bills: HF4148

Keywords: Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, Outdoor Heritage Fund, executive director, natural resources, conservation, wetlands, prairies, forests, wildlife habitat, fish and game, bipartisan hiring, interview panel, legislative branch, Minnesota Statutes 97A.056, administrative expenses, nonpartisan staff, council governance, environment and natural resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Questions for Miss Ballard?
• what are how much money is a person what are how much money is a person eligible<00:29:45.039>
• >> Questions for Miss Little. >> Questions for Miss Little.
• And just from a personal education.
• just wanted to add that personal just wanted to add that personal testimony<00:37:02.240> that

Bills: HB0023, HB0024, HB0025

Keywords: extracurricular activities, public school participation, enrollment, Wyoming, student access, charter schools, application process, authorizers, public hearing, community support, scholarship, education, eligibility, continuous enrollment, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this person said, "There is a you.
• And I would gladly defer to any member, and in particular Miss Johnson or Miss Schminsky, if that seems
• <01:32:07.360> if<01:32:07.679> that Miss Johnson or Miss Schminsky if that Miss Johnson
• Um just a personal antidote, I HOAs.
• Certainly for me personally be helpful.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And with them is Miss Simone Olive, Government Interpersonal Relations Chair, Dr.
• <00:10:51.360> Inter Miss Simone Olive, Government Inter Miss Simone Olive, Government Inter
• do a personal introduction from Senitobia,<00:11:39.839> Mr.
• Uh, ladies and gentlemen, I'm going to ask one person to stand again for a second time today: Miss Anna
• Miss Anna Barlo helped helped out ago.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 29 January, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a roll call, invocation, and pledge, then quickly dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guest introductions followed, including members of the Junior League of Jackson, the Mississippi Dental Association and Dental Hygiene Association for oral health day, school counselors and college admission counselors, and other visitors. Senators also recognized individual guests such as a dentist from Newton and a constituent from Senatobia. The chamber then took up two resolutions in block: Senate Bill 2766 designating the Friday before Memorial Day as Buddy Poppy Day in Mississippi, and Senate Resolution 25 commending the Lamar School Raiders football team and Head Coach Jacob Lan for winning the MHSAA 4A Division 3 state championship. The Lamar Raiders were present on the floor, and Coach Lan addressed the Senate after the resolution was read. Both measures were adopted by voice vote, with roll call final passage requested and granted without objection. The Senate also considered House Concurrent Resolution 21, which calls a joint session for the Governor’s State of the State address. A strike-all amendment was adopted to move the event date and location because of weather, shifting it to the second floor rotunda rather than outside or in the House chamber. The Senate then moved through a series of pass-and-retain actions and announcements, including committee meeting notices and cancellations, campaign finance report reminders, and several adjournment-in-memory requests. The body recessed until 5:00 p.m. or until the last committee report was filed, with the journal to reflect adjournment until 9:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Coleman. Miss Coleman Madison. Mr. Elliot. Miss Figures. Mr. Gavan. Mr. Gudger. Mr. Hatcher.
• <00:17:37.600> Williams, >> Miss Weaver, Mr. Williams, >> Miss Weaver, Mr.
• Miss Coleman. Miss Coleman Madison. Mr. Elliot. Miss Figures. Mr. Gavan. Mr. Gudger. Mr. Hatcher.
• Miss Weaver. Miss Weaver. Miss Weaver. Hi. Mr. Williams. Mr. Williams. Mr. Williams. Mr.
• >> Singleton point of personal privilege.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 30 members. The chamber approved excusing absent senators, dispensed with reading the prior journal, and allowed introduction of bills and committee reports throughout the legislative day. It then took up a series of confirmation reports from the Committee on Confirmations, all of which were approved unanimously, confirming multiple appointees to the State Textbook Committee for Social Studies and Arts Education, including Harilyn Benjamin, Robin Dunn, Dietra Howy, Rebecca Mener, Lakesha Cohill, Kevin King, Kristen Law, and Dana Marie Liur. The Senate also received a gubernatorial message returning House Joint Resolution 4 with an executive amendment; the chamber concurred in the amendment by unanimous consent. House messages reported several bills referred to committees, including measures on state employees retirement, EMS personnel education, seafood dealer licenses, local legislation for Monroville, law enforcement officers, state marine waters, evictions, and taxation. The Senate also re-referred Senate Bill 183 to the Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development. Under motions and resolutions, the Senate adopted Senate Joint Resolution 23 honoring Junior Harold Sorrels and Senate Joint Resolution 24 honoring John Waller Giles. The Rules Committee report establishing a special order calendar for the seventh legislative day was adopted, and the Senate then passed several bills on the special order calendar, including SB 136 on the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board, SB 158 on public high schools and military recruiter testing access, SB 22 on the Commission on Uniform State Laws, SB 137 creating the Alabama Resilience Council, SB 60 on criminal procedure, SB 109 on peer-to-peer car sharing, SB 77 on the 911 board, and SB 163 on the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Most of these were adopted by unanimous or near-unanimous voice or roll-call votes, with no recorded opposition. Near the end of the session, senators offered brief personal remarks, including thanks for support during illness and appreciation for floor coordination. The Senate then adjourned on a motion until Thursday, January 29 at 12:15 p.m., with the journal left open until 4:30 p.m. to receive messages.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a shame to say it, say goodbye to all of this, but I will certainly miss and I really miss seeing
• miss and I really miss seeing you. miss and I really miss seeing you. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay.
• he's going to be sorely missed. he's going to be sorely missed.
• You're going to be missed.
• You're missing the missing the point.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The person who gets that cash or receipt is the person who owns the money.
• >> Miss<00:09:58.480> Whis, >> Miss Whis, >> Miss Whis, >> that's<00:10
• >> Uh,<00:20:32.640> Miss<00:20:32.880> Templ, >> Uh, Miss Templ, >>
• say the the food truck delivery person say the the food truck delivery person who<00:40:36.880><
• <00:40:58.560> who's Uh fast food workers, the person who's Uh fast food workers, the person

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 3524 and House File 3525 and laid both over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill, with no amendments adopted and no vote taken at this stage. HF 3524 would conform Minnesota law to the federal overtime tax deduction, and HF 3525 would conform to the federal tip-income deduction. The author argued both bills would help workers keep more of their earnings, simplify tax filing, support labor-force participation, and provide relief to workers in hospitality, trades, health care, and other industries. The committee heard testimony in support from a restaurant owner, Sandra Weiss of the Finnish Beastro in St. Paul, who said the bills would help tipped workers keep more of their income and would support hospitality businesses. She described her staff as roughly half men and half women, including students and long-term employees, and said front-of-house tipped workers and back-of-house workers face different pay levels. She also said Minnesota’s tip rules and lack of a tip credit create challenges for the industry. During questioning, members discussed wage disparities, the makeup of her workforce, and the practical effects of the proposals. Opposition testimony came from Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project and Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota, both of whom argued the bills are regressive, poorly targeted, and costly. They said the deductions would mainly benefit higher earners, violate horizontal equity by treating similar incomes differently, and could encourage compensation restructuring. They also warned the combined cost would exceed $500 million over the 2028-29 biennium and could pressure funding for health care, education, and other public services. Mark Havenman of the Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence similarly criticized the bills on tax fairness and administrative grounds, noting the federal tip deduction framework is still under development and could create enforcement issues. Nonpartisan staff provided revenue estimates showing HF 3524 would reduce general fund revenue by about $365.9 million in fiscal 2027 and HF 3525 by about $126 million in fiscal 2027, with smaller ongoing impacts in later years. Members also raised questions about how the bills would be paid for and what income would qualify under the overtime deduction.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're picture before a person presents.
• Chair and committee Miss Noner. Mr.
• Her is coming to the table, if uh Miss Her is coming to the table, if uh Miss Noner<00:55:54.559
• <00:59:24.599> Talid Chair, are two testifier um Miss Talid Chair, are two testifier um Miss
• Uh, Miss Chang, are Dreheim was asking.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So say we're 100 days into the school year and the student has missed more than 10 days, regardless of
• If they missed 11 of 100 days. Yes. Okay.
• We miss you when you're not at school. The parents are contacted or attempted to be contacted.
• Those are the times when meaningful contact is made, sometimes in person, by phone.
• I'm sure you know what it's like when someone misses one of your meetings.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its prior meeting and then took up House Bill 5537, a bill to repeal several obsolete or outdated code sections. Counsel explained that the bill would remove provisions related to professional development, a behavioral interventionist pilot program, county lists of facilities for child daycare, and high school graduation rates, with a proposed amendment adding another outdated education code section from 1923. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 5537 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. The committee then considered House Bill 4656, which would shift truancy policy toward chronic absenteeism and earlier intervention. Counsel said the committee substitute would replace punitive status-offense treatment with wraparound services, student support specialists, and a new child-in-need-of-supervision process, while also ending compulsory attendance at age 18 and removing criminal penalties for 18-year-olds. Members questioned how the new thresholds would work, including the role of attendance directors, prosecutors, judges, and the Department of Human Services, and whether the bill would change current diversion funding or court authority. Witnesses from Fayette County, Greenbrier County, and Taylor County largely opposed the bill or urged caution. The Fayette County attendance director said current truancy procedures, including school-based probation and court involvement, help secure family participation and services, and warned that removing the status offense would weaken enforcement. A Greenbrier County probation officer said diversion programs are effective and that court involvement often leads to needed services. A Taylor County juvenile prosecutor said status-offense jurisdiction gives courts meaningful leverage and flexibility, and asked that counties be allowed to keep existing approaches that work locally. After testimony, the committee voted to report HB 4656 to the full Senate without recommendation and with a recommendation that it be re-referred to the Committee on Education, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Judge Will Tate, Miss Wilson, Commissioner Price, Colonel Archer, Mr. Baxley, Mr. Harris, and Mr.
• > Wilson, >> Judge Will Tate, Miss Wilson, >> Judge Will Tate, Miss Wilson, Commissioner
• Judge Will Tate, Miss Wilson, Commissioner Price. >> Aye. General Archer. Mr. Baxley. >> I. Mr.
• I want to embarrass our intern, Miss Jaden Seat.
• She may see intern uh Miss Jaden Seat.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And if I miss something, please call me out. And if I miss something, please call me out.
• It means a person. And then on the... ...saying things. It means a person.
• or persons.”
• and this is personal to all of us.
• As a person who was born and As a person who was born and raised here in the state of New Mexico, this

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the committee Alliance on prisons Miss the committee Alliance on prisons Miss cat Brady<00:24:37.960
• feeling that we can monitor the person feeling that we can monitor the person better<00:41:38.240
• Miss Shirota?
• persons and 233 pre-release beds.
• I probably missed a few.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Public Safety Committee held a hearing on House Bill 433, which would appropriate $4 million for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation re-entry services to connect offenders with community-based services. Director Tommy Johnson said the department supports the bill’s intent but noted the governor’s executive budget already includes $4 million for the same purpose and asked that the measure defer to that budget. Supporters, including the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the ACLU, backed the funding but urged that it be tied to a clear re-entry plan, performance measures, transparency, and regular reporting to the legislature. They emphasized that re-entry should begin at intake and involve community partnerships, housing, treatment, employment, and family reunification services. Committee members questioned the department about current re-entry services, pre-trial detainees, and how the new funds would be used. Johnson said the department’s current statewide re-entry budget is about $1.5 million to $1.7 million, separate from the larger Corrections Program Services Division budget for in-facility programs. He described the proposed $4 million as supporting a mix of services, including a pilot apprenticeship program, substance abuse treatment, navigator or warm-handoff services, and short-term transitional housing. He also said the department already tracks performance outcomes in its annual report and can provide a matrix showing the intake-to-discharge process, program contracts, and volunteer organizations. The discussion also covered pre-trial detainees, electronic monitoring, and mental health services. Johnson said the department has limited jurisdiction over pre-trial detainees but works with courts to seek supervised release when possible; he noted that many requests are denied, though electronic monitoring has improved release rates somewhat. On mental health, he said the jail is not an ideal therapeutic setting for people found unfit to proceed and suggested a secure community-based step-down facility run by the Department of Health for those needing care above what the jail can provide but below forensic-level treatment. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it would take more than one person, but one person could ignite it to help everyone do it.
• So it would take more than one person, but one person could ignite it to help everyone do it.
• Anyone else I miss? Anyone else I miss?
• Did I miss anyone on Zoom or in person?
• that person. Okay. Thank you very much. that person. Okay. Thank you very much.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with SB 1442, which would update the statute governing the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division and clarify its role as the state Medicaid provider of intensive mental health services for children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbance. The Department of Health testified in strong support, saying the current statute is outdated and warning against any unfunded mandate because the division relies on federal funding and faces uncertainty about future resources. Written testimony from several organizations also supported the bill. The committees took no immediate action and said they would hold decision-making until later. The hearing then moved to SB 479 on ABLE savings accounts. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the measure, arguing that ABLE accounts help people with disabilities save money without losing benefits and that the state needs more outreach and staffing to expand participation. A testifier with a disability said the bill would help people keep Social Security and housing stability. The chair indicated an intention to move the bill forward, and asked about funding; the discussion settled on a requested appropriation of about $75,000 for incentives. Next, SB 1245 on reimbursement of pharmacists drew broad support from the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, rural pharmacies, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, and others, who said the bill would improve access to care, especially on neighbor islands and in rural communities, and help pharmacies participate in 340B-related services. The Insurance Division and HMSA raised concerns about bill language, saying it could be read to cover pharmacists outside an insurer’s network and that the scope of reimbursable services needed clarification; the pharmacists’ association said the bill is intended to apply only to in-network pharmacists and should continue to reference existing scope-of-practice law. The hearing also took up SB 1279, which would allow pharmacists to authorize medications via telehealth under certain circumstances. The State Board of Pharmacy opposed the bill, citing patient safety, a pilot project with reported errors, concerns about controlled substances and unregulated technicians, and the view that in-person pharmacist services are safer and already available on the affected islands. Several pharmacies and health care groups supported the measure as a way to preserve 340B access and improve service on Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi, while some local pharmacies said they already provide in-person service and opposed remote dispensing. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• changes are made to when personal changes are made to when personal service<00:10:20.880> is<
• I miss you. I miss you, too.
• I miss you. committee. I miss you.
• >> Thank you, Miss Thank you, Mr. Thank >> Thank you, Miss Thank you, Mr.
• <01:37:20.400> Miss<01:37:20.520> Hall. Miss Hall.

Bills: HF3771, HF3658, HF3453, HF3358, HF1775

Keywords: disaster assistance, contingency account, Minnesota emergency management, public safety, state disaster aid, FEMA, federal cost-share, emergency relief, natural disaster, budget report, appropriations report, management and budget, local governments, utility cooperatives, public works, infrastructure repair, chapter 12B, chapter 12A, emergency management, disaster recovery

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we have on the blue sheet, one<00:22:34.880> person<00:22:35.280> in one person in
• And I miss him.
• And he said, “I wasn’t aware of a dog being missing.” “I wasn’t aware of a dog being missing.”
• Uh, I know the person that owns this kennel. She is the person that owns this kennel.
• I don't think that every single individual person needs to be licensed. That's my personal opinion.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 302, which would update New Hampshire’s solid waste facility background-check law so the state can continue to access federal FBI criminal databases for checks on key owners and officers. Senator Howard Pearl and DES Waste Management Director Mike Whimsatt said the bill is the third attempt to correct prior drafting problems that prevented the FBI from accepting the language. They explained that the existing statute has long required background checks for hazardous and solid waste facility applicants because of concerns about organized crime, but the current wording is too ambiguous for federal use. The bill also includes technical corrections, clarifies which company officers must be checked, specifies which DES officials receive the results, and removes the Department of Justice as an unnecessary middleman. Committee members asked about the purpose of the bill, whether family members are covered, who pays the cost, and whether permits have ever been denied; Whimsatt said the applicant still pays, the checks focus on key officers, and at least one permit had been denied in the past due to a felony conviction. The hearing then closed, with one person listed in favor on the blue sheet and no opposition noted online. The committee then opened Senate Bill 229, which would allow retailers to sell uninspected bison, red deer, and elk meat and remove the sunset on the existing program. Senator Pearl said the bill would expand market opportunities for farmers while keeping labeling and traceability requirements in place, including identifying the meat as uninspected and maintaining records of the source farms. Representative Bixby, who had worked on earlier legislation, explained the current framework in detail: the animals are raised on closed farms, must be fenced, cannot be newly imported, and are subject to annual veterinary herd inspections and recordkeeping. He said the prior bison inspection regime was too burdensome for farmers to maintain, and the current law was intended as a workable compromise. Questions from members focused on how many farms participate, how many animals have been sold, and whether the program posed disease risks; the witness said he did not know the exact numbers, and Bixby said the existing import and fencing rules help prevent chronic wasting disease from entering the state. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the bill was left before the committee for further consideration.