Transcript Highlights:

• The fact that kratom leaf is natural does not make it safe. Raw opium is natural as well.
• That was until I found natural kratom. When I tried natural kratom, my entire life changed.
• And calling it natural does not make it safe.
• Natural kratom products, not 7-OH, but natural kratom products are implicated in six deaths in Bonneville
• gotten a complaint about natural kratom.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, day cares aren't eligible for the exemption if they're on natural and protected lands.
• The issue is that we don't have a standard that reflects the current science.
• The issue is, the difference is, is that we don't have a standard that reflects the current science.
• In fact, it is so far out of date that the assessment. reflects the current science in fact it is so
• Alex Lumer, on behalf of Earthjustice, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Just Cities Institute,

Summary: The Senate Committee on Environmental Quality heard four bills. SB 299 by Senator Cabaldon would extend a CEQA exemption for child care facilities to those located in residential zones, with committee amendments adding guardrails excluding sites on protected lands and within 3,200 feet of oil wells or refineries. Support came from child care, local government, planning, county, and rural county groups; one environmental opposition witness raised concerns about broader CEQA issues. Members generally praised the bill as a needed correction to last year’s CEQA changes and noted its importance for child care access and community-serving facilities. SB 58 by Senator Padilla would update the state’s approach to hydrogen sulfide by strengthening monitoring and response standards based on current science and public health impacts, especially in the Tijuana River Valley and Salton Sea areas. Testimony in support emphasized serious undercounting of exposures and health harms in low-income, Latino, Indigenous, and immigrant communities; air district representatives said they would review amendments, while business and industry witnesses expressed concern about late amendments and possible implications for geothermal operations. The committee discussed the bill as a statewide framework rather than a district-specific response, and the author accepted committee amendments. SB 811 by Senator Caballero would create a statutory framework for regulating metal shredding facilities, clarifying DTSC enforcement authority and incorporating prior negotiated environmental justice and fire-safety amendments. Supporters from the recycling industry and labor said the bill would reduce legal uncertainty, protect jobs, and preserve an important circular-economy sector; opponents from community, environmental, school, and local government groups argued it weakened hazardous waste protections and did not adequately address pollution and fire risks, especially in West Oakland. SB 501 by Senator Allen would expand California’s battery extended producer responsibility program to include medium-format batteries such as e-bike and outdoor equipment batteries; local governments and recycling groups supported it as a common-sense response to fire and disposal problems, while one battery recycler sought further discussion on implementation. All four bills were voted out of committee and sent to Appropriations, with SB 58, SB 299, and SB 811 passing unanimously and SB 501 passing on a 5-2 vote after additional members joined the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the science is actually proving that there isn't science involved in this.
• The science is clear.
• And I think that's science. Like, I don't know. I don't know all the good science stuff, but...
• I think that's science.
• Like, I don't know all the good science stuff, but I'm pretty sure that's science.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> know in high school I took crop science know in high school I took crop science classes,<00:03:16.480
• </c><00:09:38.320><c> as</c> down there and major in crop science as down there and major in crop science
• :59:57.760><c> focused</c> is practical, science-based, and focused is practical, science-based, and
• science-based science-based labeling labeling labeling at<01:08:49.759><c> the</c><01:08:50.000><c>
• </c><01:46:40.080><c> So</c> crops have that unique nature. So crops have that unique nature.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think those are questions that science still needs to be able to answer.
• I think those are questions that science still needs to be able to answer.
• This carbon-fluorine bond is almost unknown in nature.
• We don't do that there, or naturally occurring.
• We've got to get some really good science working in these areas.

Summary: The meeting focused on the use of biosolids on farm and ranch land, with testimony from Oklahoma State University experts, a conservation official, and an engineering representative about the benefits, risks, and regulatory implications. Dr. Lusk described OSU’s long history of soil fertility research and said biosolids can provide nutrients and organic matter, but also may carry contaminants such as PFAS, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and pathogens. He emphasized that many questions remain unanswered, especially about contaminant uptake into soil, crops, livestock, and humans, and said existing EPA and Oklahoma DEQ regulations address some treatment and application standards but may not fully cover PFAS. Dr. Arnell expanded on nutrient management, explaining that biosolids can function similarly to manure as a fertilizer source, especially for nitrogen and phosphorus, but should be tested, incorporated into soil, and applied under permit conditions to reduce runoff and other losses. He said PFAS testing methods are not yet standardized and that more research is needed to determine sampling protocols, movement in soil, and long-term effects. Committee members asked whether farmers and ranchers should be notified of risks, whether PFAS is currently tested, how many counties use biosolids, and what research would be needed for a dissertation-level study. The witnesses generally agreed that landowners should be informed of known risks and uncertainties, but said the science is still developing. Dr. Arnell said a unified testing method is needed before reliable PFAS monitoring can be done, and suggested that a multi-year study would be required to understand soil movement, crop uptake, and livestock impacts. Greg Scott of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission framed the issue as a waste-management problem, noting that human waste streams contain contaminants and that soil type affects how pollutants move; he said sandy soils pose greater movement risks than clay soils and that current best practice is incorporation, careful timing, and avoiding steep or sensitive sites. He also said PFAS are widespread and not naturally occurring in the way some other compounds are, and that liability and cleanup costs are major concerns. Mary Elizabeth Mock of Garver Engineering focused on the practical and financial consequences of a possible moratorium on land application, saying most of Oklahoma’s biosolids are currently land applied and would otherwise have to go to landfills. She warned that many landfills are nearing capacity, tipping fees could rise sharply, and cities such as Tulsa and Norman could face large increases in disposal costs, which would ultimately be borne by ratepayers and taxpayers. She also said septic system maintenance costs could rise if land application options shrink, potentially leading to deferred maintenance and system failures. Mock urged a tiered, data-driven approach to PFAS regulation and said advanced treatment technologies may help in the future, but they are still emerging and expensive. No votes were taken; the session consisted of presentations and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's more science.
• There's more science.
• There's more science.
• Our vaccine science is based on no science. The studies are not done.
• They aren't natural.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several measures, beginning with HB 194, which would designate May 22 as Maritime Day. Testimony from labor, health, and community groups was in support, and the committee later recommended passage of the bill as is, with several members voting yes and some reserving or being excused. HB 458 would designate April 27 as Brother Joseph Dutton Day; the Department of Accounting and General Services, the Joseph Dutton Guild, and a descendant all supported it, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. HB 957 would designate the first Friday in May as Lā‘au Day; support came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many individuals, and the committee recommended passage as is. HB 345 would establish the ʻōpae ula as the state shrimp to promote awareness and protection of anchialine ecosystems; DLNR, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAu, and other supporters testified, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. The committee also heard HB 901, which would allow public charter schools to appeal directly to the Board of Education on certain operational, governance, or funding matters. The Attorney General and the Public Charter School Commission offered technical comments and suggested amendments, while the commission described its current monitoring and renewal process and said it works closely with schools over the life of a charter contract. Members raised concerns about whether the bill would shift too much work to the Board of Education, and one member voted no when the committee later moved the bill with the Attorney General’s amendments. HB 1066 would add Head Start-related ex officio members to the Early Learning Board; the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning supported it, explaining the changes were needed to align with the federal Head Start Act, and the committee moved it forward without opposition. HB 1069 would add voting members from the Department of Education and Board of Education to the School Facilities Authority Board. DOE and the School Facilities Authority supported the change as a way to strengthen collaboration, though questions from members focused on the current communication process between the agencies. HB 1343 would require the Board of Education to adopt a policy banning student phone and related device use during school hours; the committee noted written testimony in support and then moved to decision-making. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted recommendations to pass HB 194, HB 458 with technical amendments, HB 957, HB 345 with technical amendments, HB 901 with amendments, HB 1066, HB 1069, and HB 1343.

Transcript Highlights:

• On May 4, 2007, in Greensburg, Kansas, an EF5 tornado, one of the largest forces nature can produce,
• The United Nations has proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
• UC Berkeley Dean of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Steve Kahn. Thanks, Jessica.
• Quantum information science is a key to the future of California, the nation, and the world.
• Information science in the world. So I think it's spread across the state.

Summary: The Assembly Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee met in person and established quorum after beginning briefly as a subcommittee. The committee adopted its rules and then heard several bills focused on economic recovery, housing, technology, retail theft, and utility infrastructure. AB 265 (Caloza) would create a $100 million state-funded small business and nonprofit recovery program for organizations affected by declared emergencies; it drew broad support from small business, nonprofit, chamber, city, and community groups, with no opposition voiced. AB 797 (Harabedian) proposed a zero-cost state financing structure using CRA-backed securities to help community nonprofits buy wildfire-damaged properties at fair market value and prevent predatory investor purchases; it was presented as a community stabilization tool and received support from the California Community Foundation, with no opposition. AB 940 (Wicks/Ellis) would establish quantum innovation zones to strengthen California’s quantum computing economy, and AB 949 (Shiavo) would create a retail theft grant program for small businesses to fund security improvements and theft prevention measures; both bills were supported by business and university witnesses, though one member said they would not vote for AB 949 due to concerns about broader crime policy. AB 1347 (Carrillo) proposed a pilot program to speed utility interconnections in priority growth regions, including allowing developers to trade expedited connections for upfront infrastructure cost recovery and use microgrids in some cases; it had no opposition in the hearing. Committee members generally expressed support for the bills, especially those aimed at disaster recovery and small business resilience. Questions on AB 940 focused on where quantum innovation zones might be located and how local governments and universities would coordinate; the author and witnesses said the zones should be open statewide and could build on existing research centers such as Berkeley, Stanford, Caltech, UCSB, UCLA, and UCSC. On AB 797, members discussed the need to protect homeowners from below-market offers after wildfires. On AB 949, the author emphasized that modest grants could help small businesses make security upgrades and prevent repeated theft losses. The committee voted to send AB 265, AB 797, AB 940, AB 949, and AB 1347 forward, generally on party-line or near-unanimous votes, with the bills reported out of committee and placed on call as needed. The consent calendar, including AB 254, AB 415, AB 655, AB 1232, AB 1254, AB 1477, and HR 27, was also approved. The hearing adjourned at 10:33 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's time to explore. alternatives grounded in science that are focused on recovery. a naturally-occurring
• Grounded in science for those who've run out of options.
• I believe that there are people that care about science.
• This is reported back in the Nature of Medicine. and journal, January 2024, 30 U.S.
• But again, I can't come back and stress enough the science, and I'm not a science guy like our wonderful

Bills: SB128, SB640, SB672, SB904, SB1141, SB1263, SB1525, SB1528, SB2041, SB2306, SB2308, SB2357, SB2446, SB2695, SB2857, SB2891, SB2583

Keywords: hospital reporting, child abuse, neglect, administrative penalty, medical ethics, child protection, SB 640, Texas Family Code, Department of Family and Protective Services, DFPS, child welfare, foster care, managing conservatorship, suicide attempt, youth suicide, mental health, child protective services, state custody, annual report, reporting requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• point we thought were really good science, we found out maybe aren’t such great science—but we’re used
• ><c> but</c> maybe aren't such great science um but maybe aren't such great science um but we're<00:50
• , or when our understanding about science is developing.
• </c> that just because there's new science that just because there's new science Justice<01:04:18.760
• </c><01:05:29.559><c> is</c> understanding about science is understanding about science is developing

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, based upon the critical need for aggregate materials and the stationary nature of the natural
• There's no need to go through the whole line of questions on the science.
• My point is the science is there.
• Are you aware that this science exists already?
• It's science and it exists, but apparently an agency did not tell you this.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, received a House message announcing passage of H.B. 500, and a gubernatorial nomination for the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority Board. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including SR 409 recognizing Blue Ribbon Lobby Day, SR 402 honoring the discovery of the woolly devil plant at Big Bend National Park, and recognitions for Operation Christmas RGV and Wilson County Day. The Senate also heard an announcement that the Committee on Senate Nominations action report had been placed on members’ desks. The body then took up and passed several bills. SB 2365 was passed to prohibit personal wireless communication devices by public school students during instructional time, with exceptions for health, special education, and safety needs. SB 1869 was passed to reaffirm the DSHS commissioner’s authority over controlled-substance schedule changes without rulemaking or judicial review. SB 1124 was passed to revise criminal discovery procedures in response to the Heath decision, with supporters saying it preserves exculpatory evidence protections while limiting suppression of inculpatory evidence when the defense already knew of it. SB 1758 was passed to create a Grayson County pilot study and temporary permitting hold concerning a cement kiln/quarry near a semiconductor wafer facility, and SB 2078 was passed to regulate composting in certain counties, after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed SB 33, barring governmental entities from transactions that support abortion assistance or out-of-state abortion procurement; SB 34, expanding wildfire preparedness measures, studies, equipment databases, and rural fire department funding; SB 1208, increasing the penalty for interference with public duties from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony; SB 1030, removing the maintenance, repair, and overhaul tax for general aviation; SB 505, creating processes to address election irregularities; SB 2411, updating the Business Organizations Code and changing filing-method requirements; and SB 1333, addressing unauthorized entry, occupancy, sale, rental, lease, or conveyance of real property. Most measures advanced on voice vote or recorded roll call after motions to suspend the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule, with several members raising questions or objections, especially on the criminal justice, abortion, and public duties bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Natural Resources is called to order. Will the secretary please note the roll?
• If there are no corrections, without objection, the Natural Resources Committee minutes of January 13
• The Committee on Natural Resources is called to order. Will the secretary please note the roll?
• If there are no corrections, without objection, the Natural Resources Committee minutes of January 13
• And so it's not a question of the science. The science is pretty clear about what it is.

Bills: SB1041, SB1176, SB1197, SB1198, SB1199, SCM1004

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, stormwater, water storage, replenishment credits, groundwater, aquifer, Arizona Revised Statutes, irrigation rights, water duty, water allocation, management areas, Arizona beef council, beef promotion, agricultural marketing

Transcript Highlights:

• Bickerton from the University of Idaho to give us an update on the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• the Senior Director of Government and External Relations for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• It works really well in natural streams.
• It works really well in natural University of Idaho have developed this technology.
• It works really well in natural streams.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, going forward, some of these provisions are one-time in nature. So the...
• Some of these provisions are one-time in nature.
• teacher professional development, and a HEAB request related to tuition and materials... ...science
• Appropriation to DPI's professional development for science teachers appropriation. Thank you.
• The Department of Natural Resources. activities in the Bureau of Wildlife Management.

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a science credit.
• Any additional health science courses would need to be considered electives and not science credits,
• as they would not meet all the science standards in one of the three areas specified. in the science
• We want all our students to be exposed to quality science learning, which includes developing science
• other credit sciences, correct?

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Thank you. more science and a lot less mantras to more science and a lot less mantras to deal<00:12
• But I don't understand the science.
• </c> But I don't to understand the science. But I don't to understand the science.
• I'm sorry, but natural resources.
• </c><01:15:12.000><c> Resources</c> of Land and Natural Resources of Land and Natural Resources &gt;&

Bills: SB2606, SB3253, SB237, SB3252, SB1178, SB2322, SB2019, SB3043, SB3014, SB2972, SB1190, SB2488

Keywords: wildlife sanctuary, environmental conservation, Hawaii, nonprofit corporation, freshwater preservation, community stewardship, biodiversity, ecological heritage, conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several measures related to wildlife, conservation, shoreline adaptation, and climate governance. On SB 2606, which would establish the Freshwater State Recreational Area Wildlife Sanctuary Corporation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said it had concerns about employee eligibility and was not yet prepared to comment further on the bill’s ramifications. After testimony ended, a senator asked DLNR to follow up with more detail, and the department said it would relay the questions to leadership and respond later. No vote was taken on the measure during the excerpt. On SB 3253, which would create the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity to work with DLNR, the department said it supported the bill. In discussion, DLNR said Hawaii has not done anything like this before, described a similar model in New Zealand, and estimated that developing such a sanctuary could cost millions of dollars. Members also discussed whether the concept would fit with existing efforts such as Hakalau, and DLNR said the bill could apply to private or state lands depending on the site. No action was taken. The most extensive discussion was on SB 237, which would expand state and county authority to develop adaptation pathways for relocating infrastructure away from sea level rise and coastal flooding areas. DLNR supported the bill, saying it prioritizes public trust resources over economic development or private property. The Kahana Bay Steering Committee and the Shoreline Preservation Coalition opposed the measure, arguing it was too focused on managed retreat and should include a broader range of shoreline responses, such as erosion mitigation, groins, sand nourishment, and other interim protections. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it appreciated the bill’s intent but wanted broader language that would allow more tools in the toolbox. Members debated whether retreat is inevitable, whether different shorelines require different approaches, and whether the bill should be more flexible. No vote was taken. The final measure discussed was SB 3252, which would amend the powers and duties of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, create a coordinator position, and appropriate funds. The commission’s coordinator testified in support, while OPSD opposed the bill, saying it would remove the two cabinet-level co-chair positions, raise accountability concerns, and duplicate some of OPSD’s functions. In questioning, members debated whether the current commission structure has been effective, who would appoint or confirm the coordinator, and whether the bill would improve transparency and implementation. OPSD said it supported more statewide interdepartmental funding for climate planning and staffing, but had concerns about the proposed governance changes. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent the Natural Resources Defense Council, NRDC, Angus Duncan.
• I'm here with The Nature Conservancy. I'm testifying in support of Senate Bill 5466.
• We want to ensure the transmission planning is balanced with the protection of natural, cultural, and
• approach, including all studies, all science.
• , all science.

Bills: SB6124, SB5652

Keywords: appliance affordability, cost index, energy efficiency, consumer protection, Washington state, aviation, airport noise, air pollution, environmental justice, health disparities, public health, ultrafine particulate matter, black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds, asthma, heart disease, cancer, sleep disruption, hypertension

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning and welcome to the January 20th House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
• And due to the fact that PFAS is an emerging science space, this would likely require some ongoing...
• And due to the fact that PFAS is an emerging science space, this would likely require some ongoing And
• due to the fact that PFAS is an emerging science space, this would likely require some ongoing staff
• Manajit Basu, and I'm the Vice President of Science Policy, Regulatory Affairs, and Sustainability at

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard public testimony on House Bill 2279, which would require the Department of Agriculture to create a program and criteria to evaluate PFAS chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides. The prime sponsor argued PFAS are persistent “forever chemicals” that are entering soil, water, wildlife, and people, and said Washington should begin acting now rather than waiting for federal action. WSDA said the bill is implementable but would require rulemaking, ongoing staff resources, and likely a 12-month extension to complete stakeholder engagement; it also noted the bill should be clarified to address all pesticides, not just new ones. Agricultural and industry witnesses opposed the bill as duplicative of EPA review and warned it could reduce product availability and put Washington farmers at a competitive disadvantage, while environmental advocates supported it as a needed food-safety and environmental measure. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 2463, which would expand the Washington Commodity Donation Program and create a Farm to Food Pantry Program to help hunger-relief organizations buy Washington-grown food directly from farmers. The sponsor said the bill is part of a broader state response to reduced federal food-security support and is intended to keep families fed by strengthening local food purchasing. Testimony was largely supportive from food banks, food hubs, farmers, AARP, and hunger-relief groups, who said the programs help move surplus produce, dairy, protein, and other products to people in need while supporting local farms and reducing waste. Several witnesses, however, raised concerns about language limiting participation to organizations that “solely” function for food sourcing, saying it could exclude many existing regional organizations and reduce resilience; one tribal representative also requested an amendment to include tribally owned small-scale farms. No action was taken on HB 2463 during the hearing. After the hearings, the committee went into caucus and then held executive session only on House Bill 1941, which authorizes licensed cannabis producers to form agricultural associations for collective processing, handling, and marketing. Supporters said it would help smaller cannabis producers cooperate and prepare for possible federal changes, while opponents argued it was premature given marijuana’s federal status and too broad in scope. The committee approved HB 1941 on a 6-5 vote and reported it out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. House Bill 2238 was deferred to the following day for further review of amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:41:29.599><c> and</c> about the wonders of the nature and about the wonders of the nature and
• And that's the basic science.
• </c> watersheds and that's the basic science watersheds and that's the basic science and<01:31:22.080
• It's part science, part planning.
• So when I asked for science, not nobody in any state agency could show me any science saying why the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:25:51.360><c> and</c> agriculture, biological sciences, and agriculture, biological sciences
• Paul student in our College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences, where I major in environmental
• sciences.
• science or seans where I major in environmental<00:26:43.039><c> sciences.
• So food science, agriculture, weed science, genetics, horticulture, all the good things, right?

Bills: HF4266

Keywords: higher education, state grants, financial aid, college affordability, Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State Grant, need analysis, expected family contribution, student aid, grant formula, living and miscellaneous expense allowance, dependent student, independent student, parental contribution, student contribution, surplus appropriation, biennium, summer 2026, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it's not a science; it's anecdotal. This is not hard science, but then I...
• Synthetic cannabinoids, they don't start in nature; they're not found in nature.
• Dap, natural product. Because dap is natural too, right? It can be. It can be, yes.
• So natural, so you would be okay with natural? I advocate for natural cannabinoids absolutely.
• HB 5 ignores the science.

Bills: HB5

Keywords: hemp, cannabinoids, regulation, occupational licenses, consumable products, marketing, criminal offenses, labeling requirements, health and safety, 997, house, all