Transcript Highlights:

• Working closely with the Wildlife Department, or, if you will, New Mexico Game and Fish.
• There is a fish hatchery in my area that does just this. I want the crowd to know that.
• The fiscal impact report says there's already $2 million in the budget for a fish hatchery.
• $72 million in the budget for a fish hatchery.
• First of all, nuclear operations are regulated under very rigorous federal standards.

Bills: SB47 , SB195 , SB196 , SB197 , SB198 , SB78

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 47, a composting/organic waste measure that had been brought back from the table. The sponsor and witnesses described amendments that reduced the solid waste surcharge, added flexibility for landfills to divert organic waste to regional compost facilities, and delayed the effective date to July 1, 2027. Supporters said the changes made the bill more affordable and workable, while opponents from the waste industry still objected to the surcharge and wanted the proposed study completed before any tax was imposed. After committee discussion, a motion to table resulted in a tie vote, so the bill remained on the table. The committee then heard Senate Bill 195, which appropriates $1 million for training elected officials and staff of soil and water conservation districts. The sponsor and the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts said the money would support compliance training, procurement and audit requirements, board education, and outreach for the state’s 47 districts. Support came from district officials and environmental advocates, who cited increasing responsibilities tied to disasters and climate impacts. The bill passed unanimously. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 196 and Senate Bill 197, companion appropriations for animal care and spay/neuter services in Las Vegas and Raton. Senators questioned whether the bills mixed operating funds with capital improvements, whether the projects duplicated statewide spay/neuter grants, and how much local funding was involved. The sponsor said the local communities had substantial skin in the game and that the appropriations were needed for facility expansion and repairs. Both bills passed on 6-2 votes. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 198, which would fund an endangered species hatchery and rearing station in Las Vegas. The sponsor argued the project would help restore aquatic species and use available state land and water, while supporters said it would strengthen conservation efforts. Opponents argued New Mexico already has a hatchery doing similar work, raised concerns about nuclear and water issues, and questioned the location and policy direction. After extensive testimony, the committee did not finish the bill and recessed SB 78, a separate measure to allow nuclear energy to count toward renewable portfolio standards, for continued discussion on Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• This prohibits the use of jug line fishing and other jug rig variant fishing methods in state waters.
• SB 2973 prohibits the use of jug line fishing and other jug rig variant fishing methods in state waters
• </c> applicable regulations. applicable regulations.
• and other jug rig jug line fishing and other jug rig variant<00:26:32.600><c> fishing</c><00:26:32.880
• </c> variant fishing methods in state waters. variant fishing methods in state waters.

Bills: SB888 , SB2479 , SB2489 , SB2519 , SB2521 , SB2527 , SB2575 , SB2591 , SB2611 , SB2665 , SB2667 , SB2695 , SB2697 , SB2713 , SB2730 , SB2751 , SB2765 , SB2795 , SB2797 , SB2806 , SB2812 , SB2818 , SB2835 , SB2849 , SB2851 , SB2896 , SB2922 , SB2970 , SB2972 , SB2973

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met in decision-making only session and took up a long list of Senate bills, mostly advancing them with either no amendments or committee amendments. Early measures included SB 888, which bars smart household security device operators from sharing user data with law enforcement without consent or a warrant, and SB 2479, which allows certain defendants to seek reduced sentences based on family violence, dating violence, or child abuse history; both were adopted, with SB 2479 amended for technical and procedural changes. The committee also adopted SB 2489 on invasive species provisions in Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity leases, SB 2519 on Law Enforcement Standards Board deadlines, SB 2521 and SB 2527 on CDL-related exemptions and training/policies for emergency personnel, and SB 2575 on firearm-related mandatory minimum penalties, which was amended to clarify scope and set a far-future effective date. Several transportation and public safety bills were also approved. SB 2591 created a Waikiki refuse-collection pilot program; SB 2611 expanded criminal trespass rules for school premises to weekends and holidays, though one member raised concerns about use of school property as a park; SB 2665 required driver-license renewal applicants with recent citations to complete a road-safety course, later narrowed to moving violations only; SB 2667 restricted towing vehicles from far-left lanes; SB 2695 clarified crosswalk duties; SB 2697 prohibited driving on shoulders except in limited cases; and SB 2812 required driver testing on dangers posed by larger vehicles, with court-ordered timing for re-examination. Most of these measures passed unanimously or with one or more members recording no votes or reservations, but they were still adopted. The committee also advanced SB 2713 on restricting certain pesticide use near elderly care facilities, SB 2730 on warrantless arrest and detention factors for petty misdemeanors and violations, SB 2765 on condominium foreclosure rental income, SB 2795 on flag display rights in housing associations with health and safety carve-outs, SB 2797 on gift card fraud, SB 2806 on real estate listing restrictions, SB 2818 on boating and ocean recreation penalties, SB 2835 on liquor licensing and education funding, SB 2849 on public meeting notice requirements, SB 2851 on a deafness designation for vehicle registration, SB 2896 lowering the commercial driving age to 18, SB 2922 on cooperative association definitions, SB 2970 on state contracting conflicts involving relatives, SB 2972 on temporary Oahu spearing restrictions for certain fish, and SB 2973 on banning jug-line fishing. A few bills drew objections over breadth or penalties, especially the boating and fishing measures, but the committee still adopted the recommendations. SB 2751 on workers’ compensation prescription drug rules was deferred indefinitely, and the meeting ended with the chair noting upcoming joint and committee meetings for the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Fish and Wildlife provided boats and water rescue teams.
• The Yakima integrated plan, where they're dealing with fish and farms and floods.
• In Snohomish County, you know, we've had the sustainable lands strategy, and in King County, the fish
• The Nooksack, and Sumas Indian fish hatcheries, have produced a really remarkable recovery of spring
• The Yakima integrated plan where they're dealing with fish and farms and floods.

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:23:45.320><c> environmental</c> regulations environmental regulations environmental regulations<00
• </c> course we're promoting and regulating course we're promoting and regulating all<02:38:58.840><c>
• > all branches of Agriculture regulating all branches of Agriculture regulating commercial<02:39:02.080
• c> with</c><03:25:10.080><c> fishing</c><03:25:10.560><c> game</c> communicate regularly with fishing
• </c> investigation and cleanup of regulated investigation and cleanup of regulated contaminants<04:25

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee held an introductory orientation for members, many of whom were new or newly assigned to the committee. Leadership emphasized that the committee is intended to operate in a nonpartisan, collaborative way, and members introduced themselves and described their backgrounds in farming, gardening, food service, environmental work, water and waste issues, veterinary work, and related fields. Several members noted personal ties to homesteading, livestock, orcharding, food security, landfill concerns, and animal welfare, while others said they were eager to learn the committee’s work. The chair then reviewed committee procedures and expectations. Members were told the committee would generally meet on Tuesdays, with hearings starting around 10 a.m. and often running until about 4:30 p.m., and that absences, substitutes for executive sessions, and email communications would be handled through House rules and the committee’s email system. The chair also covered decorum rules for live-streamed meetings, including professional dress, limiting food and drink at the table, and giving full attention to witnesses. Members were reminded that legislative emails are subject to public records laws and that the committee may soon transition to a new email domain. The chair also explained logistics such as bill folders, committee room storage, and emergency procedures for evacuation or shelter-in-place. No bills were debated or voted on in this meeting, but the chair noted that the committee already had roughly two dozen bills pending, including animal welfare, landfill, policy, and cat-and-dog related measures. Members were told to expect a broad mix of topics beyond agriculture, including solid waste and animal-related legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:51:36.720><c> game</c> having been a chairman on fishing game having been a chairman on fishing
• game but they're licensed by fishing game but they're licensed by fishing<03:54:13.319><c> game</c><
• 03:54:13.560><c> as</c><03:54:13.760><c> rehabilitation</c> fishing game as rehabilitation fishing game
• </c><03:59:25.159><c> game</c> rehabilitate them whenever fishing game rehabilitate them whenever fishing
• </c> squirrel is rehabilitated by fishing squirrel is rehabilitated by fishing game<04:01:52.920><c>

Summary: The committee first held a work session on HB 505, which would allow the sale of freeze-dried foods produced in homestead food operations. Members raised concerns about the bill’s broad language, especially the provision stating freeze-dried food would not be considered potentially hazardous. Several suggested narrowing the bill to specific products such as processed foods, berries, fruit, dairy products, ice cream, or vegetables, and requiring use of commercial freeze-drying equipment rather than dehydrators. There was also discussion of oxygen absorbers, moisture control, sanitation, and whether the issue should be handled in statute or rules. By the end of the discussion, members generally agreed the topic should be treated in a separate section of law rather than folded into the existing homestead food license, and the chair said the matter would be sent to the food safety subcommittee, with the possibility of a study committee if more time was needed. The committee then moved to HB 277, a technical correction to the animal cruelty statutes. Representative Bixby explained that current law refers to a “colt,” which applies only to male baby horses, leaving fillies unaddressed; the bill would replace “colt” with “foal” and make related wording changes so the restriction applies to any horse under 90 days old not being nursed by its dam. The New Hampshire Farm Bureau testified in support, saying the change was requested to clarify and modernize the statute and that the issue had been identified during work on related animal cruelty legislation. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The chair recessed the work session until 11:00 a.m. and announced that Representative Ktoa would take over the hearing on HB 277.

Transcript Highlights:

• to participate in hunting and fishing opportunities.
• We have the utmost respect for our fish and game and, most importantly, our wildlife.
• So we always base our hunts on our fish and game and, most importantly, our wildlife.
• So when we get a young person that wants to go hunting or fishing, we've taken—we have 10 fishing trips
• this year, deep-sea fishing, river fishing, whatever we can with these kids that we can get them in

Committee: House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Transcript Highlights:

• biologist, land managers, partners and volunteers undertake these actions. 10 sure we're enhancing fish
• People can learn and practice outdoor skills and they can actively enjoy fish and wildlife resources
• About 2 weeks ago. >> We went over with some staff from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• And so today have asked the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to come and give us an
• I know that was the one to 2 Fish Creek that been there for years.

Transcript Highlights:

• The students had a great time, though the fish may have felt differently. They left...
• The students had a great time, though the fish may have felt differently.
• pond as part of a new local fish pond as part of a new nonprofit<00:20:38.720><c> I</c><00:20:38.840
• pond then they built it themselves fish pond then they built it themselves in<00:21:32.159><c> the</
• Hawaiian fish pond.

Transcript Highlights:

• from their five-year predator-prey project to the Fish and Wildlife Commission.
• Salmon recovery, salmon fishing—these are the only places.
• are able to go salmon fishing.
• Are you fishing them? Are you actually—how do you make them smaller?
• Increasing fishing pressure—fishing tends to be size selective.

Bills: SB5838 , SB5960 , SB6097

Committee: Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: tribal representation, natural resources, board of natural resources, environmental policy, community involvement, ungulate populations, wildlife management, habitat restoration, conservation, sustainability, Indian tribes, conservation futures program, federal recognition, environmental protection

Transcript Highlights:

• As I mentioned before, the regulation calls for certified chair people.
• You know, we've got to, we've got to guess it's fish, right?
• I guess it's fish, right? We got to stop cutting bait and start fishing.
• There's a lot of fishing. All right, all right, good. Let's go to fishing.
• We've got to start fishing.

Summary: The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met on January 12 to continue its review of DOC classification practices, with Senator Brownsberger and Representative Hunt co-chairing. After brief discussion of the prior hearing, members said there would likely be another opportunity for additional testimony, including possible video testimony from people inside facilities. The main presentation for the day was DOC’s classification system and a UMass Chan study of whether the system predicts institutional misconduct and whether overrides affect its accuracy or create racial/ethnic bias. DOC officials described the objective point-based classification system, its history, and the role of discretionary and non-discretionary overrides. They said the system is designed to balance public safety and reintegration, with initial classification emphasizing offense history and reclassification emphasizing institutional adjustment. DOC reported that, in the current population, about 16% are classified to maximum security, 74% to medium, and 10% to lower security. They also reviewed the non-discretionary restrictions that keep people out of minimum or medium security, and said discretionary overrides are used less often than the National Institute of Corrections’ suggested ceiling and are reviewed within six months. UMass Chan researchers said their analysis used historical DOC data from 2019 to 2022, focused mainly on about 7,600 male reclassification cases, and found that the scored custody level accurately predicted institutional misconduct. They said the tool performed well on standard statistical measures, but predictive accuracy declined after overrides were applied, with overlap appearing between minimum and medium groups. In a supplementary analysis, they said the loss of accuracy was driven primarily by non-discretionary restrictions rather than discretionary overrides. They also said the study did not find evidence of racial or ethnic bias in the tool itself, and that DOC’s current system is comparatively more lenient than many other states. Members and guests raised concerns about overclassification to medium security, the low share of people in minimum, the role of civil commitment restrictions, and whether the data captured historical bias or individual cases where overrides felt subjective. DOC and UMass Chan responded that the study was group-based, not case-specific, and that minimum-security rates are hard to compare across states because Massachusetts’ prison and county systems differ structurally. The commission did not take a vote or formal action, but asked members to send follow-up data questions by the end of the week for referral to DOC and the researchers.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill sought to establish a marine habitat fee and to authorize the director of the Fish and Game
• In part, it's because, as you know, with Fish and Game, it's not general funded.
• </c><01:20:34.080><c> game</c> and the good work of the fishing game and the good work of the fishing
• that may be reproductive cycles of fish that may be caused<01:22:13.120><c> by</c><01:22:13.280><c>
• So I am opposed to the ITL, and I hope we will allow Fish and Game to actually self-fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have our freshly harvested game and fish program.
• We also Take fish.
• , then they can donate the fish directly to our program.
• So the pool we’re fishing in is—we’re fishing in a pool of hunter-harvested deer that appear to be healthy
• So there may be a high fence that is regulated by both.

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, approval of the agenda, and approval of the prior minutes, followed by a presentation from Julie Grenwald of Louisiana Hunters for the Hungry. She described the nonprofit’s work collecting and distributing protein to food banks and agencies statewide through freezer clean-out days, deer donations processed by more than 50 processors, fish donations through Venice Marina, and a paused-but-planned-to-reopen feral hog program. Members asked about processor locations, signage, exotic species, funding, sponsorships, and disease safety; Grenwald said the program is protected under Louisiana’s Good Samaritan Law and that wildlife and fisheries agents help connect processors and promote the program. She also noted the organization is looking for more partners and ways to expand access and awareness. The task force then received an update from Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on chronic wasting disease testing. Jonathan Bordelon reported more than 2,800 samples collected and over 2,300 results returned, with nine positives to date: eight in Tensas Parish and one confirmed new detection in Concordia Parish from a hunter-harvested deer. He said the Concordia positive triggered the state’s CWD response plan, including a declaration of emergency and a future rulemaking process to adjust control-area boundaries. Members asked about symptomatic deer, harvest trends, and whether the disease appears to be spreading along the river; Bordelon said most positives were asymptomatic hunter-harvested deer and that harvest numbers remain near record highs. William McKinley of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks then gave an extensive presentation on Mississippi’s CWD experience. He said Mississippi has had 529 detections across 18 counties since 2018, with prevalence rising from about one in 500 samples to roughly one in 40 this year, and that some counties near the Tennessee line are seeing severe impacts. He described Mississippi’s surveillance system, voluntary sampling, taxidermist partnerships, targeted tags for properties near positives, bans on feeding and baiting in CWD zones, and research on environmental contamination, raccoons, and strain differences. Members asked about high-fence enclosures, live deer movement restrictions, Tennessee’s regulations, environmental testing capacity, and whether more aggressive measures or LSU research capacity could help Louisiana; McKinley said the disease is expanding despite management efforts and emphasized early detection, rapid response, and continued interstate coordination.

Transcript Highlights:

• AND ROTARY DISH FISH AND RODEO THAT SUPPORTS THE EVENT.
• IT'S A NEW SPORT TO BOW FISHING.
• FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE.
• FISH AND WILDLIFE IN 2020.
• REGULATED. >> Chair: ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ON ANYTHING ELSE WE HAVE DISCUSSED TODAY?

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, our comments are reserved for the director of Fish and Game.
• Are you not aware that the Idaho Constitution has in it the right to hunt, fish, and trap? Nick?
• A question was raised about where to take a young son fly fishing.
• A question was raised about where to take a young son fly fishing.
• hunting tool—and Fish and Game refused.

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Fish and Wildlife, and these are some questions.
• The regulations process is open to all of the stakeholders.
• CaliCyCy shall adopt regulations to implement the program.
• With these regulations, they were not perfect.
• With these regulations, they were not perfect.

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations on the administration’s Proposition 4 spending plans for extreme heat mitigation and outdoor access, then took up SB 54 implementation, SB 707 textile producer responsibility, and recovery needs related to the Los Angeles fires at state parks. For the extreme heat chapter, agencies described funding for the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program, urban greening, urban forestry, fairground upgrades, and technical assistance for community-based climate programs. Witnesses emphasized that these are existing programs with strong demand, that technical assistance is important for reaching disadvantaged and tribal communities, and that the proposed funding would expand outreach and implementation capacity. Members asked for more detail on where funds have gone geographically, examples of successful projects, tree-planting totals, and how fairgrounds could better support fire staging and emergency preparedness. The LAO said the timing of the administration’s proposed funding generally made sense because the programs are already established, and no votes were taken. For outdoor access, State Parks, Fish and Wildlife, and Natural Resources described funding for new parks in underserved communities, deferred maintenance, state lands access, and several new or pending programs. State Parks said the park development program would fund roughly 48 projects and that deferred maintenance funding would address high-priority health, safety, and access needs. Fish and Wildlife said its lands program would improve visitor amenities and access on properties that often lack basic facilities. The Natural Resources Agency also outlined three newer outdoor-access proposals: expanding recreation in disadvantaged communities, enhancing natural resource values and trail access, and a nature/climate/education facilities grant program. The LAO distinguished between existing programs, which are ready to move forward, and the newer proposals, where the Legislature may want more input before funds are allocated. Members also raised concerns about park police vacancies, the need to track outcomes for accessibility investments, and whether Prop. 4 could help with wildfire-related recovery at state parks. CalRecycle then presented on SB 54, the plastics and packaging producer responsibility law, and members pressed hard on the delay in regulations. CalRecycle said it has held workshops, formed an advisory committee, selected the producer responsibility organization, and completed required baseline and covered-material reports, but needs more time to address complex comments and novel features such as source reduction and eco-modulated fees. Members expressed frustration that a statutory deadline was missed and asked for a concrete timeline; CalRecycle said it expects regulations in place by 2026, ahead of the PRO’s January 1, 2027 plan deadline. Finance said the Beverage Container Recycling Fund is currently healthy enough to support short-term loans for implementation. The committee also reviewed SB 707, the textile EPR law, which would create the nation’s first textile producer responsibility program; staff said the proposal would add positions and loan authority, and members noted the statutory deadlines for PRO approval, needs assessment, and later regulations. The hearing ended with discussion of the January Los Angeles fires’ damage to Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park, where State Parks described extensive losses, emergency response work, and ongoing damage assessment. Members asked about FEMA eligibility, state funding sources, and community engagement in rebuilding, and the department said it is still assessing costs and will work with the public on reimagining the parks.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of them is the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• The new director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• trustees and the people of California's trustees for fish and wildlife.
• Fish and Wildlife Service. to be able to do everything.
• Fish and Wildlife Service.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's no sense in charging someone for regulation when they're not getting regulated.
• fish fish population<00:41:18.960><c> for</c><00:41:19.160><c> example</c><00:41:19.599><c> lobsters
• fish because of warm War uh predatory fish because of warm water<00:41:28.880><c> warming</c><00:41:
• </c><03:38:52.640><c> in</c> to submit to federal regulations in to submit to federal regulations in
• </c> without the input of Dees and fishing without the input of Dees and fishing game<04:03:29.880><c

Transcript Highlights:

• These rules affect only lands owned or managed by Fish and Game.
• Director of Programs and Policy Department of Fish and Game.
• These rules affect only lands owned or managed by fishing game.
• This is our WMAs, our campgrounds, and our fishing access sites.
• Chairman, so we have campgrounds here in Region 3 that are Fish and Game-owned properties.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's go fishing. Okay, Kim, please call the roll on SB 834. Let's go fishing.
• You're bringing forward a bill that says scrap everything, no regulation.
• Fish eat the foam. We eat the fish, and now plastic is in our blood, brains, and breast milk.
• If the state would like to preempt the regulation of these items, then it needs to regulate them in a
• regulates that and that is the bill.

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and considered a series of environmental, water, waste, boating, and land-use bills. SB 834 on recreational fishing vessel licenses was briefly explained as aligning licensure rules for freshwater and saltwater captains and was reported favorably. SB 1208 on service lateral assessment and rehabilitation would require periodic CCTV inspections, a seven-year assessment cycle, and a long-term public database for sewer laterals; county representatives opposed it over private-property and cost concerns, but the bill was reported favorably. SB 978 on advanced wastewater treatments, as amended, would require DEP reports and a long-term prioritization plan for upgrading large wastewater facilities to advanced treatment; the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 1822 on auxiliary containers, which would preempt local regulation of certain packaging and define the term in statute. The sponsor argued it would reduce a patchwork of local rules and help businesses, while opponents from environmental groups, local advocates, and some local governments warned it would weaken plastic and foam restrictions, including in parks and coastal communities. Despite substantial opposition and several senators expressing concern, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 384 on notice for annexation of state-owned lands, after a technical amendment requiring written or email notice to legislative delegations, and reported it favorably. SB 1008 on waste incineration would bar new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within a half-mile of residential, commercial, or school property. The sponsor said the bill was aimed at preventing another fire-related incident like the Doral plant and clarified it was intended to apply only to new facilities, not existing ones; waste-to-energy and county representatives opposed it as too restrictive, while several senators sought clarifying changes. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a substitute amendment to CS for SB 594 on port channel and turning basin buffer zones, reducing the proposed anchoring setback from 5,000 feet to 2,500 feet and allowing ports to create buffer zones after public hearings and rulemaking; the bill was then reported favorably. Finally, SB 830 on lost or abandoned property, aimed at streamlining removal of migrant vessels that pose navigational and environmental hazards, was reported favorably after brief support testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Asia Murphy, quantitative ecologist with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and I urge you guys to
• I work for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and I urge you to support this bill.
• Department of Fish and Wildlife, and I urge you to support this bill. Thank you. Good morning.
• I'm a staff of toxic colleges in the Department of Pesticide Regulation.
• I'm with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and an environmental scientist.

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement