Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• For the Seahawks who unite our state and all the 12s who celebrate what can be done when teamwork thrives
• We're blessing our United States with immigrants who make us great, and a milestone we reach this year
• So now discovering that some of those varieties are not lost, in fact, they are in small farms around
• And this striker simply requires that once a year, on certain animal production farms, commercial farms

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB1795 , HB2107 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2245 , HB2253 , HB2283 , HB2343 , HB2406 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB1170 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2156 , HB2188 , HB2206 , HB2360 , HB2471 , HB2478 , HB2525 , HB2605 , HJM4012 , HB1104 , HB1152 , HB1254 , HB1443 , HB1710 , HB1750 , HB1903 , HB1941 , HB1974 , HB1982 , HB1983 , HB2006 , HB2034 , HB2105 , HB2179 , HB2203 , HB2215 , HB2223 , HB2239 , HB2247 , HB2297 , HB2303 , HB2322 , HB2329 , HB2334 , HB2338 , HB2345 , HB2348 , HB2350 , HB2353 , HB2355 , HB2363 , HB2367 , HB2379 , HB2388 , HB2399 , HB2418 , HB2420 , HB2428 , HB2441 , HB2462 , HB2464 , HB2467 , HB2495 , HB2505 , HB2534 , HB2539 , HB2544 , HB2551 , HB2554 , HB2557 , HB2575 , HB2577 , HB2588 , HB2594 , HB2604 , HB2636 , HB2714

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the chamber approved the previous day’s minutes. Members then caucused briefly before moving into second reading and third reading action on several bills, with the day also marking the start of the three-minute debate rule through House of Origin cutoff. The House passed House Bill 2338, which expands the low-income home weatherization program to support community-scale weatherization projects, especially for multifamily housing. It also passed House Bill 2353, raising the threshold for requiring predesign work on public projects from $10 million to $15 million, and Substitute House Bill 2363, a trailer bill allowing music therapy students to practice under supervision while exam scores are pending. Members described these as efficiency measures and consumer or workforce improvements. The chamber also approved Substitute House Bill 2525 to establish the Heritage Orchard Program and a registry at Washington State University to preserve rare and heritage apple varieties, with sponsors emphasizing the importance of Washington’s apple industry and agricultural history. Additional bills passed unanimously included Substitute House Bill 2420 on increasing small works roster thresholds, Substitute House Bill 2428 on preventing unintended lapses in life insurance by allowing third-party designees, House Bill 2604 allowing electronic signatures for transferring salvage vehicles to insurers, and Substitute House Bill 2107 making permanent a pilot requiring Labor and Industries to notify employers of identified job-site hazards within 10 days. Finally, the House adopted Amendment 1517 and passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2247, which updates veterinarian-client-patient relationship rules to allow telehealth between required physical visits and requires annual veterinarian oversight for certain animal production, commercial, and breeding operations. All of the listed bills received overwhelming support, with each final passage vote recorded at 94 yeas and 0 nays, except House Bill 2338, which passed 93-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, members, long before there was a United States of America, there was a Cherokee Nation.
• The United States is about a billion dollars behind on building healthcare facilities.
• These are the guys who actually do all the work around Pifer Angus Farms.
• Colton does a great job helping Andy with the pigs and doing all of our farming.
• He came back to the farm and worked with us. He's the, his coming back is what's.

Bills: SB1287 , SB1983 , SB1796 , SB1806 , SB1558 , SB2135 , SB483 , SB1198 , SB1265 , SB2154 , SB2139 , SB1552 , SB2118 , SB1775 , SB259 , SB1344 , SB1380 , SB2007 , SB1572 , SB2074 , SB1423 , SB1425 , SB1502 , SB1503 , SB1833 , SB1561 , SB1555 , SB2044 , SB1749 , SB904 , SB1565 , SB1500 , SB667 , SB1484 , SB1562 , SB1644 , HR1045 , SB227 , SB1627 , SB1475 , SB1966 , SB2049 , SB1531 , SB80 , SB1734 , SB1630 , SB1894 , SB1975 , SB1432 , SB1437 , SB1812 , SB346 , SB710 , SB1489 , SB1614 , SB2045 , SB1250 , SB1304 , SB1501 , SB1946 , SB592 , SB65 , SB1257 , SB444 , SB640 , SB2178 , SB1242 , SB1642

Keywords: abstraction, licensing, Oklahoma Abstractors Board, criminal background, good moral character, SB1983, foster care, resource family partner, resource family partners, Department of Human Services, DHS, child welfare, foster homes, foster children, placement data, data sharing, de-identified data, aggregated data, sibling groups, placement disruptions

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe current law allows a local unit of government, through the ordinance process, to restrict
• allows a local unit of government through<00:20:00.200><c> the</c><00:20:00.320><c> ordinance</c><00
• ...up to farming and hunting zones is going to have to take a look at redrawing hunting zone maps out
• </c> tree Association and our 70 member Farms tree Association and our 70 member Farms as<00:42:41.359
• </c> years of mismanagement the farming years of mismanagement the farming failed<01:04:36.039><c> and

Bills: HF647 , HF2824 , HF1249 , HF623 , HF820

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Where are the units? Why isn't it happening? Why is it so slow?
• We were able to award 195 projects, nearly over 25,000 units, last year in the 4% program.
• So in comparison to the 9% program, we're talking 5.5 times more units produced with the 4%.
• The second program highlighted is the Community Conflict Resolution Unit.
• As I mentioned, the code enforcement unit... ...to help mitigate that.

Summary: The subcommittee opened with remarks on the Senate’s budget plan for affordable housing and homelessness, including a proposed $2 billion housing investment and full funding for HHAP rounds 7 and 8. The first major item was the administration’s housing reorganization and trailer bill package, which would codify the new Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC), consolidate multifamily housing finance programs into a one-stop application and award process, and shift some authority over bonds, tax credits, and the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program. Administration officials said the goal was to reduce duplication, speed projects from award to construction, and improve accountability by aligning financing decisions. The LAO generally supported the streamlining concept but recommended changes to the proposed bond set-aside and earlier reallocation of unused bond authority, and suggested preserving flexibility for integrated applications and reporting back on the proposed 70/30 split for housing versus sustainable communities funding. Committee members, especially Senator Cabaldon, raised concerns that the new committee structure could add process and delay, and questioned whether the proposal was effectively repurposing the climate-oriented ASIC program into a housing finance tool without enough direct investment in core housing programs. Administration witnesses responded that the structure was meant to create transparency, public accountability, and simultaneous financing awards, and said the proposal was only a first step in a broader consolidation effort. Members also asked about specific programs such as the Joe Serna Farm Worker Housing Grant Program and the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program, and staff said those would remain within the broader streamlined framework or the flexible sustainable communities allocation. The committee then heard from CDLAC and TCAC on federal tax credit changes and state housing finance. Staff explained that H.R. 1 increased the federal 9% LIHTC allocation and, more importantly, lowered the bond-financing threshold for 4% credits from 50% to 25%, allowing California to finance many more projects. They reported emergency regulations were adopted quickly to implement the change, resulting in 195 projects and more than 25,000 units in the 4% program, while the 9% program funded 58 projects and nearly 3,000 units. Members asked about the value of the state low-income housing tax credit program and rehabilitation projects; staff said state credits remain important for filling financing gaps and that a portion of bond and credit resources is now set aside for acquisition and rehabilitation. Finally, the Civil Rights Department reported on the effects of federal civil rights rollbacks and on three limited-term or expiring programs: California vs. Hate, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit, and Investigations and Conciliation Enhancement. Director Kevin Kish said federal closures and funding cuts have increased demand on the department, which now has more than 12,000 open matters, up from 8,700 a year earlier, and a six-month wait for intake interviews despite overtime triage and early case screening. Members urged continued funding for the programs, arguing they are essential as federal protections weaken; department staff said California vs. Hate connects callers quickly to support services, the conflict resolution unit fills a gap left by the shuttered federal counterpart, and the limited-term investigators have helped reduce wait times even as filings continue to rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh doing business uh in the United uh doing business uh in the United States<00:03:44.080><c> in
• </c> see on the very top you have State Farm see on the very top you have State Farm with<00:14:54.560
• </c><00:15:46.480><c> That's</c> State Farm only utilizing 3%. That's State Farm only utilizing 3%.
• ,</c> their properties versus State Farm, their properties versus State Farm, which<00:26:29.360><c>
• </c> the unit owner was charged. the unit owner was charged. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
• In fact, it's the largest and longest-serving conservation corps in the United States.
• Thayer had been serving the United States Environmental Protection Agency as Director of the Chemical
• Thayer had been serving the United States Environmental Protection Agency as Director of Chemical and
• School, one of the oldest high schools in the area, not far, maybe a block or two from his family farm

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through several floor recognitions and ceremonial presentations. Senator Perez presented SR 81, declaring March 2, 2026, as Read Across America Day. Senators Choi and Rubio spoke in support, emphasizing literacy, libraries, volunteer reading programs, and the importance of diverse books and student engagement. The resolution passed on a unanimous roll call vote, 37-0, and Perez introduced guests from the California Teachers Association. The chamber then honored the 50th anniversary of the California Conservation Corps, with Senator Laird leading the recognition and several senators praising the Corps’ service, conservation work, disaster response, and job-training role for young adults and veterans. The Senate also welcomed the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Agriculture Leadership Class and the College of San Mateo Bulldogs, including the 2025 state championship football team and a coach from the women’s softball team. Later, the Senate confirmed Dr. Chris Thayer as Director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and Dr. Gina Castro Rodriguez to the Board of State and Community Corrections, both by 29-0 votes. Senator Wahab presented SCR 125 recognizing the beginning of Ramadan, with Senator Becker offering supportive remarks about an iftar dinner and the meaning of the holiday. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 37-0. The Senate then took up several adjournments in memory, including Stephen Cassidy, John Joseph Zoria, Crystal Schoenfelder, and Belinda Baraghani, with multiple senators sharing personal tributes to their public service, community leadership, and mentorship. The session concluded with remarks on Ramadan and the Senate entering recess, with the next floor session scheduled for March 5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
• Today Red Masses are celebrated throughout Florida and the United States.
• Clerk: Senate Memorial 314, a memorial to the Congress of the United States urging Congress to impel
• The allocation of 12,000 National Guard units is based on 1958 population.
• This is a major farm-to-market road. President: This road would be eligible under this amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I have seen that evolve into units that have mobile life support and cardiac care units in them and
• And yet intensive care units on wheels.
• </c><02:38:27.120><c> buildings</c> agricultural land and farm buildings agricultural land and farm buildings
• or the farm.
• Thank you, Madam Speaker. the farm. Um so madam speaker on a store the farm.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a farm stand.
• This is a farm stand.
• This is a farm stand. right? This is a farm stand.
• </c> farm stand. farm stand. Now,<01:24:26.480><c> Mr.
• </c> commercial farm commercial farm farm<02:44:22.920><c> to</c><02:44:23.040><c> commercial</c><02:

Committee: Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS ALLOWS FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF WASTEWATER UNITS TO REPLACE FAILING SEPTIC SYSTEMS.
• I HAVEN'T SEEN A SINGLE STUDY FROM THE UNITED STATES WITH THE PROPER PERCENTAGE THE UNITED STATES WITH
• WHAT THIS HAS TO DO WITH FARMS BUT WHY WE HAVE THIS IN THIS BILL WHICH IS A POISON PILL.
• YES BUT THEY UNDERSTAND THEY WOULD PROBABLY DO A UNIFORM ACROSS THE UNITED STATES.
• WHY IS THIS IN THE FARM BILL? SENATOR TRUENOW. THANK YOU MISTER PRESIDENT.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• Senate Bill 962 amends those definitions to protect our working farms and ensure that the zoning preemption
• doesn't unintentionally capture farms or farm operations.
• Specifically, the bill excludes farms and farm operations from the definitions of commercial use, mixed

Bills: S0962

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and took up SB 962, a bill by Senator Bradley relating to affordable housing and zoning preemption. Senator Bradley explained that the bill is intended to protect working farms and farm operations by clarifying that farms are excluded from the definitions of commercial, mixed use, and industrial use for purposes of certain multifamily residential development authorizations. He cited concerns from Clay County and similar agricultural areas where existing zoning classifications and farm-related activities, such as produce stands, could be unintentionally affected by the prior definitions. There were no questions, appearance cards, or debate on the bill. Senator Bradley waived closing, and the committee proceeded to a roll call vote. SB 962 was reported favorably. After the bill vote, members exchanged brief closing remarks and thanks to the chair and committee. Senator Bernard then moved to adjourn, and the meeting ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands
• Senate Bill 962 amends those definitions to protect our working farms and ensure that the zoning preemption
• doesn't unintentionally capture farms or farm operations.
• Specifically, the bill excludes farm and farm operations from the definitions of commercial use, mixed

Bills: S0962

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and took up SB 962 by Senator Bradley, a bill related to affordable housing and zoning preemption. Senator Bradley explained that the measure clarifies last year’s definitions of commercial, industrial, and mixed use so they do not unintentionally include farms or farm operations, particularly in residential-agricultural areas and working farms. He cited concerns from Clay County, where produce stands and other farm-related uses could be caught by the commercial definition and create uncertainty about density requirements on agricultural land. There were no questions, appearance cards, or debate on the bill. Senator Bradley waived closing, and the committee voted on SB 962, with the bill reported favorably. Afterward, members exchanged brief farewell remarks and thanks to the chair and committee before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• For my edification, CEU stands for Continuing Education Unit. I knew it was simple, but thank you.
• When you employ farm workers, they can speak any language in the world.
• We ought to recognize it, and we're losing family farms on a daily basis, and many of those farms...
• ...farms on a daily basis, and many of those farms are minority-owned now, and we're going to do the
• The proposal is a technical fix, so... farms on a daily basis, and many of those farms are minority-owned

Bills: SB6053 , SB6134 , SB6147 , SB6106 , SB6045 , SB6135 , SB6128 , SB6282 , SB6068 , SB6303 , SB6290

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: SB 6053, domestic workers, domestic worker rights, labor protections, minimum wage, overtime, private household employment, nanny, home care worker, personal care provider, housekeeper, cleaner, cook, gardener, household manager, wage theft, retaliation, anti-discrimination, immigration status, privacy rights

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the individuals working on those Farms the individuals working on those Farms representative<00:
• </c> had discussions about on the farm had discussions about on the farm testing<01:04:56.000><c> uh<
• And then vegetable farms, of course deer love vegetable farms and gardens, so a big problem.
• </c> course uh deer love vegetable farms and course uh deer love vegetable farms and gardens<01:18:23.639
• </c><01:32:38.639><c> Bureau</c> Minnesota Farm Bureau Minnesota Farm Bureau uh<01:32:41.239><c> on</

Bills: HF601 , HF271 , HF1101 , HF979

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• Senate Bill 962 amends those definitions to protect our working farms and ensure that the zoning preemption
• doesn't unintentionally capture farms or farm operations.
• Specifically, the bill excludes farms and farm operations from the definitions of commercial use, mixed

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture convened with all members present and took up SB 962 by Senator Bradley, a bill related to affordable housing zoning preemption. Senator Bradley explained that the measure is intended to protect working farms and farm operations by excluding farms from the definitions of commercial, mixed use, and industrial use for purposes of certain multifamily residential development authorizations. He said the bill arose from concerns in Clay County and similar agricultural areas where existing zoning language could unintentionally treat farm-related activities, such as produce stands, as commercial uses and create uncertainty about density requirements on agricultural land. No questions, appearance cards, or debate were offered on the bill. Senator Bradley waived closing, and the committee voted to report SB 962 favorably. After the bill was disposed of, members exchanged brief remarks of thanks and farewell, and Senator Bernard moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
• United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible
• Ranchers who purchase major farm equipment.
• Thank Lemon Laws for farm equipment. That's the bill. Are there amendments? None on the desk, Mr.
• These units investigate convictions, and they are basically ongoing investigations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we have Brian, Hawaii Farm Bureau. Oh, sorry, Hawaii Farm Bureau. Brian, are you here?
• What about for farming irrigation?
• ><c> Hawaii</c><00:39:14.280><c> Farm</c> Bureau Hawaii Farm Bureau Hawaii Farm Bureau<00:39:16.359><
• We have goals of double food production, farm to school, farm to state, farm to families, so we are strong
• We have goals of double food production, farm to school, farm to state, farm to families, so we are strong

Committee: House Water & Land

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture, water, invasive species, and land-use bills. HB 299 and HB 1220, both relating to invasive species, drew broad support from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, C-GAPS, Sierra Club, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and others. Testifiers said HISC funding fills gaps between agency mandates, supports research and technology, and helps respond to both terrestrial and marine invasive threats. On HB 1220, C-GAPS described a marine anemone infestation in Kāneʻohe linked to aquarium release and said control and restoration would be difficult without the bill’s funding. A committee member asked for tracking information on the species, and the Division of Aquatic Resources said it maintains monitoring data and annual reports. No opposition was noted on either measure. HB 506, relating to conservation enforcement, also received support from DLNR and Malama Pu‘u Ma. Committee discussion focused on the bill’s scope and how the funding would be used. Members asked about a prior boat purchase mentioned in opposition testimony and about whether mainland vendors were being used; the department said it did not buy that boat and that procurement follows the normal state process, with total bid price including delivery, taxes, and other fees. The department explained that the bill’s funding is primarily for marine enforcement work in nearshore fisheries, including herbivore protection around O‘ahu. HB 915, relating to water use, had mixed testimony. DLNR supported alternative water sources and amendments to the water code, while the Department of Agriculture opposed the bill as drafted, saying its irrigation program is designed for non-potable agricultural use and is not structured for residential or mixed-use development. The Department of Health said it needed more information on its reuse guidelines and noted concern about removing the recycled water manager requirement, which it said helps ensure safe operation and maintenance of reuse systems. Members questioned the bill’s preemption language and whether county or state rules would be displaced, and Agriculture suggested county water agencies might be better suited for some of the proposed uses. HB 502, concerning land use, drew support from the Attorney General’s office, the Land Use Commission, Hawaii Realtors, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union, with the Department of Agriculture standing on its written testimony. The Attorney General warned that allowing important agricultural lands to be redistricted through a declaratory ruling process could conflict with the state constitution and recommended excluding IAL from the bill. The Land Use Commission said it has an inventory of IAL lands and did not believe the bill would affect them, and it agreed to the suggested protection. Supporters said the bill could help move lands with limited agricultural value into the rural district, reduce pressure on productive farmland, and better align land use with actual farming potential. HB 929, relating to the agricultural land conveyance tax, received comments from the Department of Taxation and opposition from Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Realtors; Farm Bureau said it supports preserving agricultural land but was concerned about unintended consequences and questioned whether speculative flipping of ag land is a current problem.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:23.120><c> States</c> delegation to petition the United States delegation to petition the
• United States Department<00:10:23.760><c> of</c><00:10:23.920><c> Agriculture</c><00:10:24.560><c> to
• HOA does a great job of inspecting at the border, but for species already here that impact farming and
• HOA does a great job of inspecting at the border, but for species already here that impact farming and
• HOA does a great job of inspecting at the border, but for species already here that impact farming and

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, Agriculture, and Environment hearing first took up HTR 28, which would reconvene the working group created under House Resolution 18 to continue addressing water and air contamination and remediation issues tied to the Pua Range Training Facility. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers describing long-standing community concern and alleged lead contamination near the shooting range and nearby beach areas. One testifier urged passage as a critical mechanism for protecting the community. The committees then voted to recommend passage of HTR 28 as is, and the motion was adopted. The committees next considered HCR 25 HD1, asking the Department of Agriculture to add a statement on desecration laws to the plant and animal declaration form, and HCR 200, concerning the Maui axis deer control and venison initiative. The Department of Agriculture and DLNR offered comments on HCR 25 HD1, and HCR 200 drew support from the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council and others, who said axis deer pose economic and environmental threats. Both measures were advanced with technical amendments, and both recommendations were adopted. The hearing then moved to HCR 27, which asks Hawaii’s congressional delegation to petition USDA to address disparities affecting Hawaii’s agricultural exports, and HCR 42 HD1, encouraging each county to develop its own biosecurity plan. The Department of Agriculture supported HCR 27, and testimony on HCR 42 HD1 emphasized county-level invasive species prevention, the need for local biosecurity planning, and gaps in state and county authority over noxious weeds and invasive plants. After a brief recess to regain quorum, both committees voted to pass HCR 27 with technical amendments and HCR 42 HD1 as is; all motions were adopted and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1709 would rename portions of a farm-to-market road in Albuquerque, Texas.
• Katrina Miller, Farm and City, is for the bill. So, you must be David? Yes, sir.
• Christopher Vincent with the Midlothian Police Department, Commercial Vehicle Unit.
• with Farm to Market Road 1520 and U.S.
• And how many total operating units do you have now? It's about 17, then we have... About 21 units.

Bills: SB249 , SB546 , SB744 , SB927 , SB1227 , SB1229 , SB1353 , SB1365 , SB1366 , SB1394 , SB1464 , SB1709 , SB1729 , SB1733 , SB1744 , SB1745 , SB1746 , SB1772 , SB1816 , SB1841 , SB1939

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• I've got some constituents in a few of my counties that have farm equipment.
• This is lemon laws for farm equipment. That's the bill. Well, thank you, sir.
• continuing to protect farms, ranch, by continuing to protect farms, ranches, and consumers throughout
• In the 26 Farm Bill, you'll see the following.
• Trip Hunter, Florida Farm Bureau, waves in support.

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture received a presentation from Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan on the agency’s wildfire response, forest management, and emergency support roles. He described the service’s four regions and 14 districts, its year-round wildfire response, use of bulldozers, helicopters, and drones, and the current high fire danger due to drought conditions. Dolan also highlighted prescribed burning, fuels mitigation, state forest management, the pine seedling nursery, and the agency’s role in hurricane response and incident management. Members asked about equipment loans and whether more prescribed burning could reduce wildfire impacts; Dolan said Florida already leads the nation in prescribed fire and emphasized public education and fuels reduction. The committee then considered and unanimously reported favorably Senate Bill 386, which creates a farm-equipment consumer protection process similar to a lemon law, allowing purchasers to seek repair or replacement of defective major farm equipment at no cost. The committee also took up Senate Bill 290, the Agriculture and Consumer Services omnibus bill. The bill would modernize fair association rules, preempt local bans on gas- and diesel-powered farm and landscape equipment, allow surplus of certain state-owned lands for bona fide agricultural use while excluding parks, forests, and wildlife lands, create a veterinary loan repayment program, make Farmers Feeding Florida permanent, expand Forest Service training opportunities, criminalize signal-jamming devices, increase penalties for CDL and English-proficiency exam cheating, restrict certain door-to-door solicitation, protect food safety inspectors, clarify biosolids rules, and add criminal and vendor-list penalties for contractors who fail to pay subcontractors. The committee adopted three amendments to align dates and technical language and to authorize native seed research and marketing through the Florida Wildlife Foundation. Testimony on SB 290 included support from several industry groups, concerns from the Home Builders Association about the new contractor-payment criminal penalties, and opposition from a citizen worried about the new surplus-land process for conservation lands. Despite concerns, CS/SB 290 was reported favorably. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of the appointees listed on tabs 4 and 5, and then adjourned.