Transcript Highlights:

• to seven years or whatever it might be, do you consider there to be an extended imposition on a landowner
• to seven years or whatever it might be, do you consider there to be an extended imposition on a landowner
• to seven years or whatever it might be, do you consider there to be an extended imposition on a landowner
• I think taking it to the point<05:17:13.840><c> of</c><05:17:14.040><c> no</c><05:17:14.320><c> liability
• for the M for the point of no liability for the M for the municipalities<05:17:17.320><c> um</c><05:

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> timber, even though the landowner timber, even though the landowner received<00:24:53.240><c> $0
• </c> You want to tax the landowner You want to tax the landowner both<01:18:07.560><c> for</c><01:18:
• ,</c><01:22:02.400><c> frankly,</c> for, and landowners, frankly, for, and landowners, frankly, need<
• </c> have a higher bar than most landowners have a higher bar than most landowners on<01:48:46.560><c
• </c> of the landowners. of the landowners.

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum present and approval of the April 17 minutes. The commission then heard a presentation from attorney Jacob Rhodes of Cleveland, Waters and Bass on the history and legal basis of New Hampshire’s timber tax, explaining that timber was historically treated as part of real property, that a 1913 case confirmed that view, and that a 1949 constitutional amendment created a separate timber yield tax to discourage clear-cutting and support forest conservation. He described the tax as a tax on the yield when timber is severed, not an income tax, and noted that towns are reimbursed through a system based on Department of Revenue Administration market data and local reports of cut. Members and guests asked how “yield” is defined, how the timber tax interacts with current use, and whether carbon sequestration could be treated similarly. Testimony explained that current use generally is not affected by harvesting timber, that towns can tax standing timber under RSA 79:5 but rarely do because it is labor-intensive, and that carbon credits might be valued using a similar market-data approach. Several speakers discussed a prior bill drafted with DRA input that would have treated carbon more like timber, but noted it never fully advanced in the General Court and that the version ultimately discussed by the House differed from the earlier DRA-comfortable draft. The discussion also covered whether carbon sequestration agreements are effectively long-term leases or transfers of timber rights, with Rhodes suggesting that 99-year arrangements could be taxable transfers of real property under DRA rules, though he had not reviewed specific agreements. DRA staff said they do not currently have a timber-like survey mechanism for carbon and would likely need access to proprietary market data or a subscription service to build one. No formal vote was taken beyond approving the minutes; the commission appeared to agree to revisit the carbon/timber valuation issue and the draft bill at a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The same landowners predominantly own the bulk of Texas.
• TSRA stands with the landowners of Texas and says, don't forget who owns the water.
• It is the landowner.
• I would respond as many landowners have said.
• Operators did not worry about leasing mineral rights from all those urban landowners.

Bills: HB24 , HB27 , HB24 , HB27

Committee: House Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• tax is the landowner when the landowner<02:25:30.720><c> sells</c><02:25:31.120><c> timber</c><02:25
• They are New Hampshire landowners.
• They are New Hampshire landowners.
• They are New Hampshire landowners.
• They are New Hampshire landowners.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• This restores a common-sense understanding of the law and ensures that the landowner receives a full
• It replaces an unclear calendar-year interpretation, and it reduces unnecessary burden on landowners.
• . landowners. landowners.
• , and of course, farmers, landowners, and of course, legislative<00:16:48.839><c> counsel.
• I'm wondering what educational measures are being undertaken to inform landowners of these changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, many landowners have concerns about the second half of this bill.
• Many landowners have concerns about the second half of this bill.
• And that's from concerns that we had from landowners.
• And Michael Farozo with the landowners. Michael? Michael, wishing to speak.
• I know the landowners haven't had a chance to speak on any of this.

Summary: The committee first adopted the 2025 minutes, then took up House Bill 727, which would allow burning untreated, unpainted dimensional lumber such as two-by-fours. The bill was presented as a narrow exemption to existing restrictions on burning construction debris, and it was reported favorable without objection. Members then heard from DEQ Secretary Courtney Burdett on House Bill 697, the department’s sunset/recreation bill. She outlined DEQ’s work on permit modernization, interagency coordination, field inspections, spill response, criminal investigations, environmental education, and small business assistance. Members raised issues including a large waste-tire site, an oil spill response, and a stormwater discharge issue at Smitties. The committee praised DEQ’s responsiveness and reported the bill favorable without objection. House Bill 758, dealing with DEQ fees, was then considered. The bill and amendment package would update and increase various permit and program fees, add annual or biennial CPI-based adjustments, and remove outdated provisions, with the stated goal of aligning revenues with expenditures and reducing reliance on the state general fund. Several industry and landowner groups supported the measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorable. The committee also advanced House Bill 726, which increases penalties for abandoning vessels and related gross littering. Members discussed how abandoned boats are identified, owner notice procedures, registration versus title issues, hurricane-related losses, and protections for older or distressed owners. Wildlife and Fisheries said the bill targets intentional dumping and that existing law allows case-by-case discretion for true hardship situations. The bill was reported favorable. House Bill 756, concerning personal watercraft, was also reported favorable after testimony that it would require reasonable suspicion for vessel stops, align state rules more closely with federal boating safety standards, and update provisions on accident reporting and inflatable PFDs. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 767, which creates recreational alligator hunting license and lottery fees contingent on separate legislation authorizing the season. Supporters said the measure would help create a recreational opportunity while generating conservation funding, but landowners and commercial harvesters warned the fee may be too low, the proposal may be moving too quickly, and recreational harvest could affect commercial operations and landowner interests. After extensive discussion, the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorable. House Bill 964, authorizing a state property transfer in Caddo Parish, was also reported favorable, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• appreciation program, and landowner permission hunts.
• On the same page, section 320.08, a new herd health landowner permission hunt has been added that is
• working with landowners in a season framework.
• includes turkey as an eligible species for the landowner appreciation program also, and is eligible
• also and is eligible without 79 8 for the landowner appreciation program also and is eligible without

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• That might be the same with what the Department of Agriculture does or any other private landowner does
• That might be the same with what the Department of Agriculture does or any other private landowner does
• The same with what the Department of Agriculture does or any other private landowner does as far as what
• Hunters are currently operating in a gray area with regards to liability donating wild game meat to anyone
• Hunters are currently operating in a gray area with regards to liability donating wild game meat to anyone

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:

• 28.160><c> standards</c><00:51:28.480><c> of</c> the landowner meeting the standards of the landowner
• Uh, you know, we have landowner rights, and this is a landowner right that is being executed when a landowner
• landowner right.
• That's a landowner right. And so carbon. That's a landowner right.
• </c> understand the value to the landowner. understand the value to the landowner.

Summary: The meeting was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance was led, and the clerk called the roll, establishing a quorum. The committee approved the prior minutes after correcting the date and changing a reference so that a draft-legislation note attributed to Representative Wlette was corrected. After that, the chair introduced a carbon presentation by Mr. Charlie Lebec and invited members and guests to move closer to view the slides. Mr. Lebec’s presentation focused on forest carbon science and forest carbon offset markets, with emphasis on how forests store, sequester, and emit carbon. He explained greenhouse gases and the relationship between atmospheric CO2 and temperature, then defined key terms such as carbon storage, sequestration, flux, sinks, and sources. He also described forest carbon pools, noting that soils contain a large share of forest carbon, and discussed how forest age affects storage and sequestration, arguing that younger forests often sequester carbon faster while older forests store more carbon overall. He also addressed how harvested wood products can continue to store carbon, responding to a question from a member about mass timber and carbon sinks. The presentation included regional comparisons showing New Hampshire’s forest density, carbon storage, and sequestration relative to other New England states, and noted that New Hampshire forests offset more than 30% of the state’s annual greenhouse gas emissions from nonforest sources, while Maine and Vermont offset even larger shares. Mr. Lebec said eastern forests are generally carbon sinks, unlike some western forests affected by wildfire, and stressed that forest management, soil protection, and forest age all influence carbon outcomes. No votes or substantive policy actions were taken beyond approving the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an idea of maybe moving forward if the landowners are getting a royalty off of the power being
• You know, what is the rate we should pay the landowner? What's that look like? I don't know.
• I'm wondering how you've thought through, let's say, 20% of the landowners are like the fee and they
• I was asking more about, is this creating that we have to get consent from the landowners prior to the
• That money that's going to attorneys ought to be going to that landowner.

Bills: SB1246 , SB1510 , SB1979 , SB1929 , SB1930 , SB1976

Committee: Senate Energy

Summary: The committee heard several energy, mining, and environmental bills. Senate Bill 1246, a DEQ request bill, was described as a permitting reform measure intended to reduce delays, increase transparency, and improve public notice; members discussed newspaper publication and digital alerts, and the bill passed 11-0. Senate Bill 1929 proposed a new framework for transmission lines that would compensate landowners with recurring payments for lines crossing their property; members raised concerns about eminent domain, ratepayer impacts, existing easements, and whether payments would transfer with land sales, but the bill passed 6-5 after the author said it was an idea to start a broader conversation. Senate Bill 1510 addressed bonding requirements and reclamation standards, with the author saying the goal was to make bonds meaningful and ensure funds are available for cleanup if operators fail to reclaim sites. Members discussed bond levels, acceptable financial instruments, and the need to balance industry viability with land restoration; the bill passed 11-0. Senate Bill 1979, the Mining and Blasting Residential Protection Act, would create an 800-foot buffer around residences and sensitive facilities near mining and blasting operations and require notifications/signage; the author said it was a constituent-driven good-neighbor bill, but members worried it could affect existing mines, raise costs, and potentially be read to restrict current operations. After title was struck, the bill failed 2-8. The committee also passed Senate Bill 1930, which creates a framework for compensating surface owners when iodine is recovered from produced water for commercial use, and Senate Bill 1976, which phases in surety requirements for small oil and gas producers to soften the impact of prior regulatory changes. Both bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously after brief discussion about balancing regulation with economic impacts. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill and support policies that reinforce Texas's commitment to landowner certainty and economic
• They determine what a landowner can or cannot do with their property, whether they can build, lease,
• HB 3572 ensures that landowners are not blindsided by these changes.
• These quiet changes have a massive impact on business and landowners alike.
• I represent the landowners, Andy Barrett, and we support the bill.

Bills: HB407 , HB871 , HB882 , HB2011 , HB3572 , HB3578 , HB4038 , HB4866 , HB4897 , HB4978 , HB5380 , HB5555 , HB5668 , HB5670 , HB5674 , HB5676 , HB5679 , HB5688 , SB673

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: solar energy, residential construction, building code, municipal regulations, energy compliance, building codes, interconnection, education, funding, teacher support, student resources, school infrastructure, municipal requirements, environmental sustainability, municipalities, construction, agricultural operation, International Code Council, county regulations, construction fees

Transcript Highlights:

• Essentially, it was designed for landowners to dedicate their land through a process, through a mapping
• So you've got a lot of private landowners who dedicated who then almost as a trade-off will get to take
• So again, a lot of our private landowners have already gone through the process.
• If we allow any changes to IIO, then it's an equity or fairness question: what do the landowners who
• I mean, they're doctors, too, and they have their own professional liability and so forth.

Bills: HB2425 , HB2596 , HB2573 , HB2017 , HB1931 , HB1736 , HB1594 , HB1828

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and then took testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 2425 would exempt agricultural enterprises on former commercial sugarcane lands in conservation use districts from certain permitting and site plan requirements. The Department of Agriculture supported the measure and stood on written comments. The Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the intent but said the bill appeared to cite the wrong statute and suggested amending the conservation district law instead. Other testimony was generally supportive, while some witnesses raised concerns about using the right statutory vehicle. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be redirected through a different chapter. The committee then heard HB 596, which would require retail sellers of plants to disclose invasiveness risk, direct the Invasive Species Council to create a labeling system and weed risk assessments, and establish fines. The Department of Land and Natural Resources strongly supported the bill, saying point-of-sale labels would help consumers make informed choices. Supporters from the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species said the state’s noxious weed and restricted plant lists are outdated or incomplete and that the bill would help prevent harmful species from being purchased and planted. Opponents, including the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, argued the measure was too broad, could stigmatize plants and producers, and might be better implemented through voluntary education or narrower definitions. Committee discussion focused on possible amendments, including using printable labels from a website and limiting the bill to larger commercial retailers. HB 2573 would create a five-year agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program involving the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Leeward Community College, and the Department of Human Resources Development. DHRD said it supported the intent but wanted clearer responsibilities; the University of Hawaiʻi, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, and others supported the proposal. DAB said the program would help build needed biosecurity staffing and training, and that law-enforcement-related curriculum could be incorporated. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 207, which would expand the important agricultural land qualified agricultural tax credit to include certain Hawaiian homelands and additional agricultural costs such as orchards, fruit crops, and clearing former sugar and pineapple lands. The Department of Taxation and DAB stood on written comments, while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands strongly supported the bill, calling it a potential game-changer for developing agricultural lands and offsetting infrastructure costs; the department also asked that the credit be broadened beyond agriculture alone.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many more states have placed reasonable limits on damage awards in medical liability lawsuits.
• That same principle applies here, as out-of-control subjective liability awards will drive businesses
• Yeah, so another good example of this... caps on medical liability are really the good corollary for
• Another good example of this: caps on medical liability are really the good corollary for this.
• It creates liability for recklessly throwing from a parade float.

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Summary: The committee first took up HB 51 by Rep. Villio, a constitutional amendment to prohibit post-conviction bail for people convicted of aggravated offenses against minors. Members adopted a technical amendment to simplify the ballot language, heard a 6.8A report explaining the committee’s authority over constitutional amendments, and then adopted the report and passed HB 51 with amendments. Support was noted from law enforcement and district attorney groups. The main item was HB 526 by Rep. Dickerson, which would cap general damages in civil cases at $500,000 in most cases and $1 million for severe permanent injury, while leaving economic damages uncapped. The bill drew extensive testimony from trucking, logging, business, and insurance-reform advocates who argued that unpredictable verdicts and “nuclear verdicts” drive up commercial insurance costs and push businesses out of Louisiana. Opponents, including attorneys and victims’ advocates, argued the bill would unfairly limit recovery for seriously injured people and could harm sexual assault survivors and families in wrongful death cases. After debate, the committee adopted an amendment clarifying the cap applies per individual plaintiff rather than to the action as a whole, but then rejected a motion to report the bill; the roll call was 4 yeas and 5 nays, so HB 526 remained in committee. The committee then heard HB 173 by Rep. Bamberg, which would bar recovery for bodily injury or property damage by a driver who had failed to maintain required auto insurance for at least 30 days before the crash. Supporters said uninsured motorists contribute to higher premiums and should not recover large awards, while opponents warned the bill would punish innocent spouses, children, and other people who may be unaware coverage lapsed. An amendment was adopted to add the 30-day uninsured requirement, and the bill moved to opposition testimony, but the transcript cuts off before any final vote on HB 173.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you can afford a car, then you need to figure out in your budget how to pay for liabilities.
• Liability coverage is quite a bit less, so it's not $600 every six months. It's probably half that.
• uh Senator jinsky said $600 liabilities uh Senator jinsky said $600 every<00:23:43.600><c> six</c><00
• </c><00:23:46.640><c> coverage</c><00:23:47.000><c> is</c> for full coverage liability coverage is for
• Our office recognizes that our landowners are the lifeblood of our industry.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's from concerns that we had from landowners.
• And Michael Farozo with the landowners. Michael? Michael, wishing to speak.
• And Michael Farozo with the landowners. Michael? Michael, wishing to speak.
• I know the landowners haven't had a chance. Thanks.
• I know the landowners haven't had a chance to speak on any of this.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• or animals while charges were pending, such costs relating to placement and care, as well as the liability
• that I don't understand is, is the system as it's built right now designed to protect that innocent landowner
• or a livestock owner, and here's why I would say that it— ...landowner or livestock owner.

Transcript Highlights:

• with amendments we will be taking today in committee, meaningful engagement with law enforcement, landowners
• opposition to determine whether feasibility should be included, including law enforcement, cattle, and landowners
• going to take this kind of work happening on scale for us to really address the massive costs and liabilities

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Summary: The committee heard SB 872, which would direct $300 million annually for 20 years to repair Central Valley subsidence damage and Delta levees to protect State Water Project deliveries. The author and supporters said the bill is needed to safeguard water for 27 million Californians, prevent threats to life and billions in infrastructure, and address long-standing levee and canal vulnerabilities. Testimony in support came from Restore the Delta, the Central Coast Water Authority, and a broad coalition of water agencies, environmental groups, local governments, and business interests; one organization, the California Chamber of Commerce, supported if amended to include federal conveyance infrastructure. No opposition witnesses appeared. Members from both parties praised the bipartisan coalition and discussed funding, beneficiary-pays concerns, and the need to prioritize water infrastructure. The committee voted 5-0 to pass SB 872 as amended to Appropriations, with the bill placed on call. The committee then heard SB 1305, a study bill on the feasibility of reintroducing the California grizzly bear. The author and tribal co-sponsors framed the measure as a science-based, consultation-driven roadmap that would not authorize reintroduction but would evaluate habitat, impacts, and implementation. Supporters, including tribal representatives, conservation groups, and animal welfare organizations, emphasized the grizzly’s cultural significance, ecological role, and the value of planning for coexistence. Opposition came from retired and current law enforcement, county officials, ranching and hunting groups, and rural representatives, who raised public safety, staffing, livestock, and wildlife-management concerns, arguing the Department of Fish and Wildlife lacks resources for another apex predator. Committee members debated whether risk, public safety, local control, and potential reintroduction areas should be addressed earlier in the process. The author agreed to consider amendments on those points and on funding and local authority. The committee voted 4-1 to pass SB 1305 as amended to Appropriations, with the bill held on call. The committee also heard SB 1079, which would create a Cal Fire Fire Innovation Unit to identify firefighter needs, test new technologies, and speed deployment of successful wildfire tools. The author said the bill would formalize a pipeline from pilot projects to statewide use and build on existing Cal Fire technology efforts. Support came from Megafire Action, Fireworks, Aurora Tech, and the Orange County Fire Authority; the California Association of Realtors supported if amended to allow nonprofits to administer grants directly to homeowners. With no opposition testimony, the bill was moved on a 2-0 vote and held on call pending additional members. The committee later took up SB 997, a district bill for the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency that would grant lien authority so it can enforce groundwater fees and sustainability plan requirements without relying on civil litigation. Support came from water contractors, rural counties, and county associations; members discussed whether similar authority should be extended to other GSAs. The bill was moved on a 2-0 vote to Judiciary and held on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this could potentially have a big impact for landowners who are interested in conservation.
• “We have great relationships with landowners across the state.
• So we're hoping that by clearing the way, more landowners...” “...and it kind of is held up there.
• So we're hoping that by clearing the way, more landowners will want to do it.
• So as landowners see that, maybe they will be incentivized.” “Thank you so much.

Bills: HB4530 , HB4931 , HB5559 , HB5560 , HB143

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: water rights, Texas Water Trust, water bank, environmental conservation, water quality, instream flows, aquifer, water injection, Edwards Aquifer, environmental regulation, groundwater, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water conservation, drought, utility regulation, water use restrictions, Public Utility Commission, civil penalties, drought contingency, environmental protection

Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources met with a quorum present and first took up several pending bills for reconsideration and committee substitute adoption. House Bill 2692, relating to codification and clarification of local laws concerning the San Antonio River Authority, was reported favorably to the full House and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars by an 11-0 vote. House Bills 1407, 1520, 1535, 2970, 4153, 291, 3663, and 3915 were also reconsidered or laid out as pending business, with committee substitutes adopted where needed and each bill reported favorably, generally by unanimous vote, to the full House and then to Calendars or Calendars/Calendars-related referral as applicable. The committee then heard House Bill 4530, which would expand the Texas Water Trust framework to include groundwater rights, require Texas Water Development Board review and approval of groundwater dedications, and notify local groundwater districts when groundwater rights are placed in the trust. The bill’s author and witnesses from the Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and Chispa Texas supported the measure as a conservation tool and a way to create a clear process for voluntary donations; a Texas Water Development Board witness testified neutrally. The bill was left pending. House Bill 4931, relating to an aquifer storage and recovery project in Medina County, drew support from the author, the Medina County judge, and a regional water alliance witness, who described severe stress on the Edwards Aquifer, low levels at Medina Lake, and the need for a local water-supply tool. The bill was left pending. House Bill 5559, which would clarify enforcement of drought contingency plans for investor-owned water utilities and involve the PUC in model plan development, received support from groundwater district representatives but also concerns from water company and utility witnesses about enforcement authority, approval procedures, and potential conflicts with existing obligations to provide continuous service; the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. House Bill 5560, which would raise the maximum civil penalty for certain groundwater conservation district enforcement actions from $10,000 to $25,000 per violation, prompted debate over whether current law is already sufficient; supporters said the higher cap would better deter overpumping, while opponents argued existing penalties are already severe. That bill was also left pending, and the committee adjourned subject to call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• We might want to do a resolution urging different landowners in the department to do... just to get it
• "Tess, can you check what the agreement is with the different landowners on improvements?"
• We might want to do a resolution urging different landowners in the department to do... just to get it
• </c><01:02:36.720><c> um</c> We do control delivery the liability of moving the package and, you know
• One of the<01:26:29.120><c> biggest</c><01:26:29.440><c> liabilities</c><01:26:30.000><c> that</c><01

Transcript Highlights:

• No new software integration required and no liability for the clerks.
• A corporation can't get out of liability by voluntarily dissolving.
• ,</c><01:31:17.080><c> and</c> registered agents to liability, and registered agents to liability, and
• </c><01:59:00.360><c> Um,</c> you know, liability kind of issues.
• Um, you know, liability kind of issues.

Committee: Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions