Transcript Highlights:

• Looking at this, these are where USDA APHIS is doing a great job.
• ARS, which is the research arm of USDA, has an agreement with COPEG.
• That's not acceptable for USDA for Secretary Rawlins. to challenge Dr.
• That's not acceptable for USDA for Secretary Rawlins.
• Our partners at USDA, Dr.

Summary: During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects. Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars. The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:05.520> There's<00:08:05.759> several the US within the USDA.
• There's several the US within the USDA.
• So, uh, Commissioner Peterson, the USDA.
• So, that between the USDA and producers.
• , will get approved by the by the USDA, will get approved by the by the USDA, but<01:18:06.400>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve as the Undersecretary for the Marketing and Regulatory Programs at USDA.
• ARS, which is the research arm of USDA, has an agreement with COPEG.
• That's not acceptable for USDA, for Secretary Rollins.
• Our partners at USDA, Dr.
• I don’t believe that, and I think some of those numbers were from USDA.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, the data that USDA uses each year to measure food insecurity are not yet available past 2023.
• And so that was a program that was designed by USDA.
• And so that was a program that was designed by USDA.
• But, you know, when you look at the annual USDA data, finally, California food insecurity is...
• Every billion dollars in benefits is 13,560 jobs, according to USDA.

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on food insecurity in California and how state and federal nutrition programs, agricultural production, and food distribution systems intersect. Assemblymembers emphasized that many Californians, including farmworkers, seniors, children, and communities of color, remain food insecure despite California’s agricultural abundance. Panelists and members discussed CalFresh, WIC, school meals, Sun Bucks, food banks, and the impact of federal policy changes, including possible nutrition cuts, tariffs, and immigration enforcement, on access to food and the agricultural workforce. Secretary Karen Ross described CDFA programs aimed at improving access to fresh food and supporting local agriculture, including the senior farmers’ market program, California Nutrition Incentive Program, Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, Community Food Hubs, Farm to School, urban agriculture, and a proposed tribal food sovereignty program. She said these efforts help connect local producers to consumers, expand healthy food access, and build infrastructure such as refrigeration, mobile markets, and aggregation hubs. Department of Social Services Deputy Director Alexis Fernandez Garcia outlined CalFresh, CFAP, Sun Bucks, CACFP, emergency food programs, and tribal nutrition assistance, noting that CalFresh and related programs significantly reduce poverty and food insecurity, but participation gaps remain for non-English speakers, some Asian American communities, and undocumented households. PPIC researcher Tess Thorman presented data showing that 13% of California households experienced food insecurity in 2023, with higher rates among households with children and Latino, Black, and other households. She said nutrition programs reduce poverty and food hardship, but federal rules, income thresholds, immigration restrictions, and high living costs limit their reach. Members asked about simplifying applications, improving call center access, increasing outreach in multiple languages, and adjusting benefits for inflation. Officials said the state has used available federal options to streamline enrollment, improve customer service, and target outreach, but many core rules and benefit levels are set federally. The second panel shifted to food production and market access. A farmer, a UC food systems leader, and a produce distributor described efforts to connect small and medium farms with food banks, schools, universities, and Medi-Cal food-as-medicine programs. They highlighted programs such as Farms Together, the USDA Southwest Regional Food Business Center, Farm to School, food hubs, and climate-smart infrastructure grants as ways to create stable markets for local growers while improving food access. Speakers also raised concerns about land tenure, consolidation, regulatory burdens, labor constraints, and the loss of federal funding, and members discussed whether state investments and Prop. 4 funds could help sustain and expand these efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• USDA has set up some additional laboratories to assist with that.
• about 20% of our our funding from USDA about 20% of our our funding from USDA funds<00:39:15.640
• <00:43:03.720> federal is about uh specifically USDA federal is about uh specifically USDA
• I work very closely with the area veterinarian in charge for the USDA.
• <01:10:33.800> AIS from the DNR uh staff from USDA AIS from the DNR uh staff from USDA AIS

Bills: HF601, HF271, HF1101, HF979

Keywords: agriculture, depredation compensation, livestock, crop damage, elk, wolves, wildlife management, skills path program, career and technical education, CTE, dual credit, postsecondary options enrollment, apprenticeship, apprenticeship readiness, dual training, work-based learning, career pathways, skilled trades, workforce development, high school to career

Transcript Highlights:

• He received a $530,000 grant from a program funded by the USDA.
• He received a $530,000 grant from a program funded by the USDA.
• He received a $530,000 grant from a program funded by the USDA.
• He received a $530,000 grant from a program funded by the USDA.
• you may not know support from the USDA you may not know this<00:10:00.440> but<00:10:00.600><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, there is a USDA exemption that allows small farms to process poultry and sell it at farmers
• > deals<00:09:53.680> with As far as avian flu goes, these small farms don't fall under USDA
• c> would allow Kentucky to utilize an would allow Kentucky to utilize an existing<00:10:14.519> USDA
• exemption for our small existing USDA exemption for our small poultry<00:10:16.720> producers
• <00:11:21.880> perview Farms don't fall under um USDA perview Farms don't fall under um USDA

Keywords: 00:00 – Introduction 00:20 – Attendance Roll Call 01:42 – Introduction of guests 09:15 – House Bill 278 18:16 – Roll Call Vote 19:33 – House Bill 527 23:03 – Roll Call Vote, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Agriculture met on March 5 and began with roll call, confirming a quorum. The committee spent much of the opening portion introducing guests, including FFA groups from Barren, Christian, and Pulaski counties, a fifth-grade student shadowing a member, and other visitors connected to agriculture and public service. The chair also recognized former Senator Joey Pendleton, who spoke briefly about his background and mentorship in Frankfort. The committee then heard House Bill 278, sponsored by Representative Josh Bray, which would allow Kentucky to use an existing USDA exemption for small poultry producers to process and sell poultry directly at farmers markets and similar venues. Testimony emphasized that the bill would not loosen food safety standards, but would instead require compliance with federal commercial food processing rules, sanitation requirements, HACCP plans, and labeling tied to the USDA exemption. Members raised questions about avian flu, traceability, refrigeration, and inspection; the sponsor and witnesses said the bill would preserve traceability by limiting sales to direct channels and that avian flu response would remain with the state veterinarian. The committee voted favorably on HB 278. The committee also considered House Bill 527, sponsored by Representative Susan Whitten, which would authorize licensed veterinary technicians to administer rabies vaccinations to dogs, cats, and ferrets under direct veterinarian supervision on the premises. Supporters said the measure would help free veterinarians for other work while maintaining safety, and noted rising rabies concerns in Kentucky. Members asked why ferrets were included, and witnesses explained that ferrets can contract rabies like other mammals and are routinely vaccinated along with cats and dogs. The committee then took a roll call vote and passed HB 527 with favorable expression. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• from the USDA. from the USDA.
• Some like the data demand, non-citizen guidance, and HR1 policy guidance as proposed by USDA.
• Some like the data demand, non-citizen guidance, and HR1 policy guidance as proposed by USDA.
• Some like the data demand, non-citizen guidance, and HR1 policy guidance as proposed by USDA.
• HR1 policy guidance as proposed by USDA appears directly contrary to state and federal law.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As some of you may of the USDA budget.
• <00:09:40.160> through budget comes through the USDA through budget comes through the USDA
• have a good relationship with the USDA have a good relationship with the USDA secretary's<00:10:
• We met with the USDA. I met at the secretary's office.
• <00:28:59.279> and University of Minnesota, the USDA and University of Minnesota, the USDA

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It has to be a USDA-inspected plant or a state-inspected plant.
• ... ...processing plants, so they're not USDA or state inspected.
• It has to be USDA inspected to cross the border. Mhm.
• It would still need to be butchered according to USDA standards.
• Our USDA foods commodities is... Our USDA foods commodities is about $3 million a year.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was able to be there with Krista Hardin, who was former Deputy Secretary of USDA and currently CEO
• We met with USDA. We met with different branches there.
• She's quite talented, quite skilled, been at USDA in that office for eight years.
• We're requesting disaster declarations from USDA.
• We're requesting disaster declarations from USDA.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture first moved through a series of animal welfare bills, reporting all of them to the floor. The measures included bills on sentencing for aggravated cruelty to animals, additional aggravated cruelty provisions, penalties for animal abandonment, requiring owners or lessors of vacated properties to inspect for abandoned animals, and restricting surgical depopulation procedures on dogs and pets. Members generally expressed support, and each bill advanced by motion and voice vote with no noted opposition or recusals; one additional bill was held by the sponsor. The committee then heard from Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball, who gave an update on state and federal agriculture issues. He discussed the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, federal farm bill negotiations, specialty crops, labor and H-2A reform, dairy margin coverage concerns, possible cuts to EQIP, organic certification funding, trade and USMCA review, tariffs and input costs, and disaster concerns affecting Long Island seafood producers. He also highlighted state programs such as Nourish New York, Dairy Modernization, farm-to-school efforts, and workforce development initiatives. Members asked questions about raw milk sales, H-2A labor, solar siting on farmland, farm-to-school expansion, tariff impacts, and support for farmers facing federal cuts and rising costs. Ball said raw milk sales remain limited to licensed on-farm sales with inspections and warnings, supported reform of H-2A and broader labor policy, urged protecting prime and actively farmed land from solar development, and emphasized the need to preserve food access programs like Nourish New York and farmers market nutrition benefits. The meeting ended after the commissioner’s testimony and member discussion, with no further formal action beyond the earlier bill reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know we're dealing with that in another measure, but one thing from the USDA perspective is we
• perspective is we thing from the USDA perspective is we looked<00:27:34.039> up<00:27:34.399>
• are USDA reimbursable.
• 00.279> um your meals are uh USDA reimbursable um your meals are uh USDA reimbursable um it's<
• Um, I believe that the was adopted from USDA way back in 2005.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• USDA USDA 50%. 50%. 50%.
• , them job skills, um, then, uh, the USDA, them job skills, um, then, uh, the USDA, if<00:31:50.080
• Why does USDA do SNAP people get jobs.
• . directly from the USDA um and their most directly from the USDA um and their most recent<01:40:11.679
• that could be clarified by the USDA. that could be clarified by the USDA. Okay. Okay. Okay.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with roll call and housekeeping, including moving standing attendees to an overflow room and asking the audience to avoid interruptions. The task force then heard testimony from Allison Adams of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, who presented statewide health trend data showing Kentucky ranked 41st overall and 44th in health outcomes, with especially poor performance on premature death, chronic disease, diabetes, and vaccination rates. She emphasized that Kentucky has the highest rates of residents with multiple chronic conditions, that diabetes remains above the national average, and that childhood immunization rates have worsened. She also highlighted major provider shortages in rural areas, noting that 43 of 120 counties meet shortage criteria and that more than half of primary care providers are concentrated in Fayette and Jefferson counties. Adams urged the task force to focus on prevention, early intervention, access to care, physical activity, and healthier school and community environments, and said the foundation is prepared to share results from its demonstration projects. Task force members asked follow-up questions about the age range for chronic-condition data and whether the diabetes figure reflected type 1 or type 2 diabetes; Adams said the chronic-condition measure spans all ages and that the diabetes figure likely reflects type 2, though she offered to provide the full report. The task force then approved the minutes from the prior meeting. The committee next turned to SNAP benefits and heard from Lisa Dennis, commissioner of the Department for Community Based Services, and Roger McCann, director of the Division of Family Support. They explained that SNAP is not only a food assistance program but also a public health and family stability tool, arguing that poor diet contributes to chronic disease and that food insecurity is linked to family stress, child welfare involvement, and neglect-related CPS referrals. They cited research showing that more generous SNAP policies are associated with fewer CPS reports, fewer substantiated reports, and fewer foster care placements, and said SNAP helps reduce risk and promote stability across vulnerable populations including children, older adults, people with disabilities, and pregnant women. They also described SNAP-Ed as the nutrition education component that teaches healthy eating, cooking on a budget, and how to use fresh produce, but warned that recent federal legislation eliminates federal funding for SNAP-Ed beginning in federal fiscal year 2026. McCann outlined the remaining SNAP outreach and employment-and-training components, noting that outreach is typically run by nonprofits with a 50% match and that employment and training funds job-skills programs to help recipients move toward better jobs and self-sufficiency. The discussion emphasized that access to nutritious food, education, and job supports are all part of improving health outcomes and reducing food insecurity.

Transcript Highlights:

• But this week, the USDA benefits.
• Um, and as of now, our cooperative USDA.
• Um, right now we are at USDA and FDA.
• Those are agreement funds from USDA.
• The USDA as Dr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The last USDA report was conducted in 2007.
• And all are considered small or ultra-small by USDA standards.
• Based on our latest USDA statistics, only 59 head were slaughtered in 2024.
• And then USDA food and schools does not offer a method.
• They became USDA inspected right off the bat. And if Ms. Madrid or Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• The USDA grant that I mentioned includes water buffalo and just about any other mammal.
• So I think it's similar to the USDA inspections for meat.
• So I think it's similar to the USDA inspections for meat.
• We have the FDA, USDA, and other groups that look into how that food chain is secured.
• As a matter of fact, I just got a call from USDA the other day about They're in Orlando.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its October 27 meeting and then heard testimony on the economic and practical effects of Arkansas’s raw milk law, Act 698. Clinton Ballard of Milk and Honey Hill Farm said the law allowed his family farm to expand from 8 to 12 cows, serve about 150 families, add retail sales of raw cheese, and increase annual sales by roughly $50,000. He argued that raw milk production supports small farms, improves food security by keeping milk production in-state, and should be paired with optional state inspection and certification so producers could access USDA grants and other value-added opportunities. Committee members asked about herd management, safety practices, labeling, consumer education, and whether a voluntary inspection system could be created without leading to more regulation. Ballard said his farm follows sanitary practices, chills milk quickly, uses educational materials for customers, and has not had any reported illnesses among customers. Members also discussed broader concerns about raw milk safety, including E. coli, sick animals, and whether state agencies should provide more guidance or training. Several lawmakers expressed support for consumer choice and for small producers, while others emphasized the need for clear standards and accountability. The discussion also touched on the decline of commercial dairies in Arkansas, the role of the health department, and whether state certification would be limited to in-state sales. The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from Terence Bolden of TLB Enterprises on hydroponic and container-based agriculture as a response to food insecurity and workforce needs. Bolden described retrofitted shipping containers that can grow produce year-round with low water use, and said the model could be paired with career and technical education, drones, robotics, and agribusiness training in schools and communities. He said pilot projects are underway or planned with the Little Rock School District, Southwest High School, UAPB, and other partners, and estimated that five regional hubs could have significant economic impact while creating jobs and reducing food deserts. Members asked about target communities, costs, energy needs, crop types, and how the model would work in rural areas; Bolden said the approach is a public-private partnership intended to support local farmers, schools, and community food access. No votes were taken on Bolden’s proposal, and the meeting adjourned after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Up to 20%, according to the latest USDA study on that.
• From the USDA, and the USDA can either fully grant the waiver, they can partially grant the waiver, or
• So, we will open a negotiation with HHSC and the USDA to determine exactly which.
• That's actually the program within the USDA that will grant these.
• To seek a waiver from the USDA, is that correct? That's correct.

Bills: SJR37, SJR57, SB7, SB8, SB16, SB108, SB125, SB207, SB318, SB371, SB379, SB396, SB406, SB503, SB533, SB565, SB578, SB599, SB686, SB689, SB707, SB763, SB854, SB857, SB875, SB878, SB920, SB924, SB961, SB965, SB985, SB988, SB1021, SB1024, SB1026, SB1038, SB1059, SB1185, SB1202, SB1207, SB1252, SB1330, SB1396, SB1484, SB1527, SB1535, SB1596, SB1619, SB1697, SB1737, SB1741, SB1841, SJR36, SJR12, SJR57, SJR37, SCR22, SCR12, SB565, SB765, SB62, SB666, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB847, SB1248, SB504, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB1497, SB1498, SB241, SB304, SB621, SB1023, SB1024, SB686, SB371, SB204, SB609, SB670, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB1539, SB447, SB875, SB406, SB985, SB965, SB1119, SB1505, SB1215, SB1302, SB856, SB583, SB673, SB681, SB1172, SB1252, SB608, SB955, SB957, SB988, SB1021, SB1120, SB251, SB541, SB379, SB1737, SB266, SB1415, SB1527, SB125, SB599, SB1330, SB53, SB1352, SB785, SB472, SB1450, SB1502, SB1566, SB414, SB1062, SB961, SB1038, SB578, SB711, SB746, SB942, SB1404, SB1448, SB1738, SB108, SB8, SB318, SB507, SB533, SB689, SB1026, SB1349, SB1355, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596, SB1403, SB763, SB667, SB1059, SB617, SB1567, SB503, SB16, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB1209, SB1210, SB1470, SB264, SB924, SB1029, SB1185, SB1202, SB1358, SB1364, SB1569, SB1697, SB1376, SB1228, SB519, SB878, SB1350, SB462, SB1535, SB827, SB1585, SB207, SB1207, SB1619, SB1396, SB920, SB1484, SB1273, SB1741, SB7, SB927, SB1227, SB1229, SB1353, SB1366, SB1464, SB1709, SB1729, SB1733, SB1744, SB1772, SB1816, SB1841, SB2188, SB1147, SB879, SB1008, SJR81, SJR50, SCR39, SB1536, SB2016, SB1453, SB1173, SB1163, SB996, SB27, SB568, SB1370, SB1321, SB1101, SB906, SB860, SB1563, SB993, SB693, SB1610, SB1537, SB836, SB1332, SB1307, SB963, SB493, SB922, SB984, SB1084, SB619, SB1098, SB1122, SB455, SB522, SB1057, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1877, SB464, SB1277, SB32, SB732, SB660, SB731, SB921, SB268, SB1822, SB1188, SB1939, SB1589, SB397, SB1388, SB2230, SB1058, SB1036, SB1267, SB2112, SB1930, SB532, SB1035, SB2155, SB508, SB29, SB292, SB291, SB901, SB1333, SB1436, SB1494, SB964, SB779, SB1378, SB2312, SB1719

Keywords: voter ID, citizenship, election integrity, constitutional amendment, voting rights, water infrastructure, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, water supply, environmental sustainability, immigration enforcement, ICE agreements, sheriff grants, law enforcement, county jail, federal immigration law, voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't even have, um, um, um, FDA or what is that inspection, USDA inspection at this point.
• We don't even have, um, um, um, FDA or what is that inspection, USDA inspection at this point.
• We don't even have, um, um, um, FDA or what is that inspection, USDA inspection at this point.
• We don't even have, um, um, um, FDA or what is that inspection, USDA inspection at this point.
• uh FDA or what is that inspection USDA uh FDA or what is that inspection USDA inspection<00:26:34.200

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 345, which would establish ʻōpae ʻula as the state shrimp. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and Kua Ulu Aumo testified in strong support, saying the designation could help protect endemic shrimp in anchialine pools and increase public education and awareness. In response to questions, DLNR said it would use existing education programs, press releases, and partnerships for statewide outreach and was not seeking a separate appropriation for that purpose. Members then took up SCR 132 and SR 111, which encourage adoption of recommendations from the UN Global Plastics Treaty and the Rapa Nui Summit Declaration on climate justice and sustainable development. Greenpeace Hawaii supported the measures, arguing that plastic production is tied to fossil fuel interests and that microplastics pose serious health and environmental risks. The committee later adopted the measures with amendments, including a change from “waste hierarchy” to “zero waste hierarchy” and technical edits. The final measures, SCR 157 and SR 127, urged the state to adopt and implement the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. DLNR testified that it had only just reviewed the resolution but stood on its written testimony. The committee passed SCR 157 and SR 127 as is. The meeting also included a separate hearing on SCR 89 and SR 72, which would create a University of Hawaiʻi Community College pathway for meat processing. The Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the idea, citing workforce needs and local protein supply, while several members raised concerns about whether a formal educational pathway or degree requirement might unnecessarily limit entry into the field; discussion focused on whether the proposal should be more vocational and whether there is enough data on workforce demand. No final vote on those measures was shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're intercepting those and testing them and working with the USDA and APHIS to find out what they
• They can, you know, point out programs at the USDA or the TDA or local mental health where you can get
• The USDA, under the new administration, has contacted us.
• Right now, USDA inspects all foreign shrimp.
• In January of 2025... the USDA released its cattle inventory report and that report essentially shows

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The USDA violations of where these animals really come from would turn your stomachs.
• Puppy-selling pet stores source from large-scale commercial breeders licensed by the USDA.
• But a USDA license does not mean humane or even adequately regulated.
• These very same breeders do have licenses from the USDA and have documented violations.
• These very same breeders do have licenses from the USDA and have documented violations.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered a wide range of animal, wildlife, hunting, and environmental bills. Early testimony focused on deer management, with Rep. Markey urging creation of a deer commission to address crop damage, vehicle collisions, and Lyme disease, and Sen. Durant supporting bills to allow Sunday bow hunting, expand crossbow use, and reduce the 500-foot dwelling restriction for archery hunting. Supporters framed these measures as practical wildlife-management tools, while questions centered on how they would differ from existing Fish and Wildlife authority and whether they would allow hunting closer to residences. Later, Rep. Sena also spoke in support of a bill to increase protected wildlife management areas and another to require non-lead ammunition, arguing both would benefit biodiversity and reduce environmental harm. A substantial portion of the hearing addressed animal welfare and commerce. Multiple witnesses supported bills to ban or phase out the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops, arguing that pet stores rely on puppy mills and obscure the source of animals, while opponents said the bills would hurt responsible breeders, small businesses, and consumer choice. The committee also heard strong testimony for bills to ban the sale of cats and dogs in pet shops, with supporters citing sick animals, consumer deception, and the need to cut off the puppy mill supply chain. In a separate animal-testing segment, witnesses backed bills requiring non-animal testing methods for cosmetics and household products, saying alternatives are more accurate and humane; biomedical research representatives opposed those bills and a related research-animal measure, warning of unintended restrictions on research institutions and arguing animal models remain necessary for many studies. The committee also heard testimony on horseshoe crab conservation, with supporters of H. 898 urging an end to taking horseshoe crabs for bait because of population declines, shorebird impacts, and the species’ importance to biomedical science. On wildlife trafficking, witnesses backed bills to ban intrastate sales of ivory and rhino horn, saying Massachusetts should close loopholes that aid poaching and align with federal law and other states; one antique dealer testified in support, saying he avoids such items and still sees them in the marketplace. Additional testimony supported bans on fur products from factory farms and on force-feeding birds for foie gras, with advocates emphasizing cruelty, public health, and environmental concerns. The hearing was lengthy and heavily attended, with the chairs repeatedly limiting testimony to three minutes and inviting written submissions; no committee votes or final actions were taken during the transcript excerpt.