Transcript Highlights:

• and basically stated that in Mojave County, county sheriffs are patrolling the water since Game and Fish
• would be making sure that Mojave County is able to cover all waters. ...with 65 percent to Game and Fish
• Fish, thank you. Uh, Leader? Yeah, also unconstitutional.
• Fish thank you uh leader yeah um also unconstitutional it attempts to bind future legislatures and so
• Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2162 requires at least one member of the Game and Fish Commission to

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long calendar of House bills across education, health, water, land, housing, labor, public safety, and taxation. Several measures dealt with artificial intelligence, including bills on AI disclosures for minors, AI-assisted divorce arbitration, an Arizona AI education program, AI privilege protections, and a required AI course in schools. Other topics included ESA administration funding, a prohibition on public money for certain foreign-controlled genetic sequencing devices, towing regulations, DUI and ignition interlock changes, health facility and nursing facility complaint timelines, internationally trained physicians, nurse anesthetist reimbursement, pharmacy penalties, childhood cancer research, cybersecurity encryption, school mental health instruction repeal, superintendent performance pay, adoption disclosures in student health settings, anti-Semitism in schools, and a range of water, land, and housing bills. Members frequently raised concerns about local control, unfunded mandates, constitutional issues, and the scope of state intervention. Several bills drew criticism for affecting school curriculum, public education, reproductive rights, protest activity, or tribal communities. Others were supported as technical fixes, consumer protections, or funding measures. The caucus also discussed a series of bills related to the Mexican gray wolf, state land management, solar and wind siting, groundwater transport, and rural development, with some members objecting that the proposals would undermine federal protections or tribal interests. A number of bills were pulled from consent for further discussion, including HB 2020, HB 2957, HCR 2044, HB 2352, HB 2667, HB 2906, HB 2093, HB 2386, HB 2481, HB 2830, HB 2076, HB 2411, HB 2136, HB 2665, and HB 2904. The meeting ended with an announcement of the Latino Caucus guest presentation and an emotional tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, followed by presentation of an Affordability Award to Representatives Lorena Austin and Stephanie Simacek for work on economic justice and working families. The caucus then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:07:01.120> um they took samples of fish tissue um they took samples of fish tissue um throughout
• We have worked with the fish and wildlife uh to identify places where people fish most.
• We have worked with public health as well as fish and wildlife and put out fish consumption advisories
• So we PAS in all of those uh those fish.
• as fish and wildlife and put out fish as fish and wildlife and put out fish consumption<00:52:10.400

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:01:40 Chair Comments 00:02:51 Rep. Nima Kulkarni PFAS Presentation 00:04:35 EEC PFAS Presentation 00:39:36 Rusty Cress PFAS Presentation 01:01:10 Chair Comments on Admin Regs and Reports Received 01:14:41, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, my dad, by the way, proudly was a 41-year veteran of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
• Uh, my dad, by the way, proudly was a 41-year veteran of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
• Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
• of a fishing license, for example. example. example.
• I mean maybe hunting and fishing public.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and wildlife to fish and wildlife statutes. statutes. statutes.
• <00:26:13.080> and administrative updates in fish and administrative updates in fish and wildlife
• and fishing and wildlife violations. and fishing and wildlife violations.
• <00:37:00.040> So<00:37:00.960> uh in for Fish and Wildlife lands.
• So uh in for Fish and Wildlife lands.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Next up, fishing game rule 173. >> Okay, so um these rules are on fishing tournaments and derbies
• >> Next up, fishing game uh rule 173. >> Next up, fishing game uh rule 173.
• >> Okay, so um these rules are on fishing >> Okay, so um these rules are on fishing
• space and a date for their fishing space and a date for their fishing tournament<00:32:29.760>
• location and date for a fishing location and date for a fishing tournament. tournament. tournament

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then adopted the consent calendar without objection. On the regular calendar, it took up a Health and Human Services Medicaid rule on laboratory services. Committee members questioned why an expired rule was still needed and whether any fees, fines, or appeals had occurred during the lapse. DHHS staff said there were no fees or fines, the service remains in the state Medicaid plan, providers continued to be reimbursed under the billing manual, and there had been no known appeals. The committee then approved the rule. The next item was a Natural Resources rule package covering wood processing mills, wood concentration yards, forestry health, forest fire, and administrative fines. Representative Leon pulled the item from consent and objected to the rule’s repeated 5-inch diameter limit for burnable material, arguing that the statute authorizes permits for camp or cooking fires but does not clearly authorize a diameter limit, and that larger wood can be responsibly burned or otherwise managed in forested properties. DNCR’s forest protection chief responded that the 5-inch limit is intended to reduce smoldering and wildfire risk, align with DEES air rules defining brush as 5 inches or less, and keep backyard burning consistent with air-quality regulations. He said larger material can be handled through other permitting processes and that the rule is meant to educate the public and prevent unsafe burning. Members continued to debate whether the rule exceeded statutory authority and whether it was practical for landowners managing larger wooded parcels. One member suggested narrowing the 5-inch restriction in the category 4 permit language, while another noted the statute appears to speak in terms of small or large amounts of material rather than a specific diameter. The discussion ended without a final resolution in the excerpt, with the committee still considering possible amendments to the Natural Resources rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill relates to saltwater fishing stamps.
• The Wildlife Code requires people to acquire fishing licenses and fishing stamps to fish in Texas waters
• fisheries, and the management of freshwater fish habitats.
• Saltwater fishing stamp revenue may be allocated with an emphasis on saltwater fish hatcheries, investing
• in saltwater fish hatcheries and habitat restoration for more sustainable fish. and maintains Texas

Bills: SB34, SB119, SB261, SB532, SB1035, SB1245, SB1247, SB1267, SB1442, SB1930, SB1948, SB2078, SB2112, SB2143, SB2155

Keywords: wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department, Texas A&M Forest Service, West Texas A&M University, prescribed burning, fuel loading, fuel reduction, firefighting equipment database, emergency communications, disaster preparedness, rural fire protection, asset hardening, natural resource management, emergency management, large wildfire risk, fire grant funding, fire suppression, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• one CH the total fishing one CH the total fishing game game game um<03:43:33.439> oh<03:43
• that is Happ oh oh okay so it's the fish that is Happ oh oh okay so it's the fish and<03:43:49.399
• <03:48:10.000> games there this would be the fishing games there this would be the fishing
• okay okay so we can check off fishing okay okay so we can check off fishing game<04:03:58.159>
• <05:01:57.120> okay fishing okay fishing okay good<05:01:59.280> anybody<05:01:59.680><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee received a Department of Revenue Administration update from Commissioner Lindsay Stepp focused on revenue estimates for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. She explained the department’s forecasting method, which uses five scenarios based on the first seven months of actual collections and different assumptions for the remaining months, then selects a reasonable high and low range for FY 25 and applies projected growth rates for FY 26 and FY 27. Members asked several clarifying questions about how the scenarios are chosen and how the estimates relate to economic growth and taxpayer behavior. For business taxes, Stepp reported FY 25 year-to-date collections of $110.3 million, 18.2% below plan and 17.2% below prior year. She said the shortfall reflects both economic conditions and a resetting of estimated payments after unusually strong pandemic-era profits, and noted that the department cannot fully separate changes in taxpayer liability from changes in estimated payment behavior. She said approximately just under $72 million was refunded in FY 24 due to the CCO cap, and that FY 25 year-to-date refunds are at 41.7%. For business taxes, the department’s FY 25 range was based on either continued underperformance versus plan or a return to prior-year levels, with FY 26 and FY 27 growth projected at 3% to 8%. The committee also reviewed meals and rooms tax, tobacco tax, and related trends. Meals and rooms revenue was $6.9 million, or 3.3%, ahead of plan and prior year; the FY 25 gross estimate was $475.894 million, with a net range of about $331.82 million to $335.259 million after municipal transfers and school building aid. Stepp said recent monthly results suggest some fluctuation tied to disposable income, weather, and travel patterns, but no clear sustained decline. Tobacco tax was $18.1 million, 14% below plan and 4.8% below prior year; she said cigarette stamp sales are declining while e-cigarettes and other tobacco products are growing, with FY 25 tobacco revenue projected at $182.5 million to $185.3 million and FY 26-FY 27 growth ranging from -5% to flat. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The DAV, we have an outdoor hunting and fishing program.
• The DAV, we have an outdoor hunting and fishing program.
• The DAV, we have an outdoor hunting and fishing program.
• The DAV, we have an outdoor hunting and fishing program.
• and just a fishing license, or what's...?

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Veterans and Military Affairs Division held its first meeting with a quorum present, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, and reviewed decorum expectations and basic operating rules. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Aaron Repinski emphasized that the committee would operate as a nonpartisan body focused on veterans’ issues. No minutes were approved because it was the division’s first meeting. Nonpartisan House staff then gave an overview of the Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs, including their missions, organizational structure, and budgets. The presentation highlighted the Minnesota National Guard, Camp Ripley, enlistment incentives, the Emergency Services Program, and the Veterans Affairs programs for veterans homes, cemeteries, benefits assistance, and state-funded benefits such as the State Soldiers Assistance Program, Minnesota GI Bill, and Post-9/11 bonus. Staff also noted housing and homelessness-related initiatives, several committee-supported outside programs, and the Support Our Troops license plate funding split between the two agencies. The committee then heard from Trent Dils of Disabled American Veterans Minnesota on behalf of the Commander's Task Force, a coalition of congressionally chartered veterans organizations. He described the group’s unanimous legislative process and urged continuation of a separate veterans omnibus bill, arguing it has helped keep veterans issues apart from broader partisan disputes. He also began outlining the task force’s 2025 priorities, including hunting, fishing, and trapping benefits for veterans, but the transcript cuts off before the full list or any committee action on those priorities is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:56.959> and fish and game. both fish and game and fish and game. both fish and game
• there's a highway and then a fishing there's a highway and then a fishing game<03:16:41.680>
• Uh that again the fishing game fund.
• . um fish and So about a million dollars. um fish and game<03:20:17.040> department<03:20:17.439
• So that's something at fishing game.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of the Fish Report, are we getting an adequate account?
• Are we getting an adequate picture through the Fish Report, or is there additional data points that we
• , because FISH capacity doesn't allow you to really account for ESC spaces, inclusion spaces.
• That wouldn't show up on the FISH capacity.
• So they're counting your FISH capacity, and you literally can't use the space.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education received a presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget and the Department of Education on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 education budget. Shelby Salmons outlined the overall budget framework, and Commissioner Stasi Kamoutsis highlighted major education investments, including $486 million for VPK, $30.6 billion for K-12 education, a $761.1 million increase in FEFP funding, the highest per-student funding level to date, and $201 million more for teacher pay flexibility. The presentation also emphasized school safety, mental health, civics education, and the Guardian Program, along with continued funding for TEACH, HIPPY, Help Me Grow, and civics debate and literacy initiatives. Members asked about how the mental health allocation would be used, counselor staffing ratios, school closures and whether the department intervenes, oversight of school choice and voucher-funded schools, and the Guardian Program’s pay structure and effectiveness. Senators also raised concerns about the FISH school capacity report, data collection, teacher pay, professional development, AI and tutoring technology, and whether the budget adequately supports mental health services and school safety. The Commissioner said many funding decisions are left to districts, that the department stands ready to assist, and that the Guardian Program has been successful and expanded over time. During public testimony, Pinellas County School Board member Laura Hine said her district spends far more on safety and mental health than it receives in state categorical funding, and urged the committee to consider full-day VPK funding, arguing it has improved third-grade reading outcomes in Pinellas. Senators followed up on district flexibility and local spending choices. The committee took no substantive vote on the budget presentation and adjourned after thanking the department for its recommendations and partnership.

Transcript Highlights:

• Discussion: Committee, I know, I guess, going back to the hearing on this, the Game and Fish was okay
• It will allow Game and Fish to more accurately determine resident participation in duck hunting.
• I have in my notes that the number one reason for the bill is to give the Game and Fish the ability to
• For the bill is to give the Game and Fish the ability to track resident waterfowl hunters so they have
• It gives some idea to Game and Fish and to the hunting community. The 50 feet...

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee reconsidered Senate Bill 2159, which concerns a study related to nuclear energy and waste. Members discussed a proposed amendment to clarify that the study would address above-ground storage of nuclear waste, not underground storage, reflecting concerns raised by constituents about earlier nuclear-related proposals. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave SB 2159 a unanimous 13-0 do pass recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2245, described as a hunting-related bill, and recommended it do pass on a 13-0 vote after brief discussion with Game and Fish support noted. Senate Bill 2216, the duck stamp bill, was also advanced 13-0. Testimony on SB 2216 explained that it would help Game and Fish better track resident duck hunting participation and generate revenue for waterfowl habitat, PLOTS access, and possible federal matching funds. The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 2137, which addresses baiting rules and chronic wasting disease surveillance. An amendment was proposed to set a 50-gallon limit at a hunting location, require a 50-foot setback from property used for animal agriculture, and direct continued disease surveillance with a report due before December 31, 2028. After discussion about fence setbacks, livestock concerns, and the department’s authority to manage disease, the committee adopted the amendment by a 7-6 vote and then passed the bill as amended on an 8-4 vote. The committee also noted several remaining bills would be taken up the following week and adjourned, with no meeting the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• We could talk about the public fishing pier where a kid catches their first fish and the fish hatchery
• > fish catches their first fish and the fish catches their first fish and the fish hatchery<00:14
• >> and commissioner, we visited that fish >> and commissioner, we visited that fish
• Paul Fish Hatchery.
• Paul Fish Hatchery.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And and like I said, fishing game is very dependent on licenses.
• fishing game that needs to arrest me, not the Derry police.
• and you just don't like hunting fishing and you just don't like hunting fishing or<00:18:12.520>
• For the record, Colonel Kevin Jordan from Fish and Game.
• <01:09:24.679> game Colonel Kevin Jordan from fishing game Colonel Kevin Jordan from fishing

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fishing fishing economy<05:16:14.558> time<05:16:14.798> is<05:16:15.000> money
• You can't fish using lead. I wouldn't be able to check for that.
• Are they fishing?
• you think I have... no I didn't catch any fish and he acts no I didn't catch any fish and he acts suspicious
• so I had a I had an idea there were fish so I had a I had an idea there were fish in<05:44:31.680

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Therefore, I have a fish question.
• All the focus on fish.
• They are really important to our fishing community.
• I want you to commit to me to promote American freedom fish, Alaska freedom fish, and not allow communist
• It does involve fish.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pat Rivers, deputy director of DNR Fish and Wildlife, is also here.
• Pretty are still ice fishing up there. Good, good. Okay. Thank you, Mr.
• We're not expecting a nice like to go boating fishing.
• We're not expecting a nice like to go boating fishing.
• about the fishing and the world by making them work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board: Michael L. Cravens.
• Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board: Jaron Lyman.
• Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board: Nathan R. Reese.
• Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board Nathan R.
• SB 1353, monitoring program fish containment's appropriation.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and approval of the prior journal. Members then recognized several guest groups and proclamations, including the Alzheimer’s Association, the Arizona Society of CPAs, the Arizona Airports Association (with a proclamation designating Arizona Aviation Day), and students from Onyose Day Academy in Yuma for School Choice Week. Additional guest introductions included school choice and community advocates. The chamber then handled executive nominations and a long list of bill introductions and committee referrals. Measures covered a wide range of topics, including veterans’ property tax exemptions, ESA reporting and spending limits, public school communications requirements, sentencing and expungement, SNAP work and audit provisions, immigration-related restrictions, water and land issues, election law, domestic relations, health insurance and fertility coverage, and several education, transportation, and public safety proposals. The Senate also moved through second-reading consideration of numerous bills and resolutions, including measures on voting security, prison sentencing, weather modification, water supply, emergency shelters, rural health, reentry programs, and foreign contributions. A large portion of the floor time was taken up by personal privilege statements focused on human rights and immigration enforcement. Senators from both parties spoke about alleged abuses by federal immigration authorities, citing deaths and injuries in several states and calling for investigations, transparency, and an end to excessive force. Separate remarks also addressed a humanitarian crisis in Iran, with a resolution read in support of human rights and the Iranian people. The chamber recessed and later reconvened to continue reading bills and announcements. No substantive floor votes on legislation were taken in the transcript beyond routine procedural actions, and the meeting ended with committee announcements and adjournment until the next scheduled session.

Bills: HB111, HB103, HB60, HB108, HB120, HB145, HB154, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB38, HB47, HB63, HB64, HB127, HB165, HB184, HB200, HM20, HM51

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• The Game and Fish State Police Subcommittee met on Tuesday, March 17, at the Joe Hogan Fish Hatchery
• Fish Hatchery facility.
• The Game and Fish. State Police Irvin, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• The Game and Fish State Police Subcommittee met on Tuesday, March 17 at the Joe Hogan Fish Hatchery in
• Fish Hatchery facility.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Boating and fishing have shown to provide benefits from a mental and physical health standpoint, which
• to establish a Division of Fishing and Boating Access, which will also create opportunities for future
• I am joining today to speak in support of H. 986, which is an act relative to the Department of Fish
• of Fishing and Boating Access, which manages over 300 boat ramps across the Commonwealth.
• A fishing property adjacent to a waterway is somewhat unique for us.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states. The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.