Video & Transcript : 'Texas Agriculture Code' :
Page 54 of 500
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 26, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Palmhurst and the great state of Texas. Palmhurst and the great state of Texas.
- And so had actually broken the code.
- </c> from Texas seek recognition? Mr. from Texas seek recognition? Mr.
- </c> across Texas.
- Texas has the second across Texas.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- resilience is so critical to our national security that Congress has mandated in 10 United States Code
- Florida and Texas, which use third party permitting generally, have required that jurisdictions accept
- to the electrical code.
- You know, my understanding is that Texas—we don't always think about Texas as a blue place.
- It's a purple place—but Texas has a lot of solar.
Summary:
The hearing focused broadly on solar policy and several related bills, especially S. 2269, S. 2270, H. 3520, H. 3521, and related measures on distributed energy resources, municipal solar caps, permitting reform, and tax credits. Testimony from the Air Force supported S. 2232, which would exempt federal military installations from renewable energy production caps and net metering limits to support energy resilience at bases like Hanscom. Most other witnesses argued that Massachusetts needs to speed up rooftop, municipal, and community solar deployment to address high electricity prices, federal tax credit rollbacks, grid reliability, and climate goals.
A major theme was streamlining permitting through automated or “smart” solar permitting, including a statewide platform managed by DOER. Permit Power, SEIA, Vote Solar, 350 Mass, and others said current local permitting is fragmented and costly, and that instant permitting could reduce soft costs and speed installations. Several witnesses also urged changes to interconnection rules, including flexible interconnection, remote inspections, and faster utility approval timelines. Some speakers raised concerns about small towns lacking staff to meet short deadlines and suggested a state-hosted platform to reduce the burden on municipalities.
Another major topic was lifting caps on solar deployment. Municipal officials from Lexington and Cambridge said the 10-megawatt municipal cap and regional caps are blocking shovel-ready projects and should be removed, including for behind-the-meter municipal solar and MBTA-community housing. Other witnesses described additional limits on project size, net metering, and residential tax credits, and called for making the state residential solar credit refundable and larger. Several speakers also supported virtual power plants, distributed energy resource targets, solar canopies, microgrids, and expanded access for affordable housing, tenants, and low- and moderate-income customers.
No votes were taken. Committee members asked questions about permitting timelines, grid modernization, the rationale for caps, balcony solar, and interconnection delays, and witnesses said they would follow up with additional information where needed. The hearing ended with broad support from industry, municipal, environmental, and advocacy groups for advancing the solar and distributed energy bills, while some witnesses opposed provisions they viewed as overly restrictive, such as mandatory SMART participation for all solar projects.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Apr 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- IT'S A FEASIBLE STUDY ALLOWING A UNIQUE PIN NUMBER OR CODE WORD TO PAIR WITH UNIQUELY GENERATED PHONE
- AND AGGRAVATED ANIMAL CRUELTY IS A THIRD DEGREE FELONY ON THE CRIMINAL PUNISHMENT CODE SCORESHEET.
- IN TEXAS THERE WAS A MAN SUED.
- WE'VE SEEN HARASSING LITIGATION IN TEXAS AND ARIZONA.
- THAT'S EXACTLY HOW SIMILAR BILLS HAVE BEEN WESTERNIZED IN OTHER STATES CROSS THE COUNTRY INCLUDING TEXAS
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- It may not be real-coding dollars, but they're general fund dollars or some.
- My understanding is that quantum has the potential to impact everything from agriculture to energy to
- Areas where there's agriculture, bioscience, energy, batteries, healthcare, there's so many applications
- Obviously, you know, traditional agriculture.
- I think one of the things that's given Texas an unfair economic development advantage is they have a
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Part 2 Feb 12th, 2026
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So it's a huge amount of agriculture production to put milk in every one of our public schools.
- They are spread over 54 communities between New Mexico and Texas. They employ 3,644 New Mexicans.
- And instead of going to Hobbs in five hours, we ended up in Texas.
- This amendment incorporates the New Mexico tax code recently enacted.
- Much policy, which I don't believe is really the capacity for a tax cleanup code, Mr.
Bills:
HB111 , HB108 , HB145 , HB164 , HB291 , HJR6 , HR1 , HB63 , HB64 , HB165 , HB184 , HB200 , HB4 , HB7 , HB20 , HB65 , HB66 , HB80 , HB88 , HB96 , HB166 , HB285 , HB295 , HB306 , SB29 , SB37 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM20 , HM51 , HM1 , HM31 , HM35 , HM36 , HM46 , HM53 , HM54 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50
Summary:
The House spent much of the meeting on recognitions and tributes, including remarks supporting New Mexico’s dairy industry, honoring Gadsden Independent School District educators and students, recognizing Broadband Day at the Capitol, and celebrating the retirement of Representative Susan Herrera. Members from both parties praised Herrera’s long public-service career, especially her work on water, acequias, land grants, rural communities, modernization, early childhood, and predatory lending reform. Herrera thanked colleagues and said she was leaving to spend more time with family, grandchildren, and personal pursuits.
The chamber also received a Senate message on House amendments to Senate Bill 3, with the Senate concurring in most items and asking the House to recede from two provisions. Committee reports were then adopted on a series of bills and resolutions, including House Bills 99, 206, 213, 250, 267, 270, 322, and 323; Senate Bills 17, 48, 55, 104, and 193; House Joint Resolution 5; and House Memorial 39. Most reports were adopted without objection, while some bills were advanced with committee substitutes or referrals to other committees.
On third reading, the House passed several measures. House Bill 63, funding New Mexico Finance Authority water projects, passed 66-0; House Bill 64, appropriating about $13.25 million for PPRF-related funds, passed 67-0; House Bill 285, refining the disabled veteran property tax exemption, passed 67-0; House Bill 165, expanding C-PACE economic development uses, passed 67-0; House Bill 184, consolidating legacy fund investment accounts, passed 67-0; and House Bill 200, appropriating $10 million for the New Homes for New Mexico starter-home program, was debated at length and then passed. House Bill 291, the tax cleanup bill, drew a failed floor amendment that was tabled 41-24 before the bill passed 59-8. The debate on HB 200 focused on whether the program would help smaller builders and rural communities, while the HB 291 amendment debate centered on adding broader tax provisions and concerns about fiscal impact and policy scope.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 9th, 2026
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Since Isaac was a little boy, he would work in agricultural fields with his parents.
- Back home in Texas. Mr.
- Her father has worked in Hatch Valley agricultural fields for over 40 years.
- Her father has worked in Hatch Valley Agricultural Fields for over 40 years.
- An act relating to agriculture, updating fees for certain New Mexico Department of Agriculture regulatory
Bills:
HB111 , HB61 , HB43 , HB156 , HB70 , SB3 , HB103 , HB109 , HB128 , HB247 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and pledges, and spent much of the session on memorials and recognitions. Members honored former Senator Clint Hardin with a certificate and extended condolences, with several representatives sharing personal remembrances of his work on autism coverage, second chances for formerly incarcerated people, rural issues, and bipartisan dealmaking. The chamber also recognized Council of Governments Day, 4-H Day, NMSU Day, scouting groups, and several student and community guests, including youth from 4-H, NMSU CAMP, folklórico, and the La Cueva boys soccer team.
The House received messages from the governor and Senate, including authorization for House Bill 320, the Industrial Carbon Reduction Act, and Senate passage of several bills. Committee reports were adopted on a long list of measures, including House Bills 145, 158, 180, 49, 164, 256, 287, 60, 120, 166, 306, 124, 314, 185, 253, 195, 259, 295, 296, 338, and others, along with several joint resolutions and memorials. The chamber also ordered certain bills germane and referred them to committees, and enrolled and engrossed multiple memorials.
On third reading, House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill, passed 65-0. The House Judiciary Committee substitute for House Bill 70, updating the Public Regulation Commission and hearing officer structure, passed 66-0 after brief debate. House Bill 247, which modernizes capital outlay procedures and limits reauthorizations, was then taken up; the sponsor explained it would send unspent general fund capital outlay money to a Capital Development and Reserve Fund and tribal project balances to the tribal infrastructure fund. An amendment was offered to redirect the reserve fund money to the state road fund, and debate began, with members discussing road conditions and the purpose of the reserve fund.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 8, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> gentleoman from Texas, Miss Garcia. gentleoman from Texas, Miss Garcia.
- </c><00:55:59.119><c> has</c> Congressman Brandon Gail of Texas has Congressman Brandon Gail of Texas
- </c> Emergencies Act 15 United States Code Emergencies Act 15 United States Code 1622D<02:36:48.160><
- </c> people who want to change the tax code people who want to change the tax code to<04:55:37.400><c
- It's not like Texas. not like Florida. It's not like Texas.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- . ...to ensure we honor this great steak of Texas.
- Texas is the number one beef cattle production in the United States, with 12.2 million cattle.
- strip steak and urges the Texas Department of Agriculture to promote the name in efforts to support
- This resolution names Pflugerville as the Trail Capital of Texas.
- of Texas for a period of 10 years.
Committee:
Senate Administration
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Administration met with a quorum and heard several Senate Concurrent Resolutions recognizing Texas places and traditions. SCR 46, by Senator Sparks, proposed renaming the New York strip steak as the Texas strip steak to honor Texas cattle production and the state’s beef industry. No public testimony was offered, and the committee voted 4 ayes and 1 present not voting to report it favorably to the full Senate.
The committee also heard SCR 18, by Senator Parker, designating Trophy Club as a symbol of Texas patriotism, SCR 4, by Senator Eckhardt, naming Pflugerville the Trail Capital of Texas, and SCR 43, by Senator Hinojosa, designating Port Aransas as the official fishing capital of Texas for 10 years. Each resolution received no public testimony, was reported favorably by unanimous or near-unanimous committee vote, and was placed on the local and uncontested calendar for April 24, 2025.
Afterward, the committee reviewed the April 24 local and uncontested calendar, noting several bills removed because of penalties, fiscal notes, or significant opposition, with SB 1727 specifically raised by a member. The committee then certified the April 24, 2025 list by a 6-0 vote and recessed. SCR 31 was left pending.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- with a substitute by vote of 13 yeas and zero nays. from agriculture conservation and from agriculture
- ,</c><01:05:44.160><c> Conservation,</c><01:05:44.640><c> and</c> from Agriculture, Conservation, and
- </c> credit card verification value or code credit card verification value or code and<01:58:52.800><
- Put it in to put in and your zip code.
- </c><02:04:24.800><c> whatever</c> then the the the secret code whatever then the the the secret code
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber also recognized guests, including members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and employees of the Central Alabama Electric Cooperative. A senator then delivered a Black History Month-style presentation highlighting James Weldon Johnson, A. Philip Randolph, Jan E. Matzeliger, and Percy Lavon Julian for their contributions to civil rights, labor, industry, and science.
The Senate received House messages referring two Archives and History board appointments to the Committee on Confirmations, then took up numerous committee reports. Several bills from Finance and Taxation, Judiciary, Education Policy, Agriculture, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Healthcare, Tourism, Veterans and Military Affairs, State Government Affairs, and Local Legislation received favorable reports, some with amendments or substitutes, and were advanced to second reading and placement on the next legislative day’s calendar. The chamber also recommitted Senate Bill 266 to the Tourism Committee.
The Senate confirmed multiple appointments, including Llaya McNair to the Alabama Trust Fund Board, several members to the Credit Union Administration Board, and Elizabeth Smithart, Leslie Sanders, and Wayne Sers to the Alabama State Board of Human Resources. It then adopted several resolutions, including commendations and memorials, such as resolutions honoring Mary Francis Holland, the Stanhope Elmore boys bowling team, and Alicia Cannon for more than 50 years of service to the Alabama judicial system. The Senate also adopted a resolution creating the Study Commission on Artificial Intelligence and Children’s Internet Safety, after discussion about its purpose, membership, and duties; an amendment to the commission resolution was adopted before the resolution itself was adopted.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment May 19th, 2026
Natural Resources & Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas is one of those. Okay, and so we have primacy? Yes, sir.
- Now Texas has primacy. Now Mississippi is getting close to it.
- The code does address high consequence areas, right, whether it's in the gas code or a liquid code.
- areas right whether it's in the gas code or a liquid code and so when you're when you're running a pipeline
- So, right, the code doesn't allow you to transport corrosive materials.
Committee:
House Natural Resources & Environment
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- In the House of Representatives: House Bill 630 by the Agricultural Affairs Committee.
- In the House of Representatives, Houseville 630 by Agricultural Affairs Committee.
- In the House of Representatives, Houseville 631 by Agricultural Affairs Committee.
- So this will change the code to make sure that that child is taken care of.
- I'd point out also that city codes can change.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 15th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas Oklahoma State University is guided by the values of the Cowboy Code emphasizing integrity
- And we are an extremely important driver for the agricultural economy of this state.
- Code Orange, I think, is what we're calling it.
- Code Orange, I think, is what we're calling it.
- Just simply updates the Oklahoma Tax Code related to donations made via tax returns.
Bills:
SR31 , SB2060 , SB2184 , HB1371 , HB1411 , HB1933 , HB2361 , HB2398 , HB2893 , HB3006 , HB3044 , HB3127 , HB3322 , HB3147 , HB1276 , HB3472 , HB3522 , HB3704 , HB4303 , HB4319
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and spent much of the day on recognitions and special presentations, including Capitol Cowboy Day honoring Oklahoma State University, the Doctor and Nurse of the Day, Miss Oklahoma Teen Taylor Meeks, military families for Purple Up for Military Kids Day, and several visiting groups in the galleries. During the OSU presentation, university leaders highlighted OSU’s agricultural research and asked for support for an upcoming agronomy research bill, and Coach Eric Morris was welcomed as the new head football coach.
The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 31, designating April 15 as Purple Up for Military Kids Day in Oklahoma, which was presented with remarks about the sacrifices of military children and families and the significance of wearing purple. The Senate also advanced and passed several measures, including bills dealing with duplicate statutory sections and statutory interpretation, a negotiated oil and gas bill, the True Grit Trail, nitric oxide sales to minors, foster care and juvenile transition documents, a paraprofessional certification change, an Indian education council sunset extension, veterans’ tax refund donations, a Route 66 specialty license plate, cell phone restrictions in K-12 classrooms, tire pyrolysis funding, ABLE Commission reporting, scholarship-granting organization tax credits, municipal ordinance publication deadlines, and agency rule authority and review.
Most bills were advanced without objection and passed by wide margins, with a few closer votes on House Bill 2398, House Bill 3127, House Bill 3704, and House Bill 1276. House Bill 1276, extending the classroom cell phone prohibition, drew the most debate, with supporters citing improved student focus and classroom interaction and one member raising local control concerns before voting yes. House Bill 3704, concerning participation in a federal tax credit for scholarship-granting organizations, prompted questions about double-dipping on tax benefits and state sovereignty, but it ultimately passed 38-8. The Senate then announced a Technology and Telecommunications meeting for the next morning and adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 16.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The beauty of Florida is how unique the ecosystem in the agriculture is.
- Take up late filed Amendment bar code 1, 0, 6, 6, to to Senator Gruters.
- Next we have Jim Sprott who is waiving in support, Florida, fertilizer and agriculture association.
- You are recognized to introduce Amendment bar Code 7, 9, 8, 2, 2, 2, >> Thank you, Mr.
- Code 6, 0, 7, 8, 0, 0, >> Thank you, Mr.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session (Part 2 of September 12, 2025 Legislative day)
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is dying out, and the refineries and facilities are closing not just in California, but in Texas and
- Tony Aiton taught us that your zip code is more important than your genetic code, that the communities
- Agriculture is not just a stakeholder we depend on for food.
- As such, this bill is now a giant firearm code cleanup bill, and it was a support...
- Assembly Bill 732 by Assembly Member Macedo and relating to agriculture.
Summary:
The chamber reconvened after a late-night session and first adopted the consent calendar, including ACR 107 on the Diablo Range, by a 48-0 vote. Members then took up several Senate bills and Assembly measures, with repeated remarks about the long hours and the need to respect staff and keep proceedings moving. A vote change was also announced for Assembly Member Patel on SB 414, changing from aye to not voting.
The main policy debate centered on energy, climate, and affordability. SB 237, dealing with oil and gas policy, refinery closures, pipeline safety, Kern County permitting, gasoline blend flexibility, and regional fuel coordination, drew strong support from members who framed it as a managed transition to stabilize fuel supply and protect jobs, and strong opposition from members who called it a giveaway to oil interests and a setback for climate goals. The bill passed 59-0. SB 254, an energy affordability and wildfire package, included wildfire mitigation financing, a successor wildfire fund, transmission cost reductions, clean energy permitting changes, and energization timelines; members raised some concerns about local control, but the bill passed 58-0. SB 840 and AB 1207 advanced the cap-and-invest reauthorization package, with supporters emphasizing emissions reductions, housing, transit, wildfire prevention, and community air programs, while opponents argued it would raise costs and function as a tax-and-spend scheme. SB 840 passed 54-15 and AB 1207 passed 55-10, both with urgency and immediate transmittal.
Members also approved SB 352, which makes the Bureau of Environmental Justice permanent and requires air quality monitoring and reporting on AB 617 implementation, by 43-19. AB 825, authorizing California to help establish a Westwide electricity market, was presented as a way to lower bills, improve reliability, and reduce emissions; it passed 67-2 and was sent to the Governor. Additional actions included concurrence in Senate amendments to AB 8 on cannabinoids and AB 383 on firearms cleanup, and the chamber began consideration of AB 764 on wildlife as the transcript ended.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Mar 5th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- For pollinators of the National Agriculture Research Extension Education and Economics Advisory Board
- He is a representative of Agricultura Network and the New Mexico Food and Agricultural Policy Council
- Food and Agriculture Policy Council as well. I'm also a board member at Farm to Table.
- This 80% loss has a multiplying factor, and pollinators actually balance production and agriculture in
- Agriculture Policy Council, where I sit on the governance committee.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Education Pre-K - 12 Nov 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- With that, I ask my QR codes. So with that, you can scan it.
- Each of the school districts in Alabama, Georgia, and Texas have policies that make it permissible to
- I know everybody kind of sees those massive facilities over in Texas.
- So the way that Texas and Georgia have...
- So the way that Texas and Georgia have... Dr. Ramjack, thank you.
Summary:
The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee heard a presentation from Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon, joined by student athletes Sydney Daniel and Taylor White. The students spoke about the value of education-based athletics, leadership, and the need for safe, equitable opportunities. Damon then discussed FHSAA issues including rising sportsmanship problems, ejections, violent incidents, recruiting allegations, transfers, mental health pressures on student athletes, and the need for qualified coaches. He said the association tries to be proactive, work with schools on discipline, and emphasize that school changes should be for academic reasons rather than athletics. Senators asked about mental health, transfer rules, and a recent Jacksonville incident; Damon explained the current transfer exceptions and said the association lacked authority over the Jacksonville football game because the schools were not in FHSAA football.
The committee then heard a panel on high school coaches’ compensation led by Florida Coaches Coalition Executive Director Dr. Andrew Ramgett, with Coach Mike Hickman, Coach Charlie Ward, and superintendents from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Ramgett argued that coaching supplements are outdated, have not kept pace with the expanding year-round demands of coaching, and amount to very low hourly pay in many sports. He also said Florida’s restrictions on booster club funding and minimal certification requirements contribute to turnover and difficulty retaining qualified coaches. Hickman and Ward described coaching as a demanding, year-round profession that affects students beyond athletics, including academics and mental health. The superintendents said they value coaches but must balance compensation against limited district funds and other staffing needs; one noted Walton County uses a dedicated administrative lane for football coaching and athletic administration. Senators discussed whether booster club funding should be allowed, whether compensation should be tied to performance, and whether any increase in base student allocation would actually reach coaches. Public commenters, including Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Cruz and former coach Tyrone McGriff, urged support for coaches and emphasized their broader impact on students’ lives and school safety.
At the end of the meeting, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 3 through 6 and, with no appearance forms filed, voted unanimously to recommend confirmation. Senator Burgess then moved to adjourn, and the committee concluded the meeting.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas and Michigan.
- But that coding and that programming was done by humans at some level, correct?
- And if I'm understanding the way this works, when that coded information has problems informing in...
- ...coded information has problems informing the autonomous vehicle as to how to navigate a situation
- It is not Texas. Our roads are more complex. Our traffic is denser.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on autonomous vehicle technology in California, with the chair emphasizing that all panel testimony would be heard before public comment. The first panel included an industry representative from AVIA, a George Mason University professor, a Dawn Project representative, and a crash survivor. Testimony sharply divided between supporters who said AVs and driver-assist systems can reduce crashes and create jobs, and critics who argued that current systems are unreliable, rely on unsafe remote assistance, and are being deployed without enough transparency or accountability. Committee members questioned witnesses about safety data, the distinction between Level 2 and Level 4 systems, remote operations, liability, and whether California should adopt more uniform standards and stronger reporting requirements.
The second panel focused on first responders and workers. A retired San Francisco Fire Department official described AVs blocking fire scenes, ambulances, and apparatus access, and said remote hotlines have been too slow to resolve incidents, urging a public-safety manual override for police, fire, and paramedics. A San Jose police deputy chief said law enforcement sees AV safety potential but needs clear authority, training, and standardized protocols to handle traffic violations and emergency interactions. A San Francisco rideshare driver described near-collisions, red-light violations, and congestion caused by robotaxis, calling for fines, permit suspensions, and better public access to incident data. A Teamsters representative criticized DMV’s proposed heavy-duty AV rules as too permissive, especially for 80,000-pound autonomous trucks, and argued for independent validation, operational limits, and legislative action if regulators do not act.
In the final panel, DMV and CPUC officials described California’s existing AV regulatory framework and defended the state’s oversight. DMV said it has regulated AVs since 2014, has issued multiple rulemakings, and is now developing a fourth package that would expand reporting, strengthen enforcement, and require AVs to respond to emergency geo-fence messages and law enforcement direction. DMV also noted current permit counts and past suspensions and revocations, including Cruise and Pony.ai actions. CPUC began outlining its role in regulating passenger service for hire. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only, and the committee chair indicated the testimony would inform future policy and legislation.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development Apr 9th, 2026
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's find our seats, please, and welcome to the Committee on Agriculture.
- And I believe that's very clearly an agriculture education.
- And I believe that's very clearly an agriculture education.
- AES, agriculture and environmental sciences.
- It still exists in Texas and in Mexico.
Summary:
The committee took up several agriculture-related bills and first heard a series of presentations from Louisiana 4-H and FFA student leaders. The students described how those programs built leadership, public speaking, and career goals, and members from both parties responded with personal stories about their own 4-H/FFA experiences and support for agricultural education and youth development.
On House Bill 715, the committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The bill requires aerial applicators using public airports or landing fields to carry radios and transponders, with the author and members framing it as a safety measure to prevent near-misses and improve communication during takeoff and landing. On House Bill 663, the committee adopted amendments changing the composition of the Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District board, including removing certain ex officio or agricultural-related members, and then reported the bill favorably; the author said the district has evolved beyond agriculture to include economic development, energy, transportation, and grant work.
House Bill 717, dealing with labeling requirements for cell-cultured food products, was amended technically and reported favorably. The author said the bill simply increases and clarifies the font size and visibility of labels so consumers can more easily see that a product is lab-grown or cell-cultured, matching seafood labeling standards. House Bill 834 on animal shelters received 23 amendments, many technical, but also substantive changes preserving local control, allowing parishes and municipalities to designate or contract with shelters, setting a three-day hold period, clarifying transfer of ownership for stray animals, and providing good-faith liability protection; after discussion with the Police Jury Association and others, the committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably.
The committee also reported Senate Bill 349 favorably, which recreates the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, and Senate Bill 350 favorably, which makes a technical name change related to the Louisiana soybean association and board membership. After those votes, Commissioner Mike Strain gave a lengthy sunset-review presentation on the department’s structure, duties, boards, and programs, emphasizing its role in agriculture, forestry, food safety, animal health, weights and measures, and related regulatory and promotional functions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Dawn Buckingham, your Texas. Land Commissioner.
- and contributing to the economy of Texas.
- A combination of factors. factors, the economy of Texas growing, the population of Texas increasing,
- How does that impact Texas?
- President, Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, and the Honorable Todd Staples, Texas Oil and Gas Association
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- So, for example, supplier Clearview Energy out of Texas... It's not just green.
- For example, supplier Clearview Energy out of Texas has a plan that they offer to customers.
- For example, supplier Clearview Energy out of Texas has a plan that they offer to customers.
- In Texas, for example, NRG is developing and has launched innovative retail products like the one we
- The Massachusetts Department of Agriculture — no, the U.S.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several energy-related bills, with the main focus on H. 3534/S. 2255, which would ban or sharply restrict residential third-party electric suppliers, and on related reform proposals. Supporters included the Attorney General’s office, municipal and regional planning officials, environmental justice groups, consumer advocates, and city officials from Boston and Chelsea. They argued that the residential competitive supply market has produced higher bills, deceptive sales tactics, auto-renewals into higher rates, and disproportionate harm to low-income residents, seniors, communities of color, and people with limited English. Witnesses cited AG reports estimating hundreds of millions of dollars in overcharges over time, described door-to-door and storefront marketing abuses, and said municipal aggregation programs have saved residents money while offering more stable rates. Several supporters said the Legislature should either ban residential competitive supply or adopt strong guardrails such as ending automatic renewals, banning incentive-based commissions, and capping rates relative to basic service.
Opponents or industry representatives from the Retail Energy Advancement League, Vistra, and Constellation argued that the market can provide savings, longer-term price stability, and value-added products such as renewable options and time-of-use offerings. They said Massachusetts has already improved consumer protections through DPU proceedings, that complaints are relatively few compared with the size of the market, and that a ban would eliminate consumer choice. They also defended direct sales and commissions as normal features of a retail market, while saying they would support additional protections, licensing, bonding, and stronger oversight of bad actors. Committee members pressed both sides on whether the market truly saves money, whether automatic renewals should be banned, and whether the AG’s proposed reforms would be enough.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3972, a bill to extend utility shutoff protections during extreme heat, with Rep. Mindy Domb arguing that Massachusetts should treat extreme heat like extreme cold and protect customers facing financial hardship. Rep. Barrett also testified for H. 3450, a municipal broadband/right-of-way bill, arguing that communities need easier and cheaper access to utility poles and public rights of way to build municipal broadband. In addition, Senate Majority Leader Creem testified for S. 2239, which would bar utilities from recovering ratepayer funds for lobbying, promotions, trade association dues, and similar expenses. No votes were taken during the hearing.