Video & Transcript : 'deer farm' :
Page 59 of 301
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/25/2026 - Senate Government
Senate Government Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Deere? Senator Robert? Aye. Senator Deer? Aye. Senator Farley? Aye. Senator Kennedy?
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes from the prior February meetings and then took up several measures. HCR 2013, designating June 2026 as “Celebrate Life Month” in Arizona, drew emotional testimony from Crystal Cooper and Bella Stockton about their lives with spina bifida and support for the resolution. Senator Kennedy and others questioned the purpose of the resolution, arguing the state should focus on concrete supports for families, but the motion passed 4-1 with two not voting.
Members then advanced HB 2327, which clarifies protections for eligible persons’ identifying information in county recorder records, with an amendment excluding voter registration records; it passed 5-0 with two not voting. HB 2258, adding La Paz County to the Tourism Advisory Council’s geographic area, also passed unanimously among those voting. HB 2397, expanding HOA/COA disclosure requirements for prospective buyers, was amended twice and passed 5-1; supporters said it would improve transparency about assessments and defects, while opponents warned about cost and administrative burdens, especially for smaller associations. HB 2015, imposing penalties for late federal/state financial reporting by state organizations, passed 4-2 despite concerns that the automatic penalties were too harsh and could be out of agencies’ control.
The committee also approved HB 4049, allowing DCS to hire its own counsel and directing the Attorney General to represent the state’s interest in certain cases involving alleged DCS misconduct, though some members argued current law already addresses conflicts and that DCS had not been consulted. HB 4087, authorizing placement of a Barbara Love memorial in the governmental wall, passed without opposition. HB 2100, allowing counties to authorize certain small land subdivisions, passed 4-2 amid debate over water adequacy and the risk of “wildcat” development. HB 2460, preempting local fees and penalties tied to abandoned or stolen movable business property such as shopping carts, passed 4-2 after extensive testimony from cities, retailers, and advocates over local control, costs, and theft prevention. Finally, HCR 2056, a proposed constitutional amendment recognizing a right to refuse medical mandates, began hearing testimony; supporters framed it as bodily autonomy, while opponents, including pediatric and public health advocates, warned it would weaken vaccine requirements and outbreak protections for schools and children.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- conditions for game and fish to use in determining the necessity of issuing landowner permits for taking deer
- I’m rather familiar with this bill as a school board member for Deer Valley Unified.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, guest introductions, and several ceremonial proclamations, including recognition of Dr. Joseph Torkelson for his service in pediatric oncology and military medicine. Members also introduced guests connected to Arizona Bleeding Disorders, charter schools, and a suicide-prevention effort tied to HB 2665 (“Cade’s Law”). The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills and resolutions.
On the first calendar, the House gave do pass recommendations, mostly as amended, to HB 2117, 2744, 2751, 2917, 2939, 2957, 2970, and HCR 2038. The amendments addressed topics such as natural resource conservation district boundaries, manufacturing and jobs, Real ID/non-Real ID data privacy, and Colorado River conservation and tribal/community representation. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole report and sent the measures for engrossing; a later motion to amend the report to include the defeated Villegas amendment on HB 2667 failed by roll call vote, 22-32 with 6 not voting.
In the next calendars, the House advanced HB 2015, 2129, 2327, 2439, 2533, 2667, 2793, 2873, HCR 2044, and others, with several floor or committee amendments adopted. Debate focused on homelessness coordination in HB 2533, homebuyer assistance and corporate ownership concerns in HB 2667, annexation and local control in HB 2793, and a proposed constitutional referral in HCR 2044 aimed at closing loopholes for discrimination in public programs. The House also considered HB 2044 and HB 2076 in the Judiciary calendar, with debate over the scope of a homicide-disposal statute in HB 2044 and school safety/teacher firearms issues in HB 2076; both bills advanced as amended.
The final calendar covered natural resources, energy, and water bills. The House advanced HB 2014, 2055, 2145, 2185, 2267, 2340, 2428, 2696, 2798, 2955, 2975, and 2986, with amendments on drought definitions, emissions permitting, mineral district mapping, and environmental enforcement authority. HB 2267 drew the sharpest debate, with opponents arguing it would hinder solar and wind development and supporters arguing for diversification toward coal, gas, and nuclear; after a division vote, the bill still received a do pass recommendation. The session concluded with the Committee of the Whole rising and reporting, and the House adopting the report and assigning the measures accordingly.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 02/17/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:19:00.600><c> Sur</c> other programs such as the farm Sur other programs such as the farm Sur
- The Department of Health does work with that farm and does offer testing to the farm workers and the
- The Department of Health does work with that farm and does offer testing to the farm workers and the
- The Department of Health does work with that farm and does offer testing to the farm workers and the
- Free PPE to those farms, and so any farm in the state, we have a national stockpile where you can get
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> against um corporate farming. against um corporate farming.
- </c> farms, I think. farms, I think. >> Senator<00:25:18.240><c> Driscowski.
- </c> the assets that are necessary to farm. the assets that are necessary to farm.
- . farming. farming.
- My dad wasn’t able to farm due to there not being enough room for income on the farm.
Committee:
Senate Taxes
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs Mar 30th, 2026
Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So essentially what we have is the solar farms are reaching across generational farms.
- Solar farms also do not catch on fire.
- Mark Figginbaum with Missouri Farm Bureau.
- But for my area, no one's clamoring to build a solar farm.
- We were planning to move back to the family farm.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Next is Brian Yamamoto from Hawaii Farm Bureau. Next is Brian Yamamoto from Hawaii Farm Bureau.
- Farm Bureau will stand on our written Farm Bureau will stand on our written testimony<00:02:20.680><c
- </c> Uh next is Brian Miyamoto, Hawaii Farm Uh next is Brian Miyamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau.
- But, you know, as you guys know, farming 1 acre is not like farming 2 acres, is not like farming 5 acres
- ><c> 2</c> farming 1 acre is not like farming 2 farming 1 acre is not like farming 2 acres,<00:14:21.400
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Environment
Summary:
The committee heard gubernatorial nominations for the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. For GM 615, Matthew Liam was nominated to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, CGAPS, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in strong support, citing his landscape industry leadership, pesticide training background, and prior service. Members asked about his experience in Australia and his approach to restricted-use pesticides; he said he avoided using restricted-use pesticides in his landscaping business but applied related safety and recordkeeping practices. Testimony was unanimous in support, with no opposition or comments.
For GM 616, N. Young was nominated to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Support testimony from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council highlighted his experience with Lanai agriculture, Sensei, the Food Basket, Pacific Gateway Center, Kamehameha Schools, and institutional purchasing. In response to questions, he discussed balancing public and private funding, the need for adequate capitalization of agricultural projects, and using financial tools to help farmers and accelerate agricultural income streams. He also said the board should focus on making agricultural land productive and strengthening food security. The nomination drew strong support, with no opposition or comments.
For GM 617, Jason Moniz was nominated to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council supported him, emphasizing his decades of veterinary and animal disease control experience, ranching background, and knowledge of biosecurity, leases, and livestock issues. Moniz said his priorities would be preserving agricultural land and water resources, improving biosecurity, supporting farmers and ranchers, and increasing food production in Hawaii. He also said he would be willing to speak up for agriculture and not let the department be sidelined. The nomination received 29 written and oral supports, with no opposition or comments.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications - 01/27/2026
Energy And Telecommunications
Transcript Highlights:
- , the old way of farming, the green way of farming, the environmentally conscious way of farming in New
- So she has a greenhouse farm.
- I wanted to farm.
- My neighbor came to my farm one day. He owns a 100-acre hay farm across the street from me.
- He has a very accomplished horse farm. This land is currently being farmed.
Committee:
Senate Energy And Telecommunications
Summary:
The Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, chaired by Senator Kevin Parker, considered several Public Service Law bills and advanced each one to the Rules Committee after brief discussion and recorded no votes or without-recommendation votes on some measures. The bills included proposals to prohibit utilities from using ratepayer funds for certain activities (1012A), establish minimum standards for payment plans for eligible customers (1327), adjust residential fixed charges (1329), require the Public Service Commission to consider economic impacts when setting rates (1847), require utilities to adopt PSC-authorized equity ratios and returns on equity (1896), create the Rate-Hike Notice Act (5553C), suspend certain utility rate changes while allowing retroactive revenue recovery (5593), allow consideration of non-economic losses in penalty determinations (7165A), change the composition of the Public Service Commission (7328A), and let utilities retain revenues above authorized returns on equity (7693). Members asked questions about who would be affected by the bills, including whether fixed-charge reductions would apply to vacant units or vacation homes and whether economic-impact considerations could affect customers differently depending on where they live; the chair and sponsors generally explained the measures as territory-wide or applicable to all residential customers, with no occupancy or income-based circuit breaker in the text.
The committee then heard testimony from Alexandra Fasulo, introduced as an entrepreneur and farmer in Schuylerville, about her concerns regarding the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) and utility-scale solar development on farmland and grasslands. She argued that solar developers were pressuring landowners, including older and lower-income property owners, into long-term leases, that ORES approves most projects despite local opposition, and that the process lacks transparency, with redacted documents and limited public access to information. She also criticized the siting of solar projects on productive farmland and said decommissioning rules could leave equipment buried in the soil.
Committee members responded that the Legislature has already taken steps to protect high-quality soils, that ORES was created by statute and operates within the Public Service Department, and that DEC and ORES are supposed to work together rather than ORES superseding DEC. Several senators said they were sympathetic to concerns about farmland and community engagement, but also emphasized the need to expand renewable energy and balance that with land preservation. Members suggested that specific complaints about ORES transparency or solar siting could be addressed through future legislation or by inviting ORES and PSC officials back for further discussion.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Capital Budget Feb 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We do know that the game farm has been contributing nitrates.
- This isn't closing the game farm. This is relocating.
- That's a big part of the cost of moving the game farm.
- The main problem is the location of the farm.
- The game farm serves a good purpose.
Summary:
The Capital Budget Committee heard briefings and testimony on several bills. Substitute House Bill 2281 would require state agencies to avoid imposing an undue burden on Indian tribes’ traditional cultural practices at tribal traditional cultural places, and would create a Superior Court cause of action for tribes. The prime sponsor and tribal witnesses said the bill is needed to protect sacred sites and cultural resources, while an industry witness asked for narrower, more predictable language. Some testimony criticized the bill as too expansive and likely to increase litigation. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 2514, which would create a Global War on Terror memorial work group to plan and recommend details for a memorial on the Capitol campus; the sponsor emphasized honoring Washington service members and said private fundraising would be central to the project.
House Bill 2551 would let school districts with very low ending fund balances seek OSPI approval to sell district real property and use the proceeds to restore financial stability, rather than depositing the money into capital or debt service funds. The sponsor and Tacoma School District testified that the bill is a safeguard for districts nearing binding conditions, while members raised concerns about possible impacts on local land use and whether the bill could be misused in urban or rural areas. Substitute House Bill 2668 would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify alternate locations for the Bob O’K Game Farm and request future capital funding to relocate and remediate the site because of nitrate contamination affecting the Centralia area aquifer. Local officials, public health staff, and tribal representatives supported relocation, citing public health risks and the potential cost of inaction, while the sponsor stressed that the bill is about moving, not closing, the game farm.
In executive action, the committee took up House Bill 2470, as amended by a proposed substitute, which would increase state school construction assistance for schools on military bases by adding 15% to the calculated state match percentage. Members discussed the role of federal funding and the need for safe, equitable facilities for military-connected students. The committee approved the substitute bill and reported it out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 15-1, with three excused.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE-AEN, HRE Public Hearings 01-30-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, Brian Mamodo, Farm Buau, thank you. The Farm Buau was down on it written testimony and support.
- buau thank you CH the hoi mamodo Farm buau thank you CH the hoi Farm<00:04:42.320><c> buau</c><00:04
- as farms and such um but absolutely if as farms and such um but absolutely if there<00:14:42.000><c>
- managers or go farm coaches and so on, so that they are ready to become food and agriculture farming
- managers or go farm coaches and so on, so that they are ready to become food and agriculture farming
Summary:
The joint Committee on Higher Education and Agriculture heard Senate Bill 1158, which would authorize general obligation bonds and appropriations for a controlled environment agriculture research and demonstration facility at the Magoon Research and Teaching Site in Manoa. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive from the University of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture, Farm Bureau, Maui County, MetroGrow Hawaiʻi, and other agricultural groups, who said the project would strengthen food resilience, support year-round production, create clean jobs, and provide a demonstration site for urban vertical farming. University representatives said the project would include demolition of an existing condemned building, a research and lab component, and a multistory vertical farm, with an estimated cost of $6 million and a projected two-year build time.
Members questioned whether Manoa was the best location, whether the project fit the university’s broader strategy, and whether the request would displace other priorities. The University said the site is tied to SEAR activities, close to students and faculty, and intended to support hands-on training and commercial-scale production. In response to concerns about soil testing and stakeholder needs, the University said it would restart the soil testing lab using internal funds, though not as part of this bill, and would request additional staff for efficiency. The committee then recessed and later reconvened in decision-making, where the chairs recommended and the committee adopted amendments to SB 1158, including a name correction and deferral to July 31, 2050, and the bill passed with amendments.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 663, relating to the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and SEAR research and experiment stations. The University testified that the stations are important for locally relevant agricultural research but are short staffed, with 34 positions down since 2005, and that the bill requests eight new positions, including agricultural technicians and four county community coordinator positions, to improve station operations, community engagement, and workforce development. The Farm Bureau supported the measure, saying the positions are needed to revamp extension services and that Manoa is an appropriate urban location for the vertical farming component. Members questioned why vacant or existing positions could not be used instead of new ones, and the University explained that some listed vacancies reflected old federally funded positions or inaccurate counts, promised a written update, and said it was working to fill current openings. No final vote on SB 663 was reached in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It supports urban farming. It supports rural farming, beginning and established farmers.
- it supports rural supports Urban farming it supports rural farming<00:02:00.200><c> beginning</c><00
- :02:00.520><c> and</c><00:02:00.759><c> established</c> farming beginning and established farming beginning
- </c><00:02:10.759><c> business</c> high schools and our farm business high schools and our farm business
- the investments in farm business management and farm safety, health, and wellness.
Bills:
HF1704
Committee:
House Agriculture Finance and Policy
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Transportation (2-26-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So, the farm-to-farm use of your side-by-side at all, is that correct?
- </c> question so the farm to farm still this question so the farm to farm still this doesn't<00:29:35.159
- If it's a person who's only engaged in farming or wants to ride it from farm to farm, those would not
- </c><00:31:35.880><c> to</c> farming or wants to ride it from Farm to farming or wants to ride it from
- So, the farm-to-farm use of your side-by-side at all, is that correct? That's correct.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved the February 19 minutes, and opened with guest recognitions and a brief prayer for a colleague who had a medical episode. The committee then took up Senate Joint Resolution 66, which would create a task force to study Advanced Air Mobility and related policy issues in Kentucky. The sponsor and witnesses described AAM as emerging eVTOL “flying car” technology, argued Kentucky has strong aviation and logistics assets to compete for the industry, and said the task force would include legislative, KYTC, and industry representatives. Senators asked about the technology and potential uses, including rapid transport of medical specialists. The resolution was reported favorably after roll call, with several members expressing support and at least one member noting a desire for more information while still voting yes.
The committee next considered Senate Bill 38, as amended by committee substitute, dealing with school bus stop-arm safety cameras. The sponsor cited survey data showing hundreds of illegal school-bus passings in Kentucky and argued the bill would help change driver behavior by allowing, but not requiring, school districts to use camera systems funded through violators rather than district budgets. Testimony emphasized that the measure is voluntary, vendor-neutral, provides an appeals process in district court, limits camera activation to when the stop arm is deployed, and keeps revenues within the school district and court system. Representative David Hale supported the bill, sharing a personal story about a near-miss involving a child crossing after a bus stop. The committee approved the committee substitute and then reported SB 38 favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass with the committee substitute attached.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 63 on street-legal special purpose vehicles. The sponsor and Backroads of Appalachia representatives said the bill would define and regulate these vehicles, while expressly excluding farm and agricultural vehicles from its requirements. They explained the bill would require inspection, registration, and a motorcycle plate for qualifying vehicles, set limits on where and how far they can be driven, and allow local or state restrictions where applicable. Supporters framed the bill as an economic development measure for Eastern Kentucky and the broader state, citing tourism, trail-system spending, and examples from other states. A committee member asked for clarification about farm-to-farm use, and the witness confirmed the bill would not affect agricultural use. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 63, before any final committee action is shown.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Jan 27th, 2026 at 09:05 am
House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- My background: born and raised on a farm and ranch in Lea County, civil engineer by trade.
- She bought a piece of property intending to farm it. She did everything right.”
- She bought a piece of property intending to farm it.
- to be one of our primary sales outlets for our farm and co-op.
- Our farm and co-op supports this bill and would ask for a due pass.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 4, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Most of those small farmers want to remain in farming. Most of those are generational farms.
- I just believe that in farming land, if it can be productive farming land in this state, we need to leave
- Then, you know, we won't have land to farm on.
- , working on those farms.
- But if you were to build adequate H-2A housing in this state on farms or surrounding farms, it would
Summary:
The committee received an overview from Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, including staffing, licensing, forestry, law enforcement, and consumer services. He emphasized agriculture as a major economic driver and a national security issue, arguing that Florida should protect farmland, aquifer recharge areas, and the wildlife corridor through the Rural and Family Lands program. He said the program is cost-effective because the state buys development rights rather than land outright, keeps land on local tax rolls, and helps preserve farmland in perpetuity. He also highlighted the Fresh From Florida marketing program, increased social media reach, and the department’s efforts to reduce vacancies and improve pay and efficiency.
Members asked about nutrient management, citrus disease, housing, disaster recovery, wildfire prevention, interdiction stations, and concealed carry permitting. Simpson said SB 1000 and updated best management practice manuals, informed by University of Florida research, are helping agriculture use less water and fertilizer, and he described citrus greening as having devastated the industry while noting research, replanting programs, and CUPS as possible paths to recovery. On housing, he argued that allowing H-2A farmworker housing on farms would ease pressure on the broader housing market, and on disasters he described a zero-interest loan program for farmers affected by hurricanes and other events. He also detailed wildfire preparedness improvements, including upgraded helicopters, dozers, drones, and prescribed burns.
The commissioner said ag interdiction stations are catching stolen semis, drugs, human trafficking, and other illegal activity, and that the department wants more technology, including X-ray scanning, to inspect more trucks. He also discussed concealed carry administration, saying the department cleared a large backlog and that constitutional carry reduced but did not eliminate permit demand because permits still provide reciprocity and other benefits. Members generally praised the department’s work, expressed support for rural land protection, Fresh From Florida, water-quality improvements, and foreign-interference concerns, and the meeting ended with no formal votes or other committee action beyond adjournment.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I farm with my family south of Twin Falls.
- And I just hate to see the small farmers and the family farm suffer.
- These guys behind me have farmed a lot longer than I have.
- So on our farm, this is a picture that I took coming back to the farming operation 11 years ago when
- I moved them over to this farm or this field that had never been tilled.
Committee:
Senate Agricultural Affairs
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture and Water Management Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It sort of leads into the next slide that talks about the net farm back to the farm.
- We are not, we don't have a financial agreement with Grand Farm, or we require Grand Farm to pay any
- We know that farming doesn't end at the borders.
- We leverage, you know, Grand Farm and Farm... ...test spaces. We leverage other test spaces.
- We leverage, you know, Grand Farm if our researchers need to test out at Grand Farm.
Summary:
The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and opening remarks from NDSU President David Stewart, who emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission of statewide service through teaching, research, and extension. He highlighted the university’s role in agriculture, water, soil health, and community outreach, and pointed to examples of research commercialization such as Lilac Agriculture’s work on nitrogen-fixing microbes for crops. He also said he is still early in his tenure and intends to spend time listening and learning across the state.
The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study estimated that North Dakota could develop about 1.3 million additional irrigated acres, with major potential in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau. Testimony stressed the economic benefits of irrigation for crop yields, value-added processing, dairy, and potato production, while members also discussed water availability, aquifers, downstream water use, and the need for more flexible permitting. The drainage portion of the study found significant economic benefits from legal drains, and staff explained that the impacts were calculated through increased productivity and related input purchases.
Greg Lardy then gave NDSU’s required agriculture update, saying agriculture accounts for more than $41 billion in annual economic activity, one in five jobs, and about 25 percent of state GDP. He reviewed the role of SBAR, the statewide research-extension network, new crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI and weather-network tools, and Extension’s county partnerships and youth programs. He also outlined NDSU’s priorities for the next session: restoring proposed budget cuts, increasing operating support, and addressing deferred maintenance. Members asked about storage shed construction, NDSU’s relationship with Grand Farm, and whether NDSU could help with water-related research tied to drainage and aquifers.
The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor on water and data centers, who described graduate fellowships, a water workforce certificate program, and research on data center cooling, water use, and “Legendary Harvest” concepts that would reuse waste heat for greenhouse or aquaculture production. Questions focused on whether the cooling systems were closed-loop, who would own any related production facilities, and whether the project was still only a feasibility study. Finally, North Dakota AgTech described its NSF-funded “engine” project, saying it has brought millions in federal investment to the state, supported startups and on-farm trials, and is focused on commercialization, workforce development, and helping producers lower input costs and improve profitability.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So, what is a farm?
- </c><00:07:48.160><c> I</c> farm? And then you look at the left. I farm?
- It’s a very small farm.
- So my farm, it’s only 305 acres, but every farm up the road from me are still original family farms.
- The next farm, large dairy. But dairy. The next farm, large dairy.
Bills:
HF3718
Committee:
House Agriculture Finance and Policy
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 11, 2025 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- I can work with Farm Bureau on that number.
- So when farm families, someone from the farm, has to leave to go to town, if you will, to get a job because
- If the Farm Bureau plans require, are the Farm Bureau plans required to pay all medically necessary health
- But I am here, and I represent the Florida Farm Bureau.
- But I am, I'm here and I represent the Florida Farm Bureau.
Summary:
The Health Care Facilities and Systems Subcommittee met with a quorum present and took up five bills. The first, CS/HB 1119 on pediatric readiness in hospital emergency departments, would require hospitals with ERs to adopt evidence-based pediatric care policies, train staff, designate a pediatric emergency care coordinator, complete the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment, and meet minimum equipment and planning standards. Members discussed transport to the closest appropriate facility and implementation concerns, but the bill passed 16-0.
The committee then approved HB 677, which would add standard fertility preservation services to the state group insurance program for employees undergoing chemotherapy, and CSHB 497, which would authorize nonprofit agricultural organization medical benefit plans for Florida Farm Bureau members, aimed at improving affordable coverage for farmers and ranchers. HB 677 passed 16-0, and CSHB 497 passed 18-0 after questions about membership, regulation, disclosures, and how the plan would compare with ACA coverage.
The subcommittee also approved PCS/HB 791 on surrendered newborn infants, allowing infant safety devices at hospitals, EMS stations, and fire stations as an alternative safe-haven option. Members discussed alarms, unmanned stations, and whether churches should be included; the bill passed 18-0. Finally, HB 1529 on home health aides for medically fragile children was amended and passed 18-0. The bill seeks a federal waiver so compensation for parents serving as home health aides does not count against Medicaid eligibility, and the amendments added reporting of adverse incidents, set work-hour limits, and protected certain other benefits. The chair closed by emphasizing the committee’s role in implementation oversight and fixing problems after enactment.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, Brian Miamoto from Y Farm Bureau. Vice Chair, Senator Brian Farm. Okay.
- around their farm.
- , Hawaii Farm Brian Mimoto, Hawaii Farm was<00:03:26.640><c> down</c><00:03:28.000><c> in</c><00:03:28.239
- Hawaii Farm is down in Farm Bureau. Hawaii Farm is down in support. support. support.
- First up is Hawaii Farm. >> Thank you, Chair. Farm in support.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Environment
Summary:
The committee heard several agriculture-related bills. HB 1953 would create a two-year conservation and environmental stewardship pilot program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB); testimony from Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii supported investing in conservation agriculture and farm practices that protect waterways and native species. HB 248 would establish a climate-resilient food systems grant program, with DAB explaining the types of equipment and processing investments such grants could support, such as coffee roasting, packaging, harvesting equipment, and other value-added infrastructure. HB 2246 would create a grant administration program and revolving fund to help DAB manage grants; DAB said the bill would help leverage federal, state, county, and private funding by retaining part of the indirect cost recovery to meet matching requirements. HB 2549 would create a clean plant program to produce and distribute disease-free plant material, and reforestation advocates said it would support large-scale reforestation efforts. HB 2551 would fund an area fruit fly suppression program; DAB described sterile fruit fly technology and said the program could help reduce fruit fly populations statewide. HB 2216 would authorize DAB to package and sell part of its loan portfolio to third parties, and HB 2152 would clarify liability and penalties for dog attacks on livestock, with the Hawaii Sheep and Goat Association discussing proposed language and the Hawaiian Humane Society’s suggested amendment on euthanasia procedures.
Testimony was largely supportive across the measures, with DAB, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and other agriculture and conservation groups generally backing the bills. There was some discussion on funding levels and implementation details, including DAB’s estimate of about $750,000 for three clean plant stations and a question about the appropriations needed for the fruit fly suppression program. For HB 2152, the chair noted an amendment incorporating Hawaiian Humane Society language that would require surrender of a dog found to have caused livestock loss or damage for humane euthanasia within 24 hours.
In decision-making, the committee voted to pass all of the measures discussed, most with technical amendments or date-defect amendments to July 1, 2050. HB 1953, HB 2548, HB 2549, HB 2551, HB 2216, and HB 2152 were all adopted unanimously by the members present, and HB 2246 also passed with technical amendments. The chair’s amendment to HB 2152 was specifically adopted to include the humane euthanasia language.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 Apr 24th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The agri and farm-to-school institution program.
- So if you take just our farm income, everything that we made on the farm, and you take the taxes that
- Over 50% of what we made on our farm goes to taxes.
- live on the farm.
- We have about 67,000 farms in Minnesota. The average farm size is about 300... and 79 acres.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Pro Forma Floor Session Feb 18th, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- dairy farms in Washington State with approximately 257,000 dairy cows.
- I also grew up on a dairy farm, not in Washington State, but it was a small family farm.
- It was, and I think also it's important: I get the newsletters for the farm worker trust, the farm trust
- And now he is a proud farm owner of his dairy in Elma, Washington.
- out to larger farms for many pressures that are upon them.
Summary:
The Senate first handled routine business, including approving the previous day’s journal, receiving House messages transmitting House Bill 73 and Second Substitute House Bill 1784, and referring Senate Bill 6353 to the Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs, and Elections. It then moved to resolutions.
Senate Resolution 8687, commemorating the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and acknowledging the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, drew extensive remarks in support from several senators. Speakers emphasized the injustice of the internment, the contributions of Japanese American veterans and civil rights activists, the importance of remembrance, and the need to prevent similar abuses in the future. The resolution was adopted by voice vote.
The Senate also considered Senate Resolution 8688, recognizing Washington’s dairy farms and the role of dairy producers in the state’s economy and communities. Senators shared personal ties to dairy farming and praised the hard work of family farms, dairy workers, and industry representatives. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and visiting members of the Washington State Dairy Council, Dairy Women’s Organization, and Dairy Ambassadors were recognized in the gallery.
At the close of business, the Senate agreed to adjourn until 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026.