Transcript Highlights:

• ON THAT LAND.
• IS BOTH UPLAND AND SUBMERGED LAND. THERE IS NO APPLICATION IN PALM BEACH COUNTY.
• NO APPLICATION IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA TO BUILD ANYTHING. I OWN THE LAND.
• Harrell: HAVE THERE BEEN APPLICATIONS IN THE PAST BY YOU FOR THAT LAND?
• THAT LAND I HAD BEEN TOLD WAS A LOW CONSERVATION QUALITY AND WAS "CRAP LAND."

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it's comprised of tribal lands, tribal trust lands, ...have, and so it's comprised of tribal lands
• , tribal trust lands, fee lands, state fee lands, and lands that belong solely to our tribal members.
• or non-tribal lands.
• to cede some land.
• And that's also the case with the land that you'll never claim the land.

Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and first heard welcoming remarks and introductions from tribal leaders and program directors. Chairwoman Street and other tribal representatives outlined a range of concerns and requests for state action, including taxation of reservation lands, support for non-beneficiary students at the tribal school, homelessness funding, Indian-managed health care, gaming and e-tabs, Feather Alert improvements, industrial farming near waterways, tourism, and better state-tribal consultation. Committee members responded that the meeting was intended to improve understanding and communication, and several members suggested future legislation or resolutions could be used to advance some of the issues. The tribe also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to legislators and staff. A major portion of the discussion focused on Spirit Lake fish and wildlife jurisdiction and the lake boundary. Tribal representatives asked for an MOU or co-stewardship agreement with the state to clarify hunting and fishing rights, recognize tribal licenses, and reduce recurring disputes over “gray areas” on the reservation and lake. Committee members discussed whether to draft a bill or resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and asked that North Dakota Game and Fish be invited to a future meeting. Related concerns included aquatic nuisance species prevention, with both sides agreeing that more aggressive boat inspection and cleaning measures would be beneficial. The committee also discussed taxation and county relations. Tribal leaders raised concerns about county resistance to fee-to-trust transfers and about property and vehicle taxation affecting members living on or near reservation lands. Committee members and tribal counsel reviewed federal treaty principles and court cases, and one member noted that the committee had previously taken no formal action on similar issues. Later, Benson County’s tax equalization director explained how the county values taxable land, handles inundated land applications, and tracks land coming off the tax rolls when the tribe repurchases acreage. The discussion ended with a presentation from the president of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, followed by an HHS presentation on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion as the committee moved to its next topic.

Transcript Highlights:

• Michael K., Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands, LNR 102. Legacy Land Conservation Program.
• I think that's Legacy Land.
• land land I mean the sort of dry grass land land I mean it<01:40:25.159> it<01:40:25.360>
• land.
• military lands uh former military lands military lands uh former military lands and<02:34:36.960

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:55.560> and local communities to acquire land and local communities to acquire land
• As far as productive land, we do not, as a rule, buy land that's in production.
• A lot of landowners that we have purchased land from want their land to be public forever, so we work
• DNR to deny uh uh the ability for land DNR to deny uh uh the ability for land owners<00:31:34.399
• applicable applicable um<00:46:12.079> the<00:46:12.160> bonus<00:46:12.480> Parts<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• make the resolution to keep the lands make the resolution to keep the lands public<00:43:48.560>
• get from the applicant.
• having to do with land use. having to do with land use.
• , located in Forests and Lands.
• and lands. and lands.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's both upland and submerged land. There's no application in Palm Beach County.
• There's no application in the state of Florida to build anything. I own the land.
• Have there been applications in the past by you for that land?
• I mean, right now it's land banking. I own land in Georgia. I own land in Maine. I own land in...
• Right now, it's land banking. I own land in Georgia. I own land in Maine.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to consider confirmation appointments, beginning with Rodney Barreto’s reappointment to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Barreto described his background and defended his record, saying the commission has expanded public access, conserved land, supported youth conservation programs, and maintained strong law enforcement and wildlife management. Senators questioned him about public opposition to his confirmation, his role in supporting Amendment 2, a proposed use of submerged land near Singer Island, the Split Oak land swap, and whether FWC may reopen a bear hunt. Barreto said he saw no conflict in his Amendment 2 involvement, denied that any condo application existed for the Singer Island property, defended the Split Oak deal as a conservation and land-acquisition tradeoff, and said bear-hunt options would be presented later by staff and biologists. Several members of the public spoke against Barreto’s reconfirmation, arguing that FWC needs reform, term limits, and more scientific leadership, and criticizing his real estate and lobbying ties as conflicts of interest. Speakers also objected to his positions on development, habitat protection, trap use, herbicide spraying, and the handling of bear management and public notice at FWC meetings. Senator Avila spoke in strong support of Barreto, citing FWC’s role in Biscayne Bay restoration, juvenile redfish releases, invasive species control, and community involvement. The committee then voted to recommend Barreto’s confirmation favorably, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee next considered tabs 2 and 3, the reappointments of Kathy Chapman and Michael Kennedy to the Florida Inland Navigation District. With no separate vote requested and no public opposition, the committee recommended both confirmations favorably by voice roll call. The meeting concluded with thanks to staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• supplemental application. supplemental application.
• 16.800> camp of land that leases the land to a camp of land that leases the land to a camp operator
• . application. application.
• in the grant applications. in the grant applications.
• assist grant applicants. assist grant applicants.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The meeting included a Senate recognition ceremony honoring the Winona High School boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association 5A state championship. A resolution was read commending the team for its 101-40 victory over Silicag, noting the team’s record-setting performance, Brendan Davis’s MVP honor, the contributions of other players, and Coach Cedric Lane’s leadership. Senators and the lieutenant governor praised the players’ sportsmanship, the school community, and the team’s historic season, and copies of the resolution were presented to the team, coaches, and administrators. Several guests and school representatives also spoke briefly, including the coach and principal, who thanked the Senate and noted the team’s success and the principal’s retirement after 35 years. After the recognition, the Senate returned to session and adopted the Committee on Rules report setting the special order calendar. The calendar included Senate Bill 99 on the Ten Commandments, Senate Bill 298 on Class 3 municipalities, House Bill 381 on camp safety, Senate Bill 370 on tax increment districts, Senate Bill 363 on the Department of Economic and Community Affairs, House Bill 466 on firefighters, House Bill 95 on elections, House Bill 259 on stablecoin, and Senate Bill 342 on education. The chamber then took up SB 99, sponsored by Senators Kelly and Sessions. Senator Kelly described the bill as requiring local school boards to display the Ten Commandments, together with founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Alabama Constitution preamble, in certain history classrooms and common areas for grades five through 12, using donated displays and funds when available. He said the bill was intended as a historical and educational measure, not religious instruction, and emphasized the inclusion of a disclaimer stating Alabama is not establishing a religion. After extended debate and a petition to close debate from the Rules Committee, the Senate voted on the bill by long roll and passed SB 99, with the recorded vote announced as 30 yeas and 4 nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the application is technically open until March 31st, at which point no further applications are
• A pest found on agricultural land will spread to residential or conservation lands and vice versa.
• will spread to residential or land will spread to residential or conservation<01:29:40.920> lands
• c> lands an important agricultural lands an important agricultural lands incentive<01:57:31.760><
• important agricultural lands to apply of important agricultural lands to apply to<01:57:40.560> a

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• intended for land application for a period of 5 years.
• intended for land application for a period of 5 years.
• intended for land application for a period of 5 years.
• would for example state that land would for example state that land applications<01:00:35.760>
• So, yeah, why would we not want to require the applicants to get permission to test a budding land?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , while even more are in the process of completing their applications.
• That is applicable that everybody should know.
• and one for non-federal lands.
• One of the Federal Lands Permitting Task Force.
• That's another 50 percent of the applications.

Transcript Highlights:

• We received 111 applications.
• applicants that we have.
• So, we received four applications totaling 10 million.
• application with enhanced... ...requirements to better support that application.
• We have a few applications in for teacher housing currently.

Transcript Highlights:

• on a land use deal.
• So these are not impact fees that are generally applicable; they’re applicable over... ...believe that
• So these are not impact fees that are generally applicable; they’re applicable over...
• So these are not impact fees that are generally applicable; they’re applicable only to that development
• And then I also wonder if you could comment on... ...applications or other type of zoning applications

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I see that I am running out of time. ...must be completed within 30 days of the application.
• Statewide, 750 active commercial lobstermen land close to 16 million pounds.
• are done and restricts indoor use of pesticide application where children are present.
• Is there a current practice that the trial court has regarding pesticide application?
• land, the municipality has the right of first refusal.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries held its second hearing and heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including food security, cottage food entrepreneurship, hemp regulation, lobster industry support, pesticide restrictions, pollinator protections, pet cemeteries, and municipal land rights. Committee chairs outlined hearing procedures, noted that 19 bills were on the docket, and took testimony both in person and remotely, with several legislators testifying out of turn because of scheduling conflicts. Several speakers supported food access and local economic opportunity bills. Representative Howard and Senator Oliveira backed the Food Justice Frontline Program and a cottage food/food entrepreneur bill, arguing they would fund nonprofit food security organizations, create jobs, improve SNAP/HIP outreach, and reduce barriers for home-based food businesses. Eastie Farm representatives and a student testified in favor of the food justice bill, describing food insecurity in East Boston and the need for grants, youth involvement, and multilingual outreach. Sidney Travis of the Institute for Justice also supported cottage food reforms, saying current municipal permitting rules create unequal access and that cottage foods are generally safe. The committee also heard sharply divided testimony on hemp legislation. Senator Comerford supported S. 54 as a public health measure to ban synthetic THC products, restrict intoxicating hemp sales to licensed dispensaries, and fund local enforcement, while Laura Beiner, John Nathan, and Elizabeth Wendorf opposed the bill or parts of it, warning it would harm compliant hemp businesses and small farmers. Representative Arena-DeRosa testified in support of a related pollinator bill, and Adam Karachi opposed pesticide restrictions for schools while Deborah Smith supported them, arguing existing protections should be expanded to other child-centered locations. The committee also heard support for a bill to aid lobstermen affected by right whale protections, a bill to preserve private pet cemeteries, and a municipal right-of-first-refusal bill for agricultural and recreational land. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:19.960> wherein of land wherein of land wherein the<00:02:22.040> Dancing<00
• New applicants for these monies.
• prioritizes applications. prioritizes applications.
• there's a backlog of grant applicants there's a backlog of grant applicants that<00:14:57.360>
• other places, but we ended up landing other places, but we ended up landing with<00:19:24.760>

Keywords: Public Property - Room 409, 26 February, 2026; 11:00 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several public property bills and reported each one out after brief discussion. HB 1041, authorizing the Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission to construct and maintain a levee system along the Yazoo River, was explained as a flood-control measure and passed without questions. HB 1520, which would allow the Department of Archives and History to convey about 23 acres associated with the Dancing Rabbit Creek Treaty back to the tribe, was also reported out. HB 1732, concerning sale of DPS property in the Lauderdale County/Meridian area, was amended so proceeds from any sale or lease would go to the state general fund, then passed as amended. HB 1731, the ABC warehouse bill in Gluckstadt, drew the most discussion. Members clarified that the bill concerns the old warehouse and not current ABC operations. Two amendments were adopted: one corrected a reference to the Department of Finance and Administration and directed proceeds from the sale to defray Department of Revenue costs tied to the new warehouse, and another specified the property recipient as the Madison County Economic Development Authority rather than a generic entity. After questions about whether sale proceeds should instead return to the general fund and whether the language properly covered warehouse debt, the committee voted to report the bill out as amended. The committee then discussed HB 1716, a Mississippi Main Street revitalization grant bill. Supporters said the bill expands eligible recipients to include Main Street network associate communities and business improvement districts, requires only local cash matches, bars state funds from being used for the match, shifts administration to MDA, and caps administrative costs at 2 percent. Members also reviewed how the bill was intended to address a backlog of grant applicants and the governor’s concerns about prior administration of the program. After questions about the grant list, funding process, and the 2 percent cap, the committee voted to report HB 1716 out, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• land to the public.
• Additionally, applicants are allowed to bundle multiple parcels into a single application.
• Additionally, applicants are allowed to bundle multiple parcels into a single application, and the auction
• State land has to go to auction, and they have appraisals.
• State Land Department's being very unreasonable.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• land conservation planning, and the restoration and enhancement of agricultural lands protected under
• or do a new grant application cycle?
• , and they manage public lands.
• The question about, as the director pointed out, not all the 30-by-30 land is state-acquired land, but
• So if you could look back to when we took the land, when the State Lands Commission acquired the land

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee heard the administration’s spending plan for Proposition 4’s climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters, along with related trailer bill language. CDFA outlined proposed funding for existing programs such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, Urban Agriculture, and invasive species work, plus new or phased-in programs including year-round and mobile farmers’ markets, tribal food sovereignty, and regional farm equipment sharing. The Department of Conservation described funding for the California Farmland Conservancy Program and Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program, while the Department of Finance and LAO discussed pending allocations and generally found the overall approach reasonable, though LAO suggested the Legislature may want more statutory guidance and reporting, especially for new programs. Members focused on implementation details, equity, and accountability. Questions covered how programs would serve vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, whether new solicitations would be reopened for previously oversubscribed grants, how outcomes are tracked, and how to structure guidance for new programs such as farm equipment sharing. The chair emphasized that the Legislature wants clearer direction on program design and noted that AB 2313 should guide implementation of the regional farm equipment sharing allocation. The committee also discussed the administration’s request to directly appropriate bond funds to departments and to exempt bond program guidelines from the Administrative Procedures Act; LAO supported the APA exemption with possible legislative guardrails for public notice and comment. The committee then heard on the farm-to-school proposal, with CDFA requesting $24.9 million General Fund for incubator grants, technical assistance, and network support. CDFA said the program has reached nearly half of California schoolchildren and has shown strong demand and positive evaluation results. LAO supported the core program but recommended rejecting the $3 million technical assistance component as too broad and suggested the Legislature consider using Proposition 98 for some of the funding. Members debated that point, with some expressing concern about using General Fund dollars for a new discretionary request during a tight budget year. The biodiversity and nature-based solutions chapter included funding for the Wildlife Conservation Board, state conservancies, and tribal nature-based solutions. WCB described major recent investments and proposed projects tied to 30 by 30, habitat restoration, tribal partnerships, and public access. Members raised concerns about long-term stewardship, the size of the WCB allocation, and whether the Legislature should receive more detail on how funds will be distributed. The committee also heard requests for Bolsa Chica wetlands maintenance and Rincon Island decommissioning funding from the State Lands Commission, with members questioning long-term liability, remediation costs, and the role of private oil operators. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with public comment from stakeholders largely supporting the APA exemption, farm-to-school funding, biodiversity investments, and related conservation programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• lands.
• , so it's not other lands, agricultural lands, with that landowner and exchange state lands near the
• , so it's not other lands, agricultural lands, with that landowner and exchange state lands near the
• , so it's not other lands, agricultural lands, with that landowner and exchange state lands near the
• It's not other lands, agricultural lands, with that landowner and exchange state lands near the rail

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The hearing opened with committee procedures and then took up SB 1, relating to vegetation management near utility lines. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it would shift rights, responsibilities, and liability onto the state and private landowners. Hawaiian Electric supported the measure with amendments, describing it as a first step to address wildfire risk and improve public safety and system reliability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and Command Schools both raised concerns that the bill could impose significant costs, liability, and access burdens on farmers, ranchers, and other landowners, especially where easements are old or unclear. Life of the Land argued the issue belongs before the Public Utilities Commission, and PUC staff explained that the commission is already reviewing Hawaiian Electric’s wildfire mitigation plan and vegetation management in a docket, with a decision expected by September and public meetings scheduled for April 23 and 24. Committee members questioned the need for legislation versus negotiated solutions, and witnesses said private parties could potentially renegotiate easements without statute. The committee then heard HB 1296, relating to disaster recovery. DLNR and OPSD supported the bill, saying it would ease regulatory burdens in post-disaster rebuilding and help speed permit review. Testimony and member questions focused on the bill’s five-year rebuilding timeline, the role of the coastal zone/SMA process, and how long permit reviews typically take; OPSD said SMA major/use permits generally take about six months, while minor permits are faster. Members also discussed whether the bill would apply to existing structures damaged in disasters and whether the amendments from the Attorney General’s office and OPSD were acceptable; no objections were raised. Finally, the committee heard SB 1170, relating to the expeditious redevelopment and development of affordable rental housing. HHFDC supported the bill, and testimony from a Maui affordable housing project said the measure is needed to rebuild the Weinberg Court Apartments, a 63-unit affordable project in Lahaina, using insurance funds rather than government money. Members asked whether the bill would help existing affordable rental projects damaged before the enactment of related coastal rules, and the response was that the bill is aimed at existing structures damaged during events and intended to speed rebuilding of affordable housing.

Transcript Highlights:

• as qualified open-space land.
• as qualified open-space land.
• as qualified open-space land following a transfer.
• as qualified open-space land following a transfer.
• land.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation, received a House message announcing passage of HB 74 creating the Puerto Verde Port Authority District, and heard a recognition from Senator Hancock about a weekend human trafficking operation in Fort Worth in which Unbound Now and the Fort Worth Police Department freed 19 victims. The Governor also submitted nominations to the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. The chamber then repeatedly suspended rules to take up and pass a series of House bills and one House joint resolution, mostly by wide margins, along with several local and honorary designations. Among the substantive measures, the Senate passed HB 1244 on open-space appraisal after property transfers, HJR 99 and HB 1399 to exempt animal feed from ad valorem taxation, HB 166 expanding child/endangered-person protections to fentanyl-related conduct, HB 1672 speeding DMV enforcement against unsafe motor carriers, HB 2018 clarifying the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program, HB 140 creating a DFPS advisory committee on child protective investigations, HB 467 providing for dissolution of the Cedar Creek Hospital District, HB 2000 requiring sex-offender registration for child grooming, HB 331 creating presumptions for first responders who suffer heart attacks or strokes after strenuous shifts, HB 1089 creating the Gulf Coast Protection Account, HB 2730 limiting when appraisal districts may require new homestead exemption applications, HB 2723 easing cemetery tax-exemption procedures, HB 353 creating a trespass offense near schools and day care centers, and HB 3248 authorizing defense-based development authorities to employ and commission peace officers. Several of these bills drew brief explanations and, in some cases, questions from other senators about their scope and purpose. The Senate also passed numerous memorial highway and facility designations, including HB 767 for Paul P. Mendez, HB 1708 for Trooper Kevin Ramirez-Vasquez, HB 2415 for Senior Police Officer Louis Andy Taylor, HB 2143 for Army Specialist Joey Lenz, HB 2457 for the Molly Mullins Mile, HB 2523 for Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia, HB 2198 for Officer Jacob Candinoza, and HB 2763 naming a TxDOT facility for Eduardo Eddie Garcia Jr. Other local or administrative measures included HB 3513 on the Moore County Juvenile Board and HB 3135 creating specialty plates for retired firefighters. The chamber also adopted several concurrent resolutions and later moved through a large local calendar, including HCR 80, which designated Brenham as the ice cream capital of Texas. Most measures passed with little or no opposition, though a few votes on rule suspensions and final passage recorded small numbers of nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, Laura Schreiber from the Land Stewardship Project.
• This will especially help grantees in the face of soaring land prices.
• And land access opportunities overall.
• I have not been able to find land with that award amount, and I personally have struggled to find land
• To haul water out to a sprayer, the applicator who is licensed and registered...

Bills: HF2446

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a member of Climate Land Leaders, the Land Stewardship Project, and the Minnesota Farmers Union,
• I was only able to buy 160 acres of land I was only able to buy 160 acres of land to<00:25:57.240
• and based on what is the is applicants and based on what is the is the<00:30:24.360> applicant
• <00:41:08.240> as they had received from applicants as they had received from applicants as
• fewer and fewer fewer and fewer land fewer and fewer land<01:36:04.840> and<01:36:04.960>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all