Video & Transcript : 'baited area' :
Page 5 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And then we have a few items from our program integrity oversight area.
- Uh we program integrity oversight area.
- Wouldn't we want to align with an individual who's related in other areas?
- </c> in other areas of our statute. in other areas of our statute.
- And maybe that's through a other areas?
Committee:
House Human Services Finance and Policy
Keywords:
assisted living, healthcare, training, unlicensed personnel, resident rights, safety regulations, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- In the past, we passed HB 965 creating water quality enhancement areas, WQEAs, mirrored and included
- Senator Burgess is from our area, and I'm very proud to see bipartisan support for our most vulnerable
- Senator Burgess is from our area, and I'm very proud to see bipartisan support for our most vulnerable
- Now we will move to Tab 6, SB 934, areas of critical state concern, by Senator Rodriguez.
- At last committee stop, there were two particular areas that...
Committee:
Senate Community Affairs
Keywords:
negligence, compensation, child welfare, law enforcement accountability, personal injury, police negligence, law enforcement, monetary compensation, civil rights, city liability, electric vehicle, EV, battery fire, lithium-ion battery, towing, wrecker service, vehicle storage, submerged vehicle, saltwater damage, fire marshal
Summary:
The committee heard and approved several bills on water quality, public safety, utilities, and transparency. CS/SB 848 on stormwater treatment and water quality enhancement areas was presented as a follow-up to prior water quality legislation and was reported favorably with no opposition. SB 28, a claim bill for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland, was also reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 658, a bipartisan child drowning prevention bill for rental properties, drew extensive testimony from child advocacy, drowning prevention, and autism advocates who described Florida’s high child drowning rates and supported requiring at least one pool or water-safety feature at short- and long-term rentals; the committee adopted two amendments, including one requiring license applicants to certify compliance, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee also approved CS/SB 1724 on municipal utility services, which addresses outside-city utility service agreements, revenue use, rate limits, and customer meetings; an amendment added gas utilities back into the bill. CS/SB 934 on Florida Keys areas of critical state concern was amended to remove a section viewed as conflicting with the Live Local Act and then reported favorably. SB 1622, creating a one-time waiver for certain late-filed financial disclosure fines, was supported by speakers and reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 260 on electric vehicle storage at towing facilities was amended to focus on storage only and to limit the extra fee period until inspection clears fire risk; the bill drew mixed testimony from insurers, towing-related interests, and fire officials, but was reported favorably.
Later, SB 1264 on private schools was presented as easing zoning and occupancy barriers for small schools and microschools, with supporters saying it would help meet demand for school choice; members raised concerns about local implementation, but the bill was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 1014 on municipal utility service to properties outside city limits was amended to apply only to residential properties and to clarify capacity and annexation-related exceptions; it was supported by local-government and environmental testimony and reported favorably. CS/SB 1102, expanding the local government infrastructure surtax to include body camera costs, was amended so any use would require a new referendum and was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1566 on local government spending and transparency required online posting of budgets and related information, drew testimony from counties, cities, and transparency advocates about costs and uniform templates, and was reported favorably after amendment, with several senators noting concerns for smaller local governments while supporting the transparency goal.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 2/17/25
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- He said he has flown into Duluth Airport for the last 20 years and called it a delightful area.
- He said he has flown into Duluth Airport for the last 20 years and called it a delightful area.
- He said he has flown into Duluth Airport for the last 20 years and called it a delightful area.
- He said he has flown into Duluth Airport for the last 20 years and called it a delightful area.
- </c> reason so if you have a a swampy area reason so if you have a a swampy area near<01:05:09.160><c
Committee:
House Transportation Finance and Policy
Keywords:
HF198, shared time pupils, shared-time enrollment, nonpublic school, private school, public school, career and technical education, CTE, secondary credit, school funding, state aid, education finance, Minnesota Statutes 126C.01, compulsory attendance, school district, education policy, HF269, Spicer, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources (02/12/2025)
Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- A lot of our ponds and lakes have been shut down because of the low population of bait fish in some areas
- But, yeah, like you said, as far as I know, there isn't an area to get bait fish locally that would sustain
- A lot of our ponds and lakes have been shut down because of the low population of bait fish in some areas
- But, yeah, like you said, as far as I know, there isn't an area to get bait fish locally that would sustain
- </c><00:35:20.560><c> fish</c> areas so again um for Bait fish areas so again um for Bait fish retailers
Committee:
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a bustling area that is often active with people, and she patrols this area, providing natural
- The landlord had put bait boxes out.
- In the top of this trap is located the bait box, actually a little bait-kit canister.
- There are bait boxes next door.
- There are bait boxes next door.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills focused on pesticides, pollinators, rodenticides, mosquito control, invasive species, and local authority over pesticide regulation. Chair Becca Rausch set strict two-minute testimony limits due to the very large number of speakers. Early testimony from Senator Moore and Representative Hawkins strongly supported a bill to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, citing harms to wildlife, pets, and public health, and noting that California has already adopted a similar model. Testimony also supported a Lowell home rule petition to allow the city to prohibit or restrict these rodenticides, with local officials describing documented raptor poisonings and municipal efforts to phase out use on city property.
A major portion of the hearing focused on pollinator protection and neonicotinoid-treated seeds. Witnesses from environmental groups, conservation organizations, academics, and beekeepers argued that neonics harm bees and other beneficial insects, contaminate soil and water, and provide little or no economic benefit in most corn and soybean fields. Several speakers pointed to New York, Vermont, and Quebec as models for restricting treated seeds, and one panel cited research showing only a small percentage of fields benefit economically from the treatments. Support was also voiced for a bill establishing an ecologically based mosquito management program, with advocates criticizing aerial and truck spraying and urging non-chemical, locally tailored approaches.
Other testimony supported bills to reform the pesticide board and pesticide regulation process, to give vulnerable municipalities more local control over pesticide use, to protect schoolchildren from pesticides on school grounds, and to respond to invasive species through a centralized state office, coordinator, strategic plan, and trust fund. Many speakers, including representatives from Mass Audubon, MSPCA, the Xerces Society, the Sierra Club, watershed groups, and local wildlife rehabilitators, described impacts on hawks, owls, pets, fish, and broader ecosystems. No votes were taken during the hearing, and committee members generally asked few questions, with the hearing remaining in testimony mode throughout.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources (04/23/2025)
Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- We hunt over baits.
- We hunt over baits.
- Thank you." area. Okay. And the So, our water foul area. Okay.
- </c> area.
- So while in the sea hunting area area.
Committee:
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- What's happening outside right now, bait boxes are under piles of...
- What's happening outside right now, bait boxes are under piles of melting snow.
- What's happening outside right now, bait boxes are under piles of melting snow.
- As they exit the bait box, they are poison on four legs now.
- When a rodent eats the bait, it lives for up to 10 days, getting weaker.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hearing on several late-file bills and home rule petitions, with testimony focused mainly on coastal access and wildlife management, rodenticide restrictions, and a local land-use request. Rep. Scarsdale testified for H.5113, which would name an accessible trail in Groton’s J. Harry Rich State Forest the Marion Stoddard River Walk in honor of the activist who helped restore the Nashua River. Groton Trails Committee chair Paul Fung also supported the bill, describing the trail, educational signs, and DCR’s involvement. Rep. Sweezey presented a package of Duxbury Beach bills—H.5141, H.5140, and H.5139—intended to align state shorebird protections more closely with federal standards, create parity in beach management tools, and require periodic review of outdated recreational-use guidelines; he said the bills were developed with local and agency input and aimed to balance conservation with beach access.
A large portion of the hearing concerned local petitions to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and other pesticides. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Sierra Club, Animal Defenders International, wildlife rehabilitation groups, and residents from towns including Grafton, Billerica, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Eastham, and Truro argued that these poisons harm raptors and other non-target wildlife through secondary poisoning, persist in the environment, and are increasingly ineffective. Several speakers said local town meetings had approved the restrictions and urged favorable reports on the petitions. Opponents, including a representative of the New England Pest Management Association, argued that regulation should remain at the state level under MDAR to avoid a patchwork of local rules and noted that the agency was already reviewing rodenticide regulations. Committee members asked questions about agency consultation, the relationship between state and federal bird listings, and how local beach rules would work in practice.
The committee also heard testimony on H.4700 and related local pesticide-reduction petitions for Eastham and Truro, with witnesses describing groundwater concerns, pesticide drift, and wildlife impacts. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.2961, a Dighton bill authorizing the use of a small portion of conservation land for public way purposes to replace the Pleasant Street Bridge and add pedestrian and bicycle accommodations; the witness said the affected area was limited and necessary for safety improvements. The hearing ended after testimony concluded, with the chair turning the gavel over and the committee adjourning.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't live in a really super rural area; I live in a suburban area.
- I don't live in a really super rural area; I live in a suburban area.
- We need to end the bait take.
- We need to end the bait take.
- There are bait alternatives.
Summary:
The committee hearing covered a wide range of animal, wildlife, hunting, and environmental bills. Early testimony focused on deer management, with Rep. Markey urging creation of a deer commission to address crop damage, vehicle collisions, and Lyme disease, and Sen. Durant supporting bills to allow Sunday bow hunting, expand crossbow use, and reduce the 500-foot dwelling restriction for archery hunting. Supporters framed these measures as practical wildlife-management tools, while questions centered on how they would differ from existing Fish and Wildlife authority and whether they would allow hunting closer to residences. Later, Rep. Sena also spoke in support of a bill to increase protected wildlife management areas and another to require non-lead ammunition, arguing both would benefit biodiversity and reduce environmental harm.
A substantial portion of the hearing addressed animal welfare and commerce. Multiple witnesses supported bills to ban or phase out the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops, arguing that pet stores rely on puppy mills and obscure the source of animals, while opponents said the bills would hurt responsible breeders, small businesses, and consumer choice. The committee also heard strong testimony for bills to ban the sale of cats and dogs in pet shops, with supporters citing sick animals, consumer deception, and the need to cut off the puppy mill supply chain. In a separate animal-testing segment, witnesses backed bills requiring non-animal testing methods for cosmetics and household products, saying alternatives are more accurate and humane; biomedical research representatives opposed those bills and a related research-animal measure, warning of unintended restrictions on research institutions and arguing animal models remain necessary for many studies.
The committee also heard testimony on horseshoe crab conservation, with supporters of H. 898 urging an end to taking horseshoe crabs for bait because of population declines, shorebird impacts, and the species’ importance to biomedical science. On wildlife trafficking, witnesses backed bills to ban intrastate sales of ivory and rhino horn, saying Massachusetts should close loopholes that aid poaching and align with federal law and other states; one antique dealer testified in support, saying he avoids such items and still sees them in the marketplace. Additional testimony supported bans on fur products from factory farms and on force-feeding birds for foie gras, with advocates emphasizing cruelty, public health, and environmental concerns. The hearing was lengthy and heavily attended, with the chairs repeatedly limiting testimony to three minutes and inviting written submissions; no committee votes or final actions were taken during the transcript excerpt.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So the area in green is essentially the area of expansion.
- The area in red was areas that were previously within a CWD control area.
- The areas that were previously within a CWD control area.
- The areas beyond, or referred to as the CWD buffer zone, those are the areas that are highlighted in
- The rule in part reads, supplemental feeding, baiting, or placement of bait is prohibited within the
Summary:
The task force met to review chronic wasting disease (CWD) developments and related management actions. After adopting an amended agenda and approving prior minutes, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries presented an update on the new CWD control area expansion triggered by a positive deer sample from Richard K. Yancey Wildlife Management Area in Concordia Parish. Staff explained the emergency declaration, the enhanced mitigation zone and buffer zone rules, baiting and feeding restrictions, carcass transport limits, and the taxidermy waiver process. Members asked about where the deer may have been exposed, how sampling and surveillance are targeted, how the control area boundaries were drawn, and how the department tracks harvest and sample data. LDWF said the disease appears to be at low prevalence, that the emergency declaration lasts 180 days unless changed, and that a formal notice of intent will follow; the commission may act on the emergency and later rulemaking in time for the next hunting season.
The committee also heard from the National Deer Association, which stated that CWD is the most serious long-term threat to wild deer and deer hunting and urged hunters, landowners, scientists, and agencies to work together to slow its spread. The task force then discussed its legislatively assigned report under H.R. ACR 75, with staff outlining five required areas: testing and tracking practices, information sharing and public notification, monitoring captive and wild herds, containment protocols, and needed regulatory updates. Members clarified the timing for recommendations and noted the report is due before the 2027 session, though recommendations can be made earlier.
Later, LDWF staff provided retail sales figures showing significant declines in corn and rice bran sales in late 2025 compared with the prior year, attributing the drop to the baiting restrictions in CWD areas and noting impacts on small businesses and local economies. Members discussed the need to present harvest, sample, and DMAP data separately and in map form, while also cautioning that detailed property-level data could create legal or economic concerns; LDWF said it can stratify data by parish, public/private land, and DMAP status without identifying individual hunters or properties. The meeting ended with a public comment thanking Governor Landry for assistance after an ice storm, and the task force adjourned with the next meeting date to be announced.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And lures, mostly in the high-risk areas such as feedlots, livestock holding areas, and slaughterhouses
- That's why I'm such a big proponent of the bait. If we can drop the bait, we can kill 90% of them.
- Now, the bait is a different deal. We don't have any bait yet, but I'm a proponent of the bait.
- The bait is dissipated, it's gone, and then you would come in with sterile flies in that same area to
- Fly baits that are registered, so there's no shortage of companies that can make fly bait.
Committee:
House Agriculture & Livestock
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force Apr 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Some of these have already had CWD control areas within them.
- These would just be an extension of that existing CWD control area.
- Baiting is prohibited if you're within the CWD buffer zone.
- Baiting is prohibited if you're within the CWD buffer zone.
- That's associated with the baiting. And so we did that.
Summary:
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission/task force met on April 17, 2026, with a quorum present. Members adopted the agenda and prior minutes, then received an update on the chronic wasting disease (CWD) index case in Washington Parish. Staff explained that a hunter-submitted deer tested positive in January 2026, the case was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, and an emergency declaration was issued March 11 to extend the CWD control area into portions of Washington and surrounding parishes. The update also reviewed baiting restrictions in enhanced mitigation and buffer zones, the 180-day duration of the emergency declaration, and the department’s website tools for locating affected areas. The commission then agreed to table its own CWD task force recommendations while Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 was being considered during the legislative session.
Senator Womack summarized SCR 24 as a “reset” of CWD policy. He said it would set a 1.5% apparent prevalence trigger, require at least 300 samples, shorten the management zone from 25 miles to 15 miles, and allow baiting/supplemental feeding from the opening of deer season through March 31 unless the trigger is met. He said the resolution would also help address feral hog issues and restore more normal hunting and economic conditions. Commission and staff members clarified that the resolution would not affect deer pens or livestock under the Department of Agriculture, and that if sampling goals are not met, feed bans would apply the following year.
Several stakeholders testified on the economic and management impacts. Louisiana Farm Bureau representatives supported the effort to find a workable solution but asked for clarity on how the resolution would be implemented, especially whether emergency declarations would immediately impose new restrictions. They emphasized the need to avoid discouraging deer sampling and to consider impacts on feed suppliers, landowners, and hunting leases. A written statement from Vic Blanchard of the Louisiana Landowners Association opposed SCR 24 and HCR 4, arguing that easing restrictions would worsen CWD spread and undermine wildlife management. Other speakers said the resolution should preserve economic planning for feed businesses and allow the commission to continue monitoring disease prevalence. After public comment, the commission voted to table its recommendations and then adjourned without taking a vote on SCR 24 itself.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So the area in green is essentially the area of expansion.
- The area in red was areas that were previously within a CWD control area.
- It's simply prohibited in that area. The areas beyond are referred to as the CWD buffer zone.
- The rule in part reads, supplemental feeding, baiting, or placement of bait is prohibited within the
- Thus, the majority of deer sampled in and around that area are only being sampled on that public area
Summary:
The task force met to handle routine business, including roll call, adoption of the amended agenda, approval of prior minutes, and withdrawal of one agenda item because a presenter could not attend. The main presentation came from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on the recent chronic wasting disease (CWD) emergency declaration and control-area expansion after a positive deer was confirmed in Concordia Parish, including on Richard K. Yancey Wildlife Management Area. LDWF explained the expanded control area, the enhanced mitigation zone where baiting and supplemental feeding are prohibited, the buffer zone rules, carcass transport restrictions, and the taxidermy waiver process. Officials also said the emergency declaration lasts 180 days unless extended or replaced by formal rulemaking, and that the department will pursue a notice of intent process that may or may not mirror the emergency rules.
Members asked detailed questions about where the positive deer may have been exposed, how the control-area boundaries were drawn, how many deer were sampled, and how surveillance targets are set. LDWF and Dr. Roberts said the positive likely reflects prior exposure but the source is unknown, that the map follows roads, waterways, and processor locations, and that the deer was sampled through a hunter check-in process with a large sample size from the WMA. They also explained that surveillance goals are based on risk models and that sample collection is voluntary, with costs covered by the department and some federal research funds, not by hunters. Several members asked for better public-facing maps and parish-level data showing harvest, sample goals, and actual samples, while staff noted the information exists and can be stratified, but some harvest totals are delayed by DMAP reporting.
The National Deer Association then read a statement saying CWD is the most serious long-term threat to wild deer and deer hunting and that hunters, landowners, scientists, and wildlife agencies must work together to slow its spread. The task force also discussed its legislative charge under HR/ACR 75, with staff outlining five areas for recommendations: testing and tracking practices, interagency information sharing and public notification, monitoring captive and wild herds, containment protocols, and needed statutory or regulatory updates. Members discussed the timeline for recommendations relative to the commission’s April notice-of-intent process and the 2027 reporting deadline. Near the end, two members reported large declines in retail sales of deer feed products since CWD feeding restrictions, and a public comment thanked the governor for assistance after a severe ice storm. The meeting adjourned without any votes beyond adopting the agenda and approving minutes.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 26th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2681 , HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2681 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SB5863 , SB5892 , SCR8406
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 25th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2681 , HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2681 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SB5863 , SB5892 , SCR8406
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- So, one of the areas that I am honored to be able to serve in my capacity is on the SAFE Board, the Sexual
- So I want to commend you for adding to that transparency because I think it's an area of government where
Bills:
SB1189 , SB1295 , SB1297 , SB1330 , SB1333 , SB1338 , SB1341 , SB1344 , SB1355 , SB1377 , SB1378 , SB1546 , SB1859 , SB1946 , SB1990 , SB1998
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
Keywords:
school security, funding, public schools, security enhancements, resource officers, domestic violence, fatality review, revolving fund, database, public safety, Oklahoma, census accuracy, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, federal census, grassroots outreach, marketing campaign, SB1330, Pardon and Parole Board, parole board, pardon board
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- requires that WSDOT conduct a review of community member input on the challenges experienced within the area
- requires that WSDOT conduct a review of community member input on the challenges experienced within the area
- information on safety challenges of heavy vehicles and the utility of educational efforts in this area
- We have a lot of rural communities that have many low-income and different areas that some of the even
Bills:
HB2092 , HB2114 , HB2172 , HB2251 , HB2374 , HB2410 , HB2552 , HB2588 , HB2718 , HB2722 , HB2727
Committee:
House Transportation
Keywords:
passenger rail, transportation, committee, advisory, infrastructure, defective license plates, vehicle registration, Department of Licensing, state regulations, route jurisdiction, abandonment, local governance, climate change, commitment act, emission reductions, sustainability, environmental policy, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, regulation
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- zoned for commercial use or mixed use unless the project is located in a station area.
- or in certain shoreline or critical areas.
- And cities want the opportunity to create walkable, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use areas.
- there can be some areas where we have that mandated ground-floor commercial use.
- It's a business improvement area in West Seattle.
Committee:
Senate Housing
Keywords:
housing, finance, commission, state funding, affordable housing, residential development, zoning reform, mixed-use zoning, commercial zones, Growth Management Act, GMA, state preemption, local land use, development regulations, ground-floor retail, ground-floor commercial, permit waiver, waiver process, density, urban growth area
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, November 17, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Areas that our colleagues know tribal communities have fought for generations to protect.
- Areas that our colleagues know are sensitive. TREASURED PLACES.
- AREAS THAT OUR COLLEAGUES KNOW, TRIBAL COMMUNITIES HAVE FOUGHT FOR GENERATIONS TO PROTECT.
- AREAS THAT OUR COLLEAGUES KNOW ARE SENSITIVE.
- I happened to be in a rural area as part of a conference. We went to the local hospital.
Keywords:
cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, CISA, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, FBI, interagency task force, Volt Typhoon, People’s Republic of China, PRC, state-sponsored cyber actors, Chinese cyber threats, cyber espionage, critical infrastructure protection, homeland security, national security, information sharing, threat intelligence, digital forensics, sector risk management agencies
IA
Committee:
Joint Judiciary
Keywords:
open container, THC beverage, tetrahydrocannabinol, hemp beverage, hemp products, cannabis beverage, motor vehicle, passenger area, traffic safety, roadside enforcement, simple misdemeanor, scheduled fine, Iowa Code 321.284, Iowa Code 321.284A, alcohol open container, hemp-derived THC, public safety, assault, law enforcement, health care
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Apr 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- .of the baiting ban.
- Again, this was an area where, in 2015, prevalence was 20% across that same area.
- Louisiana has 10 deer areas in the state, and they are not applying a rule to a deer area; they are applying
- it to areas where the disease has been detected.
- He asked members whether they hunt deer or use bait or cameras, and said the difference between a baited
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 706 by Representative Riser, which would set a more detailed process for commercial saltwater disposal wells, including site-specific modeling and pressure review. Riser and industry witnesses argued the bill would provide clearer, more predictable rules for operators who have faced long delays and changing requirements, while Department of Conservation and Energy officials said they are already developing guidance and that any pressure standard must remain site-specific to avoid fracturing confining layers, protecting drinking water, and staying within EPA primacy requirements. The department emphasized that geology varies widely across Louisiana and that a fixed pressure number in statute could be unsafe in some locations. Members also discussed the fiscal note, the need for additional staff, and whether the bill would tie the department’s hands or force approvals; witnesses said the bill’s modeling requirements were conservative, but opponents warned the statutory pressure ranges could conflict with site-specific safety determinations. After a technical amendment was adopted, the committee voted on the bill and it failed on a 6-6 tie.
The committee then took up House Concurrent Resolution 4 by Representative McCormick, which would suspend Louisiana’s deer baiting ban for 18 months in areas affected by chronic wasting disease (CWD). McCormick and Hunter Nation representatives argued that baiting bans have not stopped CWD in other states, that deer feeders and food plots are part of hunting culture, and that Louisiana should rely on science and a more flexible approach. They cited Wisconsin as an example where CWD spread despite long-standing feed bans and said there has been no proven human transmission. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries officials said bait bans are one of the few tools available to reduce artificial congregation of deer and help limit disease spread, and they explained that the department is also working with a CWD task force and another proposal that would tie restrictions to a 1.5% prevalence threshold rather than an across-the-board suspension. The discussion ended with the department providing information on the impacts of both measures, but no final action on HCR 4 was recorded in the transcript.