Transcript Highlights:

• California’s export power is also enormous.
• U.S. ag exports.
• And California’s top export by value: almonds at $4.4 billion.
• The question is, will we capture the value or will we export it? So I’ll move on to the next slide.
• The question is, will we capture the value or will we export it? So I'll move on to the next slide.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation was held at UC Davis and focused on how alternative proteins can support California agriculture, the bioeconomy, farmers, and new manufacturing opportunities. Opening remarks from UC Davis leaders and committee members emphasized the campus’s food science, fermentation, sustainability, and biomanufacturing strengths, as well as California’s prior public investments in alternative protein research through UC, including support for ICAMP at UC Davis. Members framed the topic as a way to align agricultural production, climate goals, and economic development rather than pit farmers against innovation. The first panel featured Sana Beg of the Plant-Based Foods Institute, who argued that California is both the nation’s agricultural engine and the center of alternative protein innovation, and that farmers are essential to the sector’s future. She highlighted market growth, the need for ingredient processing capacity, technical assistance, and predictable demand through procurement in schools, hospitals, and state facilities. Committee members asked about financing and whether state-backed loans or grants are needed; Beg said capital is difficult to secure because the sector is new and processing facilities are expensive, making guaranteed loans, grants, and stacked public funding important. The second panel focused on research, commercialization, and infrastructure. Karen Warner of Beam Circular described the circular bioeconomy as a way to turn agricultural and organic waste into higher-value products and jobs, while noting the importance of lifecycle analysis and choosing feedstocks that fit California’s agricultural base. ICAMP director Carol Leong described UC Davis’s alternative protein research, workforce training, and the need for food-grade pilot facilities to bridge the gap from lab to commercial scale; Gabe Yutzi of UC ANR discussed extension, commercialization, and the proposed Plant Innovation Center in West Sacramento. USDA researcher Yizheng Zhu presented work on valorizing byproducts such as brewers spent grain, tomato pomace, lima beans, and chickpeas for plant-based ingredients. Committee members repeatedly emphasized the importance of public investment, consumer acceptance, and advanced manufacturing capacity. The final panel highlighted company-level opportunities. Cody Yother of Optimized Foods described using fungi and fermentation to convert agricultural residues such as cocoa waste, almond hulls, and tomato pomace into higher-protein or stabilized ingredients. Cynthia Machado of Blue Diamond Growers outlined the cooperative’s role supporting thousands of almond growers and described USDA-funded conservation and cover-crop efforts to improve soil and water outcomes. The hearing did not include any legislative vote or formal action; it was informational, with discussion and public education as the main purpose.

Transcript Highlights:

• We talked to an apple grower who was contemplating domestic sales instead of exports because of the challenges
• In Port Angeles, our cargo terminal that we use to export timber and forest In Port Angeles, our cargo
• terminal that we use to export timber and forest products has reached the end of its useful life, and
• In Port Angeles, our cargo terminal that we use to export timber in forest, In Port Angeles, our cargo
• terminal that we use to export timber and forest products has reached the end of its useful life, and

Summary: The committee held public hearings on two bills. Senate Bill 5420 would expand access to state benefits and preferences for veterans, uniformed service members, and military spouses by adding the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and NOAA Corps to various eligibility provisions, extending some employment preferences to military spouses, and updating related protections. Staff and the prime sponsor, Sen. John Lovick, described it as a long-worked-on measure that passed the Senate overwhelmingly. Tammy Pro of the Department of War supported the bill, saying it modernizes state law and better recognizes service members and military families. The committee also heard Engrossed Senate Bill 5649, which would create a Washington State supply chain competitiveness infrastructure program to provide grants and loans for public and tribal port projects tied to freight mobility and supply chain performance. Sen. Marko Liias and port representatives testified in support, saying ports are critical to Washington’s trade-driven economy and that the bill would help fund needed infrastructure, including rail and terminal improvements, especially for smaller and rural ports. Testifiers said the program would fill a gap because ports lack a dedicated state grant program and could help leverage federal funding. An amendment to SB 5649 was explained as limiting eligible projects to those not already eligible for funding from the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board, to avoid duplication. The committee paused and later closed the hearing on SB 5649, then returned to SB 5420 to hear additional testimony. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended after the public hearings were closed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas has established itself as a key trade partner ranking 4th among all US states and exports to Israel
• In 2023, Texas exported $845 million worth of goods to Israel.
• Since 1996, Texas's exports to Israel have totaled more than $21 billion demonstrating sustained economic
• The facts don't bear that out, not even close, um, in terms of exports, the real drivers of the Texas
• We're number one in exports. We're number one in energy.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is where they export these products.
• And if you see that, again, we have to export.
• So again, the export is absolutely critical. And again, the same story.
• And the export is absolutely critical. And again, the same story there.
• We export in dollars. We import in the foreign currencies.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and welcomed a new member, then took up a series of agriculture-related bills, many focused on Louisiana seafood and producer protections. HB 121 by Rep. Domain would let the Department of Agriculture and Forestry seize and destroy adulterated imported seafood after a stop order, rather than relying on another agency to do it; the commissioner said the bill would improve enforcement without adding major cost, and it was reported favorably. HB 725, also by Rep. Domain, was amended to require retailers to keep invoices for imported seafood for six months so inspectors can verify country of origin and labeling; the committee adopted the technical amendment and reported the bill favorably. HB 367, dealing with Structural Pest Control Commission hearing notices, was described as a technical change to align notice procedures with the Administrative Procedure Act and was also reported favorably. HB 505, on certification cards for commercial applicators, pesticide salespersons, and agricultural consultants, was amended to keep unexpended pesticide fund money in the fund and streamline renewal timing; it too passed favorably. The committee then considered several measures aimed at protecting farmers from market losses. HB 344 by Rep. Coates raised the Grain and Cotton Indemnity Fund thresholds for suspending and restarting assessments, with the commissioner explaining that recent bankruptcies and broker failures had shown the need for a larger reserve; the bill was reported favorably. HB 370, a follow-up measure on the same fund, increased the assessment rate on agricultural commodities so the fund could grow faster, and it also passed without objection. HB 847, on Soil and Water Conservation Commission district supervisor elections, was amended to require certified nominating petitions, shift election administration to the Secretary of State, and remove outdated statewide election language; supporters said the change would modernize a system that had become costly and unwieldy, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 370 and HB 847 drew discussion about ballot access, election administration, and the nonpartisan nature of soil and water districts. The meeting also included a lengthy agriculture update from Commissioner Strain and a presentation from LSU Ag Center Dean Matt Lee. Strain discussed seafood imports, labeling enforcement, shrimp industry promotion, feral swine damage, fertilizer and diesel cost pressures, pesticide disposal, and export markets for rice and timber, emphasizing that Louisiana agriculture depends on testing, marketing, and international trade. Lee reported that LSU Ag Center research is ranked among the nation’s top agricultural programs, with major work in sugarcane variety development, and said the center’s research generates substantial economic returns for Louisiana producers. Several industry representatives, including Louisiana Farm Bureau and LSU Ag Center staff, spoke in support of the bills and the state’s agricultural programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in terms of growth of the port and what we're trying to import or export—sure, probably import, maybe
• export.
• And Instructure is actively looking for new customers, both for importing and exporting.
• Customers both for importing and exporting.
• So again, that there is export opportunities, you know, again, for Delaware's largest, one of the largest

Summary: The committee met to finalize the FY27 bond bill, beginning with a roll call and a detailed review of updated appropriation amounts. The Comptroller General walked through major changes across agencies, including additions for OMB, the Department of State, DNREC, Agriculture, Education, and Transportation, and explained the funding sources that would cover the total $1.256 billion package. Members then debated several large items, especially the $110 million appropriation for the Diamond State Port Corporation, the $35 million Legislative Hall addition, the $20 million Community Reinvestment Fund, and the $30 million land and building acquisition line. Questions focused on the port project’s costs, expected jobs, return on investment, and whether the state would face future commitments; Secretary of State Charney Patitofunded Chances and other officials testified that the port expansion would create construction and permanent jobs and support long-term economic growth, while some members remained skeptical and objected to the process and spending priorities. The committee also discussed school construction funding, with officials explaining that additional money would forward-fund projects already in the pipeline and help districts that had been turned down for certificates of necessity. Other items reviewed included funding for park improvements, marina acquisition, the Plummer Center demolition and transfer, the Pyle Center sewer project, the Site Readiness Fund, affordable housing, the Arts Endowment Fund, an unclaimed property task force, and various transportation and community transportation projects. Several members raised concerns about county distribution, minority-party involvement in negotiations, and the scale of certain appropriations, but the majority defended the package as statewide investment and economic development. The committee then voted on the Section 1 addendum and a series of new and replacement epilogue sections, including provisions for the port project, Legislative Hall minor capital improvements, land acquisition, affordable housing, the Community Reinvestment Fund, downtown development districts, the Rite Aid demolition, the Site Readiness Fund, school construction formula review, and enhanced school capital funding. Most motions carried, with a few recorded no votes or abstentions on the main addendum. The meeting concluded with a motion authorizing technical corrections by the Comptroller General’s office, followed by closing remarks thanking staff and members for their work and noting that this was likely the final bond committee meeting for some participants before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2023 alone, LNG exports supported over 222,000 jobs nationwide.
• Chairman, the world in LNG exports, with Texas serving as the top state in that category.
• In response, Texas created an interim committee. on protecting Texas' liquefied natural gas exports.
• The need for Texas and the other Gulf states to safeguard and promote LNG exports is incredibly important

Bills: HB206, HB1238, HB2890, HB2970

Keywords: pipeline, construction, cash bond, county authority, local government, injection wells, environmental regulation, water quality, site inspection, geoscientist, satellite imagery, interstate compact, liquefied natural gas, energy resources, Gulf Coast, regulatory coordination, HB 2970, Gulf Coast Protection District, Special District Local Laws Code, governor appointment

Transcript Highlights:

• It also, however, results in Kentucky being one of the leading states in the country to export guns that
• It also, however, results in Kentucky being one of the leading states in the country to export guns that
• It also, however, results in Kentucky being one of the leading states in the country to export guns that
• It also, however, results in Kentucky being one of the leading states in the country to export guns that
• It also, however, results in Kentucky being one of the leading states in the country to export guns that

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In short, a risk can be The commissioner's export list.
• It's called the export list. The export list.
• There's an export list that's developed every year where everybody agrees there's no market.
• It's called the export list. The export list.
• There's an export list that's developed every year where everybody agrees there's no market.

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee held its first outcomes review oversight hearing on the residential fair plan clearinghouse program created by AB 3012. Chair and members focused on whether the program is actually helping depopulate the California Fair Plan and move policyholders back to the voluntary market. The Fair Plan and Department of Insurance testified that the program exists as a platform for admitted and, in some cases, non-admitted insurers to review Fair Plan policies and make offers through the broker of record, but they acknowledged limited participation and limited results. CDI said it has received no formal complaints specific to the clearinghouse, but identified obstacles including only 11 participating residential insurers, the broker-of-record requirement, compensation and appointment issues, and the lack of direct consumer contact. CDI said about 730 residential risks have moved to voluntary market coverage through the program from June 2021 through April 30, 2025, and opt-outs are under 1%. Committee members pressed witnesses on the program’s opacity, the lack of data on offers made versus policies actually moved, and whether the clearinghouse is functioning as intended. CDI and the Fair Plan said they do not have data on how many offers have been made, only on cancellations that are self-reported and marked as clearinghouse-related. Members also raised regional growth in Fair Plan enrollment, especially on the Central Coast, and concerns about underinsurance when policyholders move back to the regular market. CDI recommended more mandatory reporting, broader broker education, possible direct offers to policyholders after a period of time, and changes to commission and appointment rules to reduce barriers to insurer participation. The second panel of industry witnesses generally agreed the clearinghouse is not a stand-alone solution and said its effectiveness depends on a healthier admitted market and actuarially sound Fair Plan rates. Independent agents and brokers, admitted-market insurers, and surplus lines representatives said the current system is constrained by low rate adequacy, limited insurer appetite for high-risk properties, operational friction, and misaligned incentives. Several witnesses suggested improvements such as better data sharing, clearer depopulation procedures, stronger broker education, and more flexible appointment or compensation rules. Some supported giving the program more time under the Sustainable Insurance Strategy, while others said the Legislature should consider whether to strengthen, modify, or potentially sunset the program if it continues to produce limited results. A public witness later reported that a new carrier had recently joined the clearinghouse and was working with brokers to bring in additional capacity.

Transcript Highlights:

• And let's just talk about natural gas because our natural gas is trapped right We can't export it at
• I think the governor went to Japan or somewhere and talked about exporting natural gas.
• But we were exporting electricity forever.
• We're a state that Exported electricity for the last 50 years and we could export it again all over the
• We currently Are but we could export even a more reliable source of electricity. Anyway, thank you.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Nearly one-fifth of U.S. dairy production is exported. and this share is only likely to rise.
• About 25% of our pork products are exported. That adds about $66 worth of value.
• The U.S. pork industry is a net export. exporters. We export more than we import.
• Those are our top exporting markets.
• Thank you Senator, the dairy industry exports almost 20% of our products daily, weekly, monthly.

Keywords: agriculture, avian flu, bipartisan farm bill, economic challenges, poultry, dairy, specialty crops

Summary: The committee meeting focused on crucial discussions surrounding the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, particularly concerning avian flu and its impact on poultry and dairy producers. Members provided insights into the economic struggles within the industry, emphasizing the need for a new bipartisan farm bill that addresses the diverse needs of specialty crop and livestock producers. Witnesses from various agricultural sectors spoke about their experiences, illustrating the high costs, regulatory burdens, and emerging diseases that threaten their operations. The meeting underscored a commitment to exploring solutions that will help maintain market stability and ensure food security.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2023 alone, LNG exports supported over 222,000 jobs nationwide, with approximately 178,000 of which
• Chairman, the world in LNG exports, with Texas serving as the top state in that category.
• direct result of that, Texas created an interim committee on protecting Texas liquefied natural gas exports
• The need for Texas and the other Gulf states to safeguard and promote LNG exports is incredibly important

Bills: HB206, HB1238, HB2890, HB2970

Keywords: pipeline, construction, cash bond, county authority, local government, injection wells, environmental regulation, water quality, site inspection, geoscientist, satellite imagery, interstate compact, liquefied natural gas, energy resources, Gulf Coast, regulatory coordination, HB 2970, Gulf Coast Protection District, Special District Local Laws Code, governor appointment

Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources met with a quorum initially lacking, then took up several bills and heard brief testimony. HB 206, by Rep. Craddick, would prohibit counties from requiring cash bonds as a condition for pipeline construction approvals, while still allowing other forms of financial assurance; the sponsor and a Target Pipeline witness said cash-bond mandates create unnecessary costs and uncertainty, and the bill was left pending. HB 2890, by Rep. Patterson, would create an interstate compact among Gulf Coast states to coordinate and support the liquefied natural gas industry; the sponsor emphasized LNG’s economic importance and said the bill mirrors prior compact language that does not require congressional approval, and it was left pending after no public testimony. HB 1238, by Rep. Geren, would let TCEQ use third-party inspection reports and remote technology when reviewing proposed Class I injection wells; the sponsor and a uranium industry witness said it would streamline regulation and support industry, and it was left pending. HB 2970, by Rep. Paul, the House version of SB 410, would require the Gulf Coast Protection District’s final gate design to accommodate two-way vessel traffic and allow the governor to appoint the district’s presiding officer; the committee substitute was explained and the bill was left pending. With members scattered in other committees, the chair said the committee would recess and later reconvene to vote and complete its work.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> include limits on the maximum export include limits on the maximum export capacity.<02:12:13.040
• </c> risk by applying haircuts to export risk by applying haircuts to export credits,<02:51:48.160><c
• So, we avoid — we don't want to be charging our customers for their inadvertent exports.
• </c> customers for their inadvertent exports. customers for their inadvertent exports.
• </c> so essentially any inadvertent exports so essentially any inadvertent exports again<04:13:54.640

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Retaliation from other countries can affect California's exports.
• We should anticipate job displacement, especially in export industries.
• So there are 64,000 businesses in California that have export sales.
• tariffs that those countries put on our exports.
• California exports about $183 billion worth of goods each year, and of those...

Summary: The committee held an information hearing on California’s economy and household affordability, with the first panel focusing on inflation, housing, energy, wages, and the likely effects of new federal tariff policy. PPIC’s Sarah Bone said Californians remain deeply pessimistic about the economy, with inflation the main driver of concern; she noted prices are still about 23% higher than in January 2020, with especially large increases in food, energy, and housing costs. LAO’s Brian Euler emphasized that housing is the largest household expense and pointed to insurance, electricity, gasoline, and health care as other major cost pressures, urging the Legislature to review whether existing policies are actually reducing costs and to consider studies of why recent housing laws have not produced more units. UC Davis economist Catherine Russ warned that tariffs on China, Canada, Mexico, and potentially broader imports could raise consumer prices, disrupt supply chains, and hurt California exporters, farmers, and small businesses; she suggested monitoring prices, strengthening food assistance, and preparing transition support for affected workers and producers. Members pressed the panelists for concrete, near-term policy ideas, especially on housing and tariffs. Questions centered on whether accessory dwelling units are making a meaningful dent in affordability, how to improve implementation of pro-housing laws at the local level, and how to measure the impact of tariffs on consumers, health care, and agriculture. Panelists said ADUs help but are limited, that state laws can be undermined by local implementation and litigation, and that tariff effects may show up quickly in prices and later in hiring and investment. Several members stressed that the tariff issue is not a minor disruption for constituents and asked for more data on consumer impacts, food aid needs, and crop-specific farm losses. The second panel shifted to regional economic development and small business support. Go-Biz’s Derek Kirk described California Jobs First and the state economic blueprint as a first-in-decades, regionally informed strategy to create good-paying jobs, support key sectors, and align workforce and business development across 13 regions. The California Association for Local Economic Development’s Gerbach Sahota argued that local governments need practical tools, stable policy, and stronger partnerships with the state, while warning that prosperity is not always perceived as shared and that rural communities can be left behind. He urged the Legislature to use hearings, local input, and existing funding streams more effectively, including for recovery and infrastructure. David Fitzgerald of the Small Business Development Centers said California’s SBDC network serves hundreds of thousands of clients, many of them women and historically underrepresented entrepreneurs, and has generated billions in economic impact, capital access, revenue, and jobs. He said the biggest gaps are outreach to the state’s many self-employed businesses with no employees, better labor data on those workers, and more flexible support for direct services. Committee members then asked what small businesses need most in the face of inflation and tariff shocks, including lower licensing costs and other relief, and the discussion continued on how to better target state support to businesses and households under pressure.

Transcript Highlights:

• happening on the east coast of Florida from Jaxport where they are operating container ships, their export
• What role exports are playing in the costs of of gas understanding is that as we export more liquid gas
• But historically, when you have the export markets like we have now, those markets basically result in
• I mean, we've talked about data centers, LNG, export facilities, new power plants, where we're kind of
• One of them is a peaking facility up in Jacksonville and the other 2 are export facilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• California’s export power is also enormous.
• U.S. ag exports.
• And California’s top export by value is almonds at $4.4 billion.
• The question is: will we capture the value, or will we export it?
• So by this way, we want to see, like, lima beans not only as a way to export.

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation was held at UC Davis and focused on how alternative proteins can support California agriculture, the bioeconomy, and farmers. Opening remarks from UC Davis leaders and committee members emphasized the university’s food science, fermentation, and sustainability strengths, and the state’s prior investments of $5 million for UC alternative protein research and an additional $1 million for ICAMP. Members framed the topic as a way to grow new markets, keep more value in-state, and address climate, food security, and commercialization challenges. The first panel featured Sana Beg of the Plant-Based Foods Institute, who argued that California agriculture and alternative proteins are complementary, not competing, and stressed that farmers are essential to the sector. She highlighted the need for ingredient processing capacity, technical assistance for growers, and predictable demand through public procurement, including schools, hospitals, and state facilities. Committee members asked about financing and market development, and Beg said guaranteed loans, grants, and state- and USDA-backed support could help de-risk investment and build the supply chain. The second panel focused on research and development. Beam Circular described the circular bioeconomy in the San Joaquin Valley, including efforts to turn agricultural residues into higher-value products, build shared infrastructure, and expand workforce training. ICAMP and UC ANR described UC Davis-centered research, pilot facilities, and a proposed plant innovation center to bridge lab-scale work to commercial manufacturing. USDA researchers discussed using byproducts such as brewer’s spent grain, tomato pomace, lima beans, and chickpeas for new food ingredients. Members repeatedly emphasized the importance of public R&D funding, consumer acceptance, and food-grade scale-up facilities. The final panel highlighted company perspectives from Optimized Foods and Blue Diamond Growers. Optimized Foods described using fungi fermentation to convert almond hulls, cocoa waste, and tomato pomace into protein-rich ingredients and stabilized nutrients. Blue Diamond outlined its grower cooperative model, sustainability practices, almond ingredient portfolio, and the Sacramento almond innovation center. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with discussion centered on research, commercialization, infrastructure, and market-building for California-grown alternative protein products.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, the committee substitute prohibits a groundwater conservation district from collecting export
• And then lastly, the second part is about removing export fees for districts.
• To better paint the picture of our concern, please imagine if the Vista Ridge export project had been
• And so, you know, that was also an experimental case where we had a large export project.
• And so, you know, that was also an experimental case where we had a large export project.

Bills: HB1523, HB2109, HB2694, HB3525, HB3898, HB4646, HB5188, HB5219, HB5320, HB5651, HB5655, HB5659, HB5662, HB5672

Keywords: aquifer conservation, Class V injection well, environmental regulation, groundwater protection, municipal water supply, temporary prohibition, water management, reservoir construction, state water plan, Texas Water Code, environmental impact, Brazoria Drainage District, commissioners, elections, vacancies, resignation, HB 3525, North Texas Groundwater Conservation District, groundwater permit, permit amendment

Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources heard House Bill 2109, which would remove certain long-proposed reservoir projects from the state water plan after 50 years without progress. Chairman Van Deaver and many landowners, local officials, timber interests, and conservation advocates testified in support, arguing that the Marvin Nichols Reservoir has burdened Northeast Texas landowners for decades with the threat of eminent domain, depressed property values, and uncertainty over homes, farms, ranches, schools, churches, and cemeteries. Supporters also said the project would flood tens of thousands of acres, require extensive mitigation, harm timber and agriculture, and that Texas now has better alternatives such as conservation, reuse, aquifer storage and recovery, and desalination. Several members expressed sympathy for the affected families and questioned whether a project could remain in the plan indefinitely without progress. Opposition came from North Texas water interests, including the North Texas Commission, Tarrant Regional Water District, and the Texas Water Association, who argued that the bill would interfere with the state’s long-term water planning process and remove needed future supply options for a fast-growing region. They said Region C faces major projected shortages by 2070, that conservation and reuse have already delayed the need for new supplies, and that reservoirs remain one tool in the state’s water-planning toolbox. TWDB staff explained the existing inter-regional conflict process and noted that the substitute would affect several unique reservoir sites, not just Marvin Nichols. After testimony, Chairman Van Deaver closed by urging passage of the bill, but the committee withdrew the substitute and left HB 2109 pending. The committee then took up House Bill 5188, a brackish groundwater bill. The author said the bill would reduce permitting burdens for wells in designated brackish groundwater production zones, and the committee substitute added requirements on monitoring, groundwater-rights ownership, and allocation of pumpage limits while removing some exclusions and export-fee provisions. Texas Wildlife Association testified against the bill, warning that the exemptions could weaken groundwater conservation districts’ ability to protect freshwater resources and surface-owner rights. San Antonio Water System testified in favor, saying brackish groundwater is a key future supply and that the substitute would help speed development of desalination and brackish projects. The Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts testified neutrally but raised concerns about reduced district oversight, especially around injection-well exclusions and the loss of export fees, and said discussions on the bill were ongoing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> these items from the state, exporting these items from the state, exporting them<00:32:18.720><c
• </c> ought to be able to limit the export. ought to be able to limit the export.
• </c> And it's only by limiting the export And it's only by limiting the export that<00:37:31.520><c>
• just as another state would regulate exports or imports.
• just as another state would regulate exports or imports.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But as far as the export, import, I'm not 100% for sure, but they have the capability of exporting more
• These big companies, their big ag lobby, they'll talk about how exports are great, and they are.
• Here's the funny thing: when we export high-quality beef to Japan, guess what?
• When we export to the UK, guess what? When we export to the UK, guess what?
• But we're not getting those signals because we're filling it with exports. Thank you.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But as far as the export, import, I'm not 100% for sure, but they have the capability of exporting more
• These big companies, their big ag lobby, they'll talk about how exports are great. And they are.
• They'll talk about how exports are great. And they are. We've got to have them.
• Here's the funny thing: when we export high-quality beef to Japan, guess what?
• When we export to the UK, guess what? We label it country of origin.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 890 in executive session and adopted a House committee substitute and amendment before voting the substitute do pass by a roll call of 11 ayes and 1 no. Members explained the substitute combined provisions from related bills, corrected a drafting issue, and removed or updated language affecting certain boards and councils that had not been meeting, with supporters saying the changes would eliminate inactive bodies and allow needed state business to move forward. One member raised concern about concentrating power, while others said the bill stayed within the original spirit of reducing unused boards. The committee then heard Senate Bill 945, sponsored by Senator Carla May, which would raise the civil filing surcharge for the St. Louis City law library from $15 to up to $20. Senator May and a representative of the Law Library Association of St. Louis said the increase would help fund legal research materials, digital resources, public access services, and facility needs, noting the fee had not changed since 1996 and that similar surcharges already exist in other counties. Questions focused on whether the increase would be enough, how the fee compares to other court costs, and whether incarcerated people can access materials; testimony in support emphasized the library’s public service role and that criminal defendants and indigent litigants generally do not pay the surcharge. The committee also heard House Concurrent Resolution 29, which urges Congress to restore mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork. The sponsor and supporters argued that consumers should know where meat comes from, that the current voluntary system is inadequate, and that labeling would help independent cattle producers compete against large packers and imported product. Opponents from Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, and the Missouri Pork Association argued that mandatory labeling would add regulatory burden and costs, could create trade problems, and that voluntary labeling is preferable. Supporters countered that other commodities already require origin labels, that the infrastructure exists, and that consumers deserve transparency; the committee heard extensive testimony from cattle producers, farm advocates, and industry groups, but no final action on HCR 29 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we lose our Grade A status, we would not have the ability to export any milk outside of the state
• It's just companies, you know, like Braum's or Highland or companies that export a lot of product would
• and just Highland, as an example, if we lose our grade A status, we would not have the ability to export
• It's just companies, you know, like Broms or Highland or companies that export a lot of product would
• Export a lot of product would not be able to do so.

Bills: SB2122, SB330, SB2071, SB2169, SB2069, SB2095, SB2157

Keywords: poultry, agriculture, out-of-state processing, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, regulation, food safety, elk population, wildlife management, Oklahoma State University, veterinary medicine, ecosystem health, habitat assessment, milk, dairy, dairy farm, milk products, Grade A milk, pasteurization, raw milk, milk inspection

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 2122, which would give the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry more flexibility to allow out-of-state poultry processing when in-state processing is unavailable. Supporters said the bill would help poultry producers who face short processing windows and lack sufficient in-state capacity, while opponents raised questions about food safety and environmental standards. The bill passed 13-0. The committee then took up Senate Bill 330, as amended, to help the Oklahoma State Veterinary School Committee study and support the state’s growing elk herd in western Oklahoma. An amendment updated dates and removed a fiscal section, and the bill passed 11-2. Senate Bill 271 followed, updating dairy regulation authority from milk from cows and goats to milk from all hoofed mammals and increasing the milk production fee from one cent to two cents per hundredweight. The Department of Agriculture said the change was needed to preserve Grade A status, maintain interstate milk shipping, and cover program costs without subsidizing the dairy program from poultry fees. After extensive debate over fees, federal pressure, raw milk safety, and state sovereignty, the bill passed 8-7. Later, the committee approved Senate Bill 2169, which creates a framework for managing invasive woody species and cedar removal on state lands to improve forage, reduce wildfire risk, conserve water, and increase school land revenues; it passed 12-1. Senate Bill 269, addressing baiting in migratory bird hunting and related penalties for guides, also passed 12-1. Senate Bill 2095, setting fees and fines for hunting guides and outfitters, passed 12-1 after questions about misdemeanor versus felony penalties. Finally, Senate Bill 2157, creating a Southeast Scenic Rivers framework, passed 8-5 after testimony that it would protect water resources and avoid federal scenic river designation, while critics argued it could expand government and affect property and agricultural rights.