Transcript Highlights:

• They could partition a section of the locker room and put up dividers or curtains to make sure that everybody's
• </c><02:25:47.600><c> they</c><02:25:47.760><c> could</c><02:25:47.920><c> partition</c><02:25:48.319
• ><c> a</c> locker rooms. they could partition a locker rooms. they could partition a section<02:25:48.720

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> fence deficiencies. fence deficiencies.
• How can we afford this fence?
• How can we afford this fence?
• How can we afford this fence?
• </c> the fence line um that was made before. the fence line um that was made before.

Summary: House File 40, authored by Representative Burkel, was heard and laid over. The bill would remove the statutory requirement that farmed deer/elk facilities maintain a physical barrier preventing contact with wild deer, and it would also strike language allowing revocation of registration and seizure/destruction of animals for fencing or escape violations. Burkel argued the current law is unfair to deer farmers, treats them differently than other livestock producers, and amounts to a regulatory taking of a legal agricultural enterprise. Supporters from the Minnesota Elk Breeders Association and Minnesota Deer Farmers Association said the 2023 secondary-fence requirement is expensive, difficult to implement on long-established properties, and has pushed some breeders out of the industry. They described costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, said the DNR’s guidance is case-by-case and unclear, and argued that the penalty structure is too harsh for what they view as minor or unavoidable escape incidents. One testifier said the industry is being driven out of business and that the state should help pay for the fencing if it remains required. The DNR opposed the bill. Its enforcement representative said the physical-contact barrier is intended to reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease transmission and that removing penalties would leave little incentive for compliance. He said the agency continues to work with the roughly 10 noncompliant whitetail farms and that the DNR provides case-by-case review because farm topography varies. In committee questions, members discussed whether wild deer commonly travel along fence lines, whether ear-tagged deer have been found, and whether there is a standard approved fence design; the DNR said there is no single standard fence, only suggestions and review. Representative Burkel closed by reiterating his support for the bill and the committee then laid it over.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> fencing in. fencing in.
• </c> to a private fence. to a private fence.
• </c> it's a legal fence. it's a legal fence.
• . fence. fence.
• . fencing. fencing.

Committee: Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• a fence in from one side of the fence.
• To the fence line.
• And lo and behold, it's not on the fence line at all, but it's 10 feet on your side of the fence.
• If it's on the fence line, which currently some trees are pretty big are in the fence line.
• on the fence line.

Committees: House Agriculture , House Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• , rechargeable fences.
• Why not perimeter fence... ...particular way? Why not perimeter fences across the board?
• regulations for commercial fences versus rural fences versus residential fences is that if that came
• Most of the companies that have commercial fencing have this type of fencing for commercial.
• fence.

Summary: The committee first heard House Memorial 54, which would create a stakeholder working group to study utility-service problems in manufactured and mobile home parks and recommend solutions. The sponsor described repeated water and utility outages in large parks, said current law places maintenance responsibility on park owners, and argued that the state needs clearer standards and alternatives to costly attorney general lawsuits. Supporters from PNM and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty backed the memorial as a step toward better oversight and protections for residents. The committee asked about existing landlord obligations and whether rent withholding is available; the sponsor said current law does not clearly provide that remedy. HM 54 was reported out with a due pass. The committee then considered House Bill 166, which would create a statewide permitting framework for battery-charged electric fences used by commercial businesses while preserving local zoning authority. The sponsor and an industry witness said businesses face inconsistent local permitting, delays, and added costs, and that the bill would provide uniform standards and security options. Several members raised concerns that the bill appeared to favor a specific product type, could override local code differences, and might not address mixed-use areas, historic districts, or homeowners associations. After debate, the bill passed on a 4-3 vote, with one member explaining support but urging further work with local government experts before floor consideration. House Bill 20, a bipartisan measure, would allow Native American applicants to request a voluntary Native American designation on state driver’s licenses and ID cards, without naming a specific tribe, and with documentation requirements tied to tribal cards, certificates of Indian blood, or affidavits of birth. Supporters said it would recognize tribal political status, help with law enforcement and Turquoise Alert verification, and assist with education, health, and child welfare matters; tribal representatives and State Police testified in favor. Several members expressed concern about racial profiling, privacy, and possible unintended consequences of marking IDs, while others noted the designation is optional and tied to political status rather than race. Members also flagged drafting language that appeared to require multiple documents, and the sponsor agreed to clarify it. The bill ultimately passed, with some members explaining their votes and asking for continued discussion with tribes. The committee also approved Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would amend the state constitution to allow school bond and mill levy questions to appear on the general election ballot rather than being limited to separate school elections. Sponsors said the change would reduce special-election costs, increase turnout, and remove outdated language dating to 1910; school board and education groups supported it. Members asked about ballot crowding and local election timing, and sponsors emphasized that the measure gives school districts a choice rather than a mandate. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 295, which would create an Office of Accessibility to centralize reporting, provide technical assistance, and produce annual reports on accessibility of state buildings and websites. Disability advocates largely supported the bill as a way to improve compliance and consistency, while one webcast commenter opposed it, arguing that without enforcement authority it would not produce meaningful change. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 295, before final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• , recharge fences.
• Why not perimeter fence... ...particular way? Why not perimeter fences across the board?
• regulations for commercial fences versus rural fences versus residential fences is that if that came
• Most of the companies that have commercial fencing have this type of fencing for commercial.
• fence.

Summary: The committee first heard House Memorial 54, which would ask the Public Regulation Commission to convene a working group on utility service problems in manufactured home communities. The sponsor described repeated water, electricity, and gas outages in mobile home parks and said current remedies are too slow and often require attorney general lawsuits. Supporters from PNM and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty said manufactured home communities are an important source of affordable housing and that clearer coordination and oversight are needed. The memorial passed on a due pass motion with no opposition. House Bill 166 then drew substantial debate. The bill would create a statewide permitting framework for battery-charged electric fences used by commercial businesses, while sponsors said municipalities would still retain zoning authority. Supporters argued the measure would reduce confusion, provide uniform standards, and help businesses deter crime without taxpayer cost. Several members raised concerns that the bill would override local zoning practices, favor a specific product type, and create conflicts with existing local codes and historic or mixed-use districts. Despite those objections, the committee advanced the bill on a 4-3 vote, with members noting it should be worked on further before floor consideration. House Bill 20 proposed allowing Native American applicants to request a Native American designation on state driver’s licenses and ID cards, using tribal documentation but not naming a specific tribe. Supporters, including tribal representatives, State Police, and the sponsor, said the designation could help with law enforcement, turquoise alerts, child welfare, health and education verification, and recognition of tribal political status. Opponents and some members expressed concern about racial profiling, stigma, and whether the designation could create unintended consequences or extra bureaucracy. The bill ultimately passed, with several members explaining their votes and asking for continued discussion with tribes. The committee also heard Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would remove constitutional language requiring school elections to be held separately from partisan elections, allowing school bond and mill levy questions to appear on the general election ballot. Sponsors and school board advocates said this could reduce special-election costs and increase turnout, while some members questioned ballot crowding and whether county clerks had been consulted. The resolution passed by due pass motion. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 295, a committee substitute creating an Office of Accessibility to centralize reporting and technical assistance on ADA compliance for state buildings and websites. Disability advocates and supporters said the office would improve coordination and accessibility, while opponents argued it lacked enforcement power and would not by itself change compliance. The discussion was ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Michigan has done a study of fence-to-fence or nose-to-nose contact between single fences.
• Michigan has done a study of fence-to-fence or nose-to-nose contact between single fences.
• Michigan has done a study of fence-to-fence or nose-to-nose contact between single fences.
• Michigan has done a study of fence-to-fence or nose-to-nose contact between single fences.
• Michigan has done a study of fence-to-fence or nose-to-nose contact between single fences.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Necessities like equipment and temporary fencing supplies.
• There are post-fencing with biohazard signs.
• How can we afford this fence? I talk on my behalf.
• We feel like our 8-foot high fence contains our animals.
• If there is a producer who flat-out refuses to follow fencing guidelines... including fencing rules that

Committee: House Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• So, fencing it just depends how much water that you actually have to fence.
• So, fencing it just depends how much water that you actually have to fence.
• So, fencing it just depends how much water that you actually have to fence.
• So, fencing it just depends how much water that you actually have to fence.
• So, fencing it just depends how much water that you actually have to fence.

Committee: House Finance

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 1602 HD1 drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Ulupono Initiative, and others, with testimony emphasizing the value of a dedicated grant writer who had secured nearly $9 million in federal funds and was pursuing additional grants. Members discussed how much time grant applications take and how the position helps position projects for implementation. The committee then moved on without objection. HB 1832, relating to aquaculture, received support from state agencies and industry groups, with one individual opposed. HB 1707 HD1, relating to agriculture, also drew broad support. A committee question focused on the bill’s definition of “necessary supplies,” and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said the language was broad enough to cover the inputs farmers need, including transportation-related costs, and would help reduce production costs and food prices. HB 2155 HD1, relating to agricultural statistics, prompted testimony in support of better data collection to help Hawaii compete for federal agriculture funding. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that its role would focus on production, import, and export data, distinct from the scientific data collected by another unit, and said it wanted an electronic system tied to existing manifest and GIS tools to avoid duplicative clipboard-based collection. HB 1831 HD1, relating to agricultural lands, was heard with support and no questions. HB 1650 HD1, relating to environmental assessments, drew opposition from several individuals who argued it would weaken environmental protections and resident input; no action was taken. The committee then heard HB 1652 HD1, relating to storm water management systems. The engineering industry supported clarifying that low-risk green stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement should not be treated like detention or retention ponds subject to fencing and other safety requirements. Opponents, including family members affected by a drowning and other residents, argued the bill would weaken Act 281’s safety protections and increase liability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau questioned whether agricultural water infrastructure should be exempted from the fencing requirements and said the costs would vary by system, but the committee did not take final action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• hunting operations. fence hunting operation.
• We have good fences.
• There's not fences and enclosure.
• and have a positive test, they can come inside the fence to kill those can come inside the fence to
• A few of them were in fenced-in areas.

Bills: HB509

Committee: House Agriculture and Forestry

Keywords: HB509, game breeder, game breeder license, cervid, deer breeder, whitetail deer, elk, fallow deer, deer farm, captive deer, cervidae, wildlife disease, disease testing, antemortem testing, state veterinarian, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, property rights, private property, animal transfer, breeding stock

Transcript Highlights:

• Right, is your fence on the left. Each person's right is their fence.
• We got five calves on the neighbor's fence, other side of the fence.
• We got five calves on the neighbor's fence, other side of the fence.
• So if we have a fence, we share a fence, I can go out onto your property 10 feet.
• It would apply to building a fence, too, if there had to be a fence built.

Summary: The House first established a quorum, then took up several bills for perfection and printing. House Bill 2297, a fence-law bill, was presented as a way to let livestock owners enter up to 10 feet onto neighboring property to repair fences, remove trees and debris on the fence line, and avoid trespass liability while repairing damage caused by livestock escaping. Supporters said the measure addresses a real rural problem and protects farmers who are already responsible for keeping animals contained; the bill was adopted and perfected and printed after debate over property rights and access concerns. The chamber then considered House Bills 2142 and 2058, a film and television tax incentive measure. Supporters said Missouri’s film credit program has produced strong economic returns, created jobs, and attracted productions, and they argued for combining separate film and TV funding buckets while removing a proposed sunset extension. An amendment to keep the sunset at 2029 was adopted, and the bill was then adopted, perfected, and printed. The House also took up House Bill 3004, a hardwood labeling bill requiring products sold in Missouri to be labeled accurately as wood or non-wood materials; supporters framed it as truth-in-advertising and protection for the state’s timber industry, while one member questioned how the law would apply to online and out-of-state sellers. The bill was adopted and perfected and printed. Next, the House considered House Bills 3283 and 3306, which set a timeline and process for public-sector collective bargaining disputes, including negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, and defined “good faith” in bargaining. An amendment narrowed the bill so it would not apply to teachers, police, or other excluded public employees under existing law. Supporters said the bill would prevent years-long contract disputes and save taxpayer money, especially for firefighters and other first responders; the substitute was adopted and perfected and printed. Finally, House Bill 2536, a bill on sex-designated restrooms and other private spaces in government-controlled settings, drew extensive debate. The sponsor said it was intended to protect privacy and safety in restrooms, changing rooms, sleeping quarters, schools, airports, correctional facilities, and similar spaces, and an amendment clarified exceptions for corrections officers and other public safety duties. Opponents argued the bill would target transgender people, create enforcement problems, and rely on signage rather than preventing crime; supporters said it was needed to protect women and girls. The amendment was adopted, and debate continued on the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:36.960><c> like</c> subdivisions from having to fence like subdivisions from having to fence
• Um my proposed topic is to revisit the fence out laws for livestock, or the fence out rules.
• </c><00:26:49.679><c> Um,</c> um or the fence out rules. Um, um or the fence out rules.
• </c> decides it's going to jump the fence decides it's going to jump the fence every<00:27:13.840><c>
• So if we want to change something, maybe we should change that, because I have to fence in and fence

Summary: The committee met briefly to hear and sort through interim topic proposals, with members noting they needed to finish quickly before floor work. The first topic, from Representative Banks and Representative Ottman, would allow non-veterinarians to perform pre-check pregnancy testing on cattle to help address veterinary shortages, while still requiring a certified veterinarian for cattle sold as bred. No public testimony was offered, and the committee agreed to move through the full list and rank topics later rather than taking an immediate vote. A second topic, brought by the County Commissioners Association through Jeremiah Ryman and Joy Hill, concerned subdivision fencing laws. Hill said recent statutory changes moved fencing requirements into the subdivision statutes, creating cost and planning problems for developers and county officials. She said the preferred option would be repeal; if not, counties should have flexibility to exempt some subdivisions, and at minimum the law should be clarified because key terms and requirements are unclear. The committee asked a few questions and then moved on. Representative Davis and Holly Kennedy of the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts discussed updating conservation district statutes. Kennedy said districts are currently barred from borrowing money for major purchases and that election rules can force board members to vacate seats if they move within the district but outside their original locality. The association supported revisiting those provisions. The committee also heard a topic on comparing recreation rules on state lands and federal lands, with the sponsor saying the goal was to identify disparities and possible improvements. Later topics included preventing orphaned water rights, with Keith Kennedy of the Wyoming Association of Irrigation Districts asking for statutory clarification so water rights are properly transferred during divisions and not forfeited, especially in small subdivisions and family exemptions. Another proposal from Representative Ottman addressed a tribal buffalo issue involving whether animals crossing between reservation land and fee land are treated as wildlife or domestic animals; members emphasized the topic was for information and discussion rather than legislation. Senator Pearson also proposed revisiting fence-out laws for livestock to give landowners more protection when repeatedly dealing with wandering animals, while others cautioned that any changes would need to be handled carefully because of differing livestock rules and the state’s fence-in/fence-out framework. Finally, Senator Hicks raised livestock identification concerns, arguing producers should retain flexibility under prior law to identify animals as they choose and that veterinarians should not be forced into new federal tagging requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, there's no setbacks on fences. No? Okay.
• And, you know, have you ever put up a fence? Yeah. So fences are made to keep critters in.
• So if you have it away from the fence, the bait... We'll come down. They'll pop off.
• inside of the fence.
• We'll have fencing. That's when a wire goes down. We'll have fencing 101 at another time. The what?

Committee: House Energy and Natural Resources

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee reconsidered Senate Bill 2159, which concerns a study related to nuclear energy and waste. Members discussed a proposed amendment to clarify that the study would address above-ground storage of nuclear waste, not underground storage, reflecting concerns raised by constituents about earlier nuclear-related proposals. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave SB 2159 a unanimous 13-0 do pass recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2245, described as a hunting-related bill, and recommended it do pass on a 13-0 vote after brief discussion with Game and Fish support noted. Senate Bill 2216, the duck stamp bill, was also advanced 13-0. Testimony on SB 2216 explained that it would help Game and Fish better track resident duck hunting participation and generate revenue for waterfowl habitat, PLOTS access, and possible federal matching funds. The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 2137, which addresses baiting rules and chronic wasting disease surveillance. An amendment was proposed to set a 50-gallon limit at a hunting location, require a 50-foot setback from property used for animal agriculture, and direct continued disease surveillance with a report due before December 31, 2028. After discussion about fence setbacks, livestock concerns, and the department’s authority to manage disease, the committee adopted the amendment by a 7-6 vote and then passed the bill as amended on an 8-4 vote. The committee also noted several remaining bills would be taken up the following week and adjourned, with no meeting the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> lease for pasture with water and fencing lease for pasture with water and fencing and<00:41:34.720
• to some fence apparently that goes to some fence Committee<01:18:02.000><c> in</c><01:18:02.120><c> the
• </c><01:18:38.880><c> puts</c> doing but yet this double fence puts doing but yet this double fence puts
• If there is a producer who flat out refuses to follow fencing guidelines, including fencing rules that
• </c> uh us as producers we put up our fence uh us as producers we put up our fence to<01:26:48.080><c

Bills: HF1621 , HF1701 , HF1796 , HF1676 , HF40 , HF1428 , HF1540

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF1621, CelluComp, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, appropriation, grant, commercialization, fiber-based barrier packaging, packaging materials, PFAS, perfluoroalkyl substances, polyfluoroalkyl substances, plastic reduction, sustainable packaging, environmental health, materials innovation, bio-based packaging, food packaging, agriculture finance, one-time grant, state subsidy

Transcript Highlights:

• It's commonly known as a fence bill.
• We got five calves on the neighbor's fence, other side of the fence.
• had actually fell on the fence. His tree had fell on our fence, about 40, 50 foot tree.
• So if we have a fence, we share a fence, I can go out onto your property, We have a fence.
• It would apply to building a fence, too, if there had to be a fence built.

Summary: The House first established a quorum after a quorum call, then moved into House Bills for Perfection. House Bill 2297, a fence-law bill, was presented as a way to let livestock owners enter up to 10 feet onto neighboring property to repair fence lines and remove brush or debris on the fence line without being treated as trespassers. Supporters said the current law leaves livestock owners responsible for fences but without a practical way to fix them, creating safety and liability problems; the bill was described as a long-running issue in rural areas. Members discussed property-rights concerns, but the substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Bills 2142 and 2058, dealing with the Missouri film tax incentive program, were then taken up. Sponsors said the program has produced strong economic returns, more productions, jobs, and spending in Missouri, and the bill would modernize the program by combining separate film and TV funding buckets while removing the proposed sunset extension. An amendment to keep the original sunset was adopted, and the bill as amended was perfected and printed after debate over tax credits, workforce development, and whether the incentives should be expanded or curtailed. The House also perfected House Bill 3004, a truth-in-labeling measure for wood products. The sponsor said the bill would protect Missouri’s hardwood industry by requiring products sold in the state to be labeled accurately if they are actually laminate, plastic, rubber, or other non-wood materials. Supporters called it a consumer-protection and industry-preservation bill, while one member questioned how it would apply to online and out-of-state sellers and expressed some reservations. The substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Bills 3283 and 3306 were taken up together and described as a framework for resolving municipal public-employee contract disputes, especially for firefighters and other public employees under the State Board of Mediation. The bill sets a timeline for bargaining, mediation, and arbitration and defines good faith in negotiations; an amendment clarified that teachers and law enforcement are excluded under existing statutory definitions. Supporters said it would prevent years-long contract stalemates and save taxpayer money, while one member raised concerns about whether it would alter existing authority of public governing boards. The amendment and substitute were adopted, and the combined bill was perfected and printed. Finally, House Bill 2536, a restroom and private-space designation bill, drew extensive debate. The sponsor said it would require government-controlled multi-occupancy restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters to be designated by biological sex, with exceptions for custodial work, emergencies, law enforcement, and adults assisting children or people with disabilities. An amendment was adopted to clarify duties for the Department of Corrections and public safety officers. Supporters framed the bill as a privacy and safety measure for women and girls, citing incidents at schools and Kansas City International Airport; opponents argued it would not prevent crime, could lead to intrusive enforcement, and would harm transgender people and families. The transcript ends with the bill still under discussion, with no final vote shown on the underlying measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's not a fence. So I just defined it to say it's got to be an actual fence. &gt;&gt; All right.
• That's not a fence. So I just defined it to say it's got to be an actual fence.
• That's not a fence. Um their property. That's not a fence.
• </c><00:39:08.560><c> Um,</c> be, you know, an actual fence. Um, be, you know, an actual fence.
• </c><00:40:22.480><c> that's</c> posted or you have a fence that's posted or you have a fence that's

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll have a property that's split, part of it's low fence, part of it's high fence.
• So those all the deer behind the fence are always behind the fence.
• To Justin's point on a high fence. Yeah, you're right, that there are a lot that are just fenced.
• Always has to be deer breeder to high fence ranches. How high are the fences? Just curious.
• I respect both high fence, low fence. I hunt all over the world and all things.

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• But then the 300-foot shorter if they put up a fence, I appreciate putting up the fence.
• But then the 300 foot shorter if they put up a fence, I appreciate putting up the fence.
• But I think that's Shorter if they put up a fence. I appreciate putting up the fence.
• You say good fences make good neighbors. Well, good fences and good setbacks make good neighbors.
• So is that, we mean like a wood fence you can’t see through?

Committee: House Utilities

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> put a fence around say 80 acres? put a fence around say 80 acres?
• to the farmer to decide what kind of a fence and how much of that they actually needed to fence in.
• All of these and fence destruction.
• </c> available funding for elk-related fence available funding for elk-related fence and<00:55:56.080
• , fence, fence, forage,<00:59:03.000><c> or</c><00:59:03.200><c> feed,</c><00:59:03.840><c> those</c>

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> has a clause in it which exempts fencing has a clause in it which exempts fencing for<01:33:08.199
• fences fences exactly<01:33:25.360><c> um</c><01:33:25.560><c> so</c><01:33:25.960><c> Madam</c><01:
• It used to be you have a pasture, one pasture with a fence around the perimeter; that was your fencing
• </c> all the beginning expenses the fencing all the beginning expenses the fencing was<01:36:21.159><
• fencing also all taxed of polywire fencing also all taxed exempting<01:36:47.639><c> fencing</c><01:

Committee: Senate Taxes