Video & Transcript Research : 'zoo'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I had a client who was doing a photo shoot out in public, and it was at the zoo in San Antonio.
- I had a client who was doing a photoshoot out in public, and it was at the zoo in San Antonio.
Keywords:
elections, Election Code, poll workers, election clerks, presiding judge, alternate presiding judge, polling place, central counting station, county chair, political party, gubernatorial election, vote counting, election administration, Texas elections, precinct officials, ballot counting, county election officials, election integrity, election fraud, Attorney General
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1596, which would remove short-barreled rifles from the list of prohibited weapons in the Texas Penal Code. The author, Sen. Hagenbuch, said the bill would align state law with federal realities and argued that the current prohibition is arbitrary and unnecessary. Supporters, including representatives from Gun Owners of America and Texas Gun Rights, said the bill would reduce confusion, protect lawful gun owners, and preserve the ability to use shorter firearms for self-defense, hunting, and for smaller shooters. One supporter also described a recent case in which an AR pistol was mistaken for a short-barreled rifle and led to a state charge that was later dismissed.
Public testimony was split. Supporters said stabilizing braces and shorter firearms can improve accuracy, safety, and accessibility for women, children, and smaller-statured shooters. Opponents, including Texas Gun Sense and two Santa Fe shooting survivors, argued that short-barreled firearms are more concealable and dangerous, and pointed to the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting as evidence of the risks of easier access. They urged the committee to keep the existing restrictions in place to protect public safety.
After public testimony closed, the committee took up pending business. Senate Bill 1505, relating to the Compassionate Use Program, was reported favorably to the full Senate on an 8-0 vote. Senate Bill 17, relating to the acquisition of real property by certain aliens or foreign entities, was first amended by adopting a committee substitute and then reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-1 vote. The committee then recessed until after the Senate’s adjournment or final recess.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The next slide shows you some of the work we're doing in public spaces, the zoo.
- The Honolulu Zoo was surveyed on February 20th, no detections; went back on the 27th, no detections.
- that's a picture of spaces um the zoo that's a picture of the<00:19:49.840>
zoo <00:19:50.200> - every Green Dot is where we put the zoo every Green Dot is where we put a<00:19:52.159>
stick - <00:19:59.480>
was be a detection the h Lulu zoo was be a detection the h Lulu zoo was surveyed
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, September 19, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- which include the San Diego Yacht Club, the Bishop School, the Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Zoo
- Diego Yacht Club during its defense of the America's Cup in 1994, and his service to the San Diego Zoo
- which include the San Diego Yacht Club, the Bishop School, the Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Zoo
- Diego Yacht Club during its defense of the America's Cup in 1994, and his service to the San Diego Zoo
- which include the San Diego Yacht Club, the Bishop School, the Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Zoo
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- operational challenges for facilities that respond to these regulations. ...care for elephants, including zoos
- just because the bill states that if we don't meet their requirements of big facilities. ...like a zoo
- Now, they have been doing really well with the zoo in Houston.
- They have had quite a few births, but those are elephants that stay in the zoo.
- They'll never come out of that zoo.
Bills:
HB45, HB755, HB 1232, HB1555, HB2460, HB2702, HB2973, HB3120, HB3225, HB3314, HB3356, HB3371, HB3634, HB3638, HB4247, HB4283, HB4290, HB4302, HB4503, HB4511, HB4565, HB4581, HB4627, HB4632, HB4660, HB4668, HB4960, HB5042, HB45
Keywords:
housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money, HB 1232, whistleblower, whistleblower protection, public employee, retaliation
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Nov 4th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Jose Romano, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
- Jose Romano, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is speaking. Are you here? No, waving.
Summary:
The committee first received a Department of Environmental Protection presentation on Florida Forever and the sale or exchange of conservation lands. DEP described Florida Forever as the state’s main conservation land acquisition program, funded in recent years at high levels, and said most acquisitions since 2019 have been within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The presentation also explained the legal process for disposing of conservation lands: requests are reviewed by the Acquisitions and Restoration Council, then the governor and cabinet decide whether land is no longer needed for conservation or whether an exchange provides a net conservation benefit. Senator Smith asked several questions about recent land-swap proposals, public notice, political influence, and whether any transactions had bypassed the usual sequence; DEP said applications can be withdrawn before ARC review, notice is posted seven days in advance, and the council and cabinet are the decision-makers. Senator Harrington asked about the difference between Florida Forever land sales and water management district surplus lands, and DEP said the reported 2.3 acres sold referred only to Florida Forever-funded projects.
The committee then heard presentations from the Department of Health and DEP on PFAS and PFOA. DOH outlined what PFAS are, their common uses, possible health impacts, and ways Floridians can reduce exposure, including water filtration and avoiding certain products. DOH said it conducts well investigations, health consultations, fish consumption advisories, and monitoring in coordination with DEP and FWC. DEP followed with a more technical overview of PFAS regulation and cleanup, explaining federal testing and drinking-water standards, Florida’s provisional cleanup levels, and the state’s response at contaminated sites, including bottled water and filtration for affected residents. Senators asked about testing requirements for public systems and private wells, disposal of used filters, and how federal rulemaking and litigation could affect Florida’s standards; DEP said public systems are required to test under EPA monitoring rules, private wells are not directly required to test, and Florida may adopt its own standards if federal action does not occur by the statutory deadline.
Finally, the committee took up SB 150, which would designate the flamingo as the state bird and the scrub jay as the state songbird. The sponsor argued the bill better reflects Florida’s identity and conservation values, noting the flamingo’s iconic status and the scrub jay’s status as a Florida-only species. Members asked lighthearted questions about mockingbirds, flamingo color, and feeding costs, and an appearance card was filed in support by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The committee debated the bill briefly and then passed SB 150 favorably by roll call vote, with all members present voting yes except Senator DiCeglie, who was excused.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 087 Part 2 Apr 11th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- For the simple fact is they had petitions at zoos, in places where people had no clue about what kind
- they<00:10:21.160>
had <00:10:22.080>petitions <00:10:22.760>at <00:10:22.960>zoos - ,<00:10:23.560>
in <00:10:23.640>places they had petitions at zoos, in places they - had petitions at zoos, in places where<00:10:24.200>
people <00:10:24.560>that <00:10:24.720
Summary:
The House took up House Bill 1410, the state’s long appropriations bill for the executive, legislative, and judicial branches and their agencies and institutions for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. The committee first recessed and then adopted a motion to rise, report progress, and sit again later that day. The House also adopted a motion under House Rule 14 to limit debate on House Bill 1410 to one hour during special orders on April 10, 2026, by a vote of 40-20, with four excused and one absent.
During consideration of House Bill 1410, members debated Amendment J82/54A, which would require funding for wolf reintroduction to come from gifts, grants, and donations rather than general fund dollars. Supporters argued the state should not use taxpayer money for additional wolf reintroduction, especially during a budget crisis, and said rural ranchers and livestock producers are bearing the costs and impacts of wolves. They emphasized depredation concerns, the strain on rural communities, and the view that the reintroduction effort has been costly and poorly managed.
Opponents of the amendment said the funding line is part of broader wolf management, not just reintroduction, and argued the state has a legal obligation to carry out Proposition 114. They said gifts, grants, and donations are not a reliable funding source for that mandate and noted the program also supports conflict minimization efforts such as range riders. One speaker also defended the ecological role of wolves, citing their benefits to ecosystems, elk management, and biodiversity. The transcript does not show a final vote on the amendment before the excerpt ends.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Mar 18th, 2026
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Animals in zoos and stuff are surrendered from pets or they're exotic animals that need a home.
- working. for animals that are no longer working. animals<00:29:08.559>
in <00:29:08.799>zoos - <00:29:09.120>
and <00:29:09.279>stuff <00:29:09.440>are animals in zoos and - stuff are animals in zoos and stuff are surrendered<00:29:10.320>
from <00:29:10.640>pets<
Bills:
HB527, HB563, HB580, HB579, SB190, HB15, HB390, HB527, HB563, HB580, HB579, SB190, HB15, HB390
Keywords:
liability, off-roading, parks, participant safety, risk management, SNAP, food assistance, public assistance, income standards, Department of Human Resources, eligibility, HB580, Alabama Healthy Schools Act, public schools, K-12, school nutrition, school meals, cafeteria, vending machines, fundraising sales
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 26 (2-12-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- things that are regulated with animal welfare standards and laws, including rodeos, exhibits, petting zoos
- things that are regulated with animal welfare standards and laws, including rodeos, exhibits, petting zoos
- things that are regulated with animal welfare standards and laws, including rodeos, exhibits, petting zoos
- things that are regulated with animal welfare standards and laws, including rodeos, exhibits, petting zoos
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and a declared quorum. The chamber approved the journal, received committee reports, and heard the House message transmitting House Bills 44, 66, 305, 313, 432, and House Joint Resolution 25 for concurrence. New Senate measures were also introduced, including bills on virtual currency kiosks, chronic pain treatments, kindergarten readiness child care incentives, municipal financial reporting, and a highway designation.
The floor then took up several bills. Senate Bill 172, relating to utility fuel adjustment, was explained as giving the Public Service Commission authority to spread fuel adjustment surcharges over time to reduce spikes in electric bills; the committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed 38-0. Senate Bill 160, relating to child care centers and an emergency clause, was described as limiting license revocation or suspension to serious violations and adding oversight for new centers; a floor amendment adding the cabinet’s designee to weekly support contacts was adopted, and the bill passed 38-0. Senate Bill 158, concerning vehicle financial protection products, was presented as codifying consumer protections and regulatory standards for gap-type products; it passed 37-0.
The Senate also passed Senate Bill 155 on animal health emergencies, which would allow the agriculture commissioner, in consultation with the state veterinarian, to respond more quickly to livestock and poultry emergencies and suspend certain requirements to expedite feed and medicine delivery. Senate Bill 153, addressing harmful and fraudulent practices, was amended and passed 38-0; it codifies fraud-investigation practices, creates a post-disaster contractor registry, and restricts door-to-door solicitations during declared emergencies. Senate Bill 145, updating Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control rules for caterer licenses, passed 35-1, and Senate Bill 118, relating to credit personal property insurance, passed without dissent after a technical committee substitute clarified that gap waivers are excluded and aligned filing rules with existing law. The transcript ends as the chamber moves on to Senate Bill 45 on agritourism, with explanation beginning but no final action shown in the excerpt.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Commerce -continued- Jan 14th, 2026 at 10:15 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Louis Zoo. Only one? None were smoking joints. Thanks for the clarification.
- Louis Zoo. Only one? None were smoking joints. Thanks for the clarification.
Summary:
The Commerce Committee reconvened to continue testimony on House Bill 2085, which would preempt local regulation of the sale of tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products and establish a statewide standard. The bill sponsor and supporters repeatedly said the measure is intended to create uniform rules for retailers, protect small businesses from a patchwork of local ordinances, and preserve existing local zoning authority. Several members questioned whether the bill’s language was too broad or vague, especially as to whether it could affect zoning near schools or other sensitive locations, and the sponsor said zoning was not the intent and should remain local.
Testimony in support came from representatives of the Missouri Vape and Alternative Products Association, Ware Brands, Warrant’s, the Missouri Grocers Association, Maverick Convenience Stores, and the Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association. Supporters argued that local flavor bans or other restrictions would harm small businesses, create compliance problems, and push sales into neighboring jurisdictions. They also said federal Tobacco 21 rules already govern sales to minors, and that the bill should be read as a statewide sales standard rather than a public health measure. One supporter emphasized that retailers already comply with FDA enforcement and that inconsistent local rules create operational burdens.
Opposition came from the Missouri Public Health Association and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, which said local tobacco regulations have helped prevent youth smoking and that the bill could invite litigation over existing ordinances and limit future local public health action. Committee members raised concerns about local control, public health, and the bill’s wording, while the sponsor clarified that the bill would preempt state and local standards on the sale of tobacco products where the state has already acted, but would not require every locality to adopt a 21-year-old purchase age. An informational witness from MOST Policy Initiative described health risks associated with vaping, flavored products, and youth nicotine use. The hearing concluded without a vote, and the committee adjourned after taking all testimony.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 01/22/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Most of those kinds of sanctuaries are, you know, this isn't a zoo; it's not like an accredited zoo that's
- this isn't this sanctuaries are you know this isn't this isn't<01:37:24.679>
a <01:37:24.840>zoo - 25.560>
not <01:37:25.760>like <01:37:26.080>a <01:37:26.719>an isn't a zoo - it's it's not like a an isn't a zoo it's it's not like a an accredited<01:37:27.320>
Zoo <01:37 - that's very careful with accredited Zoo that's very careful with the<01:37:28.920>
way <01:37:
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 40 Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:51 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And those of you who were lucky enough to be in Room 348 today to learn more about the zoos and what
- These funds will ensure zoos in the Commonwealth These funds will ensure zoos in the Commonwealth will
Summary:
The House began with routine business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and adoption of three congratulatory resolutions honoring Eagle Scouts Charles Goodman, Jack Goodwin, and Liam LaCrooy. Members also adopted a House-Senate concurrence on House 4359, a Milford alcohol-license bill, after amending it to repeal Chapter 289 of the Acts of 2022 and set an effective date. The chamber then passed Senate 2596, establishing maintenance of private roads in Gloucester, and engrossed House 4887. The House also observed moments of silence for former Lynn City Councilor Richard Rick Ford, Louise M. Pedroso, and Mildred “Millie” Cox, and welcomed several guests, including students, civic visitors, and British Minister of State Stephen Doughty.
The bulk of the session focused on budget amendments related to housing and emergency assistance. Amendment 1579, which would have tightened HomeBASE eligibility by requiring citizenship-status inquiries, was debated at length and defeated 26-130. Amendment 1582, which would have barred Housing and Livable Communities from conditioning grants on MBTA Communities Act compliance, was also rejected 27-126. Amendment 1583, which would have limited right-to-shelter eligibility to U.S. citizens with six months’ Massachusetts residency, was defeated 26-122. Supporters argued these changes would reduce costs and prioritize taxpayers; opponents said they would exclude lawful residents and undermine existing housing and shelter reforms.
The House then adopted Consolidated Amendment F, covering energy, environmental affairs, and housing, by a vote of 154-0. Speakers highlighted major funding for rental vouchers, emergency shelter, HomeBASE, public housing, clean water, climate and agricultural programs, and food assistance. The chamber also considered and defeated Amendment 1218 on creating a data center commission, Amendment 1234 on eliminating certain energy surcharges, and several education-related amendments from Ms. Sullivan-Almeida: changes to special education reimbursement thresholds and rates, and a proposal to make regional school transportation funding mandatory rather than subject to appropriation. Those education amendments were all rejected after roll-call votes. Amendment 1580 on ending vocational school lottery admissions was withdrawn by its sponsor before a vote. The transcript ends as debate continues on Amendment 1308, which would increase a budget line item, but no final action on that amendment is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Transit operation consolidation 3/11/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm also talking about serving places like the Minnesota Zoo, which we're now able to do 7 days a week
- I'm also talking about serving places like the Minnesota Zoo, which we're now able to do 7 days a week
- I'm also talking about serving places like the Minnesota Zoo, which we're now able to do 7 days a week
- I'm also talking about serving places like the Minnesota Zoo, which we're now able to do 7 days a week
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I just wonder why the state of Minnesota owns things like zoos and sporting arenas.
- I don't think that zoos and ice arenas and soccer fields are them.
- I don't think that zoos and ice arenas and soccer fields are them.
- I don't think that zoos and ice arenas and soccer fields are them.
- I don't think that zoos and ice arenas and soccer fields are them.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation - 03/17/2026
Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks And Recreation
Transcript Highlights:
- amend the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law in relation to providing financial assistance to museums, zoos
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks, and Recreation met on March 17, 2026, with a quorum present and several members participating, including Chair José Serrano, Ranking Member James Tedisco, Senator Pamela Helming, and later Senators Michelle Hinchey and April Baskin. The committee took up a six-bill agenda focused on parks, cultural institutions, and related public safety issues.
The committee reported several bills: S.1057, requiring reporting on the alienation of useful parkland; S.1378A, providing financial assistance to museums, zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, and other cultural institutions in low-income communities or serving students there; S.1380A, addressing cleaning of playground equipment after pesticide exposure; S.5400, creating an emergency-response exemption for law enforcement and fire department vessels; and S.6487C, authorizing the Council on the Arts to designate Little Gamut as a cultural district. Senator Helming recorded a “without recommendation” vote on some measures, but none were opposed.
The final bill, S.9301, which would establish a new state park, was moved and seconded but was referred to the Civil Service Committee rather than reported from the committee. After completing the agenda, Chair Serrano adjourned the meeting.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- two-and-a-half-hour documentary about the Gunsmoke star Amanda Blake and raised money for a memorial at the Phoenix Zoo
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a resolution congratulating the West Medford Community Center on its 90th anniversary. It then took up several bills on the calendar, including a sick leave bank bill for Jeffrey Yacinth. Senator Payano offered and the Senate adopted a substitute amendment identifying Yacinth as an employee of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the bill was then passed to be engrossed.
The Senate also passed to be engrossed a bill validating the proceedings of the Millbury annual town meeting. In final action, it enacted a bill authorizing the city known as the town of West Springfield to grant four additional licenses for off-premises sales of all alcoholic beverages, and the measure was sent to the Governor for approval.
The session included recognition of several distinguished scouting guests from the senator’s district, including Gold and Eagle Scouts who completed community service projects. At the end of the meeting, the Senate adopted an order to adjourn and to reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- Rob Verhulen of the John Ball Zoo supports the aquarium ask as well. Thank you.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Appropriations met with a quorum present, adopted the April 23, 2026 minutes, and then held a discussion focused on eligible legislatively directed spending items (LDSIs) for the FY 2027 budget. The chair explained that the committee was part of a new transparency process requiring legislators to publicly disclose LDSI requests, including the recipient, amount, and purpose, and noted that the forms must be posted publicly for at least 45 days before inclusion in the budget. He said Senate members submitted more than 500 eligible LDSI forms and House members submitted 750, for over 1,250 total proposals made available online.
The chair emphasized that the process is intended to increase accountability and public awareness of how tax dollars are spent, and encouraged the public to review the posted forms on the Senate and House websites. During the meeting, four cards of support were read into the record: Wendy Fallow supported the Literacy Center of West Michigan project; Graham Filler supported the H.H.W. request on behalf of Kalamazoo County; and Mayor David LaGrand and Rob Verhulen both supported the aquarium request.
No committee questions were raised, no substantive votes were taken on the LDSI items, and the committee moved through routine procedural actions. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, supported and adopted without objection.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Shelby County Legislation Committee Feb 19th, 2026
Shelby County Legislation
Transcript Highlights:
- The zoo. >> Call the Shelby County Law Legislation Committee to order.
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:
- animals like these, and I put that into action by coordinating the Gorillas on the Line campaign at Zoo
- Louisiana has anybody been to the zoo and seen a river otter?
- That river otter is caught in a foothold trap in Louisiana and is transferred to a zoo.
- badly of footholds right so I got two colleagues that go to Louisiana Louisiana has anybody been to the zoo
- and it's trance That river otter is caught in a foothold trap in Louisiana, and is transferred to a zoo
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.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 04/07/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, also, try to be on time—not for voting, but we're going to have the Minnesota Zoo here.
- And so, not just on time if you want to enjoy petting some of the zoo animals, come a little earlier
- Uh, also, try to be on time—not for voting, but we're going to have the Minnesota Zoo here.
- And so, not just on time if you want to enjoy petting some of the zoo animals, come a little earlier
- Zoo here. And so, not just on time if Zoo here.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 01/21/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:20:48.400>
the <00:20:48.559>Mississippi Minnesota Zoo the Mississippi Minnesota - Zoo the Mississippi headquarters<00:20:49.679>
board <00:20:50.480>and <00:20:50.640>- Next page we have the Minnesota Zoo.
- Next page we have the Minnesota Zoo.
- um I'll note on line 48 is their Zoo um I'll note on line 48 is their general<00:25:52.720>
fund<
Summary:
Chair Foung Hawj opened the Environment, Climate and Legacy Committee meeting by welcoming members, agency staff, and constituents, and by outlining the committee’s shared-power arrangement for the session. Members introduced themselves and described environmental activities from the interim, including gardening, outdoor recreation, farming visits, Great Lakes work, and a tree-planting trip in Thailand that Hawj said symbolized cultural unity and environmental stewardship.
Ben Stanley, the committee’s nonpartisan counsel, then explained the co-chairs’ operating agreement: Hawj would chair the meeting, Senator John Hoffman would chair the next two meetings, then Hawj would chair the following two, with the chair rotating after each pair of meetings. Agendas would be set jointly, additional meetings would require both chairs’ approval, and passing a bill out of committee would require a majority of all committee members, or seven votes. At Senator Tory Westrom’s request, the agreement was to be emailed to members in writing.
Stanley also reviewed the committee’s jurisdiction, which includes environmental and natural resources bills, legacy funds, and agencies such as the Environmental Quality Board, Department of Natural Resources, Pollution Control Agency, and Board of Water and Soil Resources, along with several related councils and boards. Fiscal analyst Dan Mueller then gave a budget overview of the committee’s agencies, noting that many current biennium appropriations include one-time general fund money that drops back in the 2026-27 base budget. He highlighted funding levels for the Pollution Control Agency, DNR, Metro Parks, Conservation Corps, BWSR, the Minnesota Zoo, the Science Museum, and the Metropolitan Landfill Contingency Action Trust Account, and said the committee’s base-budget area totals about $2.2 billion. He also reviewed the Legacy funds, estimating available 2026-27 appropriations of about $327 million for Outdoor Heritage, $31.7 million for Clean Water, $133 million for Parks and Trails, and $185 million for Arts and Cultural Heritage. No votes or bill actions were taken at this meeting.