Transcript Highlights:

• We have faculty in hotel, restaurant, and tourism management, in agricultural economics, in animal and
• Gifford who works in The animal and range sciences department.
• She still remains my favorite animal on the planet.
• But with this system, this is a peace of mind that they can track their animals.
• Okay, I do like that when it comes to physical labor and animal welfare, is what I care about the most

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm specifically asking about goats or herd animals in general, if there are other types that would be
• I mean, obviously you're not going to send herd animals to go cut a fire line when there's active fire
• things like that, that's where I think you see a lot of the funding going towards, like, the herd animals
• I mean, obviously you're not going to send herd animals to go cut a fire line when there's active fire
• stuff for fire prevention because they can do a grant that's not during an actual and so. the herd animals

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview from the California Conservation Corps on its 50-year history, current operations, and budget proposals. Director J.P. Patton described the CCC’s work in conservation, disaster response, education, and workforce development, noting 26 facilities, about 3,000 Corps members annually, and a funding mix of roughly 55% General Fund and 45% reimbursements. Members praised the program and asked about revenue sources, recruitment, retention, and post-service tracking. The CCC said it has a 5,000-person waitlist, uses first-come, first-served admissions with minimal eligibility requirements, and is working to improve data on outcomes. The committee also discussed the Greenwood Residential Center, where the CCC seeks staffing and operating funds to reopen a rebuilt facility in El Dorado County; the LAO suggested considering fewer new members or a delayed opening to reduce General Fund pressure, but no vote was taken and the item was held open. The committee then considered a CCC wildfire readiness proposal to move hand crews to a seven-day operational schedule. CCC and Cal Fire representatives said the change is needed because wildfire is now year-round and because the current model leaves crews unavailable in many months due to staffing gaps. They said the proposal would improve reliability for Cal Fire, preserve training opportunities for Corps members, and better align the CCC with Cal Fire’s 66-hour workweek. The LAO supported the concept but recommended considering lower-cost alternatives, such as relief staffing or partial reimbursement. Members also discussed the decline in incarcerated fire crews, with Cal Fire explaining that reforms and eligibility changes have reduced the pool of incarcerated people who qualify for camp and fire work. One member raised the use of goats and grazing for fuel reduction, and staff responded that such methods can help with prevention but cannot replace hand crews for suppression. The item was held open. Cal Fire then presented its department overview, emphasizing its expanded workforce, year-round wildfire response, vegetation management, community preparedness, and partnerships with federal, local, tribal, and private entities. Members asked about contract counties such as Orange County, reforestation and seedling capacity, federal reimbursement, and the 66-hour workweek rollout. Cal Fire said it is still below the seedling capacity needed for post-fire reforestation and relies heavily on public-private partnerships. The committee also reviewed a proposal for permanent funding for defensible space inspections. Cal Fire said it needs 31 positions and ongoing General Fund support to replace temporary funding that expires in 2027 and to maintain a goal of 250,000 inspections per year. The LAO said the proposal has merit but suggested alternatives such as a different General Fund/GGRF mix, reinstating an SRA fee, or approving the positions on a one-time basis. Members generally supported the work but raised budget concerns, and the proposal was held open. Finally, Cal Fire began presenting a fixed-wing pilot and mechanics contract increase, explaining that its aviation fleet has grown and become more complex, requiring more pilots and maintainers for year-round operations. The department said labor market pressures have increased contractor costs and that the contract is needed to support continuous aerial firefighting readiness. The transcript cuts off before further discussion or any action on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• A group consisting of veterinary medical professionals, animal shelters, and animal welfare joined together
• Karen Lang, on behalf of the California Animal Welfare Association. Good morning, Mr. Chair.
• Karen Lang, on behalf of the California Animal Welfare Association, which is the statewide association
• of public and private animal shelters.
• Finley, on behalf of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, we respectfully

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, chaired by Assemblymember Alvarez, held a hearing focused on University of California budget issues. The committee reviewed UC core operations funding, enrollment trends, federal funding threats, Title IX implementation, and basic needs support. Major themes included the end of the Governor’s multi-year UC compact, the state’s fiscal outlook, UC’s enrollment growth, and the potential impacts of federal policy changes on research, health care, and student aid. On core funding, the Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to continue compact-related support, defer some payments, and authorize a cash-flow loan. The LAO recommended a smaller or no base increase, earmarking some funds for capital renewal, retiring deferrals when possible, avoiding new compact commitments, and funding UC annually rather than through compacts. UC argued that the compact has supported enrollment growth, student services, and operating costs, but said campuses face rising expenses, structural deficits, and limited reserves. Members questioned the effects of deferrals on students and discussed the need to prioritize less harmful reductions if cuts become necessary. The enrollment panel focused on UC’s growth in California resident enrollment and the nonresident replacement plan at Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego. The LAO recommended maintaining the current enrollment target, funding enrollment separately from base increases, pausing the nonresident replacement plan, and holding enrollment flat in 2027-28. UC said it has already met compact enrollment goals, grown California undergraduate enrollment by about 18,800 students, and that further growth depends on ongoing state support. The committee also discussed the cost of enrollment growth, possible differential nonresident tuition, and a reporting request for UC to analyze the nonresident replacement approach; the motion to adopt supplemental reporting language passed. The hearing also covered federal funding risks, with the LAO and UC warning that federal changes could affect research grants, medical center reimbursement, and student financial aid. UC said research cancellations and suspensions are disrupting labs and graduate student support, while federal health policy changes could increase uncompensated care at UC hospitals. In the Title IX update, UC described its systemwide civil rights structure, annual student training, and campus support offices, and members praised the work while asking about ongoing concerns and intersegmental collaboration. The final basic-needs item began with Finance stating the Governor’s budget does not change ongoing support, but the transcript cuts off before further discussion or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• guard rail, any type of issue, a damaged guard rail, a<00:09:01.600> dead<00:09:01.839> animal
• c> in<00:09:02.399> the<00:09:02.480> road,<00:09:02.880> filling a dead animal
• in the road, filling a dead animal in the road, filling potholes,<00:09:04.480> responding<00
• And again, total different precipitation animal where you went from snow for Dninnesota County may have
• animal where you went<00:13:48.800> from<00:13:49.040> snow<00:13:50.160> for<00

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard from Brad White, head of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, as part of his confirmation process. White said the department has improved staffing and funding over the last four years, citing support from the legislature, supplemental appropriations, ARPA funds, and fuel tax adjustments. He emphasized that MDOT is still rebuilding its engineering and maintenance workforce and needs continued salary flexibility to remain competitive and respond to disasters. A major portion of the discussion focused on MDOT’s response to the recent severe ice storm. Several senators questioned whether the response was adequate and whether district lines, coordination with local governments, and emergency task-force planning should be changed. White said the storm was unusually severe, with freezing rain, flash-freeze conditions, widespread power outages, and more than 15,000 miles of highway impacted. He said MDOT crews were spread thin, but still logged more than 26,000 man-hours, worked with law enforcement and rescue units, and were aided by about 400 employees in the affected area plus 500 others from other regions. He said the department is reviewing lessons learned and expects winter-storm response to change going forward. Senators also asked about comparisons with Tennessee and whether the storm response was a funding issue. White said it was not primarily a money problem, but that Mississippi’s budget and weather patterns differ from neighboring states, making stockpiling materials less practical. He said cities and counties could help in emergencies if coordinated with MDOT, and he supported properly funding agencies such as MDOT, MEMA, the National Guard, and public safety. Another senator raised long-delayed road projects, including Highway 61 and the Port Gibson bypass, and White said the capacity program remains active and that emergency response had not stopped project work. The committee then considered several appointments to the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission and related boards. Kenneth Jeffrey Smith of Pontotoc, William J. Van Deender, and Ranatada Tracy McGawan of Jackson were each introduced, praised, and recommended by motion. The committee voted unanimously to advise and consent on each nomination, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Crystal Can, Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839, People of Color Committee co-chair, in support.
• Crystal Can, Animation Guild, IATSE, Local 839, People of Color Committee, co-chair in support.
• I am with the Animation Guild, Local 839.
• I'm a visual development artist working for Marvel Animation, and I am in support. Thank you.
• Working for Marvel Animation, and I am in support. Thank you. Hello.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met as a subcommittee and heard several bills, with members explaining that measures with significant fiscal impacts would be held for suspense or taken up later. AB 761 would let the Monterey-Salinas Transit District place a local sales tax measure on the ballot with approval from two-thirds of its board rather than needing approval from each member jurisdiction; supporters said it would preserve transit funding for veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, while an opponent argued it would make it easier to raise a regressive tax. The bill was voted out 5-2 after being called for absent members. AB 1253, which would clarify property tax treatment for wildfire reconstruction beyond substantial equivalence, drew support from the Los Angeles County Assessor and the California Assessors Association but was sent to suspense. AB 8, dealing with hemp enforcement, intoxicating hemp products, and integration of hemp cannabinoids into the cannabis supply chain and tax system, drew strong support from cannabis operators and labor groups and opposition from small cultivators and public health advocates concerned about supply, tax revenue, and voter intent; it was also sent to suspense. The committee then heard AB 1138, a major expansion and modernization of the film and television tax credit program. Supporters, including entertainment unions, workers, studios, and local officials, said the bill would help keep production and jobs in California amid competition from other states and countries; opponents criticized it as picking winners and losers and argued broader business costs were the real problem. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 829, which would create a California Parkinson’s Disease Research Fund and voluntary tax contribution program to support research and services, received unanimous support from advocates and was approved 6-0 to Appropriations. AB 474 would exempt rental income from nonprofit home-sharing programs for low-income homeowners from state income tax and protect participants’ eligibility for certain benefits; supporters said it could help older adults age in place and address housing shortages, and the bill was sent to suspense after members asked for clarification on the fiscal estimate. The committee also heard AB 376, which would exempt wildfire settlement payments from state income tax for certain disaster survivors; supporters from rural counties said the money is meant to help victims rebuild and should not be taxed, and the bill was referred to suspense. Finally, AB 480 would allow developers using low-income housing tax credits to switch from allocated to certificated state credits after an award, with supporters saying it would maximize private investment and stretch housing dollars further; it too was sent to suspense. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly emphasized the need to balance policy goals with fiscal impacts, and several bills were held or referred to suspense rather than voted out immediately.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will read: Assembly Bill 631 by Assembly Member Lee, an act relating to animals.
• This bill requires animal shelters to post data on their websites: the number of animals taken in, the
• source of intake, and outcomes for all animals.
• Important to get an accurate picture of animals entering and exiting shelters and their outcomes.
• This is about preventing animal cruelty.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled several procedural motions, including suspending rules to allow committee hearings and guest access, re-referring bills, and removing one bill from the consent calendar. The chamber also observed Holocaust Remembrance Day with a lengthy ceremony and remarks from many members across caucuses, emphasizing the importance of remembering the Holocaust, combating antisemitism and other forms of hate, and supporting survivors and descendants. ACR 59, the California Holocaust Memorial Day resolution, was adopted by voice vote after 76 coauthors were added. After the ceremony, the Assembly took up the daily file. AB 390, which strengthens California’s “slow down, move over” highway safety law, passed 64-0. AB 439, making small changes to the Coastal Act and reporting requirements, passed 44-11 after debate over Coastal Commission oversight. The body also approved a rules waiver to allow the Education Committee to meet on AB 1468. Later, AB 50, allowing Medi-Cal enrollees to access over-the-counter contraceptives without a prescription, passed 67-0 urgency and 67-0 overall; AB 55, streamlining alternative birth center licensing, passed 68-0; AB 596, protecting workers’ right to wear masks or respirators unless there is a direct safety hazard, passed 53-8; AB 631, requiring animal shelters to post intake and outcome data, passed 60-0; and AB 792, allowing consolidated negotiations for court interpreter contracts, passed 52-1. The Assembly also passed AB 867, banning cat declawing, by 68-0 after bipartisan support; AB 1089, expanding local permitting authority for Western Joshua Tree projects, by 16-0; and AB 1154, clarifying ADU rules, by 63-1. SCR 57, proclaiming Dolores Huerta Day, was adopted 66-0. The second-day consent calendar was then adopted 71-0. The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory remarks for Mary Hammer, a longtime San Lorenzo Valley community leader and environmental advocate, followed by recognition of her family and friends in the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• When I say most of the veterinary community, we think in Massachusetts of small-animal clinicians—so
• In my world, which is research animals, xylazine is used quite a bit, and in horse/equine medicine it
• But just to say that it is not something that, at least in Massachusetts, which is mostly small-animal
• In my world, which is research animals, zyalazines used quite a bit, and horse equine medicine it is
• But just to say that it is not something that, at least in Massachusetts, which is mostly small animal

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Xylazine convened its second meeting, approved the minutes from its June 23 meeting, and reviewed its timeline and working groups. The co-chairs said the commission’s final report is due to the House and Senate clerks by March 30, 2026, and outlined three working groups focused on regulation/oversight of xylazine, treatment and outreach for exposed patients, and education/training for first responders, clinicians, treatment providers, and people who use substances. Staff will schedule working group meetings, with group presentations planned for December 11, followed by commission meetings in February and March to review and finalize the draft report. Public comment centered on research and practical responses to xylazine contamination in the drug supply. Dr. Tracy Green of Brandeis reviewed recent studies showing severe xylazine-related wounds and amputations in Philadelphia, withdrawal symptoms, the value of wound identification tools, and the usefulness of drug checking in detecting xylazine even when users did not suspect it was present. She urged expanded low-barrier wound care, more access to medications for opioid use disorder, overdose prevention sites, housing, and trauma-informed care, while cautioning that stricter controls could push the market toward other dangerous alpha-2 substances. Commissioners asked about early wound identification, dilution/cutting strategies, supplier engagement, and how to reduce stigma and improve treatment access. Tia Johnson of Boston Medical Center and Boston Health Care for the Homeless testified that xylazine contamination still requires naloxone for overdose response, but sedation can last longer and may require low-dose naloxone, oxygen support, and low-threshold monitoring spaces. She emphasized that xylazine-associated wounds can heal with consistent care, but patients often lose access to services when sent to hospitals unnecessarily. Commissioners discussed reimbursement barriers, especially in MassHealth and behavioral health settings, and the need for wound care to be available within detox and treatment programs rather than requiring transfers. The meeting ended with agreement to continue working group planning and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Animal feed is not taxed at any point in this production to the consumer, except when that product is
• Very simply, this bill exists to exempt animal feed from being subject to a valorem tax, property tax
• Consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale or at retail.
• Consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail.
• Of tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at

Bills: SB111, SB128, SB203, SB205, SB261, SB383, SB393, SB397, SB466, SB510, SB705, SB715, SB731, SB748, SB801, SB867, SB876, SB913, SB945, SB946, SB1013, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1181, SB1250, SB1285, SB1373, SB1400, SB1444, SB1483, SB1528, SB1553, SB1556, SB1581, SB1586, SB1608, SB1698, SB1730, SB1835, SB1858, SB1903, SB1946, SB1950, SB1986, SB2017, SB2043, SB2056, SB2058, SB2063, SB2082, SB2105, SB2133, SB2137, SB2177, SB2203, SB2260, SB2311, SB2334, SB2337, SB2340, SB2403, SB2417, SB2446, SB2452, SB2460, SB2519, SB2532, SB2565, SB2611, SB2619, SB2622, SB2633, SB2637, SB2655, SB2681, SB2688, SB2713, SB2717, SB2764, SB2781, SB2782, SB2790, SB2794, SB2797, SB2841, SB2847, SB2857, SB2878, SB2891, SB2943, SB2955, SB2959, SB2972, SB2995, SB3037, SB3047, SB3057, SB3059, HJR2, HJR99, HB26, HB29, HB136, HB166, HB206, HB353, HB451, HB517, HB1399, HB1672, HB2000, HB2198, HB2756, HB3204, HB3248, SJR3, SB5, SB72, SB509, SB616, SB963, SB985, SB1025, SB1080, SB1143, SB1172, SB1245, SB1267, SB1271, SB1273, SB1355, SB1422, SB1759, SB1786, SB2361, SB1, SB260, SB1506, SB1637, SCR48, SB375, SB410, SB672, SB777, SB1373, SB1454, SB1586, SB1704, SB1854, SB1856, SB2165, SB2203, SB2342, SB2367, SB2452, SB2501, SB2520, SB2521, SB2538, SB2539, SB2703, SB2835, SB2903, SB2926, SB2959, SB2965, SB3029, HB22, HB1392, HB3093, HB3096, HCR6, HCR12, HCR29, HCR50, HCR55, HCR56, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR74, HCR78, HCR80, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SCR48, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB2538, SB1449, SB1181, SB1359, SB410, SB1234, SB2926, SB2972, SB2841, SB1856, SB1528, SB1373, SB672, SB2891, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB1285, SB1454, SB2520, SB1237, SB1586, SB2819, SB629, SB2342, SB2903, SB3029, SB375, SB777, SB2367, SB2703, SB2608, SB2965, SB2521, SB2165, SB2501, SB2452, SB2835, SB1602, SB1704, SB1723, SB1858, SB1946, SB2009, SB2177, SB2460, SB2785, SB867, SB1608, SB640, SB1698, SB705, SB748, SB2680, SB2994, SB2747, SB1950, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB3059, SB2637, SB2334, SB1861, SB2043, SB1367, SB2857, SB128, SB3058, SB2044, SB2363, SB2311, SB1986, SB2565, SB2943, SB1888, SB2417, SB3048, SB3052, SB3053, SB3036, SB3057, SB3056, SB3043, SB3037, SB3050, SB3063, SB3047, SB3035, SB2446, SB466, SB2611, SB2794, SB2105, SB2017, SB1790, SB1778, SB1730, SB2995, SB2847, SB205, SB2619, SB1903, SB203, SB3061, SB1581, SB2600, SB2799, SB2790, SB2688, SB2515, SB1230, SB876, SB2522, SB2639, SB2137, SB2519, SB2403, SB2459, SB3051, SB2655, SB2251, SB2764, SB2878, SB1884, SB111, SB582, SB2617, SB1835, SB2751, SB2959, SB2063, SB1400, SB2058, SB2260, SB2928, SB1310, HJR99, HJR2, HJR1, HB1109, HB1392, HB22, HB3093, HB517, HB1130, HB1689, HB2018, HB2884, HB1393, HB2730, HB1399, HB1244, HB467, HB331, HB2559, HB26, HB166, HB353, HB2000, HB2756, HB3248, HB3513, HB3204, HB3135, HB3012, HB2763, HB2523, HB2457, HB2415, HB2198, HB2143, HB1708, HB1672, HB767, HB1327, HB2723, HB451, HB140, HB109, HB3096, HB206, HB1238, HB1089, HB2890, HB9, HB2081, HB4215, HB2970, HCR6, HCR12, HCR29, HCR50, HCR55, HCR56, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR74, HCR78, HCR80, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, SB2566, SB2344, SB1897, SB1749, SB1361, SB2549, SB2553, HB37, HB1899, HB3809, HB334, HB554, HB1593, HB2607, HB3526, HB3810, HB5092, HB388, HB2809, HB1151, HB913

Keywords: special education, school districts, legal fees, reporting requirements, transparency, hospital reporting, child abuse, neglect, administrative penalty, medical ethics, child protection, student privacy, numerical class rank, education policy, academic programs, high school, fetal development, health curriculum, public schools, middle school health education

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 631 by Assemblymember Lee, an act relating to animals.
• This bill requires animal shelters to post data on their websites on the number of animals taken in,
• For all animals, this date is important to get an accurate picture of animals entering exit shelters
• This is about preventing animal cruelty.
• As you can tell, this is a wide-reaching animal welfare anti-cruelty measure that is supported by across

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• probably notice that ag science is doing very well, but that’s because you have plant soil science, animal
• Animal science research—I think per capita we have more animal scientists and veterinarians in the College
• of Agriculture and the Ag Center than any other school in the country because we do have other animal-focused
• And so it's very exciting to know what are the various nutritional stages the animals are going through
• And so it's very exciting to know what are the various nutritional stages the animals are going through

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development met to approve the October 3, 2024 interim minutes and then took up two resolutions. HCR 205, by Representative Kerner, urged USDA to use its Commodity Procurement Program to purchase domestic Louisiana shrimp. Supporters said shrimpers are facing very low prices, full cold storage, and an urgent need for federal purchases to stabilize the market and help local processors and fishermen. Commissioner Mike Strain explained that USDA commodity purchases can support schools, nursing homes, and food banks, and members discussed the need for cold storage, marketing, and better promotion of local seafood. The resolution was reported favorably without objection. The committee also considered HCR 188, which memorializes Congress to oppose any federal farm bill language that could negatively affect the use of hunting dogs; members said the provision had raised concerns about field trials, scent hounds, and hunting practices, and the resolution was also reported favorably without objection. The committee then received a presentation from Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture leadership, led by interim president and chancellor Orlando McMeans and Executive Vice Chancellor Calvin Walker. They outlined the center’s research, teaching, and extension work, including medicinal cannabis research, beef cattle and smart ranching, viticulture, aquaculture, precision agriculture, food and nutrition, and support for small farmers and K-12 dual enrollment. They highlighted scholarship and enrollment programs, including USDA-supported 1890 scholars and JAG Stars, as well as partnerships with LSU and USDA. They also described major facility projects, including a high-tech meat processing facility, research labs, a vineyard, and a proposed 1,300-bed disaster shelter/mega shelter at the experiment station. Members asked questions about meat-cutting and processing training, cattle genetics, and the shelter’s use when not needed for disasters. Southern officials said the new processing facility is intended to support training and workforce development, and that the shelter could also be used for events such as weddings, graduations, and agricultural activities. The committee expressed appreciation for the presentation and the work of the Ag Center. Representative Broussard then moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said this is about private business, private property rights, animal ownership, and purebred dogs.
• /c><00:06:46.759> or<00:06:47.000> the<00:06:47.199> health<00:06:47.520> animal
• <00:06:47.919> records the origin or the health animal records the origin or the health animal
• He said this is about private business, private property rights, animal ownership, and purebred dogs.
• He said the matter concerns private business, private property rights, animal ownership, and purebred

Keywords: 00:00 – Introduction 00:45 – Attendance Roll Call 02:09 – House Bill 216 03:15 – Roll Call Vote 04:06 – Senate Bill 122 05:42 – Roll Call Vote 08:43 – House Bill 391 17:25 – Roll Call Vote, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. The committee first considered House Bill 216, which would correct a conflict created when an office was moved into the Department of Agriculture by restoring grant and loan eligibility for Department of Agriculture employees while keeping the prohibition in place for employees of the office of policy. The bill was approved unanimously and sent on to the Senate floor. The committee then revisited Senate Bill 122 after concerns from the prior meeting. Members adopted a committee substitute that clarified local governments may regulate the covered businesses but not ban them outright, and that fines and fees go back to the local authorities doing the regulating. During final consideration, Senator Deneen, Senator Reed, and Senator Richardson voted no, citing concerns about enforcement, inspection, and potential bad actors, while Senator Webb supported the bill as a needed regulatory scheme. The motion passed and the bill advanced. House Bill 391, dealing with Kentucky honey production, was also approved. Representative Jason Nemes and industry witnesses said the bill would raise the threshold for requiring a certified honey house from 150 gallons to 500 gallons, add language requiring “pure and unadulterated” Kentucky-produced honey, and support local beekeepers without creating additional public health risk. Members discussed whether the limit should be removed entirely, the cost of honey houses, and concerns about imported or adulterated honey. The committee passed the bill to the Senate floor. Senator Yates later registered a no vote on Senate Bill 122 and yes votes on House Bill 216 and Senate Bill 171, though Senate Bill 171 was passed over for further work and not heard that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• We see the plants, the animals, the land, and the water as our relatives because we believe when you
• We see the plants, the<00:03:21.599> animals,<00:03:22.080> the<00:03:22.239> land,<
• 22.400> and<00:03:22.640> the<00:03:22.720> water<00:03:22.959> as the animals
• , the land, and the water as the animals, the land, and the water as our<00:03:23.360> relatives

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The transcript is an interview with Shelley Buck, a newly elected Minnesota House member for District 47A, who introduced herself as Dakota, a member of the Prairie Island Indian Community, and president of a nonprofit working to restore land at Owámni/St. Anthony Falls. She said her prior 12 years on tribal council, including six as president, motivated her to run because she wants to help people and bring that same kind of service to her new district. Buck said constituents in her district emphasized affordability, especially housing and health care, along with environmental protection, clean water, PFAS concerns, gun safety, and the impact of the current ICE occupation. She described herself as a champion for working families and the environment, citing her own working-class, single-parent upbringing and the importance of postsecondary education and state support programs. On policy priorities, Buck said she wants to focus first on the ICE occupation issue, while also addressing affordability, health care, housing, and environmental protection. She framed her environmental views through a Dakota worldview that treats plants, animals, land, and water as relatives and stressed protecting the Boundary Waters and other natural areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is representing the large animal side of things. I am a small animal practitioner.
• She is representing the large animal side of things. I am a small animal practitioner.
• Katie Larson: I am a large animal practitioner practicing in New Hampshire.
• And honestly, I probably use this on 95% of the large animals that I see.
• So, it's something I animals that I see.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fourth, the bill increases friction around assistance animal requests.
• The statute exempts service and support animals protected under disability law, as it must.
• <04:38:51.600> The around assistance animal requests.
• The around assistance animal requests.
• Uh, service animals, support animals are already covered by law.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But they've all the animals today that we have have been born on the farm, and then about 8, 10 years
• and and uh but they've all the animals and and uh but they've all the animals today<00:06:34.360
• But by federal law, the inspection requirements for animals are broken up into two categories.
• I no longer do, but I raised the animals.
• <00:13:33.480> but I no longer do but I ra the animals but I no longer do but I ra the animals

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's about seeing the way that you're feeling in these animals and then being able to work it out in
• the way that you're feeling [music] [music] [music] in<00:01:42.360> these<00:01:42.640> animals
• c> then<00:01:43.640> being<00:01:43.920> able<00:01:44.080> to in these animals
• and then being able to in these animals and then being able to work<00:01:44.480> it<00:01:44.640

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The transcript describes Abijahs on the Backside, a Minnesota equine-assisted therapy program that helps first responders process trauma and anxiety using retired racehorses. Speakers explain that the sessions are less like traditional talk therapy and more of a full-body, experiential approach that uses the horses’ behavior to help responders externalize feelings, reduce barriers, and work through stress. One horse, Figaro, is highlighted as an example of a retired racehorse finding a new purpose, while another horse, Finn, became a meaningful symbol of faith for a participant. First responder Angela Casey shares that after a traumatic call, she realized the experience was affecting her mental health, family life, and work, and she sought help through the program. She and others say the therapy helped them remain on active duty and better manage their roles as officers, parents, spouses, and community members. A particularly moving story involved a first responder who had contemplated suicide before a session and later returned to work after the horse’s behavior helped her process that crisis. Senator Eric Pratt is identified as the author of Senate File 901, which funded the program. He says he sought co-authors with mental health or first responder backgrounds, and that the bill received strong bipartisan support in committee and throughout the legislative process. Supporters argue the program is effective, backed by science and testimonials, and worth funding because it helps keep first responders healthy, on the job, and serving their communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• This allows law enforcement officers, animal control officers, and ... >> Senator Gabbard, on SB 3010
• This allows law enforcement officers, animal control officers, and firefighters to enter an unattended
• vehicle to protect the health, safety, or well-being of a pet animal that is endangered by being left
• It also allows private citizens to rescue pet animals that have been left in an unattended vehicle under

Bills: SB2981, SB2982, SB2983, SB2986, SB2991, SB3001, SB3010, SB3014, SB3032, SB3033

Keywords: foreign influence, campaign finance, contributions, state elections, transparency, election integrity, criminal offense, natural resources, tree protection, state property, environment, land use, boundary amendment, administrative fines, Land Use Commission, infrastructure compliance, highway safety, driver's license, administrative revocation, alcohol-related offenses

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met in decision-making only session and considered several Senate bills, generally following recommendations to pass measures with or without amendments. SB 2981 would prohibit minimum off-street parking requirements for new development in urban districts and was adopted unamended, with Senator Awa voting no. SB 2982, which bars foreign entities and foreign-influence business entities from making election-related contributions or expenditures, was adopted with an amendment adopting Attorney General language for required advertisement statements. The committee also advanced SB 2983, creating a misdemeanor offense for criminal destruction of a tree on state or county property; one member opposed it, suggesting a replanting requirement would be a better environmental remedy, but the bill was still adopted unamended. SB 2986, concerning Land Use Commission authority to amend or revise district boundary amendment decisions when conditions are not met, passed with an amendment addressing a defective effective date. SB 2991, on driver’s license revocations for certain alcohol-related offenses and re-examination requirements, passed with amendments clarifying revocation orders and re-examination procedures. Members then approved SB 3001, which regulates conversational artificial intelligence services by requiring disclosures and protocols to prevent suicidal ideation, with amendments incorporating AG and OCP recommendations, including a personal data definition and broader data minimization language. SB 3010, allowing officials and in some cases private citizens to enter unattended vehicles to protect endangered pet animals, passed with amendments. The committee also adopted SB 3014 on higher fines for taking or harassing protected turtles, SB 3032 clarifying beach and marine deposit prohibitions, and SB 3033 allowing petitions to review beach structure integrity despite a bad effective date; Senator Awa again voted no on SB 3033. The meeting adjourned after the committee noted a later joint hearing with Ways and Means.

Transcript Highlights:

• of a long list of this animal and that animal and whatever, it just puts it more in for things that
• are in production of fiber, meat, or animal byproducts.
• Of course, healthy plants lead to healthy animals.
• Of course, healthy plants lead to healthy animals.
• We are taking our production, particular animal egg systems, offline.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But, uh, my understanding was it did apply to other nuisance animals as well.
• But, uh, my understanding was it did apply to other nuisance animals as well.
• But, uh, my understanding was it did apply to other nuisance animals as well.
• My understanding was that it did apply to other nuisance animals as well.
• My understanding was that it did apply to other nuisance animals as well.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• access veterinarian care for animals.
• needed relief to the countless animal needed relief to the countless animal owners<00:05:18.400>
• , in addition to food animal veterinarians who make farm visits to deliver care.
• And not just large animal vets, but we're seeing the same thing on the poultry side.
• timely basis to get their their animals timely basis to get their their animals treated<00:16:01.720

Bills: HF2446, HF2878, HF2667, HF1795, HF2683, HF2916

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