Video & Transcript : 'farm unit' :
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDT-LBT, EDT, EDT Public Hearings 02-06-2025
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- Next up, Brian Mamoto, Farm Bureau, testimony in support. Thank you.
- Bureau thank you chair the mamoto Farm Bureau thank you chair the ho<01:02:37.760><c> Farm</c><01:02
- down on scrip testimony in ho Farm down on scrip testimony in support<01:02:40.440><c> thank</c><01:
- Hawaii Farm Bureau thank you chair the Hawaii Farm Bureau thank you chair the Hawaii<01:09:39.159><c>
- ><c> thank</c><01:09:42.199><c> you</c> Hawaii Farm ones in support thank you Hawaii Farm ones in support
Committee:
Senate Economic Development and Tourism
Summary:
The joint Senate hearing covered Senate Bill 1536 and Senate Bill 1571. SB 1536 concerned the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s CEO position and whether the exemption from retirement benefits should be changed. Testimony and committee discussion focused on the estimated cost, the current budgeted amount, whether the change would make the position more competitive, and whether alternatives such as a portable retirement plan had been considered. The witness said the proposal came from HTA’s legislative committee and that the position’s salary and benefits would still likely fit within the budgeted amount. No vote was taken on SB 1536 during the excerpted discussion.
The hearing then moved to SB 1571, relating to tourism. Debed and HTA representatives said they supported the bill in written testimony, but HTA’s witness said the measure had not been discussed or voted on by the full board and recommended deferring action until the board could clarify its position. Several members of the public testified both in support and opposition. Opponents raised concerns about changing “Hawaiian sense of place” to “Hawaii sense of place,” warning it could weaken protections for Hawaiian culture and invite broader interpretations that might affect places like the Hawaii Convention Center. Others opposed a provision removing a two-year waiting period for HBCB board members before serving on the HTA board, citing conflict-of-interest concerns.
Committee discussion centered on the meaning and practical effect of the bill’s language, especially the distinction between “Hawaiian” and “Hawaii,” the scope of HTA’s tourism and destination-management role, and whether translation and language policy were being applied too broadly or too narrowly. Some members argued the bill could help preserve Hawaiian culture and place, while others worried about exclusionary interpretations, costs, and whether resources would be better spent on programs rather than expanded translation. The hearing ended with the chair announcing a short break and moving toward decision-making, but no final action on the bill was shown in the excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I can assure you that keeping New World screw worm out of the United States is the highest priority for
- in research, training, to unite global expertise.
- This is like every single farm in South America has three or four cans of insecticide sprays.
- This is like every single farm in South America has three or four cans of insecticide sprays.
- And again, I'm here to testify on behalf of Texas Farm Bureau.
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on preparedness for the New World screwworm threat and brought together the House Committees on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism and Agriculture and Livestock. USDA officials, Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, and Texas Animal Health Commission leadership described the pest as a serious risk to livestock, wildlife, rural economies, and beef prices, and emphasized coordination among federal, state, industry, and Mexican partners. Witnesses repeatedly stressed that Texas is currently seeing no confirmed U.S. detections, but that recent confirmed cases in northern Mexico, including Nuevo León, remain a concern because of their proximity to the border.
USDA testimony outlined current surveillance and response efforts, including more than 120 screw worm-specific traps along the Texas border and neighboring states, thousands of additional dual-purpose traps, wildlife inspections, weekly coordination with Mexico’s Senasica, and a new USDA New World Screwworm Directorate. Officials said the existing Panama sterile fly facility is maxed out at about 100 million flies per week, while a dispersal facility in Tampico is helping move flies farther north in Mexico. They also described plans for a retrofitted sterile fly facility in Metapa, Mexico, expected to come online in 2026, and a new domestic production facility at Moore Air Base, with phase one targeted for late 2026 or early 2027 and phase two adding substantially more capacity later.
Members pressed USDA on timelines, production capacity, the reliability of Mexican reporting, the risk from wildlife, and whether modular or mobile facilities could be deployed faster. USDA said it is also exploring innovative technologies, including a genetically engineered sterile male fly, but that such tools still require EPA review and field validation. Commissioner Miller highlighted Texas biosecurity efforts, five permanent inspection stations, cooperation with FDA and EPA on treatments such as Exzolt, and other pest issues affecting Texas agriculture. He also noted research into fly bait and private-sector efforts to speed sterile fly production.
Texas Animal Health Commission officials described extensive state preparedness work, including weekly coordination calls, field response trainings, outreach to producers and veterinarians, and a Texas Screwworm Response Team. They said Texas has trained more than 100 inspectors and other personnel, with additional trainings planned, and that the state is expanding its cattle fever tick rider program. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing; the main action was the exchange of testimony and questions about readiness, surveillance, and facility timelines.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 17th, 2025
California Assembly Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Help us come together as one California, as one United States of America.
- leaders, Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, to utilize his model of nonviolence during the struggle for farm
- King sent Cesar Chavez a telegram in 1966 in support of La Huelga, the farm worker strike.
- Whether it's in San Jose, or LA, or the Central Valley as farm workers building railroads, what have
- After graduating, Jeff joined the United States Navy, where he became a dedicated aviator.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- in Alabama counties conveniently bordering the largest lamb and mutton consumption market in the United
- And this comes at a time when Alabama is losing farms and losing farmers and not adding them.
- </c><00:09:47.000><c> And</c> United States per capita in Florida.
- And United States per capita in Florida.
- and losing farmers and not losing farms and losing farmers and not adding<00:09:51.240><c> them.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- If you'd stand with me for the Pledge of Allegiance, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States
- preemption doesn't unintentionally capture farms or farm operations.
- So I wanted to just tweak this statute to make sure that those farm and farm operations on really purely
- Petersburg, expanded accessory dwelling units, allowed yes in my, yes in God's back, St.
- They approved it for smaller units. The units are 350 square feet in size.
Committee:
Senate Community Affairs
Keywords:
land use, disaster recovery, local government, federal assistance, Hurricane relief, legal notices, public accessibility, government transparency, digital publication, government agencies, temporary door locking device, emergency safety, building code, training programs, fire exit security, affordable housing, land development, starter homes, local government regulations, housing shortage
Summary:
The committee took up a broad agenda of local government, land use, housing, and public notice bills. It reported favorably SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits, SB 1612 requiring local governments to accept electronic payments, SB 1180 creating a recall process for community development district board members and adding related CDD provisions on synthetic turf and compact urban mixed-use districts, SB 936 on temporary door locking devices, CS/SB 380 expanding options for publishing legal notices, SB 962 clarifying that the Live Local zoning preemption does not unintentionally capture farms and farm operations, SB 1444 on state preemption involving religious gatherings, private clubs, and certain permitting issues, SB 218 narrowing hurricane-related land-use protections to affected counties, SB 1020 regulating chickee huts, and SB 1434 creating a redevelopment framework for environmentally impacted parcels in certain urban counties. Several of these bills were amended before passage, including SB 1180, SB 380, and SB 948.
Testimony was mixed on the more controversial measures. Supporters of SB 984 said the bill clarifies benefits for firefighters diagnosed with occupational cancer. On SB 380, the Florida Press Association and Common Cause opposed shifting legal notices away from newspapers and warned that publication would become more fragmented and harder to find, while the sponsor argued the bill would save money and reflect digital practices. SB 1444 drew support from Florida Family Voice on religious freedom grounds, but the Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties warned that the bill was broad, undefined in places, and could create unintended consequences for local zoning, parking, and permitting. SB 1434 on redevelopment of environmentally impacted land drew support from housing advocates but opposition from counties and cities, which said it would bypass local development review and could allow overdevelopment.
The committee also heard substantial testimony on SB 948, which would create a statewide framework for starter-home and lot-split regulations in residential areas. Supporters, including housing advocates, a Gainesville city commissioner, and an urban economist, said local regulations have constrained housing supply and that the bill would help produce more starter homes. Opponents, including the Florida Association of Counties, 1,000 Friends of Florida, and the Florida League of Cities, argued it would function as a statewide zoning code, reduce local planning authority, and create infrastructure and litigation concerns. The bill was amended and then laid over for further consideration after extensive debate and public comment.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- He's been president of the East Aahu County Farm Bureau and president of the Kona County Farm Bureau.
- He's been president of the East Aahu County Farm Bureau and president of the Kona County Farm Bureau.
- Dean is joined Kona County Farm Bureau.
- ,</c><00:43:31.200><c> and</c> sheriffs, tactical units, and sheriffs, tactical units, and conservation
- </c><02:04:44.239><c> and</c> have uh been ranching and farming and have uh been ranching and farming
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- you think about this organization, this organization has like 271 chapters throughout the entire United
- United States of America. Over 50,000 students are part of this organization.
- We have a lot of farming concerns inside my district. People don't often...
- We have a lot of farming concerns inside my district.
- People don't often know that, but we have a number of farms.
Bills:
SJR12 , SJR81 , SCR39 , SB22 , SB32 , SB241 , SB393 , SB414 , SB458 , SB464 , SB568 , SB583 , SB609 , SB660 , SB693 , SB731 , SB732 , SB746 , SB783 , SB785 , SB897 , SB993 , SB996 , SB1008 , SB1029 , SB1035 , SB1036 , SB1120 , SB1122 , SB1147 , SB1163 , SB1188 , SB1197 , SB1209 , SB1227 , SB1245 , SB1267 , SB1307 , SB1321 , SB1332 , SB1386 , SB1394 , SB1396 , SB1470 , SB1494 , SB1537 , SB1596 , SB1598 , SB1610 , SB1664 , SB1814 , SB1822 , SB1841 , SB1948 , SB2065 , SB2155 , SB2406 , SB2407
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum call, invocation, approval of routine motions, and the reading of gubernatorial nominations and several honorary resolutions. The chamber adopted resolutions recognizing Jack and Jill of America Day and DJ Daniel Day at the Capitol, with multiple senators offering remarks praising youth leadership, perseverance, and public service. The Senate also introduced the Doctor of the Day and then proceeded to a long series of floor actions on bills.
A major focus was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 568, which overhauls special education funding and services in public schools by moving from a placement-based model to an intensity-based system tied to student needs and IEPs. Senators Bettencourt, Creighton, and Menendez emphasized transparency, parent input, evaluation funding, dyslexia services, and better alignment of funding with actual services; Senator Hinojosa shared a personal story about dyslexia and the importance of early intervention. The bill was advanced on second and third reading and finally passed 30-0. The Senate also passed SB 1396 to prohibit national sex education standards in public schools, SB 2065 on the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System, SB 1664 requiring clearer public disclosure of transmission and distribution utility rate changes, SB 1029 on advertising certain used motor vehicles, SB 1120 expanding rights for family violence victims, SB 1036 regulating residential solar retail transactions, SB 464 creating school-proximity restrictions and penalties for tobacco and vaping sales, SB 1035 giving farmers and ranchers equitable relief from certain local agricultural regulations, SB 1610 addressing civil commitment facility safety and prosecution issues, SB 1197 extending drone restrictions to spaceports, and SB 1386 changing legislative witness immunity from transactional to testimonial immunity.
Another major bill was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1188, which updates electronic health record requirements. Senator Kolkhorst said the bill builds on Texas medical privacy law by requiring U.S.-based storage of EMR data, prohibiting recording of voter registration status and credit score information, requiring provider verification and disclosure for AI-assisted diagnosis or treatment recommendations, preserving parental access to minors’ records until age 18, and ensuring EMRs can capture metabolic health and biological sex information. A floor amendment clarified the bill’s scope and enforcement, and the bill passed 23-7. Several measures drew debate, especially SB 414 on bond ballot transparency, where Senators Eckhardt and Menendez questioned whether requiring estimated interest and total debt cost on ballots could be misleading or difficult to implement because interest rates and financing terms can change before issuance or over time. The transcript ends during that discussion, with no final action shown on SB 414.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, July 22, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Therefore, I have United states.
- </c> congressional budget for the United congressional budget for the United States<01:57:03.840><c>
- But until those farm safety net.
- </c> have seen 119 billion dollars in farm have seen 119 billion dollars in farm loss<02:16:37.359><c
- </c> also restore certainty to the farm also restore certainty to the farm economy.<02:16:58.800><c>
Keywords:
Iran, war powers, War Powers Resolution, hostilities, military force, Congressional authorization, declaration of war, AUMF, foreign policy, national security, self-defense, U.S. Armed Forces, Middle East, executive war powers, troop withdrawal, intelligence sharing, counterintelligence, diplomatic facilities, regional security, anti-war resolution
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 02/20/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:08:53.320><c> for</c> uh but we need more housing units for uh but we need more housing units
- the number of units going into service has been historic.
- Nationwide since 1974 so that most units Nationwide since 1974 so that means<00:18:33.039><c> from</
- </c><00:18:36.559><c> going</c> construction the number of units going construction the number of units
- housing unit and 60,000 per manufactured housing unit and then<00:35:50.720><c> there's</c><00:35:50.839
Committee:
Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- As an example, losing the 340B savings would mean significantly reducing use of our mobile units, which
- Our hygiene unit, for example, provided over 1,500 showers last year, and as a result of those first
- economy is uncertain and volatile, and farms are suffering from the recent flooding.
- when producers are weighing the viability of staying in business will translate into fewer viable farms
- when producers are weighing the viability of staying in business will translate into fewer viable farms
Summary:
The House Appropriations Committee continued its public hearing on House Bill 2289, the fiscal biennial supplemental operating budget appropriations bill. The chair and vice chair explained the hearing process, limited testimony to one minute per person, and then heard extensive public comment from a wide range of advocates, local officials, service providers, and residents. No committee vote was taken during the hearing.
Much of the testimony focused on opposition to proposed budget shifts involving Climate Commitment Act revenue, especially the proposed diversion of $569 million to other uses, including the Working Families Tax Credit. Environmental, public health, and local government witnesses argued those funds should remain dedicated to climate pollution reduction, wildfire resilience, clean transportation, natural climate solutions, and affordability programs. Several speakers also urged full funding for wildfire response and forest health, including the HB 1168 commitment, and opposed transfers from the Public Works Assistance Account.
Other major topics included Medicaid and long-term care rates, with nursing home and assisted living providers warning that freezing or delaying rate rebasing would worsen staffing shortages and threaten access to care. Public health and health care advocates opposed cuts to foundational public health services, Apple Health expansion, and pharmacy benefit changes, while oral health advocates asked to preserve Medicaid dental funding and support Dentist Link. Testimony also supported or opposed funding for K-12 programs such as special education, the Ninth Grade Success Initiative, and homeless student stability; early learning and child care subsidies; disability services; public defense; housing and homelessness prevention; food assistance; higher education; and immigrant legal services. The committee concluded the hearing and adjourned after public testimony ended.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Mar 18th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- , cities, reservoirs, and wildlife throughout the United States.
- It's a technology that has existed for 80 years in the United States.
- Florida is a very consequential state within the United States.
- does not precipitate over the United States.
- Florida is the fifth wettest state in the entire United States.
Summary:
The committee considered and reported favorably several bills, most of them sponsored by Senator Rodriguez. CS/SB 164 on vessel accountability was presented as a measure to help law enforcement identify vessel owners, create a free long-term anchoring permit program, increase penalties for derelict vessel violations, and authorize grants for local governments in FWC’s prevention program; it passed without amendment. SB 388, dealing with FWC trust funds, was also reported favorably after Senator Berman asked whether non-game wildlife funds would support immigration enforcement; Senator Rodriguez said they would not. CS/SB 1320 was amended to recreate the Resilient Florida Trust Fund and then passed favorably. CS/CS/SB 344 modernizing the Telecommunications Access System was amended to define new terms and reduce the maximum surcharge from 25 cents to 15 cents, then reported favorably. CS/SB 86 on peer support for first responders expanded eligibility to support personnel and passed with broad support from law enforcement and related groups.
The committee also took up CS/CS/SB 92, a hit-and-run accountability bill by Senator Gruters. The adopted amendment added a front license plate requirement, lowered the damage threshold from $5,000 to $2,500, and retained reporting requirements for repair shops. NFIB testified in opposition to parts of the bill, citing concerns about the lower threshold, short reporting deadlines, and potential license revocation, while supporters argued the bill would improve accountability and help solve hit-and-run cases. The bill was reported favorably after debate.
The final and most contentious measure was CS/SB 56 by Senator Garcia, which would prohibit geoengineering and weather modification activities in Florida, repeal older weather-modification statutes, create a public reporting system at DEP, and impose penalties for violations. Supporters, including individuals identifying with weather-watch and anti-geoengineering concerns, argued that the bill would address public fears and environmental risks. A cloud-seeding company representative testified that cloud seeding is distinct from solar radiation management and said permitting should exist for responsible weather modification, while warning the bill could hinder beneficial precipitation enhancement. Despite skepticism from some members about the bill’s premise and scope, the committee reported it favorably. The meeting then concluded after members recorded missed votes and the committee adjourned.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- State Farm pulled out, other companies started pulling out. We started growing exponentially.
- Let's just say State Farm wants to take me out of the Fair Plan.
- State Farm has to negotiate with my broker. Let's just say Victoria's my broker.
- Could it be the air conditioning unit? Could it be the walls? It could.
- The Department of Insurance did approve those rates for State Farm, Farmers, Allstate.
Committee:
House Insurance
Summary:
The Assembly Insurance Committee held an oversight hearing on the California Fair Plan, focused on the plan’s rapid growth, financial condition, depopulation efforts, and response to the January Southern California wildfires. Fair Plan officials explained that the plan was created in 1968 as an insurer of last resort, is a private not-for-profit association of admitted insurers, and is intended to be a temporary safety net until policyholders can return to the voluntary market. They said the market has deteriorated so much that many consumers are now coming to the Fair Plan first, including in lower-wildfire-risk areas where the plan is sometimes cheaper than private-market options.
Officials said the plan’s exposure has grown sharply, reaching about 575,000 policies and nearly $600 billion in exposure by the end of March, with especially fast growth in low-risk areas. They described the plan’s depopulation challenges, the clearinghouse process, and pending or recent policy expansions such as coverage for farmers, higher commercial coverage limits, and proposed bills affecting grace periods and manufactured-home replacement coverage. They also discussed rates, saying premiums have risen from about $1,839 in 2021 to about $2,800 in 2025, while average policy limits have increased to over $1 million, and that the plan is working with the Department of Insurance on a new dwelling filing to move toward actuarially sound rates.
A major portion of the hearing addressed the January fires and the Fair Plan’s finances. Officials said the plan paid more than $2.9 billion in claims so far and expects total losses near $4 billion, with over 5,500 claims filed and more than half already closed. Because of the losses, the plan sought and received a $1 billion assessment from member insurers, the first such assessment in 30 years, and also described its reinsurance tower and the role of reinsurance in covering catastrophic losses. They said the plan is supporting AB 226, which would give it access to a line of credit and potential bond financing to reduce reliance on assessments. Members raised concerns about solvency, non-renewals, smoke-claim standards, and the growth of the plan in non-wildfire areas; public commenters from the building industry and insurance brokers said the Fair Plan’s growth reflects a weak voluntary market and urged stronger rates and depopulation tools.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee Feb 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- What they do now, and what got poultry in trouble, they weren't farming it in.
- These biosolids have to be farmed into the soil and covered up.
- These biosolids have to be farmed into the soil and covered up.
- There was a dump truck there with a spreading unit.
- It was the same make and model as the one I use on my farm.
Summary:
The Natural Resources A and B Subcommittee considered nine bills, with members asking questions on funding sources, program structure, and implementation. HB 3915, by Rep. Dallens, would direct existing animal-friendly tag revenue to a spay-and-neuter grant program overseen by the Department of Agriculture to address pet overpopulation; it passed 5-4. HB 3311, by Rep. Eves, would raise the cap on the Commerce P3 program from $200 million to $250 million; members discussed whether the program was nearing its limit, and it passed 8-1.
HB 3465, by Rep. Bowles, would extend the sunset on the mission tax credit to July 1, 2029, with no new funding requested; it passed 9-0. HB 3786, by Rep. Adams, sought a 15% pay raise for park rangers to address turnover and vacancies; the committee heard that rangers were paid about $20-$23 per hour and that turnover was around 20%, and the bill passed 9-1. HB 3403, by Rep. Pascowski, proposed a five-year biosolids pilot study involving OSU, DEQ, and a private entity; debate focused on whether the practice is already unsafe, the scope of testing, and the role of the private participant, and the bill passed 9-2.
HB 4333, by Rep. Moore, would modernize and streamline Commissioners of the Land Office operations by removing outdated language and clarifying authority; concerns were raised about outside property managers, and it passed 10-1. HB 3177, by Rep. Archer, would remove a statutory cap on Corporation Commission court reporter pay to improve retention; members discussed staffing levels and compensation comparisons, and it passed 9-1. HB 3126, by Rep. West, would create a CLO revolving fund for concurrent enrollment, modeled on an existing stabilization fund, to help support that program over time; it passed 8-2. The chair then adjourned the meeting and announced the committee would meet again the following Monday.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:40:55.640><c> States</c> Islands here by the United States Islands here by the United States
- </c> have Farms a lot of my family have farms have Farms a lot of my family have farms and<00:48:11.240
- According to international law, the United States is subordinate.
- <02:35:32.560><c> States</c> United States United States Constitution<02:35:34.960><c> and</c><02:35:
- Not the people of the United States, but of Hawaii, yes.
Committee:
House Water & Land
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 114, concerning employment in the State Historic Preservation Program, drew support from DLNR, which said the measure would help retain qualified archaeologists, architects, and other professionals by preserving current pay levels for a limited number of positions. Members raised concerns about expanding exempt positions and the effect on union coverage, and DLNR said it was also working with DEHRD on longer-term reclassification issues. No vote was taken on the bill in the portion provided.
HB 12, relating to tort liability, drew strong opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, which argued the bill would create overly broad immunity for landowners, conflict with Hawaii’s comparative fault framework, and undermine existing recreational liability law. Supporters said it would reduce liability concerns and encourage landowners to allow hiking, hunting, search-and-rescue training, and firearms-related uses on private land. The committee then moved on without any recorded vote in the excerpt.
The committee also discussed HB 29 on counties, but no county representative was present, and members questioned whether the proposal should instead proceed through condemnation if it involved a forced sale. HB 175 on property maintenance received DLNR comments that the bill should be narrowed to noxious weeds and that fire-related provisions were more properly handled by county fire departments and the State Fire Marshal. HB 331 on permits drew support from several state agencies, but the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed it unless “repetitive construction” was defined more clearly; members and agencies discussed narrowing the bill to avoid unintended impacts on water and utility infrastructure. The committee also heard strong support for HB 3 on North Shore beach management, HB 309 on fish ponds, and HB 306 on water code penalties, though the Board of Water Supply raised concerns about increased fines and suggested an alternative governor’s bill and clearer administrative rules.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee (6-11-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Community Bank of West Kentucky United Community Bank of West Kentucky there<00:17:23.120><c> in</c>
- </c> the to the farm operation. the to the farm operation.
- Uh, Bill and I earlier this week attended the national farm management conference.
- When he did it, he, um, offered up his farm.
- Um Dale would come offered up his farm.
Summary:
The Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee met on June 11 but did not have a quorum, so it could not approve the prior minutes. The committee then received a compliance and program update from Brandon Reed and Bill McClowski of the agricultural development board, who said the office is fully staffed, has digitized most records, and has added a Facebook page to share board actions, projects, and compliance work. They also reported that the board and finance corporation continue to operate with strong county-council participation and that the office had completed numerous site visits, program reviews, and project closeouts over the reporting period.
The presenters reviewed monthly funding actions from December through May, including board approvals ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, with a December finance meeting delayed by a snowstorm. They highlighted that the Kentucky Agriculture Finance Corporation now has 57 loans generating more than $2 million per month in payments, and that the revolving loan program has grown to support more than $24 million annually in repayments available for relending. They also noted that 75% of the portfolio is in beginning farmer loans and that the office had recently surpassed 1,000 active loans.
Several projects were discussed in detail. These included a grain facility in Callaway County supporting organic corn production for expanding egg-layer operations, a Union County cattle business expansion, a West Liberty Veterinary Clinic project to build a working cattle facility, a Grayson County farmers market project, a Casey County veterinary services project, and a packing warehouse for the Kanye family to support specialty crops. The presenters emphasized that county and state tobacco settlement funds are often combined, sometimes with participation loans, to leverage local investment. They also stressed the importance of supporting greenhouses, farmers markets, specialty crops, and large-animal veterinary services as key agricultural priorities. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond the lack of quorum and the informational presentations.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, May 20, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> a profit in a challenging farm economy. a profit in a challenging farm economy.
- :00.720><c> of</c><00:53:00.880><c> Agricultures</c> United States Department of Agricultures United
- We're bringing tourists to farms or agricultural venues and offering experiences related to farming,
- to places like Great Country Farms in Bluemont, and llama and alpaca farms like Double A Alpaca Llama
- </c><02:07:22.719><c> With</c> has been in the United States. With has been in the United States.
Keywords:
SJR13, S.J.Res. 13, joint resolution, Congressional Review Act, CRA, OCC, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Department of the Treasury, bank merger, bank mergers, Bank Merger Act, business combinations, merger review, financial regulation, banking regulation, bank consolidation, regulatory disapproval, federal banking rule, rule repeal, Public Law 119-19
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There are two state wildlife area complexes consisting of six units, one state park, and six units of
- Chair, Stephen Fenroly with the California Farm Bureau.
- Also, Farm Bureau and Cattlemen members text me every day about this.
- Farm Bureau and Cattlemen members text me every day about this.
- Richard Filgus, California Farm Bureau, representing over 20,000 farming and ranching members, respectfully
Summary:
The committee heard several wildlife and water-related bills. SB 872, by Senator McNerney, would create a Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund and allow waiver of local cost-sharing for Delta levee repairs to protect the State Water Project and Delta infrastructure. Supporters from water agencies, environmental groups, counties, and agricultural interests said the bill is needed to address levee failure and canal subsidence; there was no opposition, and the bill was held open until a quorum was present, with broad support expressed.
SB 1108, by Senator Caballero, would establish the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in the Central Valley to coordinate conservation, habitat restoration, public access, and voluntary easements in a region described as the largest remaining wetland/grasslands complex west of the Mississippi. Support came from the Grasslands Water District, Audubon, conservation groups, and local stakeholders, who emphasized the area’s importance to migratory birds, wildlife corridors, and land-use transition under groundwater sustainability. There was no opposition, and the bill received favorable committee support.
SB 1135, by Senator Blakespear, would reestablish and strengthen the statewide wildlife coexistence program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal deterrence, education, and compensation for livestock losses. Supporters cited rising wildlife incidents, wolf depredation, and the need for proactive tools; opponents and some committee members raised concerns about rural impacts, funding, and the absence of law enforcement/public safety as a specifically named advisory role. After discussion and amendments that moved the cattlemen and Farm Bureau to neutral, the bill passed out of committee on a due-pass motion, though some members voted no or abstained.
SB 1305, by Senator Richardson, would direct CDFW to study the feasibility of grizzly bear reintroduction and prepare a roadmap, with tribal consultation and stakeholder engagement, but would not itself authorize reintroduction. Tribal sponsors and conservation groups supported the bill as a planning and cultural restoration effort, while hunting, ranching, and county groups opposed it, arguing California already faces major wildlife-management and funding challenges and that the proposal would create new conflicts. Committee members debated costs, appropriations, and whether the study should include funding estimates; the bill was amended and passed on a due-pass motion. The committee also heard SB 1250, by Senator Cortese, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning; supporters said it would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity, and the bill was presented in support as the hearing continued.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Water, Parks, and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- Richard Filgus with the California Farm Bureau, in support. Good morning.
- There are two state wildlife area complexes consisting of six units, one state park, and six units of
- Chair, Stephen Fenroly with the California Farm Bureau.
- Also, Farm Bureau and Cattlemen members text me every day about this. ...Farm Bureau and Cattlemen members
- Richard Filgus, California Farm Bureau, representing over 20,000 farming and ranching members, respectfully
Committee:
House Water, Parks, and Wildlife
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Many times they are have SWAT units.
- </c> has been done federally in the farm has been done federally in the farm bill.<01:03:18.000><c> Um
- It says farm bill compliant.
- It says farm bill compliant.
- It says farm bill compliant. packaging. It says farm bill compliant.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 02/11/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the public policy specialist at Minnesota Farm Bureau.
- We're a grassroots general farm organization.
- We're a grassroots general farm organization.
- We're a grassroots general farm organization.
- We're a grassroots general farm organization.
Committee:
Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy