Transcript Highlights:

• I support maintaining a game farm. I support the programs that the game farm supports.
• Who currently owns the farm? DFW owns it.
• What we have before us is the Bob Oak Game Farm, which was a privately owned game farm that was taken
• I support the relocation of the farm.
• And that's one of the reasons why I care so much about our farms and our farm sector.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee met on February 4, with public hearing and executive action on several bills. The main public hearing was on House Bill 2668, as proposed substitute, which would direct the Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify and pursue relocation of the Bob Oak Game Farm and to plan remediation of the current site. Testimony from the bill sponsor, Centralia city officials, Lewis County public health staff, a tribal member, and residents strongly supported relocation, citing nitrate contamination in a sole-source aquifer, risks to drinking water for Centralia and nearby households, and the need for long-term public health protection. The committee also heard that interim mitigation measures such as point-of-use filters and water/sewer extensions were underway, but witnesses said relocation was the only durable solution. The bill was added to the day’s executive session as an unusual late addition, then later passed out of committee on a voice vote with a due pass recommendation. During executive session, the committee also acted on House Bill 2598, creating a Salmon Advisory Commission; House Bill 2619, creating a legislative task force to reduce regulatory stress in agriculture; House Bill 2199, dealing with derelict vessels and disposal timelines; House Bill 2463, which revises agricultural donation and farm-to-food pantry programs; and House Bill 1735, which prohibits force-feeding birds and related foie gras sales. Amendments were considered on several bills, including a DNR amendment to the vessel bill and a narrowing amendment to the force-feeding bill, which failed. The committee approved House Bill 2598 by a 6-5 vote, and House Bill 2619, House Bill 2199, House Bill 2463, House Bill 1735, and House Bill 2668 all received due pass recommendations, with some on voice votes and others by recorded roll call. The chair noted that moving House Bill 2668 in executive session the same day as public hearing was highly unusual and done because of the bill’s urgency and bipartisan support.

Transcript Highlights:

• My amendment establishes March 31st of each year as Farm Worker Day and specifies that Farm Worker Day
• My amendment establishes March 31st of each year as Farm Worker Day and specifies that Farm Worker Day
• We must rename the holiday to Farm Workers Day and continue to honor the Farm Workers' Movement and the
• As farm workers continue... ...respect the farm workers by renaming this day as farm workers continue
• industry’s farms.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several personal privileges recognizing guests and proclamations, including a Coolidge centennial proclamation, a Pre-born Day of Rights proclamation, and a tribute to retired public servant Carmen Green Smith. The chamber also welcomed various guests and groups in the gallery, including Arizona Right to Life, Reproductive Freedom for All, a doctor of the day, schoolchildren, and community visitors. A motion to suspend the rules and immediately advance SB 1396 on contraception rights failed by a vote of 12 ayes to 16 nays. The Senate then considered House Concurrent Resolution 2053 honoring Brad Brower, adopted it unanimously, observed a moment of silence, and transmitted the resolution to the House. In Committee of the Whole, members considered HB 2072, HB 2307, and HB 2874. HB 2072, dealing with holidays and the César Chávez Day repeal/renaming debate, drew extensive floor debate over a Miranda amendment to rename the day for farm workers; that amendment failed 12-15, and the bill was ultimately advanced as amended by the committee’s striker/repeal language. HB 2307, concerning dangerous and incompetent defendants and a state facility process, received committee and floor amendments and was advanced as amended. HB 2874, relating to campaign committee termination statements and contributions, also received committee and technical floor amendments and was advanced as amended. On final third readings, HB 2874 passed 18-11 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House. HB 2307 passed 27-2 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House, with supporters emphasizing public safety and the emergency clause. HB 272 passed after a lengthy and contentious debate over whether to repeal or rename the holiday associated with César Chávez and the farm worker movement; supporters of repeal cited allegations against Chávez and the need for accountability, while opponents argued the holiday should preserve recognition of farm workers and the movement’s history. The Senate also adopted the Committee of the Whole report and assigned the bills accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• that they can offer that isn't grown on that particular farm where the farm stand is located.
• stay farming.
• The exclusion of farm workers from basic wage and hour protections is... ...exclusion of farm workers
• Farm workers would at least... ...worker in the Commonwealth.
• This amendment is not only about... ...our farms running.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate resumed debate on An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts and considered a series of amendments focused on farm economics, land preservation, energy, labor, and agricultural education. Senator Tarr’s Amendment 5, allowing local-option tax exemptions for newly constructed farm buildings for up to five years, was adopted by a roll call vote of 38-0. Several other Tarr amendments were debated but not adopted, including proposals on APR criteria and climate resilience, a one-stop permit and grant portal, a foreign-ownership farmland registry, horse-riding instructor licensing, expanding farm-based renewable energy, a farm stand waiver process, non-agricultural conversion notice requirements, and a health and wellness amendment. Senator Mark’s Amendment 20, creating a Massachusetts Food Tourism Task Force to support marketing and procurement of agricultural goods, was adopted. Senator Gomez’s Amendment 41 on farmworker fairness and wage protections was withdrawn after discussion, with Senators Eldridge and Comerford speaking in support of continued work on the issue. Senator Fattman’s Amendment 34, directing a study of agricultural schools and regional workforce needs, was adopted by roll call vote 37-0. The chamber also took up several procedural matters and extension orders. The Senate adopted a Ways and Means amendment and then ordered the agricultural bill to a third reading before passing it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 39-0. Separately, the Senate adopted extension orders for the Committee on Revenue and the Committee on Financial Services, with Senators Eldridge and Feeney explaining the need for additional time on revenue and financial services bills; Senator Tarr raised concerns about the scope and duration of some of the extensions. The Senate also approved an extension for a financial technology services bill. In addition to legislative action, the Senate observed a moment of silence in memory of Mark K. Harris after a motion by Senators Collins and Miranda, and recognized guests for Youth Mentoring Day and the Mass Mentoring Program. The chamber also passed a memorial overpass designation for U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville and a local alcohol-license bill for the town of Topsfield. The session concluded with an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m., with the adjournment also dedicated to the memory of Mark K. Harris.

Transcript Highlights:

• Security Special Fund to provide grants to farms for farm losses due to weather conditions.
• </c><00:26:21.440><c> due</c><00:26:21.600><c> to</c> to farms to for farm losses due to to farms to
• </c><00:27:07.600><c> weather</c> grants for farm losses due to weather grants for farm losses due to
• </c> farm or forestry operation. farm or forestry operation.
• </c><00:37:22.640><c> The</c><00:37:22.880><c> House</c> the farm. Um, okay. The House the farm.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• set of farm crises today.
• farms in 1995 to now we are just over 1,600 dairy farms in Minnesota.
• </c> our dairy farms with 9,000 dairy farms our dairy farms with 9,000 dairy farms in<00:07:36.760><c
• </c> farms in Minnesota. farms in Minnesota.
• In mine, it's my dairy farm.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, just ways that we really can allow innovation around that 5-acre farm or that 7-, 10-acre farm
• Chairman, to enjoy farming. None of my family ever farmed.
• </c><00:04:19.479><c> my</c> farming none of my family ever farmed my farming none of my family ever
• </c><00:04:27.280><c> Farmland</c> them Farm they didn't own Farm Farmland them Farm they didn't own
• I'm also involved in farming, and flatland farming mostly corn, soybeans, wheat.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard extended testimony from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and several senators about using agriculture economic development funds to make Kentucky farms more profitable and attract related businesses. Discussion focused on expanding markets for corn, soybeans, beef, dairy, and other products through biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, feedlots, processing plants, transportation, and other infrastructure that would keep more value in-state. Members also discussed the profitability pressures on farmers, high land prices, and the need for small-farm support and aggregation programs such as Kentucky Proud, BCAL, KOAP, CAP, food-is-medicine efforts, LFPA, and farm-to-school initiatives. Senators raised specific ideas and concerns, including raw milk and food-freedom innovation, support for 5-acre and other small farms, and the possibility of a beef processing plant in Kentucky. Shell said raw milk testing is not currently a department function but could be explored with legislative direction, and he emphasized that Kentucky must first prove it can feed cattle at scale before a processor is likely to locate here. He also argued that changing conditions in the West and Midwest, including water limits, workforce shortages, and regulatory pressure, could make Kentucky increasingly competitive for beef processing and feedlot operations. Several senators shared personal farming experiences to underscore the difficulty of making a living in agriculture and the need for off-farm income or value-added businesses. They cited examples such as grain storage, dairy products, chicken and hog operations, and restaurant or rental income supporting farm operations. Commissioner Shell said the fund is intended to fill gaps and attract businesses that need Kentucky agricultural products, creating premium markets and more local jobs. After questions concluded, the committee took up the bill, with a motion by Senator Richardson and a second by Senator Nunn. The roll call was taken, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mahalo. needs to achieve are Farm to school needs to achieve are Farm to school goals<00:23:53.720><c
• </c> my name is kuik kapo with hoi Farm my name is kuik kapo with hoi Farm excuse<00:24:51.440><c> me
• </c> you uh and then Brian from Hawaii Farm you uh and then Brian from Hawaii Farm Bureau vies<00:33:
• Chair, Vice Chair, Representative Prussel, uh, Hopeway Farm, on behalf of Hopeway Farm, you have our
• on behal of ho prussel uh hopeway Farm on behal of ho Farm<00:40:22.880><c> you</c><00:40:22.960><c>

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chinook Farms, whose photos I shared earlier, Chinook Farms, whose photos I shared earlier, is home to
• I like to brag about my farm, and so I thought I'd start with a picture of my lovely farm.
• So this is a picture of my farm and my neighbor's farm on December 1st, taken from Governor Gregoire's
• and regulating farms.
• His farm serves a lot of food banks.

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Buckles Farms and Ranches.
• , Buckles Farms and Ranches.
• I'm with Wilcox Family Farms. We're a fifth-generation egg farm. I'm Donnie Wilcox.
• I'm with Wilcox Family Farms. We're a fifth-generation egg farm in Roy, Washington.
• farms.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard public testimony on House Bill 2279, which would require the Department of Agriculture to create a program and criteria to evaluate PFAS chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides. The prime sponsor argued PFAS are persistent “forever chemicals” that are entering soil, water, wildlife, and people, and said Washington should begin acting now rather than waiting for federal action. WSDA said the bill is implementable but would require rulemaking, ongoing staff resources, and likely a 12-month extension to complete stakeholder engagement; it also noted the bill should be clarified to address all pesticides, not just new ones. Agricultural and industry witnesses opposed the bill as duplicative of EPA review and warned it could reduce product availability and put Washington farmers at a competitive disadvantage, while environmental advocates supported it as a needed food-safety and environmental measure. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 2463, which would expand the Washington Commodity Donation Program and create a Farm to Food Pantry Program to help hunger-relief organizations buy Washington-grown food directly from farmers. The sponsor said the bill is part of a broader state response to reduced federal food-security support and is intended to keep families fed by strengthening local food purchasing. Testimony was largely supportive from food banks, food hubs, farmers, AARP, and hunger-relief groups, who said the programs help move surplus produce, dairy, protein, and other products to people in need while supporting local farms and reducing waste. Several witnesses, however, raised concerns about language limiting participation to organizations that “solely” function for food sourcing, saying it could exclude many existing regional organizations and reduce resilience; one tribal representative also requested an amendment to include tribally owned small-scale farms. No action was taken on HB 2463 during the hearing. After the hearings, the committee went into caucus and then held executive session only on House Bill 1941, which authorizes licensed cannabis producers to form agricultural associations for collective processing, handling, and marketing. Supporters said it would help smaller cannabis producers cooperate and prepare for possible federal changes, while opponents argued it was premature given marijuana’s federal status and too broad in scope. The committee approved HB 1941 on a 6-5 vote and reported it out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. House Bill 2238 was deferred to the following day for further review of amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here and able to represent clam farming.
• They want to come see the farms.
• The first farms that I had were 15, 16 feet deep.
• And the strategy is not going to be exactly the same their similarities from farm to farm.
• And so we have 100 farms that we provide that service to to the individual watermelon farms throughout

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been able to scale up the Farm to School network and develop the Farm to School roadmap to success
• Track two is the farm to school...”
• We've been able to scale up the Farm to School network and develop the Farm to School roadmap to success
• to do to access farm-to-school.
• to Fork and the Farm-to-School grant program.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee heard the administration’s spending plan for Proposition 4’s climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters, along with related trailer bill language. CDFA outlined proposed funding for existing programs such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, Urban Agriculture, and invasive species work, plus new or phased-in programs including year-round and mobile farmers’ markets, tribal food sovereignty, and regional farm equipment sharing. The Department of Conservation described funding for the California Farmland Conservancy Program and Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program, while the Department of Finance and LAO discussed pending allocations and generally found the overall approach reasonable, though LAO suggested the Legislature may want more statutory guidance and reporting, especially for new programs. Members focused on implementation details, equity, and accountability. Questions covered how programs would serve vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, whether new solicitations would be reopened for previously oversubscribed grants, how outcomes are tracked, and how to structure guidance for new programs such as farm equipment sharing. The chair emphasized that the Legislature wants clearer direction on program design and noted that AB 2313 should guide implementation of the regional farm equipment sharing allocation. The committee also discussed the administration’s request to directly appropriate bond funds to departments and to exempt bond program guidelines from the Administrative Procedures Act; LAO supported the APA exemption with possible legislative guardrails for public notice and comment. The committee then heard on the farm-to-school proposal, with CDFA requesting $24.9 million General Fund for incubator grants, technical assistance, and network support. CDFA said the program has reached nearly half of California schoolchildren and has shown strong demand and positive evaluation results. LAO supported the core program but recommended rejecting the $3 million technical assistance component as too broad and suggested the Legislature consider using Proposition 98 for some of the funding. Members debated that point, with some expressing concern about using General Fund dollars for a new discretionary request during a tight budget year. The biodiversity and nature-based solutions chapter included funding for the Wildlife Conservation Board, state conservancies, and tribal nature-based solutions. WCB described major recent investments and proposed projects tied to 30 by 30, habitat restoration, tribal partnerships, and public access. Members raised concerns about long-term stewardship, the size of the WCB allocation, and whether the Legislature should receive more detail on how funds will be distributed. The committee also heard requests for Bolsa Chica wetlands maintenance and Rincon Island decommissioning funding from the State Lands Commission, with members questioning long-term liability, remediation costs, and the role of private oil operators. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with public comment from stakeholders largely supporting the APA exemption, farm-to-school funding, biodiversity investments, and related conservation programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Only 4% of the farms, 4% of all farms in the U.S. are in California.
• That's not just acres, though; that's farms.
• It’s not just farms.
• is so good for California farm workers to build a better quality of life for all of California farm
• We have to take care of our farm workers.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the state of agricultural production in California, with opening remarks from the Senate and Assembly Agriculture Committee chairs and Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry emphasizing agriculture’s economic importance and the need for stronger state investment. They highlighted concerns about water scarcity, labor shortages, rising costs, extreme weather, tariffs, pesticide and regulatory pressures, and the lack of agricultural funding in recent climate-related allocations. Aguiar-Curry also urged immediate action on the glassy-winged sharpshooter outbreak, which CDFA said would cost about $18.5 million annually to detect, monitor, and eradicate. The first panel featured CDFA and the Department of Water Resources. CDFA described California agriculture as a $61.2 billion industry producing more than 400 commodities, but also noted farm bankruptcies, rising input and compliance costs, climate stress, trade issues, and crop removals in vineyards and almonds. DWR focused on hydrologic variability, snowpack decline, groundwater overdraft, subsidence, and SGMA implementation, and discussed tools such as forecast-informed reservoir operations, groundwater recharge, basin characterization, and the 2028 water plan update. Members asked about immediate legislative priorities, flood response after 2023, Prop. 4 and greenhouse gas reduction funding, and regulatory alignment; officials pointed to pest control, science-based water management, affordability, infrastructure, and better coordination across agencies. The second panel examined water, climate, and resource sustainability. PPIC presented estimates that SGMA, climate change, and environmental regulations could reduce irrigation water in the San Joaquin Valley by about 20% by 2040, potentially requiring 500,000 to 900,000 acres of fallowing and affecting billions in agricultural GDP and tens of thousands of jobs. UC Merced discussed practical adaptation tools including FIRO, managed aquifer recharge, on-farm recharge, land repurposing, agrivoltaics, and crop flexibility. The Agricultural Energy Consumers Association argued that energy costs are unsustainable, that electricity and natural gas rates are rising sharply, and that state programs supporting climate-smart agriculture, biomass, and food processing need more funding and coordination. Members and witnesses discussed how limited Prop. 4 and GGRF dollars might be used for recharge, conveyance, subsidence mitigation, and regulatory improvements. The final panel addressed workforce innovation and the future of food production. Industry representatives said food and fiber processors cannot pass along rising costs from energy, labor, workers’ compensation, packaging rules, and compliance mandates, and warned that SGMA-driven land fallowing, pest pressure, and abandoned orchards threaten small farms and processing jobs. The Almond Alliance called for periodic review of regulations, stronger invasive species response, and targeted support for orchard removal, ag burn alternatives, and water efficiency. The California Farmworker Foundation described its work providing health, education, and civil assistance services to farmworkers in multiple counties, including health navigation, field-based clinics, and food support, and stressed the needs of an aging labor force and food insecurity in rural communities. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members and witnesses discussing possible future legislation and funding priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• I see your Farm Bureau members. Oh, this would be really good for Farm Bureau members.
• It's Joe's Farm, and it's been in the family for... that's what a family farm is, still?
• Clayman: We've got corporate farms, we've got family farms.
• family farms and ranches.
• We could change the requirements of family farms, how they are eligible for family farms.

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I still am a little bit farms.
• director from Big River Farms.
• </c> farm director from Big River Farms. farm director from Big River Farms.
• They are 100% off-farm workers. So they farm, but they also have off-farm jobs.
• They also have off-farm jobs.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a project called Grand Farm.
• Crop insurance means a counter-cyclical safety net that works, keeping the farm in the farm bill.
• Sometimes our farm kids can't get a job back on the farm, can't return to the family farm, but they want
• Farm to Fly. It has been made a part of the draft of both the House and Senate farm bills.
• So who's going to work the farms?

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• For as long as farming farming forever.
• . farm. farm.
• There's two farms that we have buy farm.
• </c> farm-related expenses. farm-related expenses.
• </c> access to farming land. access to farming land.

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

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Only 4% of the farms, 4% of all farms in the U.S. are in California.
• That's not just acres, though; that's farms.
• It’s not just farms.
• This is our farm-to-school program exactly.
• We have to take care of our farm workers.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My amendment establishes March 31st of each year as Farm Worker Day, specifies that Farm Worker Day is
• We must rename the holiday to Farm Workers Day and continue to honor the Farm Workers' Movement and the
• As farm workers continue... ...respect the farm workers by renaming this day as farm workers continue
• Thank you. respect the farm workers by renaming this day as farm workers continue to fight dangerous
• or our industry's farms.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The question was total number of farms, not just dairy farms, but the trend in total farms.
• and to operate the farm.
• and to operate the farm.
• It's a family farm.
• It's a family farm.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee held a hearing on several bills and announced at the outset that no votes would be taken because the measures would go to divisions later. The first major bill, HB 197, would require the state to pay 7.5% of political subdivision employer pension contributions for teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Representative Mike Edgar, the prime sponsor, argued the state had repeatedly reduced and then eliminated its promised share of retirement costs, shifting the burden to municipalities and property taxpayers. He said the bill would partially restore that commitment and provide relief to local governments, businesses, and taxpayers. Several witnesses testified in support of HB 197, including Representative John Cluder, Bradford selectman Marlene Fryer, the New Hampshire Municipal Association’s Margaret Burns, and Epping representative Mark Fone. Supporters said the bill would help with property tax pressure, school budgets, and municipal hiring, and they emphasized that much of the retirement cost reflects unfunded liability decisions made at the state level rather than by local governments. Committee members questioned whether the bill would change local incentives to control costs and how it would affect hiring and compensation. Burns said the state contribution would function as property tax relief because it offsets existing municipal expenses, and she noted the state is already on a long-term schedule to pay down the retirement system’s unfunded liability. After closing the hearing on HB 197, the committee opened a hearing on HB 97, introduced by Representative Tom Buco. He said the bill would continue funding for delayed and deferred wastewater projects and help municipalities finance expensive wastewater infrastructure, which he tied to housing development and local debt planning. No action or votes were taken on either bill during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've got some representatives here from Lyon County Farm Bureau and McCracken County Farm Bureau.
• </c> recognize the Hardin County Farm Bureau. recognize the Hardin County Farm Bureau.
• </c><00:02:48.120><c> Bureau</c> welcome the Taylor County Farm Bureau welcome the Taylor County Farm
• Bureau, as well as Green County Farm Bureau, as well as Green County<00:03:12.760><c> Farm</c><00:03
• </c> from Farm Bureau that's here with today. from Farm Bureau that's here with today.

Committee: House Agriculture

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:15 HB 195 Discussion: 05:22 HB 195 Roll Call Vote: 16:33 SB 199 Discussion: 18:34 SB 199 Roll Call Vote: 41:25 SB 5 Discussion: 43:50 SB 5 Roll Call Vote: 46:35 HB 687 Discussion: 48:10 HB 687 Roll Call Vote: 50:15, 958, all