Transcript Highlights:

• Law enforcement has trouble finding people lost on Farm to Market Road 70.
• accident or someone is in distress, by naming the road between State Highway 44 and its intersection with Farm
• Farm-to-market roads are often overseen by the Texas Department of Transportation.
• HB2415 would designate a portion of Farm Market Road 969 in Travis County as the Senior Police Officer

Bills: HB767, HB 1242, HB1373, HB1404, HB1708, HB1936, HB2041, HB2198, HB2270, HB2315, HB2415, HB2427, HB2455, HB2457, HB2522, HB2523, HB2686, HB2763, HB2775, HB2944, HB3034, HB1683, HB1695

Keywords: highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, HB 1242, Texas Transportation Code, U.S. Highway 281, Brooks County, Ernesto Soliz Cantu, memorial highway, road naming, TxDOT, road signage, commemorative resolution, memorial markers, county road 304, Huppergate Road, Los Robles Trail, Farm-to-Market Road

Transcript Highlights:

• My brother, I would not have the opportunity to be up here missing out on our farm if my brother wasn't
• really get acquainted with before they're elected but I've known Brent for quite a few years back in farm
• I know his parents also Bob and and Renee were very active in in farm bureau and I knew whenever Brent
• as Brent is, I was intrigued at the fact that you realize I thought this is a guy that was from a farm
• The farm system in Elgin is Thriving both in wrestling and football and baseball, and they're doing an

Bills: HB1168

Keywords: abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, methotrexate, pro-life, pro-choice, reproductive health, unborn child, trafficking, felony, contraception, pharmacist, pharmacy, Title 63, Oklahoma statutes, abortion pill, drug distribution, criminal penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 962 amends those definitions slightly to protect our working farms and ensure that the zoning
• 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

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered a series of bills, many focused on local government authority, land use, housing, and public notice requirements. Several measures were reported favorably, including SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention, SB 1612 requiring local governments to accept electronic payments, SB 936 on temporary door locking devices, SB 962 on affordable housing protections for farms, SB 218 on land use regulations in hurricane-affected counties, SB 1020 on regulation of chickee huts, and SB 1434 on infill redevelopment of environmentally challenged properties. SB 1180 on community development district recall elections was amended to narrow and clarify the recall process and to add provisions on synthetic turf and compact urban mixed-use districts before being reported favorably. SB 380 on legal notices was also amended and reported favorably despite significant opposition from the Florida Press Association, Common Cause, and others who argued it would further fragment public notice access; supporters said it would modernize publication options and save money. Testimony on the bills was mixed. Supporters of the housing and redevelopment measures argued they would increase attainable housing, streamline approvals, and make better use of underutilized or contaminated land, while local government groups and advocacy organizations warned about overdevelopment, reduced public input, infrastructure strain, and conflicts with comprehensive planning. On SB 1444, which combined preemptions related to religious gatherings, private clubs, and certain permitting requirements, supporters framed it as protecting religious freedom and limiting local micromanagement, while the League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties opposed it as overly broad and unclear; the bill nevertheless passed favorably after debate. SB 218 was presented as restoring normal land-use authority in counties unaffected by hurricanes while preserving protections in damaged areas, and SB 984 was described as clarifying firefighter cancer benefits and health coverage rules; both passed without controversy. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 948, a strike-all on local government land development regulations and orders that would create a statewide framework for starter homes and lot-split rules within urban growth areas. Supporters said it would expand housing supply and reduce regulatory delays, while opponents said it would override local zoning, weaken infrastructure and environmental protections, and apply too broadly. The bill drew support from housing advocates and some local officials, but opposition from the Florida League of Cities, Florida Association of Counties, and others. The transcript ends with SB 948 still under consideration, with testimony continuing and no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It appropriates $4 million annually through federal fiscal year 31 for a farm to.
• For farm safety net programs, it provides appropriations for many of the farm safety net programs that
• are traditionally provided in the farm bill. since unobligated funds from the Inflation Reduction Act
• We're talking about farm workers not having loads to pick and loads to put on trucks.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• built, a big residential community up in the industrial base of 1,200 acres, and a couple of solar farms
• If you want to look at an agricultural proxy, it's about the same thing as 20 acres of alfalfa farms
• or a few more acres of pecan farms. alfalfa farms or a few more acres of pecan farms.

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't matter if you work in a small business in the metro or as a farm worker in greater Minnesota
• It doesn't matter if you work in a small business in the metro or as a farm worker in greater Minnesota
• 36.080> a in a small business in the metro or as a in a small business in the metro or as a farm
• <00:02:37.920> It farm worker in greater Minnesota. It farm worker in greater Minnesota.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Lawmakers and advocates from the POCI Caucus held a news conference focused on protecting recent DFL-enacted policies in a newly divided Legislature. They highlighted accomplishments from the last biennium, including earned sick and safe time, ethnic studies, unemployment insurance changes, environmental protections, and MinnesotaCare coverage for undocumented immigrants, and argued these measures should not be rolled back in budget negotiations. Speakers said Republicans were pushing cuts or carveouts that would disproportionately harm Black, brown, immigrant, women, and low-income communities, and they urged the House and Governor Walz to reject those changes. A major theme was opposition to proposed carveouts to earned sick and safe time. Amanda Otero of TakeAction Minnesota said the proposed changes would remove benefits from more than 100,000 workers based on employer size, and lawmakers said sick leave should be universal. Another major topic was MinnesotaCare for undocumented immigrants. Representative María Isa Pérez Vega, Council Member Jason Chavez, and others argued the program is affordable, reduces uncompensated emergency care, and improves public health by expanding preventive care. Chavez and Emilia Gonzalez Avalos shared personal stories about family members who benefited from health coverage and said cutting access would worsen disparities and hurt families and communities. The event also included remarks on ethnic studies and historical memory. Representative Samantha Sencer-Mura connected the Ethnic Studies for All Act to her family’s experience with Japanese American incarceration during World War II, and Sally Sudo described her family’s removal and imprisonment under Executive Order 9066. Speakers framed these stories as warnings against scapegoating and exclusion. In the question-and-answer portion, lawmakers said they were still in negotiations but emphasized that certain protections were non-negotiable and that any compromises should be distributed equitably rather than targeting specific groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like, I would be, if I had a house that was a half acre off the road and a farm-to-market road, and then
• you expanded that farm-to-market road and it's now 150 feet from my house, I'm going to be pretty upset
• Like, I would be, if I had a house that was, you know, a half acre off the road and, you know, a farm
• to market road, and then you, you know, you expanded that farm to market road and it's now 150 feet
• It was supported by the Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Realtors, Texas Land and Mineral Owners Association,

Bills: HB5489, HB5695, HB5699, SB291, SB292

Keywords: impact fee, moratorium, local government, Texas legislation, infrastructure funding, municipal utility district, eminent domain, bonds, assessments, infrastructure, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Harris County, Municipal Utility District, territory exclusion, debt service taxes, property taxation, condemnation, property acquisition, real property, appraisal reports

Transcript Highlights:

• take 200,000-plus acres of privately owned property, including homes, businesses, schools, churches, farms
• Just on average, the local farm and ranch community puts on average another $250 per acre back into the
• Can I even get a loan to build a barn on my property, buy new farm equipment, or expand business activities
• Oklahoma— If this lake comes in, hydroelectric power station coming out, Oklahoma, and all the solar farms
• In addition, cotton farms have reported over $2 billion in drought-related losses.

Bills: HB1523, HB2109, HB2694, HB3525, HB3898, HB4646, HB5188, HB5219, HB5320, HB5651, HB5655, HB5659, HB5662, HB5672

Keywords: aquifer conservation, Class V injection well, environmental regulation, groundwater protection, municipal water supply, temporary prohibition, water management, reservoir construction, state water plan, Texas Water Code, environmental impact, Brazoria Drainage District, commissioners, elections, vacancies, resignation, HB 3525, North Texas Groundwater Conservation District, groundwater permit, permit amendment

Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources heard House Bill 2109, which would remove certain long-proposed reservoir projects from the state water plan after 50 years without progress. Chairman Van Deaver and many landowners, local officials, timber interests, and conservation advocates testified in support, arguing that the Marvin Nichols Reservoir has burdened Northeast Texas landowners for decades with the threat of eminent domain, depressed property values, and uncertainty over homes, farms, ranches, schools, churches, and cemeteries. Supporters also said the project would flood tens of thousands of acres, require extensive mitigation, harm timber and agriculture, and that Texas now has better alternatives such as conservation, reuse, aquifer storage and recovery, and desalination. Several members expressed sympathy for the affected families and questioned whether a project could remain in the plan indefinitely without progress. Opposition came from North Texas water interests, including the North Texas Commission, Tarrant Regional Water District, and the Texas Water Association, who argued that the bill would interfere with the state’s long-term water planning process and remove needed future supply options for a fast-growing region. They said Region C faces major projected shortages by 2070, that conservation and reuse have already delayed the need for new supplies, and that reservoirs remain one tool in the state’s water-planning toolbox. TWDB staff explained the existing inter-regional conflict process and noted that the substitute would affect several unique reservoir sites, not just Marvin Nichols. After testimony, Chairman Van Deaver closed by urging passage of the bill, but the committee withdrew the substitute and left HB 2109 pending. The committee then took up House Bill 5188, a brackish groundwater bill. The author said the bill would reduce permitting burdens for wells in designated brackish groundwater production zones, and the committee substitute added requirements on monitoring, groundwater-rights ownership, and allocation of pumpage limits while removing some exclusions and export-fee provisions. Texas Wildlife Association testified against the bill, warning that the exemptions could weaken groundwater conservation districts’ ability to protect freshwater resources and surface-owner rights. San Antonio Water System testified in favor, saying brackish groundwater is a key future supply and that the substitute would help speed development of desalination and brackish projects. The Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts testified neutrally but raised concerns about reduced district oversight, especially around injection-well exclusions and the loss of export fees, and said discussions on the bill were ongoing.

Transcript Highlights:

• take over 200,000 acres of privately owned property, including homes, businesses, schools, churches, farms
• Just on average, the local farm and ranch community puts on average another $250 per acre back into the
• Can I even get a loan to build a barn on my property, buy new farm equipment, or expand business activities
• lake comes in, including a hydroelectric power station coming out... ...Oklahoma and all the solar farms
• In addition, cotton farms have reported over $2 billion in losses. drought-related losses.

Bills: HB1523, HB2109, HB2694, HB3525, HB3898, HB4646, HB5188, HB5219, HB5320, HB5651, HB5655, HB5659, HB5662, HB5672

Keywords: aquifer conservation, Class V injection well, environmental regulation, groundwater protection, municipal water supply, temporary prohibition, water management, reservoir construction, state water plan, Texas Water Code, environmental impact, Brazoria Drainage District, commissioners, elections, vacancies, resignation, HB 3525, North Texas Groundwater Conservation District, groundwater permit, permit amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I think there's a difference in when we're thinking about farming, traditional farming versus marijuana
• farming with the incredible infrastructure and requirement that it be grown indoors.
• One is more on some privacy issues, and the other is going back into some Kentucky farming aspects of
• <01:13:32.239> um<01:13:32.960> aspects<01:13:33.360> of Kentucky farming um
• It was a former Amish farm where, 35 years ago, I would deliver livestock feed.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:20 Approval of June 4, 2026 Minutes 00:03:09 Prioritizing Kentucky Agriculture: Medical Cannabis 00:03:38 Prioritizing Kentucky Agriculture: Bourbon 01:41:03, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• energy projects, $19.96 for the renewable energy portfolio, and $29.20 for the offshore Virginia wind farm
• It relates to minimum wage for farm laborers or farm employees and temporary foreign workers.
• unfortunately retains the H-2 exemption, but this bill takes a critical step in finally including farm
• It relates to minimum wage, farm laborers or farm employees, temporary foreign workers, legislation originally
• unfortunately retains the H-2 exemption, but this bill takes a critical step in finally including farm

Keywords: March 11, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the monetary contribution that our equine partners make to this state: entertainment value, tourism, farm
• ><00:50:59.440> revenue,<00:51:00.480> the<00:51:00.720> list value, tourism, farm
• revenue, the list value, tourism, farm revenue, the list goes<00:51:01.200> on<00:51:01.280><
• We're very dedicated to the farm community. We're very dedicated to the working animals.
• We're very dedicated to the farm community. We're very dedicated to the working animals.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and a declared quorum. The chamber approved the journal, received committee reports, and heard the House message transmitting House Bills 44, 66, 305, 313, 432, and House Joint Resolution 25 for concurrence. New Senate measures were also introduced, including bills on virtual currency kiosks, chronic pain treatments, kindergarten readiness child care incentives, municipal financial reporting, and a highway designation. The floor then took up several bills. Senate Bill 172, relating to utility fuel adjustment, was explained as giving the Public Service Commission authority to spread fuel adjustment surcharges over time to reduce spikes in electric bills; the committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed 38-0. Senate Bill 160, relating to child care centers and an emergency clause, was described as limiting license revocation or suspension to serious violations and adding oversight for new centers; a floor amendment adding the cabinet’s designee to weekly support contacts was adopted, and the bill passed 38-0. Senate Bill 158, concerning vehicle financial protection products, was presented as codifying consumer protections and regulatory standards for gap-type products; it passed 37-0. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 155 on animal health emergencies, which would allow the agriculture commissioner, in consultation with the state veterinarian, to respond more quickly to livestock and poultry emergencies and suspend certain requirements to expedite feed and medicine delivery. Senate Bill 153, addressing harmful and fraudulent practices, was amended and passed 38-0; it codifies fraud-investigation practices, creates a post-disaster contractor registry, and restricts door-to-door solicitations during declared emergencies. Senate Bill 145, updating Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control rules for caterer licenses, passed 35-1, and Senate Bill 118, relating to credit personal property insurance, passed without dissent after a technical committee substitute clarified that gap waivers are excluded and aligned filing rules with existing law. The transcript ends as the chamber moves on to Senate Bill 45 on agritourism, with explanation beginning but no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We got Brian Miiamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau. They are in support.
• got Brian Miiamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau. got Brian Miiamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau.
• We have also received testimony in support from Hawaii Farm Bureau and from the Hawaiian Council.
• That's all I believe we've received on this measure. support for Hawaii Farm Bureau.
• We've support for Hawaii Farm Bureau.

Bills: SB2064, SB2312, SB2811, SB2662, SB2744, SB2809, SB2862, SB2343, SB2336, SB2075, SB2308, SB2601, SB2397, SB2219, SB2849, SB2449, SB2781

Keywords: state architect, construction projects, design approvals, building codes, state agency oversight, government contracts, transparency, record retention, public oversight, Hawaii Revised Statutes, building permits, task force, state-owned lands, construction, regulatory process, government accountability, external consultants, procurement reform, cost efficiency, in-house expertise

Summary: The committee heard several government operations measures, beginning with SB 2064 on state construction projects, which would create an office of the state architect within DAGS to oversee design review and approvals for state construction. DAGS said it stood on its written testimony, DECAB supported the bill, DOT supported it, and HGA opposed it. No audience testimony or member questions were taken, and the chair moved on. The committee then took up SB 2312 on government contracts, which would make records held by private contractors performing government functions subject to UIPA. The State Procurement Office, Attorney General, OIP, ERS, DHS, and HGA offered comments or opposition, while the League of Women Voters, Public First Law Center, All Hawaii News, Grassroots, and several individuals supported the bill. Public First Law Center argued the bill closes a loophole and does not expand or reduce existing exemptions, while OIP and others raised concerns about privacy, confidential information, and the need for clearer procedures. Members discussed possible clarifying amendments, including changing “government function” to “agency,” and the bill was left for further consideration. Other measures discussed included SB 2662 on government accountability, which would require justification and caps for external consultants; ERS and DOT opposed it, while the American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii and Airlines Committee of Hawaii argued consultants are often more efficient and necessary for major projects. The committee also heard SB 2744 on due process, for which no testimony was received; SB 2809 on budget-related reports, with comments from B&F and the Tax Foundation; SB 2862 on gubernatorial appointments, opposed by the Governor’s Office and the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission and supported by one individual; a bill on continuous legislative sessions, with comments from B&F, LRB, and Hope for Hawaii; SB 2336 on tree management standards, supported by an individual and the Outdoor Circle; and SB 2075 on public procurement local preferences, which drew broad support with comments from SPO and the Attorney General and discussion of simplifying the preference structure. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair repeatedly moved measures along after testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2018, there was the Federal Farm Bill, and they did not speak to this.
• In 2018, there was the Federal Farm Bill, and they did not speak to this.
• In 2018, there was the Federal Farm Bill, and it did not speak to this.
• that is the one that is limited<00:30:45.960> by<00:30:46.080> the<00:30:46.200> farm
• <00:30:47.360> 3%<00:30:48.360> it's limited by the farm bill at the. 3% it's limited

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up Senate Bill 202, adopting a committee substitute before hearing testimony. Senator Julie Rocky Adams explained that the substitute would require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to promulgate regulations by January 1, 2026 for intoxicating hemp-derived beverages, direct the University of Kentucky to study manufacturing, testing, distribution, sales, and consumer effects of those beverages, and impose a moratorium on their sale until July 1, 2026. Supporters, including Rep. Matt Cook, said the measure was intended as a consumer-protection step rather than a ban, citing concerns about youth access, inconsistent labeling, and the need for a clearer regulatory framework. Members asked about the legal status of the products, whether the bill could unintentionally sweep in non-intoxicating hemp beverages, and whether there was evidence of harm. Senators were told the products are legal under the federal farm bill loophole, but that testing has shown THC levels on sampled cans did not match labels and that current regulations do not specifically address intoxicating hemp-derived beverages. Senator Higdon said CHFS had already been authorized to regulate hemp products and was moving forward with regulations and enforcement, while Senator Meredith questioned whether a moratorium would unfairly punish businesses that had already invested in the market and suggested setting a THC standard instead. Public testimony then shifted to industry opposition. Jim Higdon of Cornbread Hemp said his company had invested heavily in a beverage line and argued the moratorium would function like a ban and harm small businesses. Dee Taylor of 502 Hemp and the Kentucky Hemp Association also opposed the moratorium, saying existing rules already require age limits, behind-the-counter sales, and licensed retailers, and arguing that a cap on milligrams would be preferable to a shutdown. He said retailers were seeing approved and unapproved products in the market and urged work with the Cabinet and ABC rather than a moratorium.

Transcript Highlights:

• Missouri Farm Bureau.
• We'll display thousands of farms and ranch. homes, schools, churches, cemeteries.
• I used to farm full time.
• One farm might be right on a basin divide and be in two basins.
• Most of my farm, I irrigated off of two of them at one point in time.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What changed at her facility, her farm, that would have allowed that?
• What changed at her facility, her farm, that would have allowed that?
• that would have allowed that and farm that would have allowed that and they<00:07:25.440> also
• that's a good point representative farm that's a good point representative H<00:07:49.560> Haskins
• a Young Farmer breakfast from the New Hampshire Farm Bureau, I believe it is, yep.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on a bill arising from the Lee case involving animal seizures and humane society involvement. Members and the commissioner discussed concerns about due process, lack of clear notice to animal owners, the need for owners to understand when they are surrendering ownership, and whether humane agents should have additional training or certification. Several members also questioned the role of the NH SPCA and humane societies, the absence of oversight, and whether there was any financial or policy conflict in their involvement. The commissioner said the Department of Agriculture does not have a direct relationship with humane societies, but does coordinate with police on seizures, and noted that problems tend to arise when agencies do not consult the department first. Testimony and discussion focused on possible fixes to the bill, including clearer written notice of rights, requiring a third-party qualified veterinarian or other neutral evaluator, establishing the condition of animals at the time of seizure for later court proceedings, and possibly using teleconferencing with a veterinarian in limited circumstances. Some members suggested the bill may need a broader study committee, while others said it should be amended now rather than delayed. The chair said the bill would be worked on further and sent to the subcommittee for more detailed review. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 250, which would allow local governing bodies to regulate dog muzzling. Representative Jodi Newell testified that the bill was intended to let municipalities respond to dangerous dogs, citing Keene’s attempt to require muzzling after a serious incident but lack of clear authority under current law. Deborah LeBlanc also testified about a dog attack that seriously injured her dog and said a muzzle requirement could have prevented the attack. Committee members asked about the incident, existing dog-control laws, and whether the dog had been leashed; the discussion suggested the bill was meant to clarify local authority over muzzling as a public safety measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I live on a farm in the St.
• You’re always welcome at my farm with my family.
• I live on a farm in the St. rural life. I live on a farm in the St.
• Um, and again my last family on my farm.
• I said, like to come see your farm."

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, approval of the February 12, 2026 journal, and reports that several bills were correctly printed or engrossed. Committee reports then moved Senate Bills 7 and 31 from Health and Human Services, Senate Bills 53 and 54 from Local Government and Housing, and Senate Bill 43 from State, Veterans, and Military Affairs to the Committee of the Whole, with some measures recommended for the consent calendar. The chamber also announced substitute prime sponsors for Senate Bills 260008 and 2631 following Senator Michaelson Jenet’s resignation. The Senate then recessed to hold a memorial for former Senator Faith Winter and later voted to proceed out of order for memorials. Senate Joint Memorial 001, honoring Winter, was read at length and adopted. The memorial described her work on transportation, climate, paid family and medical leave, environmental justice, rural health care, and bipartisan legislation, and it was ordered sent to her family members. The Senate also suspended Rule 31A by a two-thirds vote so current and former House members could address the chamber from the well. Several members and family representatives offered remarks remembering Winter as a mentor, organizer, and coalition-builder. Speakers highlighted her advocacy for paid family leave, transportation funding, cleaner air, women’s leadership, and workplace accountability, as well as her personal warmth and support for colleagues and family. No additional legislative votes or bill actions were taken beyond the memorial adoption and procedural motions.

Transcript Highlights:

• this room ripple across sovereign tribal nations, urban centers, suburban neighborhoods, and rural farm-focused
• Imported $3.8 billion worth of United States farm products in 2024, making it the fourth largest market

Transcript Highlights:

• Bureau, and the stock growers, WMIC Farm Bureau, and the Bud<00:02:16.080> Felon<00:02:16.400
• I'm Brett Molen, Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation, and sitting in firm support of this bill.
• You know, the Farm Bureau was invited to the table.
• ><00:14:13.199> Federation Molen, Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Molen, Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation
• You know, the Farm Bureau Cooper said.

Bills: SF0099, SF0116, SJ0006

Keywords: easement, electricity delivery, public utility, prescriptive easement, landowner rights, surface water, drainage utilities, municipality, elections, environmental management, shared parenting, family law, joint custody, child well-being, parental rights, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It just wasn't maybe aligned around tribal agriculture and farming.
• It just wasn't maybe aligned around tribal agriculture and farming.
• It just wasn't maybe aligned around tribal agriculture and farming.
• <00:26:21.679> um<00:26:21.799> it<00:26:21.960> just Agriculture and farming
• and so it was a Agriculture and farming and so it was a really<00:26:26.360> unique<00:26:26.799

Keywords: 1183, house