Transcript Highlights:

• Agriculture, for example, is one of our core economic engines.
• Our state actually produces more agriculture than any other state.
• About 30% of Latinos who work in agriculture are women. Construction is another critical pillar.
• But speaking of how, you know, starting out, you mentioned some statistics about maternal health.
• Culture carriers, they're the family carriers, and they often lead the path statistically on what is

Summary: The Select Committee on Latina Inequities met at Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar, hosted by Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez and joined by Assemblymember Mia Bonta. Rodriguez opened by framing the committee’s work around the economic status of Latinas and the effects of federal policies on the economy and social safety net, while the college president welcomed the committee and described campus services for undocumented and housing-insecure students. Rodriguez also emphasized the local impact of immigration enforcement in the San Fernando Valley and said the hearing would focus on Latinas’ economic conditions, immigration enforcement impacts on the workforce and safety, and H.R. 1’s effects on the safety net. The first panel featured HOPE’s Maria Morales and Dr. Elsa Macias, who presented findings from HOPE’s National Economic Status of Latinas report. They said Latinas are a major and growing part of California’s population and workforce, but face persistent inequities, including a large wage gap, higher unemployment, high uninsured rates, student debt, and affordability pressures around child care, housing, and education. They also discussed entrepreneurship, noting both the growth of Latina-owned businesses and barriers such as limited access to capital, technical assistance, and retirement and health coverage. In response to committee questions, they said higher education can still offer a strong return on investment, but only if students can complete degrees without being overwhelmed by debt and care costs; they also pointed to policy solutions such as SB 642, mentorship, financial literacy, CalSavers access, and support for community development financial institutions. The second panel focused on immigration enforcement and Latina safety in the workforce. Luis Nolasco of the ACLU described arrests tied to apparent ethnicity and Spanish-speaking, the chilling effect on families, and the loss of wages, school attendance, and mobility. Dr. Amada Armenta said immigration enforcement harms California’s economy, public health, and mixed-status families, and noted that undocumented workers are concentrated in agriculture, construction, and child care. SEIU’s Jen Baca Beltran said raids and school-based enforcement traumatize children and families and highlighted the need for Know Your Rights trainings. Megan Ortiz of IDEPSCA described repeated Border Patrol raids on day labor centers, injuries to staff, and the need to protect worker centers, domestic workers, and street vendors. Inclusive Action’s Shannon Camacho said raids have forced many informal workers to stop working, prompted emergency cash assistance and rent relief efforts, and strengthened advocacy for vendor protections and CDFI support. CHIRLA’s Jeanette Zanipatine said the rapid response network has expanded, documented widespread arrests and detention conditions, and is providing direct support and legal referrals; committee members asked about detention, maternal health, and what the state can do, and panelists urged stronger oversight, more legal representation, and protections for pregnant and detained people.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> committees, including the Agriculture, committees, including the Agriculture, Livestock,<00:58:
• So, let's talk about statistics and real-life logic.
• </c><01:47:08.800><c> and</c><01:47:09.199><c> and</c> So, let's talk about statistics and and So, let's
• talk about statistics and and real<01:47:10.159><c> life</c><01:47:10.480><c> logic.
• That is hard to follow, but I looked up some statistics.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:30:47.520><c> The</c> us in as a leader in agriculture.
• The us in as a leader in agriculture.
• Uh it's very agriculture side of it.
• </c> university to actually move agriculture university to actually move agriculture research<01:40:03.280
• </c> especially in a research and agriculture especially in a research and agriculture are<01:40:30.480

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and help address our workforce shortages, especially in essential sectors, including health care, agriculture
• And I'll say this: for those who want to invest in work in the agricultural section, which is big in
• For those who want to invest in work in the agricultural section, which is big in my district, we need
• many of us, including Senator Brantley and Las Cruces, and many throughout the process, seen the statistics

Committee: Senate House Rules & Order Of Business

Summary: The committee first heard HB 124, which would codify the Office of New Americans within the Workforce Solutions Department. The sponsor and Workforce Solutions officials said the office has already been operating on a grant and has become a key resource for businesses and immigrant workers, especially for workforce development, credential recognition, language access, and referrals. Supporters from immigrant advocacy, child care, conservation, and civic groups argued the office would help address labor shortages, improve integration, and strengthen economic growth. Several members questioned whether the office would serve people without legal status, what services would be provided, and whether it would create taxpayer costs; sponsors said eligibility would depend on specific programs, the office would mainly provide referrals and workforce support, and it is currently philanthropic grant-funded. The bill was ultimately passed on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee then considered SJR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment to change New Mexico’s pretrial detention standards. The sponsor argued the 2016 bail reform language has contributed to a “revolving door” for repeat offenders and that the current standard is too restrictive and inconsistently applied across judicial districts. Supporters from State Police said the resolution would give clearer direction and let voters revisit the issue. Opponents from the ACLU and the Criminal Defense Lawyers Association warned it would expand pretrial detention, weaken the requirement that the state prove no release conditions are adequate, and disproportionately affect poor people and people of color. After extended debate over public safety, judicial discretion, and whether the proposal should include a clearer standard, the committee approved the resolution on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee also passed SJR 7, a land swap between the state and the City of Santa Fe involving the DPS site and part of the Midtown campus. The sponsor, the Department of Public Safety, and the Santa Fe mayor said the exchange had been discussed for years, would allow the state to own the land under its DPS facilities, and would help the city advance its Midtown redevelopment plan, including housing and public amenities. Members asked about the parcels involved, whether both sides agreed, and whether any member had a financial interest; the sponsor said the swap was non-monetary and fully agreed to by both parties. The resolution passed without opposition. Finally, the committee heard SM 31, which creates a workgroup with LFC, DFA, and PERA to study the loss of COLAs for PERA retirees and recommend solutions. Retiree advocates said the reduced COLA has significantly eroded pension value and that retirees relied on the statutory promise of a 2% COLA. Other speakers emphasized the need to protect long-term fund solvency while addressing retiree losses. The memorial passed unanimously by roll call. The meeting then recessed, with the chair noting the next day’s agenda would be posted later.

Transcript Highlights:

• growers, the hay growers, the Farm and Livestock Bureau, Federal Land Council, wool growers, Protect Agriculture
• So if Senator Spence-Zell ever asked you if you're involved in agriculture, the correct answer is yes
• If Senator Spence-Zell ever asked you if you're involved in agriculture, the correct answer is yes.
• And, Representative, I'm trying to find my statistic from Rita.

Committee: House House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington State Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
• of Washington School of Forest Resources, the dean of Washington State University's College of Agriculture
• The game department must intervene when statistics show a 25% drop within the 10-year rolling average
• per thousand dollars of assessed valuation and is to preserve open space, timber, and farm and agricultural

Bills: SB5838 , SB5960 , SB6097

Committee: Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: tribal representation, natural resources, board of natural resources, environmental policy, community involvement, ungulate populations, wildlife management, habitat restoration, conservation, sustainability, Indian tribes, conservation futures program, federal recognition, environmental protection, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Here are some very alarming statistics.
• Are you involved in agriculture? Well, hell yes you are.
• If you eat, you're involved in agriculture, folks.
• We have a generation coming up that is not interested in being involved in agricultural productivity.

Transcript Highlights:

• Apples, potatoes, and wheat are the largest agriculture exports in our state.
• They represent over three billion dollars worth of agricultural products around the world.
• , but I really, really hope that he understands how much damage is being done every day to the agricultural
• If you were actually included the numbers are about twice as bad as the reported statistics and so and

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Keywords: nomination, Deputy Secretary of Treasury, economic policy, inflation, tariffs, tribal nations, government relations

Summary: The meeting convened to consider the nomination of Mike Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. During the session, multiple members voiced concerns regarding current economic policies under the Trump administration, particularly around inflation, tariffs, and the impact on small businesses. Discussions frequently centered on the administration's approach to tariffs and taxation, and how these factors contribute to the rising cost of living and potential job losses. Additionally, the importance of bolstering government-to-government relationships with tribal nations was emphasized, highlighting the need for specialized offices focused on tribal affairs within the Treasury Department.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:35:18.640><c> Gates</c> agriculture biocurity Mr. Gates agriculture biocurity Mr.
• </c> agriculture so we can move agriculture agriculture so we can move agriculture into<00:41:16.640>
• So again, uh we we agriculture up.
• </c> long way to help support agriculture long way to help support agriculture growth<00:41:43.200><c
• You know the agriculture industry.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 4 and began with announcements about committee protocol, including posting hearing notices and testimony earlier than required and using written HD1 drafts for more complex amendments. The chair also noted the new AV system and asked speakers to be clear because the microphones are sensitive. The committee then took up several University of Hawaiʻi-related measures, with most testimony coming from UH officials, state agencies, and advocacy groups, and no votes were taken in the portion provided. HB 1596, relating to student basic needs support at the University of Hawaiʻi, drew support from UH, the Oʻahu Youth Action Board, and an individual. UH said it stood on its written testimony and could answer questions. HB 1597, relating to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research, received support from UH/JABSOM, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Hawaii Medical Association, and others; the Attorney General’s Office offered a procedural reminder about statewide concern. HB 1970, funding the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center and the Hawaii Tumor Registry, was supported by UH, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the Hawaii Medical Association, and others, with testimony emphasizing the registry’s role in cancer surveillance, prevention, and federal funding. The committee also heard HB 1598, creating a Hawaii Climate Institute. UH testified in support, citing worsening drought, heat, sea level rise, and extreme weather, and said the institute would hire climate modelers and faculty across several schools. Members questioned funding, and UH said it would seek state startup money, possible green-fee support, and federal grants, noting recent federal cuts and the need for permanent positions. HB 1989, on water retention, was supported by UH as a study to slow runoff and improve aquifer recharge. HB 1951, on biosecurity, drew support from UH, DLNR, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, students, and other organizations; testimony stressed invasive species threats, the need for biocontrol research and containment capacity, and possible sites for a statewide facility. HB 1952, funding agricultural research station improvements on Kauaʻi, was supported by UH, the Farm Bureau, and others, with testimony noting aging facilities and the need to modernize stations across the islands. Finally, HB 2005, relating to language access, received UH support, with a UH representative noting that credit programs may fit best in a credit-bearing academic program and that Outreach College could be an option for noncredit programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> monitored the health of agricultural monitored the health of agricultural workers<01:07:43.960><
• </c><01:07:51.520><c> since</c> Health Department of Agriculture since Health Department of Agriculture
• </c><01:08:54.199><c> and</c> developments to Agricultural and developments to Agricultural and communitybased
• </c> PPE to affected agricultural PPE to affected agricultural Industries<01:09:10.560><c> for</c><01
• </c><01:10:51.239><c> and</c> Minesota Department of Agriculture and Minesota Department of Agriculture

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then it went to the agriculture committee in the House.
• ballot image that's performed<00:04:04.239><c> on</c><00:04:04.400><c> a</c><00:04:04.640><c> statistically
• </c><00:04:05.439><c> significant</c> performed on a statistically significant performed on a statistically
• </c><00:15:11.839><c> significant</c> want to have a statistically significant want to have a statistically
• </c> question is well is it statistically question is well is it statistically significant<00:26:27.120

Bills: HB0085 , HB0086

Committee: Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Keywords: elections, audit procedures, ballot integrity, political party observation, transparency, county officials, election code, misconduct, removal, government accountability, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The fabric of Yolo County is deeply rooted in the agricultural heritage and the rich, productive soil
• Yolo County's agricultural industry.
• Doing so jeopardizes existing communities, their agriculture, and long-term water reliability.
• But in the aggregate, sure, these statistics kind of mask the reality that we see on the ground.
• But in the aggregate, sure, these statistics kind of mask the reality that we see on the ground.

Summary: The committee heard several water, wildlife, and land-use bills. AB 2218 by Assembly Member Calóra would establish a state policy directing agencies to recognize and address water-related inequities affecting tribes; tribal supporters said it is a needed step toward restoring a voice at the table, while water agencies and local government groups opposed it as vague and potentially harmful to water supply reliability. The bill was amended in committee and moved forward on a vote, though it was left on call. AB 2032 by Assembly Member Ransom, the Golden Mussel Response Act, would speed agency response to the invasive golden mussel by streamlining permits and research; it drew broad support and no opposition, and passed the committee unanimously to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. AB 1712 by Assembly Member Pacheco would let Santa Fe Springs sell its small, contaminated water system through a protest process instead of a municipal election; supporters said it would avoid major rate hikes and improve reliability, and it was moved to Appropriations, though the vote was left on call. The committee also considered AB 1722 by Assembly Member Hadwick, which would create a clearer self-defense exception under the California Endangered Species Act for people facing dangerous predators. The author and a sheriff described a fatal mountain lion attack and argued rural residents need certainty; Defenders of Wildlife withdrew opposition after committee amendments, and the bill advanced to Judiciary on a vote that was left on call. AB 1613 by Assembly Member Wilson would require an off-highway vehicle safety and stewardship certification course before operating OHVs on public lands starting in 2029. Supporters said it would reduce accidents and educate new riders, while Vice Chair Gonzalez raised concerns about fees, penalties, tourism, and impacts on low-income residents in his district; the bill passed on a split vote and was left on call. Later, AB 1808 by Assembly Member Carrillo would expand local permitting authority for Western Joshua tree projects and reduce or waive some fees for homeowners and public works. Supporters framed it as a way to balance conservation with housing and infrastructure needs, while environmental groups opposed changes they said would weaken avoidance and mitigation protections; the bill passed to Natural Resources and was left on call. AB 1894 by Assembly Member Rubio would address imported water deliveries and groundwater recharge in the context of golden mussel restrictions, with supporters arguing for a statewide, science-based approach that preserves water reliability; it advanced to Appropriations with no opposition. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly emphasized the need to balance competing interests, especially around water reliability, tribal equity, public safety, and environmental protection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Provisions allowing property used for agricultural composting or for the packaging of certain agricultural
• products to be assessed as agricultural property for property tax purposes.
• Members, I am pleased to present the highlights of the agriculture and natural resources budget.
• Funding for agriculture research and funding specifically, and the Department of Agriculture, include
• Agriculture research and funding specifically, and the Department of Agriculture, include $175.3 million

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because farmworker housing must be located near agricultural fields, they oftentimes are lacking some
• Domestic farm workers are the backbone of California's agricultural industry.
• But before I go on, I do want to give a special thank you to our agriculture chair, who I appreciated
• It was contaminated with chemicals that were used in the agricultural context.
• Yesterday this chamber took up ...negative impacts to agriculture.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• industries involved in making sure that CalFresh benefits get to families and also addressing the agriculture
• And then immediately following, we'll go right into Paul Towers and the agriculture impacts of the federal
• This multiplier effect ripples through the agricultural regions in the state.
• It's an economic engine for agriculture. Thank you.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics final consumer price index report.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• all transmission lines, regardless of size, to make an offer of 150% of fair market value for agricultural
• all transmission lines, regardless of size, to make an offer of 150% of fair market value for agricultural
• And I don't deal with a lot of agricultural conservation land within the city boundaries.
• and how we're going to change the trends in agriculture, because once it goes into a plant like Quaker
• And I'll just share with you some statistics for us in that the last thing on the planet that we want

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Summary: The Special Committee on Rural Issues heard House Bill 3375, sponsored by Rep. Koslow, a broad eminent domain reform measure aimed at protecting landowners, especially farmers and ranchers. The bill would create protections for beginning farmers and ranchers, require 15 days’ notice before surveyors enter property, extend the response period in eminent domain cases from 10 days to 60 days, bar eminent domain for wind and solar facilities, require land restoration and maintenance after construction, increase compensation to 125% of fair market value in certain cases, add tax-liability compensation, change treatment of heritage and blight-related compensation, and allow attorney’s fees when a landowner wins a higher award than the condemning authority offered. Members raised concerns about the bill’s scope, its effect on energy development, and several drafting and implementation issues, including surveyor access, maintenance standards, and whether the bill could create conflicts with existing attorney-fee provisions. The sponsor said he was open to changes and noted that an HCS would address some drafting errors and feedback. Testimony in support came from the Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, a landowner/banker, and attorney Brent Hayden, who argued that landowners are often pressured into quick, low offers and should be treated as partners rather than obstacles. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency, due process, compensation, and restoration standards, and that it would not stop infrastructure development. Hayden described current eminent domain practice as giving landowners little leverage over route selection or restoration and said the bill would create needed discipline for condemning authorities. Several supporters also defended the wind-and-solar restriction as a response to the amount of land those projects can require and to concerns about using eminent domain for generation projects. Opposition came from the Missouri Energy Development Association, municipal utilities, and MoDOT. Opponents said they agreed some reforms may be reasonable but warned the bill, as written, could increase costs, delay projects, and create litigation risk that would ultimately be passed on to customers and taxpayers. MoDOT said the fiscal impact could be substantial, potentially doubling annual right-of-way spending. Utility representatives also cautioned that the bill could conflict with existing attorney-fee rules and should be aligned with compromise language from other legislation. The hearing ended without a vote or committee action, with the sponsor and witnesses indicating further negotiations and possible revisions were expected.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are our go-to people for nonprofit statistics, all kinds of information.
• They are our go-to people for nonprofit statistics, all kinds of information.
• They are our go-to people for nonprofit statistics, all kinds of information.
• This keeps dollars circulating in our communities, strengthens local agriculture, and improves long-term

Committee: House A&B Finance Subcommittee

Summary: The committee heard an interim study on expanding or simplifying sales tax exemptions for Oklahoma nonprofits. Representatives Stark and Schreiber said the issue has been filed repeatedly over several sessions and framed it as a bipartisan effort to keep more charitable dollars in service of communities rather than paying sales tax. Schreiber also suggested broader tax reform or an omnibus approach rather than continuing to add individual exemptions. Marnie Taylor of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits gave an overview of the sector, describing nonprofits as a major part of the state economy and safety net, and argued that many organizations are highly regulated, under-resourced, and facing declining donations and funding. She said the current patchwork of exemptions is uneven and that a blanket or broader exemption would help organizations serving public needs. Committee members asked for sources behind some of the poverty, education, and health rankings cited in her presentation. Several nonprofit leaders testified about how sales tax affects their operations. RG Foods described the cost of opening neighborhood grocery markets in food deserts and said sales tax on a Tulsa project would divert about $85,000 from programming. Jubilee Partners, Skyline Urban Outreach, the Pencil Box, the Tulsa Police Foundation, Blue Rose Ranch, and Legacy Parenting Center each explained how exemption status or the lack of it affects food assistance, school supplies, public safety equipment, animal rescue, and diapers and family support. Members asked follow-up questions about food desert definitions, budgets, and how much sales tax savings would change operations. No vote was taken in the excerpt, but the study concluded with closing remarks emphasizing that the exemption would keep more money in direct services and support the nonprofit sector statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• There isn't any agricultural use for hydrochloric acid, so I really don't know why that vehicle was traveling
• at that and keep materials such as hydrochloric acid from using these highways, where there are agricultural
• So if we had some statistical analysis of stuff like that as it relates to this, it would help us convince

Transcript Highlights:

• more than willing to go back and now we'll research and make sure I can answer that question with statistical
• The bill expands agriculture education to include history and the societal and economic impact of agriculture

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• put aside for natural woodlands, wetlands, things along that line, and also they're using for agricultural
• But more importantly than that, I want to talk about the statistics of what these repeat drunk drivers
• than that, I want to talk<00:31:37.600><c> about</c><00:31:37.840><c> the</c><00:31:38.159><c> statistics
• /c><00:31:39.039><c> of</c><00:31:39.440><c> what</c><00:31:39.679><c> these</c> talk about the statistics
• of what these talk about the statistics of what these repeat<00:31:40.720><c> drunk</c><00:31:41.039

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 958, all