Transcript Highlights:

• We're not making this particular exception through law now, but to recognize this is not the only organization
• We're not making this particular exception through law now, but to recognize this is not the only organization
• to examine how we might ship sustainable aviation fuel that's made in Minnesota, potentially out of tree
• that's made in Minnesota potentially<01:23:47.520> out<01:23:47.760> of<01:23:48.080> tree
• out of tree trimmings to Europe.<01:23:50.639> Um<01:23:51.040> so<01:23:51.199> the

Bills: HF4862, HF4598

Keywords: apprenticeship, education, teacher training, grant program, labor and industry, workers' compensation, Minnesota workers' compensation, Workers' Compensation Advisory Council, reinsurance association, Workers' Compensation Reinsurance Association, WCRA, occupational disease, presumption, first responders, firefighter cancer, PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, police officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician

Transcript Highlights:

• if you're oxide uh there's an exception if you're oxide uh there's an exception if you're at least 21
• purposes and um food prep or Automotive purposes and um food prep or Automotive purposes and um the exception
• of all those is void if the exception of all those is void if the exception of all those is void if
• do when they inhale it driver they do when they inhale it driver passes out kills the P runs into a tree
• passes out kills the P runs into a tree passes out kills the P runs into a tree kills the passenger

Bills: SB 2

Keywords: 920, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to all relevant vehicle regulations and be required to follow all state driving and traffic laws except
• for those laws that may only pertain to a human... ...traffic laws except for those laws that may only
• So if you have that construction zone, and that is common knowledge for everyone out there, except perhaps
• So would we make an exception in the case of a driverless vehicle doing the exact same function?
• Educating someone appropriately could prevent radicalization and stop what could be the next Tree of

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So what happened is that once we realized that we are creating a Christmas tree of liquor issues that
• We realize that we are creating a Christmas tree of liquor issues that are hanging out there, A and B
• I think I can answer all the questions, um, except for how many ordinances are out there, but it would
• <01:04:12.000> the<01:04:12.160> questions<01:04:13.280> um<01:04:14.079> except
• for how many all the questions um except for how many ordinances<01:04:16.000> are<01:04:16.319

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a liquor-related amendment correcting an earlier drafting error that had accidentally removed enhanced penalties for death-related over-service from the statute. Members explained that the language had already been enacted briefly before being deleted by mistake, and the amendment simply restored the prior penalty provisions. The committee voted unanimously in favor. A second liquor amendment followed, concerning VFW and similar veterans’ clubs. The revised language would allow a veteran or member to sign in a limited number of under-21 guests, with testimony emphasizing that this was meant for small events and would mirror existing restaurant rules requiring a parent, legal guardian, or adult spouse. There was extended debate about whether private clubs were sufficiently public, whether towns could tighten liquor rules locally, and whether enforcement would be effective. Liquor enforcement testified that municipalities must approve licenses, only four minors could be signed in at once under a member’s signature, age-restriction signage remains required, and clubs often report violations themselves to protect their licenses. The amendment was ultimately approved unanimously, and the subcommittee then moved into executive session. In executive session, HB 186, relating to cannabis legalization, regulation, and appropriations, was recommended ought to pass on a 10-7 vote, with a minority report noted. HB 241, relating to treatment alternatives to opioids, was then supported with amendment 2990 and recommended ought to pass as amended; the bill was described as expanding access to non-opioid, non-surgical, and non-medication pain treatments, while the amendment clarified Insurance Department procedures and educational materials. That bill was placed on the consent calendar unanimously. HB 297, concerning access by self-funded employer health plans to claims data, was also recommended ought to pass with amendment 2987 and then ought to pass as amended unanimously; supporters said it would let employers opt in to deidentified claims data, improve transparency, and preserve privacy. It too was placed on the consent calendar unanimously. The committee then considered HB 312, dealing with student-athlete name, image, and likeness compensation, and voted to send it to interim study. Members said the issue remained too uncertain because of ongoing federal and NCAA developments, and that interim study would keep the committee’s options open without killing the bill. The motion was supported as a way to continue monitoring the issue for future action.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do it if they fall out of a tree and get hurt. We do it if they're in a car accident.
• We do it if they fall out of a tree and get hurt. We do it if they're in a car accident.
• We do it if they fall out of a tree and get hurt. We do it if they're in a car accident.
• We do it if they fall out of a tree and get hurt. We do it if they're in a car accident.
• I think this is of sufficient complexity that we can lose the forest for the trees.

Bills: HF3738, HF2295, HF3520, HF3666

Keywords: pediatric care, hospital discharge, home care, healthcare accessibility, nursing services, family support, mental health, crisis services, Dakota County, mobile crisis response, public safety, treatment services, rehabilitation, behavioral health fund, client eligibility, home and community-based services, case management, waiver services, county services, disability advocacy

Transcript Highlights:

• We do it for the same reason that we plant trees. We do it for the next generation.
• Nobody's out there planting an oak tree for themselves. Agriculture is the backbone of America.
• trees. We do it for the next generation. trees. We do it for the next generation.
• c><00:17:14.400> planting<00:17:14.720> an<00:17:14.880> oak<00:17:15.120> tree
• Nobody's out there planting an oak tree Nobody's out there planting an oak tree for for for themselves

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• height and infrastructure and these things that we built in, um, we think about 75 feet—that's a pine tree
• height and infrastructure and these things that we built in, um, we think about 75 feet—that's a pine tree
• height and infrastructure and these things that we built in, um, we think about 75 feet—that's a pine tree
• height and infrastructure and these things that we built in, um, we think about 75 feet—that's a pine tree
• height and infrastructure and these things that we built in, um, we think about 75 feet—that's a pine tree

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a proud resident of Polk County, and I've lived there my entire life, with the exception of two
• last year, I wrote an article for City Journal titled, 'Higher Education's Future Is Covered in Palm Trees
• motion to confirm, to vote for confirmation on all of the individuals listed under new appointees except

Summary: The committee on Higher Education Appropriations heard and favorably reported two bills: SB 1570, which revives the former Project Leo program to help locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination with sheriff’s offices, and CS/SB 1376, which creates a grant program to support genetic counseling education in response to a statewide shortage of genetic counselors. Both bills drew supportive comments, with the genetic counseling bill also receiving public support from a university representative. The committee then took up a large slate of confirmations. It first approved a block of reappointments to various university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and Broward College. It then heard from numerous new appointees and some requested reappointments, many of whom emphasized workforce training, nursing, military and veteran support, dual enrollment, and local economic development as priorities for their institutions. Several nominees highlighted their personal ties to the schools and communities they would serve, including appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, UWF, FIU, the College of the Florida Keys, Valencia College, and Chipola College. Committee members repeatedly asked about nursing NCLEX pass rates, workforce alignment, and institutional growth. One reappointment, Thomas Zachary Smith to the UWF board, was pulled from the block for separate questioning about his past public comments and his role in Project 2025; he said he would serve in his personal capacity and treat all students equally. The committee also separately heard from a Florida Poly reappointment, I. Shapiro, who was questioned about prior remarks regarding race and Supreme Court nominations, and from a New College reappointment, Mark Bowerlaine, who described campus improvements and enrollment growth. The meeting ended amid ongoing confirmation processing and separate votes on the remaining nominees.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a proud resident of Polk County, and I've lived there my entire life, with the exception of two
• last year, I wrote an article for City Journal titled ‘Higher Education’s Future Is Covered in Palm Trees
• motion to confirm, to vote for confirmation on all of the individuals listed under new appointees except

Bills: S1570, S1376

Keywords: missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding, genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance

Summary: The committee heard and approved two bills before moving to a long confirmation agenda. SB 1570, by Sen. Gates, would restore Project Leo, a previously sunset program that helps locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination between CARD centers and local sheriffs; it was praised as a proven tool for families and first responders and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1376, by Sen. Burgess, would create grants to support genetic counseling education and help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors; testimony noted the state’s limited supply of licensed counselors and the need to expand clinical training, and the bill also passed favorably. The committee then considered a block of reappointments to university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and others. No one requested separate votes on the reappointments, and the block was confirmed unanimously for recommendation to the next committee. A series of new appointees then appeared and largely emphasized workforce training, nursing, military support, and local economic development at their institutions. Witnesses included appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, FIU, UWF, Valencia, the College of the Florida Keys, and others; several highlighted strong NCLEX pass rates, dual enrollment, and partnerships with employers or military communities. One nominee, Florida Poly reappointment Ilya Shapiro, faced pointed questioning from Sen. Bracey Davis about past comments regarding race and the Supreme Court; he said his remarks were about hiring criteria, not a specific justice, and reiterated opposition to race- or sex-based selection. The committee also briefly struggled to reach Sherry Young by phone before hearing her testimony for Chipola College, where she said she wanted to give back as an alumna and nurse practitioner. Most new appointees were recommended for confirmation in a block, while Thomas Zachary Smith of UWF was pulled for separate consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, one exception that you might note here is that normally, you know, enrollment in food stamps goes
• Now, one exception that you might note here is that normally, you know, enrollment in food stamps goes
• So this was an exercise jointly with John Devaney from the Washington Tree Fruit Association, as well

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session on food systems and food security, with no public testimony. The first panel focused on household food security and data. Marie Spiker of the University of Washington explained what food insecurity means, its health impacts, and the importance of reliable measurement, warning that the federal Census food security data is being terminated and that there is no true replacement. She described Washington’s WaFOOD surveys as a useful complement, not a substitute, and noted that they show food insecurity affects households at a range of income levels. Katie Raines of WSDA described the state’s food systems work, the need for shared data and dashboards, and the role of agriculture in both food production and the hunger safety net. Committee members asked about the $2.2 million state food assistance allocation, the scale of the SNAP gap, and how household size, housing costs, and other factors intersect with food insecurity. The committee then heard from Tracy Roof of the University of Richmond on the history of SNAP and its relationship to agriculture. She traced the program from Depression-era commodity distribution through the modern farm bill, emphasizing that food assistance has long functioned both as anti-hunger policy and as an agricultural and economic stabilizer. She highlighted how SNAP expands during recessions, supports retailers and farmers, and has become more important since the Great Recession because participation stayed high even as the economy recovered. Roof also noted that Washington has relatively high SNAP participation and low payment error rates, but that recent federal changes could reduce eligibility and shift more costs to states. Members asked how Washington compares to other states and why the program is structured as it is. A later panel featured the Washington State Food Policy Forum and a joint systems presentation from the Washington Farm Bureau, Washington Retail Association, and Washington Food Industry Association. The Food Policy Forum described its consensus-based recommendations on food insecurity, climate and water, regional food infrastructure, farmland protection, and farm viability, including more support for producer purchasing, water planning, and farmland conservation. The industry groups presented a systems map showing how agriculture, processing, retail, and transportation are interconnected, and argued that rising costs, regulations, labor and fuel expenses, retail theft, and thin margins make it harder to keep farms and stores viable. They said food security depends on store viability and local agricultural profitability, and promised to provide a more detailed list of policy recommendations. The final panel included state agency staff from DSHS, DOH, and WSDA. Bryce Montgomery said the Basic Food program serves about 920,000 Washingtonians monthly and warned that H.R. 1 could require Washington to pay up to 15% of SNAP benefits, broaden work requirements, and restrict immigrant eligibility. Karen Mullen described DOH nutrition programs, including WIC, farmers market nutrition benefits, fruit and vegetable incentives, and a fruit-and-vegetable prescription program, while noting funding instability and the end of SNAP-Ed. WSDA’s Katie Raines began describing ongoing food assistance and farmer support challenges, including farmer mental health and the need to address food insecurity across both producers and consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• But there are, and there should be, exceptions. And this is one of them. So I'm just asking you.
• And there should be exceptions, and this is one of them.
• All right, we have a Christmas tree up here, and just note this is our last agenda item, so we do have

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Since that case came to light, we've done almost nothing to stop it from happening again, except to place
• conversations and consider further provisions that will root out bad apples, but let's not chop down the tree
• Diego delegation members all in support of this because it happened in our own backyard, with the exception

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Littleton, how many—I'm unfamiliar with the whole farming sector, you know, except for the local farm
• Is that a tree line? Is it an umbrella?
• :37:33.320> meat<01:37:34.000> eggs<01:37:35.000> vegetables<01:37:35.840> tree
• <01:37:36.400> fruits syrup meat eggs vegetables tree fruits syrup meat eggs vegetables tree
• For them except for this Waypoint Youth Shelter.

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:

• It's beautiful grass and trees right in the middle. Pull that down to Central.
• Grass and trees right in the middle, pull that down to Central.

Bills: HB248, HB309, HB332, SB48

Keywords: general obligation bonds, GO bonds, capital projects, bond election, property tax levy, state debt, state finance, capital outlay, senior centers, senior citizen facilities, aging services, long-term services, libraries, library acquisitions, broadband for libraries, higher education, university capital projects, community colleges, tribal schools, special schools

Transcript Highlights:

• this is obviously not in our wheelhouse, and I feel like we're at a point where we need one of those tree
• This is obviously not in our wheelhouse, and I feel like we're at a point where we need one of those tree

Bills: SB145, SB143

Keywords: auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license

Transcript Highlights:

• We have acres and acres and acres of asphalt with no trees, no bushes, No shade, no covering.
• Take that wonderful part of the State Fair that's grass and tall trees, And move it all the way down

Bills: SB48, SB64, SB100

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• You can also map trees if you're thinking of citrus, and use that information for insurance companies
• And even, again, another type of targeted spray, adjusting your spray so you only spray where the tree

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture convened, took roll, and heard Senate Bill 58 by Senator Harrow, which would create regulation for companion animal cremation. Harrow described a case involving mishandled pet remains and said the bill would require written service descriptions, prohibit false or misleading statements, require certification with returned remains, authorize Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services rulemaking, and impose civil penalties for violations. With no questions or public opposition, the committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then heard presentations on robotics in agriculture and aquaculture. Dr. Nathan Boyd of UF/IFAS discussed the rapid growth of agricultural robotics, including AI-driven weed detection, targeted spraying, autonomous tractors, and harvesting technology, emphasizing reduced pesticide use, lower input costs, and labor-saving automation. Dr. Nicole Kirchoff of Live Advantage Bait and Adrian Johnson of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association highlighted aquaculture’s economic and environmental value, Florida’s strong position in the industry, and challenges including hurricane losses, lack of insurance, land-use instability, capital access, and water quality. They urged support for working waterfronts, risk mitigation, and policies to help the sector commercialize and expand. The committee also heard from dairy producers Kevin Lusher and Jacob Larson. Lusher described his family’s dairy and artisan cheese business, noting reliance on USDA grants, rising costs, labor shortages, and regulatory burdens, and asked for more grant support, marketing for Fresh From Florida products, and permanent funding for Farmers Feeding Florida. Larson discussed the broader dairy market, declining herd sizes due to efficiency gains, high production costs in Florida, and competition from out-of-state processing, suggesting incentives for local processing and supply management. Finally, FDOT Chief Planner Wayway Schen presented on arterial and local road funding programs, including ART, ARTW, SCOP, SCRAP, CIGP, and TRIP, and said rural road needs remain significant, with more than $16 billion in unfunded or partially funded project needs. The committee adjourned after brief discussion and thanks to the presenters.

Transcript Highlights:

• don't think he is related to Senator Edmund Hinojosa either, but somewhere along the way in the family tree
• Senator Hinojosa of Hidalgo County: Along the way to the family tree, there’s a root where the Hinojosa

Bills: SJR36, SR8, SR14, SR15, SR17, HCR54

Keywords: accountants, Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, advocacy, legislation, business issues, memorial, law enforcement, sacrifice, tribute, community support, service, community, Holocaust, remembrance, antisemitism, human rights, education, Holocaust Remembrance Day, memorialization, sexual assault

Transcript Highlights:

• has been able to represent every single eligible low-income tenant in Washington State with the exception
• has been able to represent every single eligible low-income tenant in Washington State with the exception
• So prior to this program, with the exception of the total filing numbers, almost no data was uniform.
• When you think about an individual that will climb a tree, climb a pole, and cut down, say, a fiber optic
• attention than men, and the female prisoners who found their way into the police station were no exception

Summary: The committee held a work session in Mill Creek focused first on the eviction process. Judge Michael Scott of King County Superior Court described historic highs in unlawful detainer filings across Washington, especially in urban counties, and said King County has reduced its backlog and average time to resolution to about 60 days by adding two dedicated eviction judges and using more judges when needed. He also described how King County and other counties are implementing the right to counsel for indigent tenants, and noted that additional housing commissioners may help. Office of Civil Legal Aid representatives Philippe Knapp and Jane Paxe said the statewide appointed counsel program has represented more than 30,000 tenants, referred clients to social services, and helped many remain housed, but they warned of a funding shortfall that could eliminate about 17 attorneys and leave roughly 2,000 tenants without representation. A landlord-side panel argued that eviction timelines remain too long and fragmented, creating unpaid rent, safety issues, and uncertainty for both landlords and tenants; they urged more uniform procedures, streamlined rental assistance, and procedural changes to reduce refiling and delays. The second work session addressed theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure, especially copper and telecom cable theft. Committee staff reviewed existing criminal and regulatory laws covering malicious mischief, theft, scrap metal businesses, and metal property deception. Comcast, Mason Public Utility District, and the Recycled Materials Association testified that theft of aerial cable and copper has become a crisis affecting power, internet, 911 service, schools, hospitals, and line-worker safety. Utility representatives described outages, hazards, and rising costs, and asked for stronger audits of scrapyards, tougher penalties for theft affecting critical infrastructure, and tighter rules on payment and identification. Recyclers said they oppose the thefts and already operate under heavy regulation, but acknowledged enforcement gaps and the need for better coordination; committee members discussed possible bill concepts and asked for written recommendations. The final work session covered standards for law enforcement personnel. Criminal Justice Training Commission Executive Director Monica Alexander and Assistant Director Kimberly Bliss explained current certification and decertification rules, including background checks, training requirements, mandatory and discretionary grounds for decertification, and the hearing process. They said elected sheriffs are not currently required to undergo the same pre-election background check as other applicants, though they can still be decertified if already certified, and they reported a backlog of more than 1,000 cases with about 70 to 80 new cases coming in each month. Retired Judge Ann Levinson then outlined ways the legislature could strengthen and align standards for chiefs, sheriffs, and marshals, including requiring certification within a set time, setting a minimum age, requiring recent state background checks, and making loss of certification a vacancy in office. Committee members asked questions about accountability for elected sheriffs, background-check administration, and decertification outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but they, but through the just the, the public databases, they were able to build family trees to
• Um, The entire unit is funded with the exception of myself and the paralegal that directly works on my
• Chair, I have anything to add except would you be amenable if we come up with questions to email you
• None of us are meeting on the same days with these two committees except in November, but November is
• necessarily, but when we go to Silver City or Truth or Consequences or Ridos so there's nothing else to do except