Transcript Highlights:

• If you have a conservator, it doesn't change the revenue stream that you receive from the state.
• And what I will tell you is actuaries are notoriously conservative, which we like.
• Reduction in staff, so we made a conservative assumption that even at a to one ratio, that for every
• We also cannot use water fund money for our ag conservation.
• Up to $150,000 for water loss and conservation.

Keywords: infrastructure, water supply, flood mitigation, Texas Water Fund, community projects, funding allocations

Summary: During this committee meeting, the focus was on discussing critical infrastructure funding, especially related to water supply and flood mitigation projects. Chairwoman Stepney and the Water Development Board presented extensive details regarding the Texas Water Fund, which included $1 billion appropriated to assist various financial programs and tackle pressing water and wastewater issues. Additionally, funding allocations aimed at compromising the state's flood risk and improving water conservation were hotly debated, emphasizing collaboration among committee members and the necessity of addressing community needs in such projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:43:03.440> practice to create Legacy conservation practice to create Legacy conservation
• practices is by farmers implementing conservation practices, trying, failing, having meetings on such
• practices is by farmers implementing conservation practices, trying, failing, having meetings on such
• practices is by farmers implementing conservation practices, trying, failing, having meetings on such
• practices is by farmers implementing conservation practices, trying, failing, having meetings on such

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee held a Dairy Day hearing focused on Minnesota’s dairy industry, beginning with a presentation recognizing Pat and Jodi Lunneman of Twin Eagle Dairy in Clarissa as Minnesota Milk Producers’ Dairy Producer of the Year. Their farm’s history, growth from a 50-stall tie-stall barn to an 800-900 cow freestall operation, and the role of family and long-term employees were highlighted. Members praised the Lunnemans’ work, community involvement, and the collaborative nature of the video tribute. Garrett Luthin, president of Minnesota Milk Producers Association, testified on industry priorities. He said the group represents Minnesota’s 1,625 dairy farms and emphasized that dairy farmers invest in their communities and want policies that support long-term viability. He raised concerns about compliance with labor mandates such as earned sick and safe time, paid family leave, and secure retirement requirements, saying dairy work does not fit a standard schedule and that smaller farms lack HR capacity to track leave requirements. He also urged improvements to county and state permitting by allowing processes to run concurrently rather than sequentially, and he expressed support for dairy profitability and development programs. Members asked about the status of federal dairy support programs, labor mandate implementation, and the realities of dairy work. Luthin said Minnesota Milk was waiting on federal action to keep certain dairy funds in place and described labor compliance as a wage and administrative burden. Pat and Jodi Lunneman later described why they expanded their farm in the 1990s, citing labor efficiency, changing economics, and the need to remain profitable; they said they do not use robotic milkers but do use robotic calf feeders. Pat explained their double-12 parallel parlor, three-shift milking schedule, and the need to keep equipment fully utilized. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• As original stewards of the land we're currently on, we support conservation efforts in the move to clean
• As original stewards of the land we're currently on, we support conservation efforts in the move to clean
• As original stewards of the land we're currently on, we support conservation efforts in the move to clean
• Minnesota the executive director of the Minnesota the executive director of the Minnesota conservative
• energy Forum or minf we are conservative energy Forum or minf we are a<00:38:04.079> nonprofit

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Energy Finance and Policy Committee met to approve the January 16 minutes and then heard House File 9, which was referred to the Committee on Taxes after the committee’s action. The bill was presented as an energy policy measure aimed at reliability and affordability. It would expand hydroelectric power’s eligibility under the state’s energy standard, delay certain carbon-free compliance requirements for utilities that do not meet a retail rate benchmark, prohibit local permits to demolish fossil fuel plants under certain conditions, state support for carbon capture and sequestration without creating a state funding obligation, end the nuclear moratorium, and expand the sales tax exemption for residential natural gas and electricity used as primary heat year-round starting after June 30, 2026. The committee also took up and adopted the A1 author’s amendment, which clarified that the carbon capture language does not obligate state spending. The bill’s sponsor argued that Minnesota’s current energy policy is driving up costs and threatening reliability, especially during extreme cold, and said the bill would create “off-ramps” from existing mandates to protect ratepayers and businesses. He cited reliability concerns, MISO/NERC risk assessments, rising utility rates, and the need for an all-of-the-above energy approach, including hydro and nuclear. He also said the bill would reduce taxes by broadening the sales tax exemption for residential heating. Testimony was mixed but generally focused on reliability, affordability, and the role of nuclear power. The Minnesota Rural Electric Association and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce supported the bill’s emphasis on keeping power reliable and affordable, with both saying Minnesota needs dispatchable, carbon-free resources and noting concerns about high electricity costs and future demand from data centers and AI. The Prairie Island Indian Community opposed lifting the nuclear moratorium without a viable waste solution, describing the long-term burden of spent nuclear fuel on its community and asking for more consultation. Xcel Energy said its nuclear plants have operated safely and reliably for decades, support low-cost and low-carbon power, and could be part of the state’s energy transition, but it emphasized the need for tribal participation and said decisions about retiring fossil plants should remain within the existing Public Utilities Commission resource planning process.

Transcript Highlights:

• When a person serves in a national service program such as Minnesota Reading Corps, Conservation Corps
• <00:12:15.040> corps executive director of conservation corps executive director of conservation
• who are supporting state conservation who are supporting state conservation efforts<00:13:36.320
• > example,<00:13:40.160> has The conservation corps, for example, has The conservation
• Corps Minnesota and of Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa.<00:16:05.199> We<00:16:05.440><

Bills: HF4119, HF3959, HF3792, HF3913, HF3752

Keywords: property tax, renter credits, co-pay, housing affordability, tax relief, homestead, tax refund, Minnesota, tax increase, financial relief, homeowners, AmeriCorps, taxation, individual income tax, living allowances, stipends, national service, tax compliance, revenue, analytics

Transcript Highlights:

• Does the bill in any way, shape, or form encourage conservation?
• Because conservation is something that's been used.
• Everybody has their plan of conservation.
• We can conserve what we have and be better stewards.
• There are some conservation concerns that should happen.

Bills: SJR12, SCR39, SB7, SB8, SB27, SB29, SB125, SB241, SB371, SB396, SB406, SB464, SB568, SB578, SB608, SB617, SB660, SB689, SB693, SB707, SB731, SB732, SB763, SB779, SB836, SB854, SB857, SB875, SB878, SB879, SB906, SB920, SB921, SB922, SB942, SB965, SB985, SB996, SB1029, SB1035, SB1036, SB1059, SB1084, SB1098, SB1101, SB1185, SB1188, SB1321, SB1332, SB1366, SB1388, SB1396, SB1453, SB1484, SB1494, SB1536, SB1563, SB1596, SB1610, SB1619, SB1737, SB1738, SB1741, SB1816, SB1822, SB1841, SB1939, SB2155, SB2188, SB2230, SJR36, SJR12, SJR81, SJR50, SCR22, SCR12, SCR39, SB765, SB62, SB666, SB888, SB687, SB847, SB1248, SB504, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB241, SB304, SB1023, SB204, SB609, SB670, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB1539, SB447, SB406, SB985, SB1119, SB1505, SB1215, SB1302, SB583, SB673, SB681, SB1172, SB608, SB955, SB957, SB1120, SB541, SB1737, SB266, SB1415, SB125, SB53, SB1352, SB785, SB1450, SB1502, SB1566, SB414, SB1062, SB578, SB711, SB746, SB942, SB1404, SB1448, SB1738, SB507, SB689, SB1026, SB1349, SB1355, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596, SB1403, SB763, SB667, SB1059, SB617, SB1567, SB310, SB311, SB505, SB1209, SB1210, SB1470, SB264, SB1029, SB1358, SB1364, SB1569, SB1376, SB1228, SB519, SB878, SB1350, SB462, SB827, SB1585, SB1396, SB920, SB1484, SB1273, SB1741, SB7, SB927, SB1227, SB1229, SB1353, SB1366, SB1464, SB1709, SB1729, SB1733, SB1744, SB1772, SB1816, SB1841, SB2188, SB1147, SB879, SB1008, SB1536, SB2016, SB1453, SB1173, SB1163, SB996, SB27, SB568, SB1370, SB1321, SB1101, SB906, SB860, SB1563, SB993, SB693, SB1610, SB1537, SB836, SB1332, SB1307, SB963, SB493, SB922, SB984, SB1084, SB619, SB1098, SB1122, SB455, SB522, SB1057, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1877, SB464, SB1277, SB32, SB732, SB660, SB731, SB921, SB268, SB1822, SB1188, SB1939, SB1589, SB397, SB1388, SB2230, SB1058, SB1036, SB1267, SB2112, SB1930, SB532, SB1035, SB2155, SB508, SB29, SB292, SB291, SB901, SB1333, SB1436, SB1494, SB964, SB779, SB1378, SB2312, SB1719, SB1386, SB287, SB2143, SB1245, SB261, SB1247, SB1948, SB2406, SB2407, SB1882, SB1197, SB1814, SB618, SB38, SB393, SB2065, SB1371, SB1394, SB1365, SB2243, SB2226, SB2039, SB1919, SB1895, SB1598, SB1493, SB1810, SB1791, SB1706, SB1644, SB1238, SB783, SB458, SB22, SB651, SB897, SB7, SB125, SB578, SB608, SB617, SB763, SB836, SB878, SB906, SB920, SB942, SB985, SB1084, SB1366, SB1388, SB1563, SB1737, SB1738, SB1816, SB1939, SB406, SB689, SR327, SR346, SR351, SR352

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border, National Guard, state guard, border wall, border barriers

Transcript Highlights:

• I grew up in Evangelical conservative Christianity.
• <00:14:58.360> Christianity<00:14:59.160> I Evangelical conservative Christianity I
• Evangelical conservative Christianity I have<00:14:59.560> incredibly<00:15:00.040> fond
• <00:17:38.440> Christianity<00:17:39.080> onto driven by conservative Christianity
• onto driven by conservative Christianity onto every<00:17:40.000> childbearing<00:17:40.919>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've spent 40 years with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil Conservation Service.
• I've spent 40 years with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil Conservation Service.
• Members, HCR 104 by Representative Coates urges and requests the Department of Conservation and Energy
• My name is Emily Buxton, and I'm the Director of External Affairs of The Nature Conservancy of Louisiana
• And for the committee to be able to call in the Department of Conservation and Energy, the DEQ, and other

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee took up a series of natural resources, wildlife, environmental, and infrastructure measures. HCR 79 by Chairman Butler, which memorializes Congress and the U.S. Forest Service to allow dog hunting in Kisatchie National Forest, drew testimony in support from hunters and a former NRCS official describing it as a rural Louisiana tradition, and opposition from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, which said it supported hunting with dogs generally but opposed the deer/hog hunting portions while favoring the recovery-of-wounded-deer component. The committee reported HCR 79 favorable. It also reported favorable on SB 419, allowing pre-charged pneumatic devices for deer during primitive firearms season, and on SCR 29, creating a study committee on Atchafalaya Basin water quality and sediment impacts, and SB 111, setting black bass and crappie bag and size limits in the basin, with Wildlife and Fisheries saying it would monitor the effects through sampling and creel data. Several resolutions and bills focused on environmental management and state property. SB 174 authorized transfer of certain state property in Caddo Parish from Louisiana Tech University to the Caddo Parish School Board and was reported favorable. SB 189, a preemptive ban on intentional release or dispersion of fuels or chemicals to affect temperatures, was also reported favorable after discussion of geoengineering-related additives. SB 99, which updates DEQ communications to allow optional electronic notices for permits and public notifications, was supported by DEQ and reported favorable. HCR 104, from Rep. Coates, asked the Department of Conservation and Energy and the Louisiana Geological Survey to study and recommend improvements to subsurface data collection and access; testimony described efforts to modernize core and well-log records and build a statewide 3D subsurface model, and the resolution was reported favorable. The committee also considered river, boating, and wildlife-related measures. SB 331 would temporarily remove portions of the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act for five years to allow work on the lower Pearl River, including dredging and channel realignment, while prohibiting commercial development and reservoir construction; environmental groups opposed it as a bad precedent and urged a shorter sunset, but the bill was reported favorable. HCR 54 urged a federal study of flooded corn and migratory waterfowl behavior and was reported favorable after support from the Flyway Federation and Louisiana Wildlife Federation. HCR 94 would require annual Wildlife and Fisheries reports on boating safety data, and HCR 87 expressed support for a U.S. senator’s correspondence on migratory flyways; both were reported favorable. SB 505, dealing with the Motor Fuels Underground Storage Tank Trust Dedicated Fund, was reported favorable after testimony that it would expand grant capacity, create a two-cycle application process, and address LLC-related issues. The committee also advanced several measures on public policy and cleanup issues. HCR 85 created a task force on illegal dumping; after amendments added Keep Louisiana Beautiful and the Louisiana Police Jury Association, members discussed statewide tire dumping problems, DEQ staffing, and cleanup funding, and the resolution was reported favorable as amended. HR 216, as substituted, was changed from a repudiation of the Louisiana Climate Action Plan to a resolution authorizing the committee to hold a hearing and receive input from agencies and stakeholders on the plan; after reconsideration and adoption of the substitute amendment, it was reported favorable. One item, SB 243, was voluntarily deferred.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have people who come to this place, they brag about being fiscally conservative.
• <00:12:56.520> They about being fiscally conservative.
• They about being fiscally conservative.
• <00:14:59.880> I<00:14:59.920> do responsible, fiscally conservative.
• I do responsible, fiscally conservative.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• as a number of folks know, is a national organization similar to NCSL, focused on environment, conservation
• I'd like to introduce the first: Kate Burgess, the conservation program manager; then Grant Gleni, outdoor
• introduce uh the first is Kate<00:03:41.760> Burgess<00:03:42.560> the<00:03:42.760> conservation
• <00:03:43.360> program Kate Burgess the conservation program Kate Burgess the conservation

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• scheduled for consideration by the House: the Senate bill further regulating the amendment of a conservation
• Senate Bill 2895, an act further regulating the amendment of a conservation restriction in the town of
• An act further regulating the amendment of a conservation restriction in the town of Hanson, Senate Bill
• An act further regulating the amendment of a conservation restriction in the town of Hanson, Senate Bill

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several local and personnel-related bills. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee recommended Senate Bill 2895, concerning amendment of a conservation restriction in Hanson, and House Bill 4962, establishing a sick leave bank for Sally DeRosiers of the Department of Correction; both were advanced to third reading. The House also considered and passed to enactment House Bill 463, authorizing the Milford select board to appoint a highway surveyor. The chamber then acted on a series of bills directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for specific applicants: House Bills 4092, 4142, and 4246. Each bill was read a third time and passed to be engrossed. No debate or recorded roll call votes were noted; actions were taken by voice vote. At the end of the session, the House adopted an order to adjourn until Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. It also approved a special adjournment in memory of James A. Sheets, a former Quincy representative and mayor of Quincy. The House then adjourned to meet Tuesday in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:42:06.880> local<01:42:07.520> units conservation districts are local units conservation
• Cody Conservation District represented Cody Conservation District represented by<01:42:36.560> Corey
• <01:42:42.720> District, Converse County Conservation District, Converse County Conservation
• <01:42:51.080> District, Laramie County Conservation District, Laramie County Conservation
• from Sublette County Conservation from Sublette County Conservation District,<01:42:56.680> Megan

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There were 11 conservation enforcement officers.
• > the Alabama Conservation Enforcement the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers<01:00:58.319>
• There were 11 conservation<01:01:09.680> enforcement<01:01:10.240> officers.
• <01:01:10.720> I<01:01:10.880> ask conservation enforcement officers.
• I ask conservation enforcement officers.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Environmental factors prescriptive to a county with a population of more than 2 million people and has conservation
• Secondly, seed banks and seed conservation efforts bolster food security.
• Raising awareness of the importance of seed conservation for future generations is vital to maintain
• is imperative that we remain informed of these issues and find ways to continue supporting seed conservation

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock met with a quorum present and heard testimony on House Bill 5085, which would create a report on the impacts of seed banks and seed preservation, especially as they relate to food access, biodiversity, disaster recovery, and education. Representative Gervin Hawkins presented the bill, citing examples such as the Bastrop wildfire and the role of seed banking in restoring ecosystems and supporting food security. No one testified against the bill, and the author closed after questions. The committee then voted to report HB 5085 favorably to the full House without amendment, with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion passed on a 6-3 vote. The committee also considered Senate Bill 1035, with a committee substitute adopted that made a minor wording change from "or" to "and." SB 1035, which creates a legal pathway for agricultural operators to challenge unlawful local regulations and recover court costs and attorneys' fees, was reported favorably on a 9-0 vote. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2155, which implements TDLR recommendations to modernize the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners by improving licensing, complaint resolution, and enforcement processes. The bill was reported favorably to the full House without amendment on a 9-0 vote. After disposing of these items, the committee adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• and prescription related to a county with a population of more than 2 million people that has conservation
• Secondly, seed banks and seed conservation efforts bolster food security.
• Preservation efforts are educational, raising awareness of the importance of seed conservation.
• is imperative that we remain informed of these issues and find ways to continue supporting seed conservation

Bills: HB5085

Keywords: seed banks, food access, environment, biodiversity, agriculture policy, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Greg Alvers, representing irrigation conservation, District, surface water.
• With the Soil and Water Conservation District. Jeff, is it Whittie, Department of Agriculture?
• My name is Zoe Barker, and I am the Legislative Director with Conservation Voters New Mexico.
• I'm a registered lobbyist for the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District.
• I'm a registered lobbyist for the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Line 1.19 adjusts the soil and water conservation district aid appropriation for FY 2026-27.
• 00:05:04.160> soil<00:05:04.479> and<00:05:04.720> water<00:05:05.040> conservation
• adjusts the soil and water conservation adjusts the soil and water conservation district<00:05:06.240
• Dibble, the $368,000 by which the cancellation is being reduced was applied to the soil and water conservation
• <00:26:58.720> district<00:26:59.120> aid water conservation district aid water conservation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Duggan: Members, this bill is a comprehensive community-driven plan balancing conservation, economic
• represent the Reignite the Rivers Coalition, a broad-based coalition of 60+ organizations including conservation
• And on the wildlife corridor we had Tom Proctor, University of Florida PhD, Conservation Science Incorporated
• Drawing on survey data and visitation patterns during drawdowns, we conservatively estimate there would
• John's, uncovers the submerged springs, provides conservation and economic benefits for 12 counties.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Uniform Probate Code to provide procedures upon the death of a protected person, guardian, or conservator
• Protected person, guardian, or conservator.
• Representative Marian Matthews (member_13054), an act relating to probate, allowing liability waivers for conservators
• to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture for the operations and programs of Soil and Water Conservation
• Ranking Member Terrazas, House Conservative Public Affairs Committee, Ranking Member Stefani Lord (member

Transcript Highlights:

• The Plum Creek Conservation District manages 28 flood control.
• I'm John Foster with the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.
• The Plum Creek Conservation District supports Senate Bill 43.
• John Foster, Programs Officer with the State Soil and Water Conservation Board.
• Daniel Meyer with Plum Creek Conservation District. Does this? bill affect?

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The next item on the list was House Bill 246, directing the state conservation committee to implement
• the Conservation District Climate Resilience Grant Program and making an appropriation therefor.
• FNA directing the state conservation FNA directing the state conservation committee<00:10:53.440
• > to<00:10:53.839> implement<00:10:54.320> the<00:10:54.920> Conservation
• committee to implement the Conservation committee to implement the Conservation District<00:10:56.040

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met on February 18 and retained several bills for possible inclusion in the budget. House Bill 97, appropriating funds to the Department of Environmental Services for wastewater infrastructure projects, was retained on a 21-0 vote. House Bill 197, which would have the state pay 7.5% of certain political subdivision employees’ retirement contributions at an estimated annual cost of $28 million to $29 million, was also retained unanimously. House Bill 246, creating the Conservation District Climate Resilience Grant Program with a small appropriation of about $50,000 per year for two years, was retained 22-0. House Bill 519, appropriating $500,000 annually to support the Waypoint Youth and Young Adult Shelter, was likewise retained 22-0. The committee then shifted to a broader budget discussion. Representative Maguire said the committee was facing a roughly $732 million gap between projected revenue and spending, based on preliminary Ways and Means figures and the governor’s budget. He noted that the governor’s plan included $81 million from the rainy day fund and $127 million from proposed slot machine revenue, while other potential obligations such as $150 million in YDC payments and prison down payments were not included. Members discussed how Ways and Means revenue estimates are based on current law, meaning proposals not yet enacted would not be counted in the official forecast. Members also asked about the relationship between the education funding committee and Finance, and were told that many education bills would likely come back to Finance after action in the other committee and on the floor. The chair and members discussed donor towns, swept funds, and the possibility of moving more information technology spending into the capital budget if appropriate. The meeting ended with agreement to let Division 2 head to education funding, and the committee adjourned.