Video & Transcript : 'wild horses' :
Page 7 of 201
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- like Camp Harmony on the grounds of the Washington State Fair in Puyallup, where hastily converted horse
- The day after Pearl Harbor, the Bainbridge Review cautioned, quote, there is the danger of a blind, wild
- It was predictably awful: terrible communal latrines, horse stables converted to housing, lack of privacy
Bills:
HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB2125 , HB2134 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2245 , HB2283 , HB2406 , HB2501 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2188 , HB2206 , HB2478 , HJM4012 , HB1104 , HB1152 , HB1254 , HB1443 , HB1982 , HB2006 , HB2297 , HB2322 , HB2329 , HB2379 , HB2388 , HB2399 , HB2462 , HB2544 , HB2551 , HB2262 , HB2298 , HB2351 , HB2401 , HB2593 , HB2661 , HB1496 , HB1898 , HB2157 , HB2311 , HB2325 , HB2552 , HB1343 , HB1707 , HB2361 , HB2389 , HB2468 , HB2521 , HB2720 , HB1591 , HB2092 , HB2176 , HB2255 , HB2281 , HB2438 , HB2685 , HB1960 , HB2236 , HB2364
Keywords:
design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- like Camp Harmony on the grounds of the Washington State Fair in Puyallup, where hastily converted horse
- The day after Pearl Harbor, the Bainbridge Review cautioned, quote, 'There is the danger of a blind, wild
- It was predictably awful: terrible communal latrines, horse stables converted to housing, lack of privacy
Bills:
HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB2125 , HB2134 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2245 , HB2283 , HB2406 , HB2501 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2188 , HB2206 , HB2478 , HJM4012 , HB1104 , HB1152 , HB1254 , HB1443 , HB1982 , HB2006 , HB2297 , HB2322 , HB2329 , HB2379 , HB2388 , HB2399 , HB2462 , HB2544 , HB2551 , HB2262 , HB2298 , HB2351 , HB2401 , HB2593 , HB2661 , HB1496 , HB1898 , HB2157 , HB2311 , HB2325 , HB2552 , HB1343 , HB1707 , HB2361 , HB2389 , HB2468 , HB2521 , HB2720 , HB1591 , HB2092 , HB2176 , HB2255 , HB2281 , HB2438 , HB2685 , HB1960 , HB2236 , HB2364
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, the flags were escorted by the Nisei Veterans Committee Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Scout Alexander Bertelsen, and Reverend Masao Umoto delivered the invocation. The House then approved the previous day’s minutes and took up House Resolution 4692, recognizing the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and honoring Japanese Americans who were forcibly relocated and incarcerated during World War II. The resolution recounted the history of the incarceration, the service of Japanese American veterans, the findings of the 1982 commission that the policy was driven by racial prejudice and war hysteria, and the later federal apology and reparations. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and guests connected to the Japanese American community and remembrance observances were recognized.
Several members spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing the constitutional failures of the wartime incarceration, the importance of remembrance, and the need to guard against fear-driven violations of civil liberties. Remarks also highlighted personal family histories, the experiences of camps such as Manzanar and Camp Harmony, and the service of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and other Japanese American units. After adoption, the House agreed to spread Representative Stonier’s remarks upon the journal.
The House then considered a motion to re-refer Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 536 to the Community Safety Committee instead of the Environment and Energy Committee. Representative Abbarno argued the bill dealt primarily with criminal penalties and prosecutorial authority, while Representative Fitzgibbon opposed the change, saying the bill’s predominant subject matter remained environmental. The amendment failed on a voice vote. The House then adopted the motion to read and refer the day’s introductions to the designated committees, with SB 6066 sent to Transportation. Finally, the House returned HB 1065, HJM 1412, and ESHB 1819 to the Rules Committee, announced caucuses, and adjourned until 9:55 a.m. Friday, February 20.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Tourism Mar 4th, 2026
Special Committee on Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- Green, which was a brick plant that was originally there, the National Saddle Horse Museum, and Mexico
- And I wrote Missouri's Wild Mushrooms. And I think that's what Tara was talking about.
- Unlike some other edible wild mushrooms found in the state, the smooth chanterelle is not rare.
- And Maxine Stone, she’s the author of the Missouri Wild Mushrooms that is published by the MDC.
- , a state symbol we can... ...wild-foraged edible enjoyed by many Missourians, a state symbol we can
Committee:
House Special Committee on Tourism
Summary:
The Special Committee on Tourism met with 11 members present, established a quorum, and first went into executive session, where House Bill 2796 was voted do pass unanimously, 13-0. The committee then moved to public hearings.
House Bill 2307, sponsored by Rep. Hayden, would designate the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico as the official military academy of the state. The sponsor and supporters said the academy is active, nationally recognized, and important to tourism, recruitment, and the local economy. The academy president testified that it brings an estimated $20 million to $22 million in economic impact and employs 122 people, and other supporters, including alumni and staff, described its educational value and statewide visibility. Members asked about the closure of other military academies and whether the bill would bring tourism and help recruitment.
House Bill 3264, sponsored by Rep. Johnson, would make Kansas City the barbecue capital of Missouri. The sponsor highlighted Kansas City’s barbecue history, meatpacking roots, signature styles, and major restaurants and events. Members joked about Kansas City versus St. Louis barbecue and discussed possible promotion, but no opposition was offered. House Bill 3074, sponsored by Rep. Fountain Henderson, would designate April 30 as William Lacy Clay Sr. Day. The sponsor and NAACP testimony emphasized Clay’s civil rights leadership, long congressional service, and legacy of public service and education, with support also noting plans for community and school observances.
House Bill 1960, sponsored by Rep. Peters, would designate the smooth chanterelle as Missouri’s official state mushroom. The sponsor and a long list of witnesses from the Missouri Mycological Society, educators, and children testified that the mushroom is native, edible, easy to identify, ecologically important, and tied to Missouri’s hardwood forests and outdoor education. Members asked about safety, look-alikes, and whether it was hallucinogenic; witnesses said it is not psychoactive and is generally safe when properly identified. The chair closed by praising the testimony and indicating support for advancing the bill, and the committee adjourned after concluding the hearing on HB 1960.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Transcript Highlights:
- I have a lot of constituents who are employed at the Plain Ridge Park, including horse farmers who provide
- horses for that facility.
- We have casinos, we have lotteries, we have sports betting, we have, I think, skill games, horse racing
- This bill represents replacing the current system, which is the wild, wild west, quite frankly.
- And, you know, we've heard about horse racing. We've heard about lottery.
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, chaired by Rep. Carole Fiola and Sen. Barry Finegold, held a lengthy hearing on a range of gambling-related bills. Testimony first focused on H. 496 to allow the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to authorize Plain Ridge Park Casino to add table games and more slot machines. Supporters, including Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Sen. Finegold, Rep. Barry R. Finegold, Rep. Brian Vaughn, and Plainville officials, argued the change was needed to keep Massachusetts gaming dollars from flowing to Rhode Island, protect jobs, and preserve local tax revenue. They described Plain Ridge as a strong community partner and cited host-community benefits such as municipal infrastructure projects and local aid. Opponents or skeptical witnesses later argued that expanded gambling, especially online, would increase harm and cannibalize existing casinos and local economies.
The committee also heard testimony on bills related to sports betting restrictions and online gambling. Sen. John Keenan presented a “Better Health Act” proposal to ban prop bets and in-play bets, require affordability checks, prohibit hosts, raise the sports betting excise tax, expand funding for problem-gambling services, and increase research and data sharing. He and supporters framed the bill as a public-health response to addiction, suicide, bankruptcy, and other harms. Rep. David Nangle, speaking from personal experience with gambling addiction, strongly opposed internet gaming, warning that it would intensify addiction and expose children and families to 24/7 gambling on phones. In contrast, Rep. David Moradian and industry witnesses supported H. 4431 to legalize and regulate internet gaming, arguing it would bring illegal activity into a regulated market, generate new revenue, and include consumer protections such as age verification, deposit limits, self-exclusion, and responsible-gaming tools.
The committee also took testimony on H. 4238, which would expand fundraising options for fraternal organizations, especially the Elks. Rep. Bruce Ayers and Elks representatives said the bill would help lodges raise money for scholarships, veterans’ services, and community programs after COVID-related losses and declining membership. On H. 480, Rep. Kathleen LaNatra, Rep. Badger, and representatives of veterans organizations and gaming-machine operators urged allowing qualified veterans groups to participate in certain video gaming activity, saying it would provide a sustainable revenue source to keep posts open and support veterans’ services. Dr. Rachel Volberg testified that expanding gambling, especially online gambling and slot machines at veterans organizations, would likely increase gambling harm, and she urged stronger harm-prevention measures, data reporting, and research funding. Other witnesses, including anti-gambling advocates and industry representatives, sharply disagreed over whether legalization would reduce illegal gambling or worsen addiction and social costs. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Because of these biosolids, I have lost numerous cattle, horses, dogs, cats, most animals, breeds of
- birds, from peacocks to guineas, and to stock pond-supplied fish and wild cranes.
- Horses, dogs, cats, cows, a lot of fowl, peacocks, ducks, chickens, turkeys, and guineas.
- livelihood, my livestock, my dream, the treasures of my life, my family... ...family, my pets, my horses
- Unfortunately, this rule put the cart before the horse, addressing drinking water contamination of cities
Committee:
House Environmental Regulation
Keywords:
hydrogen sulfide, public health, environmental regulation, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, ground level concentrations, emissions limit, emissions limits, ground-level concentrations, air quality, PFAS, agriculture, environmental protection, health risks, criminal offense, chemical regulation, preproduction plastic, water quality, pollution control, industrial waste, emissions
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
05/19/2026 - Senate Natural Resources
Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- So while I am absolutely obsessive when it comes to wildlife and wild places, I want to highlight that
- So while I am absolutely obsessive when it comes to wildlife and wild places, I will So while I am absolutely
- obsessive when it comes to wildlife and wild places, I want to highlight that I am very pragmatic when
- that's usually, as a rancher, and I'm speaking from my rancher because I grew up with livestock, horses
Summary:
The Senate Natural Resources Committee met to consider several board nominations, beginning with four nominees to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board. Michael Cravens, Jared Lyman, Nathan Reese (who submitted a written statement and did not attend), and Richard Williams each described their backgrounds in wildlife management, ranching, public lands, or conservation, and emphasized balance, pragmatism, and public service in selecting commission candidates. Members asked about their experience, perspectives on candidate evaluation, and the role of the board. Each nominee was advanced to the full Senate by separate motions, all approved on 7-0 votes with one member not voting.
The committee then heard Darren Rasmussen’s nomination to the Arizona State Land Department Board of Appeals. Rasmussen discussed his long career in property appraisal at the private, county, and state levels, including work with county assessors and valuation training. Senators focused on his ability to bring transparency, statutory compliance, and consistency to state land appraisals and appeals. His nomination was also forwarded to the full Senate on a 7-0 vote with one not voting.
Next, the committee considered the Arizona Livestock Loss Board nominees, Stephen Clark and Randy Dahl. Clark, who chairs the board, explained the board’s process for compensating ranchers for wolf depredation and described the distinction between confirmed losses and “probables.” Senators asked about reimbursement procedures, the range of Mexican gray wolves, and whether wolves had attacked humans in Arizona; Clark said there had been no human attacks in the state and that livestock losses had been compensated. Dahl was unable to attend but submitted a statement citing his farming background and business and engineering experience. Both nominees were confirmed by 7-0 votes with one member not voting.
Finally, the committee heard from Carolyn Radajack and Stephanie Teske for the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. Radajack highlighted her prior service on the board’s investigative committee and her experience with disciplinary rules, while Teske emphasized her background as a sixth-generation rancher, veterinary assistant, and agriculture regulator, with a focus on rural livestock care and access to veterinarians. Senators discussed rural veterinary shortages, telemedicine, and the changing structure of veterinary practice. Both nominees were advanced to the full Senate on 7-0 votes with one member not voting.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So while I am absolutely obsessive when it comes to wildlife and wild places, I want to highlight that
- So while I am absolutely obsessive when it comes to wildlife and wild places, I will So while I am absolutely
- obsessive when it comes to wildlife and wild places, I want to highlight that I am very pragmatic when
- usually, as a rancher, and I'm speaking from my rancher perspective because I grew up with livestock, horses
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- marketplace, particularly products through cell cultivation outside of the traditional livestock or wild
- Are we kind of putting the cart before the horse, or can, you know, from my read as the legislator, it
- I think a little bit we're putting the cart before the horse.
- I think a little bit we're putting the cart before the horse.
Committee:
House Agricultural Affairs
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force Mar 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, I guess again, to facilitate this conversation from the wild herd standpoint in LDWF, it sounds
- I think that's kind of the discussion that should be had regarding the wild herd.
- I think that's kind of the discussion that should be had regarding the wild herd.
- Chairman, for the wild herd side of this, I've got kind of three recommendations here: one, to mandate
- We know what the current pathways are for the commission and the department for wild deer.
Summary:
The committee continued discussing recommendations for chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance and response in Louisiana’s wild and captive deer herds. Members and staff reviewed current surveillance results, noting that LDWF had met goals in 32 of 64 parishes and that voluntary hunter-harvest sampling was falling short in other areas. Several ideas were raised to improve sample collection without making it broadly mandatory, including incentives for hunters, taxidermists, and possibly processors; use of DMAP properties and mobile sampling units; and targeted sampling of older bucks and other higher-risk animals. Members also discussed whether to use parish-level or other geographic control areas, and whether to mirror aspects of Arkansas’s approach, including testing to reduce or remove restrictions when prevalence remains low.
The committee also heard from LDWF and LDAF about captive herd surveillance and reporting. LDAF described its licensed deer facilities, a 2024 positive in Jeff Davis Parish that led to depopulation and quarantines, and follow-up testing that has remained negative at quarantined farms. Witnesses said the agencies currently share information informally and through USDA/NVSL channels, but there is no specific law or regulation requiring 24-hour notification between agencies. The Wildlife Federation and several members recommended mandatory enrollment in the USDA herd certification program, mandatory reporting of positives, and clearer coordination between LDWF and LDAF. Members also discussed the cost of testing, with LDWF saying USDA grants covered diagnostic testing for the last two deer seasons, while department self-generated funds covered earlier costs.
A major portion of the meeting focused on how to respond when a positive wild deer is found. Some members favored immediate restrictions, while others argued for keeping existing season rules in place through the season and using the positive as a trigger for intensified sampling, with the goal of avoiding unnecessary penalties and encouraging hunters to submit samples. There was also discussion of whether baiting should be prohibited, allowed during hunting season, or phased based on testing results, with Arkansas’s statewide baiting allowance and county-based disease management zones used as a comparison. The chair emphasized that no final recommendation would be adopted at this meeting; instead, staff was directed to compile the discussion and written recommendations for consideration at the April meeting, when the committee expects to vote and the commission may need to act quickly through its notice-of-intent or emergency rule process before the next hunting season.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Mar 10th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, and let me just say that thank you. setting the horse up for this resolution.
- And one of the things is, if you read in the treaty, it's called basically wild water or something, is
- So as they continue to block up all the wild water. or then Texas ends up with less and less and less
Committee:
Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- The one thing that I was not aware of, I just thought all of the deer were wild.
- There's wild pond? What about turkeys?
- There's wild turkeys, but a turkey on a farm, who does he belong to?
- the wild that is resistant to CWD, who... ...the wild that is resistant to CWD who will be breeding
- out there in the wild area.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Exports, cattle, cotton, wool, mohair, horses, sheep, goats, honey, the list goes on. On and on.
- It was pretty wild.
- It's nutritionally nowhere close to the wild caught.
- They're selling below cost of production when competing with our wild-caught gulf shrimp.
- Sterilizing them in a lab, releasing them into the wild so that when they mate, that reproductive cycle
Committee:
House Agriculture & Livestock
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Apr 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Let this be the day we say loud and clear: Florida's wild places are not for sale. Thank you.
- It deletes a provision in law that requires an avoided horse permit to be reissued, allows slot machine
- This bill would allow a pari-mutuel permit holder to lease their facilities to any high-horse permit
- This amends the current law to allow a pari-mutuel permit holder to lease their facilities to high-horse
- For example, a thoroughbred permit holder could lease their premises to a high-horse permit holder.
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 80, the Parks Preservation Act, which would define state park purposes around conservation-based recreation and public access, prohibit uses such as golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, ball fields, and hotels, require more public notice and advisory input on land management changes, and mandate reporting on park spending and maintenance backlogs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with conservation groups, youth advocates, and other members of the public backing stronger protections for state parks. The bill was reported favorably.
Members then approved SB 200, directing DEP to develop a statewide waste reduction and recycling plan, and CS for SB 496, which clarifies that timeshare facilities are governed by Chapter 721 and only need annual board meetings. CS for CS for SB 1404, dealing with illegal gambling, was amended to add reporting requirements, tighten penalties, preempt local gambling legalization, and create a process for vetting certain machines and veteran-service-organization gaming questions; the bill drew significant concern from veterans groups and others over vague machine definitions and the need for clearer standards, but it was still reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 622 to allow pari-mutuel permit holders to lease facilities across horse-racing classes.
The committee next approved CS for CS for SB 712 after adopting a strike-all and amendment that covered synthetic turf rules, change-order timelines, public works scoring, elevator and alarm contractor issues, mass timber code updates, pool and spa contractor scope changes, spaceport building-code exemptions, and solar/energy-storage inspection provisions. Support came from timber, construction, and industry groups, while pool contractors objected to parts of the scope changes. The committee also reported favorably CS for CS for SB 1742, a major condominium reform bill that pauses reserve funding after milestone inspections, expands financial flexibility, adds disclosure and conflict-of-interest rules, and increases data collection and oversight; members from both parties praised the sponsor’s work on condo issues.
Finally, the committee approved SB 1574 on renewable natural gas infrastructure and SB 1580 authorizing DEP coastal resiliency public-private partnerships. It also passed CS for SB 1760, which requires certain public officials and agency leaders to meet Florida residency or proximity requirements. The last bill, SB 820, would codify the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s office; while supporters said it would permanently support faith-based and community organizations and improve coordination, several senators raised concerns about church-state separation, the office’s ties to Hope Florida, and whether codifying it could make the program more political. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Natural Resources and Water
Transcript Highlights:
- 2023, and it allowed a coordinated, proactive approach to the inevitable conflicts that come when wild
- and pets, keep a safe distance, implement methods proven to actively deter conflicts, and promote wild
- animals' instincts to stay wild.
- Do we want to have some of that wildness in California? I certainly do, but we do...
- Do we want that have some of that wildness in California? I certainly do, but we do.
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources and Water
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 1135, which would reestablish the California Wildlife Coexistence Program to promote nonlethal human-wildlife conflict reduction and support coexistence efforts for species such as wolves, bears, and mountain lions. Supporters, including wildlife groups and local government representatives, said the prior program was effective and that proactive tools like fladry, guardian animals, deterrents, reporting, and outreach reduce conflicts and costs. Ranching and agricultural groups were opposed unless amended, saying they supported the concept but wanted changes to the wolf-livestock compensation program, including clearer practicability standards, protection of compensation funds, and more flexibility on nonlethal requirements. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote, with the measure left on call.
The committee then took up SB 1085, which would preserve water supply assessments for large development projects even when those projects are exempt from CEQA, so local agencies still receive information about whether sufficient water exists for the project. The author and sponsor argued the bill would keep water planning and land use planning linked and prevent “paper water” problems, while the California Building Industry Association opposed it, warning it could add delay, uncertainty, and litigation risk for housing projects already subject to other water-supply safeguards. Members discussed how the bill would affect different local structures, especially cities that also operate their own water systems, and whether the assessment adds value in those cases. The bill passed 4-1 to Local Government and was left on call.
SB 1270 was next, expanding the California wildfire mitigation home-hardening pilot beyond the original six counties to include four additional high-risk counties identified by Cal OES and Cal Fire, and directing future funding toward those areas. Supporters said the recent Los Angeles fires showed the need to broaden access to home-hardening assistance, while members discussed whether the program should remain geographically targeted or be made available statewide based on need. The bill was amended in committee and passed 5-0 to Emergency Management, left on call.
Finally, the committee heard SB 895, a major proposal to place a $23 billion bond on the ballot to create a California Foundation for Science and Health Research and stabilize scientific research funding in the state. The author, UC, UAW, and many research, labor, health, and university groups supported the measure, arguing that federal cuts and instability threaten California’s research workforce, innovation, and economy. Some members raised concerns about the size of the bond and about political issues involving one sponsor, but the author said the foundation would operate under California law and the bill is intended to keep science funding open and collaborative. The bill was moved out of committee on a 5-0 vote and left on call.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 1/16/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So we can’t really fit a lot of horses in here, or, well, we’re feeding the horses pretty crummy.
- So we can’t really fit a lot of horses in here, or, well, we’re feeding the horses pretty crummy.
- So we can’t really fit a lot of horses in here, or, well, we’re feeding the horses pretty crummy.
- So we can’t really fit a lot of horses in here, or, well, we’re feeding the horses pretty crummy.
- So we can’t really fit a lot of horses in here, or, well, we’re feeding the horses pretty crummy.
Committee:
House State Government Finance and Policy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/25/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> County, Scott County was horse country. County, Scott County was horse country.
- After they complete a lap, the rider hops off, hops on a new horse, and they run three horses around
- I grew up on a small Morgan horse farm, so horses were already in my blood, but racing was completely
- farm, so uh ra on a small Morgan horse farm, so uh ra horses<01:01:55.280><c> were</c><01:01:55.520>
- </c><01:03:19.039><c> on</c> summer and take care of the horses on summer and take care of the horses
Committee:
Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Tribal Relations, January 28, 2026
Select Committee on Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> jump in the truck and load the horses jump in the truck and load the horses and<00:26:58.880><c>
- The tribes classify the buffalo as wild.
- </c> about the the designated or the wild about the the designated or the wild bison<01:01:00.640><c>
- Um sheep are fence in horses are law.
- </c><01:14:14.719><c> is</c> due to the damage the feral horse is due to the damage the feral horse is
Committee:
Joint Select Committee on Tribal Relations
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So you don't have the problem that you get with wild oysters. A seedless watermelon.
- So you don't have the problem that you get with wild oysters in the summertime.
- It's this real wild area that just produces delicious oysters.
- A lot of it goes to the horse industry, and there is a lot of acreage and not as high a footprint of
Committee:
Senate Agriculture
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and heard three presentations focused on Florida aquaculture, agricultural nutrient reduction, and land preservation. First, clam farmer Tim Solano of Cedar Key described the economic and environmental importance of the state’s clam industry, noting Florida’s strong national production, the industry’s recovery role after the net ban, and the severe damage caused by recent hurricanes and red tide. He said the Dislocated Workers program helped farmers return to work and asked that existing state programs be written more broadly to include aquaculture. Oyster producer Canaan Greg of Pelican Oyster Company then discussed the growth of off-bottom oyster farming, the losses his industry suffered from Hurricane Michael and the pandemic, and the need for better access to recovery loans, student internships, local seed production, and waterfront protection. Members asked questions about leases, production, predators, and storm resilience, and the presenters emphasized that aquaculture is a sustainable, year-round industry that filters water and supports local economies.
The committee next heard from UF/IFAS regional extension agent Dr. Bob Hockmouth on education, research, and extension efforts to reduce nitrogen in the Suwannee Valley Basin Management Action Plan area. He explained that the region’s agricultural load reduction target has increased from about 4.2 million to 5.8 million pounds of nitrogen, and that extension programs are helping farmers adopt practices such as precision fertilizer placement, soil moisture sensors, controlled-release fertilizer, petiole sap testing, and irrigation automation. He highlighted corn and watermelon as major examples, saying on-farm demonstrations and cost-share programs are essential because the equipment and technology are expensive. He reported substantial reductions from participating farms and said growers are generally cooperative when funding is available.
Finally, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented an update on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program acquires development rights through voluntary conservation easements to keep working agricultural lands in production, protect water resources and wildlife habitat, and preserve taxable land without transferring ownership. The presenter said the program has expanded rapidly in the last two years, with more acreage acquired, faster application review, and more properties in the Florida wildlife corridor. He noted new online application and monitoring tools, a shortened review timeline, and stronger partnerships with federal and defense-related programs. Committee members asked about long-term maintenance responsibilities and the Board of Trustees approval process, and the presentation closed with support for continued funding and efficiency improvements before the committee adjourned without objection.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Tarr: horse riding instructor. Thank you. Amendment number 14 by Mr. Tarr: horse riding instructor.
- priority for the Massachusetts Farm Bureau for several years, and that involves equine instruction, horse
- He worked as an on-air personality at Wild Radio with some of the greats in Boston's radio lore.
Summary:
The Senate resumed debate on An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts and considered a series of amendments focused on farm economics, land preservation, energy, labor, and agricultural education. Senator Tarr’s Amendment 5, allowing local-option tax exemptions for newly constructed farm buildings for up to five years, was adopted by a roll call vote of 38-0. Several other Tarr amendments were debated but not adopted, including proposals on APR criteria and climate resilience, a one-stop permit and grant portal, a foreign-ownership farmland registry, horse-riding instructor licensing, expanding farm-based renewable energy, a farm stand waiver process, non-agricultural conversion notice requirements, and a health and wellness amendment. Senator Mark’s Amendment 20, creating a Massachusetts Food Tourism Task Force to support marketing and procurement of agricultural goods, was adopted. Senator Gomez’s Amendment 41 on farmworker fairness and wage protections was withdrawn after discussion, with Senators Eldridge and Comerford speaking in support of continued work on the issue. Senator Fattman’s Amendment 34, directing a study of agricultural schools and regional workforce needs, was adopted by roll call vote 37-0.
The chamber also took up several procedural matters and extension orders. The Senate adopted a Ways and Means amendment and then ordered the agricultural bill to a third reading before passing it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 39-0. Separately, the Senate adopted extension orders for the Committee on Revenue and the Committee on Financial Services, with Senators Eldridge and Feeney explaining the need for additional time on revenue and financial services bills; Senator Tarr raised concerns about the scope and duration of some of the extensions. The Senate also approved an extension for a financial technology services bill.
In addition to legislative action, the Senate observed a moment of silence in memory of Mark K. Harris after a motion by Senators Collins and Miranda, and recognized guests for Youth Mentoring Day and the Mass Mentoring Program. The chamber also passed a memorial overpass designation for U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville and a local alcohol-license bill for the town of Topsfield. The session concluded with an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m., with the adjournment also dedicated to the memory of Mark K. Harris.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Apr 1st, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Tarr, horse riding instructor. Thank you. Another amendment which the clerk will read.
- Tarr, horse riding instructor. Senator Tarr. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr.
- priority for the Massachusetts Farm Bureau for several years, and that involves equine instruction, horse
- He worked as an on-air personality at Wild Radio with some of the greats in Boston's radio lore.