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• Bill 1927 by Hinojosa of Nueces relating to municipal regulation of the removal of an ash juniper tree

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• investment in farm advocates, new base funding for farm safety and rural mental health.
• from a 2-acre sweet corn farm to a 320-acre farm, so there is a big variation in farm size.
• from a 2-acre sweet corn farm to a 320-acre farm, so there is a big variation in farm size.
• sweet corn farm to a farm of 320 acres. sweet corn farm to a farm of 320 acres.
• So, it's a big variation in farm size. So, it's a big variation in farm size.

Bills: HF2446

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• > in Farm, which is a small vegetable farm in Farm, which is a small vegetable farm in Northeast
• bigger farms.
• bigger farms.
• bigger farms.
• They may may farm things farm flowers.

Bills: HF3508, HF3548, HF3549

Keywords: dairy assistance, agriculture, investment, relief initiative, farm support, farm assistance, down payment, state funding, loan modification, grain indemnity, financial security, crop insurance, Minnesota agriculture, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Security Special Fund to provide grants to farms for farm losses due to weather conditions.
• <00:26:21.440> due<00:26:21.600> to to farms to for farm losses due to to farms to
• <00:27:07.600> weather grants for farm losses due to weather grants for farm losses due to
• farm or forestry operation. farm or forestry operation.
• <00:37:22.640> The<00:37:22.880> House the farm. Um, okay. The House the farm.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with devotional remarks from Representative Greer focused on perspective, kindness, and the idea that people “earn” respect and love through shared humanity. After that, the chamber suspended rules to introduce 17 House bills by number only, and adopted JRS 3 in concurrence, setting a joint assembly for Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. to receive the governor’s budget message. Several announcements followed, including birthday wishes, a note about the new federal whole milk for schools law, guest introductions, and caucus notices. The House also approved committee transfers for H.393, an act relating to the prohibition of requiring face masks in schools, moving it from Education to Healthcare, and H.334, an act relating to limiting employer restrictions on individuals separating from employment, moving it from General and Housing to Commerce and Economic Development. The chamber then took up H.649 on captive insurance companies. The Commerce and Economic Development Committee explained that the bill, based on Department of Financial Regulation proposals, would prohibit risk retention groups from lending to or investing in members or affiliates, require annual and quarterly filings in NAIC form with a jurat page and actuarial certificate, and create new filing requirements for sponsored captive protected cells. The committee reported unanimous support, and the House amended the bill and ordered third reading. The House next considered S.60, establishing a Farm Security Special Fund. The Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry Committee and Appropriations described the bill as a response to repeated weather-related losses affecting farms and forestry operations, including flooding, freezes, drought, and other extreme events. The House version adds forestry and changes assistance from grants to payments to make aid faster and less cumbersome. The program would be administered by the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, with a review board and payments of up to 50% of uncovered losses, capped at 5% of annual appropriations and $150,000 per application. The committee testimony emphasized the need for a permanent, predictable state relief mechanism, and the bill was advanced with strong support.

Transcript Highlights:

• that they can offer that isn't grown on that particular farm where the farm stand is located.
• stay farming.
• The exclusion of farm workers from basic wage and hour protections is... ...exclusion of farm workers
• Farm workers would at least... ...worker in the Commonwealth.
• This amendment is not only about... ...our farms running.

Keywords: 995, all

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• set of farm crises today.
• farms in 1995 to now we are just over 1,600 dairy farms in Minnesota.
• our dairy farms with 9,000 dairy farms our dairy farms with 9,000 dairy farms in<00:07:36.760>
• farms in Minnesota. farms in Minnesota.
• In mine, it's my dairy farm.

Keywords: 1183, house

Bills: HB145, SB29, SB37, SB64, HB279, HB292, SB35, SB40, SB43, SB48, SB96, SB143, HB132, SB20, SB21, SB101, SJR1, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM29, HM43, HM59, HM30, HM52, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB2, SB264, SB241

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, SB29, math requirements for teaching license, teacher licensure, teacher endorsement, mathematics methods, elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, reciprocity, Public Education Department, Mathematics and Science Education Act, mathematics instructional leadership framework, professional learning plan, K-3 screening

Bills: HB145, HR1, SB29, SB37, SB193, SB58, SB64, HB195, HB234, HB279, HB287, HB292, HB303, SB30, SB35, SB40, SB43, SB48, SB96, SB143, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM29, HM43, HM59, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB332

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation, subpoena power, public corruption, criminal activity, Zorro ranch, Santa Fe County, public accountability, government oversight, impeachment power, children and vulnerable persons, public funds

Bills: HB145, HB164, HR1, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB306, SB29, SB37, HB99, HB206, HB213, HB270, SB104, SB193, HB38, HB254, HB256, SB58, SB64, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM29, HM43, HM59, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB253

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation, subpoena power, public corruption, criminal activity, Zorro ranch, Santa Fe County

Transcript Highlights:

• I see your Farm Bureau members. Oh, this would be really good for Farm Bureau members.
• It's Joe's Farm, and it's been in the family for... that's what a family farm is, still?
• Clayman: We've got corporate farms, we've got family farms.
• family farms and ranches.
• We could change the requirements of family farms, how they are eligible for family farms.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, just ways that we really can allow innovation around that 5-acre farm or that 7-, 10-acre farm
• Chairman, to enjoy farming. None of my family ever farmed.
• <00:04:19.479> my farming none of my family ever farmed my farming none of my family ever
• <00:04:27.280> Farmland them Farm they didn't own Farm Farmland them Farm they didn't own
• I'm also involved in farming, and flatland farming mostly corn, soybeans, wheat.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard extended testimony from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and several senators about using agriculture economic development funds to make Kentucky farms more profitable and attract related businesses. Discussion focused on expanding markets for corn, soybeans, beef, dairy, and other products through biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, feedlots, processing plants, transportation, and other infrastructure that would keep more value in-state. Members also discussed the profitability pressures on farmers, high land prices, and the need for small-farm support and aggregation programs such as Kentucky Proud, BCAL, KOAP, CAP, food-is-medicine efforts, LFPA, and farm-to-school initiatives. Senators raised specific ideas and concerns, including raw milk and food-freedom innovation, support for 5-acre and other small farms, and the possibility of a beef processing plant in Kentucky. Shell said raw milk testing is not currently a department function but could be explored with legislative direction, and he emphasized that Kentucky must first prove it can feed cattle at scale before a processor is likely to locate here. He also argued that changing conditions in the West and Midwest, including water limits, workforce shortages, and regulatory pressure, could make Kentucky increasingly competitive for beef processing and feedlot operations. Several senators shared personal farming experiences to underscore the difficulty of making a living in agriculture and the need for off-farm income or value-added businesses. They cited examples such as grain storage, dairy products, chicken and hog operations, and restaurant or rental income supporting farm operations. Commissioner Shell said the fund is intended to fill gaps and attract businesses that need Kentucky agricultural products, creating premium markets and more local jobs. After questions concluded, the committee took up the bill, with a motion by Senator Richardson and a second by Senator Nunn. The roll call was taken, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been able to scale up the Farm to School network and develop the Farm to School roadmap to success
• Track two is the farm to school...”
• We've been able to scale up the Farm to School network and develop the Farm to School roadmap to success
• to do to access farm-to-school.
• to Fork and the Farm-to-School grant program.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee heard the administration’s spending plan for Proposition 4’s climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters, along with related trailer bill language. CDFA outlined proposed funding for existing programs such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, Urban Agriculture, and invasive species work, plus new or phased-in programs including year-round and mobile farmers’ markets, tribal food sovereignty, and regional farm equipment sharing. The Department of Conservation described funding for the California Farmland Conservancy Program and Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program, while the Department of Finance and LAO discussed pending allocations and generally found the overall approach reasonable, though LAO suggested the Legislature may want more statutory guidance and reporting, especially for new programs. Members focused on implementation details, equity, and accountability. Questions covered how programs would serve vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, whether new solicitations would be reopened for previously oversubscribed grants, how outcomes are tracked, and how to structure guidance for new programs such as farm equipment sharing. The chair emphasized that the Legislature wants clearer direction on program design and noted that AB 2313 should guide implementation of the regional farm equipment sharing allocation. The committee also discussed the administration’s request to directly appropriate bond funds to departments and to exempt bond program guidelines from the Administrative Procedures Act; LAO supported the APA exemption with possible legislative guardrails for public notice and comment. The committee then heard on the farm-to-school proposal, with CDFA requesting $24.9 million General Fund for incubator grants, technical assistance, and network support. CDFA said the program has reached nearly half of California schoolchildren and has shown strong demand and positive evaluation results. LAO supported the core program but recommended rejecting the $3 million technical assistance component as too broad and suggested the Legislature consider using Proposition 98 for some of the funding. Members debated that point, with some expressing concern about using General Fund dollars for a new discretionary request during a tight budget year. The biodiversity and nature-based solutions chapter included funding for the Wildlife Conservation Board, state conservancies, and tribal nature-based solutions. WCB described major recent investments and proposed projects tied to 30 by 30, habitat restoration, tribal partnerships, and public access. Members raised concerns about long-term stewardship, the size of the WCB allocation, and whether the Legislature should receive more detail on how funds will be distributed. The committee also heard requests for Bolsa Chica wetlands maintenance and Rincon Island decommissioning funding from the State Lands Commission, with members questioning long-term liability, remediation costs, and the role of private oil operators. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with public comment from stakeholders largely supporting the APA exemption, farm-to-school funding, biodiversity investments, and related conservation programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• We moved here in 1991 after farming with our family for 15 years. We bought this farm.
• [snorts] like on a farm. [snorts] like on a farm.
• cereal from the Cascadian Farm brand. cereal from the Cascadian Farm brand.
• cereals in their Cascadian farm brand. cereals in their Cascadian farm brand.
• farm about since uh farm starting this farm about 10<01:50:43.679> years<01:50:43.840> ago

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here and able to represent clam farming.
• They want to come see the farms.
• The first farms that I had were 15, 16 feet deep.
• And the strategy is not going to be exactly the same their similarities from farm to farm.
• And so we have 100 farms that we provide that service to to the individual watermelon farms throughout

Keywords: 999, senate, all

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• We have a project called Grand Farm.
• Crop insurance means a counter-cyclical safety net that works, keeping the farm in the farm bill.
• Sometimes our farm kids can't get a job back on the farm, can't return to the family farm, but they want
• Farm to Fly. It has been made a part of the draft of both the House and Senate farm bills.
• So who's going to work the farms?

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• I've got some representatives here from Lyon County Farm Bureau and McCracken County Farm Bureau.
• recognize the Hardin County Farm Bureau. recognize the Hardin County Farm Bureau.
• <00:02:48.120> Bureau welcome the Taylor County Farm Bureau welcome the Taylor County Farm
• Bureau, as well as Green County Farm Bureau, as well as Green County<00:03:12.760> Farm<00:03
• from Farm Bureau that's here with today. from Farm Bureau that's here with today.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:15 HB 195 Discussion: 05:22 HB 195 Roll Call Vote: 16:33 SB 199 Discussion: 18:34 SB 199 Roll Call Vote: 41:25 SB 5 Discussion: 43:50 SB 5 Roll Call Vote: 46:35 HB 687 Discussion: 48:10 HB 687 Roll Call Vote: 50:15, 958, all

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• We have more than 1,600 farms certified. The process for those farms is that they are reviewed.
• multitude of factors even on my own Farm multitude of factors even on my own Farm I<00:24:32.679
• farm and ranch members.
• to get this right medicine Creek Farm to get this right medicine Creek Farm Minnesota<00:28:04.440
• disabled people but you know uh Farms disabled people but you know uh Farms have<00:32:03.080>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• My amendment establishes March 31st of each year as Farm Worker Day, specifies that Farm Worker Day is
• We must rename the holiday to Farm Workers Day and continue to honor the Farm Workers' Movement and the
• As farm workers continue... ...respect the farm workers by renaming this day as farm workers continue
• Thank you. respect the farm workers by renaming this day as farm workers continue to fight dangerous
• or our industry's farms.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several ceremonial introductions and proclamations, including a Coolidge centennial proclamation, recognition of guests tied to Pre-born Day of Rights, a proclamation honoring Carmen Green Smith’s retirement, and a memorial resolution for Brad Brower. The chamber also heard a Game and Fish outdoor expo announcement and welcomed student visitors and other guests in the gallery. The main legislative action centered on House Bill 2072 and House Bill 2307 in Committee of the Whole. SB 1396 was the subject of an unsuccessful motion to suspend the rules and move it immediately to third reading; that motion failed 12-16. HB 2072, dealing with holidays and the César Chávez Day repeal, drew extensive debate over a Miranda floor amendment to rename the day as Farm Worker Day and preserve the farm worker movement’s recognition. The Miranda amendment failed 12-15, a subsequent committee amendment was adopted, and the bill was ultimately reported out as amended and later passed on third reading. HB 2307, concerning dangerous and incompetent defendants and a state facility/restoration process, was amended with an Angus floor amendment addressing funding, bed capacity, a sunset, and a study committee. The bill passed the Committee of the Whole and then passed third reading 27-2, with several members explaining support as a public safety measure and others noting remaining concerns. HB 2874, relating to campaign committee termination statements and expenses, also received a technical floor amendment and passed as amended on third reading 18-11, without the emergency clause. The Senate also adopted HCR 2053, a death resolution for Brad Brower, with a moment of silence and unanimous adoption. At the end of the meeting, the Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the bills were properly assigned, and the chamber recorded the final passage of HB 2307 and HB 2874 and the passage of HB 2072 as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• included in underneath the Family Farm included in underneath the Family Farm Corporation<00:31:
• or to pass the farm along.
• Sheline. farm or to pass the farm along uh and Mr farm or to pass the farm along uh and Mr sheel<00:35
• and farming that I do and that the farm and farming that I do and that the farm is<01:06:39.960>
• I sell through my farm store.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:37:38.400> Discriminatory their farms. Discriminatory their farms.
• You got to keep farming.
• Our farm is a legacy farm.
• Our farm is keepers.
• waterways and farms like mine. waterways and farms like mine.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all