Video & Transcript : 'deer farm' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture Committee Meeting - 2025-04-07
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Line 95 is an appropriation for farm safety, health, and wellness. It's $200,000.
- Line 224 is the Farm Down Payment Assistance Grants Program.
- Paragraph C is for the farm Down Payment Assistance Grants.
- Paragraph H is for farm advocate services.
- Increases the maximum farm down payment and assistance grant to $20,000.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Jan 19th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Labor & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- We have about 3,000 patrons—patrons who are farmers or those related to farming.
- After losing that income, a farm still has expenses to pay, which will likely put that farm out of business
- , as well as the jobs that those farm workers rely on.
- After losing that income, a farm still has expenses to pay, which will likely put that farm out of business
- , as well as the jobs that those farm workers rely.
Committee:
Senate Labor & Commerce
Keywords:
noncompete, noncompetition agreement, restrictive covenant, nonsolicitation, employment contract, worker mobility, labor law, wage suppression, trade secrets, confidentiality agreement, franchise, independent contractor, employee mobility, economic growth, entrepreneurship, job mobility, restraint of trade, customer solicitation, post-employment restrictions, FTC noncompete rule
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informational interview with Rep. Steven Jacob (R-Altura) Nov 20th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- How would you describe the state of farming in Minnesota?
- </c> the state of farming in Minnesota? the state of farming in Minnesota?
- </c> be addressed to to help the farming be addressed to to help the farming community?
- So we need to do the right thing for the environment and my farm.
- Your farm is almost 150 years in the operations there. 148. Yes. 148.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Calfresh Enrollment and Nutrition Apr 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We're losing over four farms per day.
- our conservation programs to keep farming.
- for our conservation programs to keep farming.
- To keep farming.
- A farm stand owner just yesterday.
Summary:
The committee held its second hearing on CalFresh enrollment and nutrition, focused on the effects of H.R. 1 on eligibility, administration, and food access in California. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Department of Social Services outlined major federal changes: expanded work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, narrowed eligibility for certain lawfully present non-citizens, and new state and county cost-sharing for both administrative and benefit costs. Officials said about 665,000 Californians could lose benefits under the work requirement, roughly 72,000 non-citizens could lose eligibility, and California could face hundreds of millions to billions in new costs depending on error rates and implementation details. DSS described its mitigation efforts, including county guidance, trainings, automation, outreach materials, and coordination with workforce programs, while county representatives argued the workload is larger than current funding assumptions and that staffing and training needs are urgent.
Members also heard from a CalFresh recipient, Lauren Keltz, who described how benefits helped her family during her daughter’s medical crisis and how a clerical error led to the loss of food, health, and cash assistance, contributing to homelessness and food insecurity. Her testimony was used to underscore the consequences of administrative errors and benefit disruptions. Grocery and agriculture representatives said CalFresh is not only an anti-hunger program but also a major economic driver, with benefits spent locally at grocery stores, farmers markets, and farm stands. They warned that cuts would reduce demand for fresh food, hurt independent grocers and small farmers, and increase reliance on food banks, while urging continued support for market match and farm-to-food-bank programs.
In the second panel, advocates and local administrators emphasized the human and operational impacts of the federal changes. The California Immigrant Policy Center called for expanding the state-funded California Food Assistance Program to cover more immigrants excluded by H.R. 1. A San Francisco eligibility worker and a San Diego county administrator said the new rules will add substantial casework, require more client outreach and exemption screening, and strain already limited staffing. Justice in Aging stressed that CalFresh is a key anti-hunger tool for older adults and people with disabilities, especially as housing and health costs rise, and supported outreach funding for seniors. Throughout the hearing, members discussed the need for state funding, better automation, and stronger county and community partnerships to reduce disenrollment and protect access to food.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
SB 2374 Conference Committee Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- the Senate side, the House side had amended, or on the Senate side, we had put in exemptions for any farm
- policy... ...the Senate side, we had put in exemptions for any farm policy was not eligible to receive
- Anybody who had a farm policy couldn't get those rebates for essentially any insurance products that
- they had then because of the by virtue of having that farm policy.
- Let's say you had half of your farm on each side of the lines.
Summary:
The conference committee on Senate Bill 2374 discussed proposed amendments to the insurance rebating provisions and a new study on towing and recovery issues. Deputy Insurance Commissioner John Arnold explained that, after working with industry representatives, the compromise was to remove the large commercial rebating exemption language and keep the rest of the bill intact, while also clarifying that federal crop insurance remains subject to the state’s rebating laws. Members asked several questions about how the large commercial risk definition would work, how the rules would apply to nonresident producers and border-area farm policies, and whether the changes would affect long-standing industry practices.
The committee also considered Commissioner Godfrey’s request for a study on who pays to remove vehicles from the roadside when the owner has liability-only coverage, especially in cases involving totaled or abandoned vehicles. Arnold said the issue has been raised by Highway Patrol and towing interests and that the study language was intended to examine possible solutions for the next legislative session. Some members expressed concern about shifting costs to the insurance industry, but others supported the study as a way to gain clarity.
The committee adopted the amendment package, including the towing study language, by a 6-0 roll call vote. It then passed Senate Bill 2374 as amended by another 6-0 vote. The committee noted that the bill would need floor carriers on both chambers, with Representative Johnson and Senator Klein indicating they would carry it.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- , farm-to-state.
- , farm-to-state.
- We have a small family farm here.
- </c> secondary uh that particular Farm secondary uh that particular Farm activity<01:40:45.199><c> a<
- </c><01:40:48.599><c> being</c> really secondary to the farm being really secondary to the farm being
Committee:
House Water & Land
Summary:
The committee on Water and Land met on February 13, 2025, and heard testimony on a series of housing, land, and resource bills. Early bills included HB 743 on fiscal sustainability, HB 1318 on affordable housing, and HB 1409 on the Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Improvement District Board. Testimony on the housing measures was largely supportive from agencies and advocacy groups such as the Office of Planning, Hawaii Housing Future, Hawaii Appleseed, Catholic Charities, and the County of Kauai, while the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) raised concerns on HB 1318 about public trust duties for ceded lands. On HB 1409, members questioned whether the bill needed updating in light of a separate bill changing the board structure, and witnesses said the measure did not change funding but only the board’s mission and scope.
The committee also heard HB 1410, which would create a supportive housing special fund. Supporters, including Catholic Charities, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Hawaii Appleseed, argued that predictable dedicated funding is needed for supportive housing, social services, and long-term homelessness solutions. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed tax earmarks in general, saying they subvert the constitutional budgeting process. Members asked how the fund would be administered and who could access it; witnesses said HHFDC and the counties would coordinate the process, but DLNR noted the bill did not provide additional administrative capacity and suggested language to address that.
Later bills included HB 528 on residential leaseholds, HB 1359 on flood mitigation, HB 1087 on historic preservation reviews, HB 868 on disabilities, and HB 1323 on transfer of non-agricultural park lands. HB 528 drew limited testimony, with a Catholic Charities/Hawaii Public Housing Authority representative offering a general example of leasehold development but saying the bill’s exemptions had not been discussed in detail. HB 1359 prompted discussion of homeowner and county responsibilities for drainage and flood damage, with DLNR saying private owners are responsible for drainage on private property and counties for county roads. HB 1087 was supported by DHHL, which said historic preservation reviews currently take about 165 days and the bill could improve timeliness, while Hawaii Historic Hawaii Foundation opposed it. HB 868 drew support from the Disability Rights Center and DCAB, with testimony focusing on beach access and the need for clearer legal authority. On HB 1323, DLNR opposed the bill, saying it did not reflect Act 90 and that some agricultural parcels should remain under DLNR for conservation, watershed, recreation, or fire protection reasons; DOA, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the measure, arguing that productive agricultural lands should be transferred to agriculture to protect local food production and family ranches.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Conservation and Natural Resources Mar 30th, 2026
Conservation and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- This is just Jason Bean here, but growing up on the farm, we never put sulfur on our farms.
- Growing up on the farm, we never put sulfur on our farms. Never put sulfur.
- Irrigation, farming, or agriculture irrigation is exempted from the bill.
- I mean, you're talking 2,500 acres of farmland gone for this one solar array farm.
- Thank you for turning your way as farm. Begin when you're ready. All right.
Committee:
House Conservation and Natural Resources
Summary:
The Conservation and Natural Resources Committee heard Senate Bill 953, sponsored by Sen. Jason Bean, which would address a projected shortfall in the Department of Natural Resources’ air pollution control program. Bean and supporters from Associated Industries of Missouri, quarry and sand producers, engineering firms, the Missouri Chamber, forest products, and municipal utilities said the bill would stop sweeping unused program funds into general revenue and dedicate a portion of existing sales and use tax revenue from utilities to keep the program solvent without raising permit fees on businesses that have reduced emissions. One informational witness from Armour Vine warned that moving funds out of general revenue could affect broader state revenue and tax triggers. DNR also testified that the fee fund is projected to become insolvent in fiscal year 2028 if current trends continue. No opposition testimony was presented, and the bill hearing was closed.
The committee then heard House Bills 3362 and 3364, sponsored by Reps. Colin Wellenkamp and Mike Koslow, which would create guardrails for AI/data center buildout around electricity and water use. The sponsors said the bills are intended to protect ratepayers and local water systems by requiring large-load customers to bear their own infrastructure costs, extending consumer protections to co-ops and municipal utilities, and requiring permits and review for major water withdrawals, with emergency shutoff provisions in water shortages. Support came from environmental groups, conservation organizations, rural advocates, Renew Missouri, the Sierra Club, Missouri Municipal League, Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Ameren Missouri, and Missouri American Water, though some witnesses urged tighter thresholds, more frequent reporting, stronger water-quality protections, and clearer definitions to avoid legal ambiguity. Several witnesses also raised concerns about transparency, local impacts, and whether current thresholds are high enough to protect aquifers, springs, and utility customers. The chair closed testimony after noting time limits and adjourned the committee.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets Jan 13th, 2026
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
Transcript Highlights:
- Finally, the Mass Ready Act invests in farms and local economies.
- to the viability and growth of my farm business.
- And potentially a next-generation farmer fund from the Farm Omnibus Bill.
- We're seeing a number of farmers retire from farming.
- We have between us seven farm sites.
Bills:
S2542
Keywords:
climate resilience, resilience bond bill, environmental bond, infrastructure spending, flood control, coastal resilience, PFAS, clean water, wetlands, nature-based solutions, housing permitting, flood disclosure, land conservation, biodiversity, forest reserves, municipal vulnerability preparedness, MVP grant program, food security, agricultural resilience, solid waste
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We've seen farms, for various reasons, succession, economic factors, continue to consolidate and get
- So we have scholarship programs that we do that support dairy farm family young family members to go
- And so sometimes that's bringing our farm story, as you saw in some of those pictures.
- Just are we having an impact on the consumer's perception of dairy and dairy farming?
- They have many workers that have been on their farm, you know, 20, 30 years, herds managers that have
Committee:
Senate Agricultural Affairs
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- My farm has been and will be family since 19?
- It disrupts the farming community of other testifiers.
- And you can probably hear that word, farming. That's what this conversation should be about.
- Us farming right next to this project.
- Us farming right next to this project.
Committee:
House Legacy Finance
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- When they went between the 2014 Farm Bill and 2018 Farm Bill, they specifically added language to allow
- Program and other things through the farm bill, like she was saying, we finally figured out a farm, and
- In the bill, does the bill... say if you are farming, right, and you're farming for consumables, or that
- It doesn't... to really speak to farming.
- He's had a number of failed crops, so farming is hard. Part, including hemp farming, right?
Committee:
House State Affairs
Keywords:
hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, next we have Farm Bureau. I don't see Farm Bureau. Oh, he's here.
- Okay, next we have Farm Bureau. I don't see Farm Bureau. Oh, he's here.
- Okay, next we have Farm Bureau. I don't see Farm Bureau. Oh, he's here.
- Okay, next we have Farm Bureau. I don't see Farm Bureau. Oh, he's here.
- Next we have Farm Bureau in >> Okay. Next we have Farm Bureau in support.
Bills:
HB1817 , HB2056 , HB2616 , HB1718 , HB1842 , HB1740 , HB1919 , HB1616 , HB1774 , HB1984 , HB1603 , HB2171
Committee:
House Water & Land
Keywords:
fishing regulation, ʻamaʻama, striped mullet, bag limit, overfishing, Hawaii fisheries, funding, appropriations, Honolulu, housing, construction, grant-in-aid, community development, Banyan Drive, Hawaii community development authority, cultural revitalization, special fund, public safety, economic development, affordable housing
Summary:
The committee heard HB 1817, which would create a daily bag limit for amaa/ama fish to protect Hawaii’s fisheries. DLNR said the biggest stressor on amaa populations is diversion of freshwater flows that cut off food sources for juvenile fish, and suggested that place-by-place rulemaking with fishers and stakeholders would be the most effective approach. A teacher and several Waialua Elementary students testified in strong support, describing research on declining catch data, cultural importance, and the need to preserve the fish for future generations. Other supporters said the fish is being outcompeted by invasive species and cited historical declines, including testimony that bag limits in Hilo Bay have helped increase populations.
Committee members asked DLNR about traditional and cultural gathering rights, whether the bill’s bag limit would apply to native Hawaiian practices, and whether the limit was 10 per day or per season. DLNR said constitutional Hawaiian practices are protected, but also noted that if the bag limit is set in statute it would limit the department’s flexibility to tailor rules by area. Members also asked about other conservation efforts, and DLNR said fish pond revitalization and amaa production are underway statewide. One member raised concern that a statewide statutory limit might not fit conditions on every island, and DLNR said it has authority to adopt area-specific rules through rulemaking, though that process can take months to more than a year.
The committee then moved to HP 206, an appropriations measure for the City and County of Honolulu involving school land transfers, and HP 266B relating to Banyan Drive. On HP 206, the county said the request is a one-time item and estimated costs were about $3.25 million, with the city and county already spending more than $350,000 on the transfers. On HP 266B, HCDA said it is conducting a master planning effort for Banyan Drive and plans a community visioning exercise this summer. Testimony from the Banyan Drive redevelopment agency emphasized the need for more flexible land-tenure rules, while OHA supported the bill with amendments to include cultural specialists and lineal descendants in the redevelopment process and to protect ceded lands. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- We know how important agriculture and farming is to this state.
- We have made you have the most comprehensive farm bureau plan, and I know the chairman has seen a copy
- of those other Farm Bureau plans, but I can... those other Farm Bureau plans, but I can represent to
- Any of the Farm Bureau plans that are administered with the Tennessee Farm Bureau have no annual cap.
- The prompt pay law, and you don't see that in the other Farm Bureau plans.
Committee:
House Public Safety and Homeland Security
Keywords:
emergency vehicles, off-road vehicles, public safety, liability, regulations, background check, criminal history, biometric identifiers, fingerprints, iris scan, palm print, photograph, rap back, NGI Rap Back, ALEA, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, AJIC, Alabama Justice Information Commission, employment screening, licensing
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (04/21/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not the sod farm, but it's near the sod farm.
- c> farm.
- </c> raised was about having a sludge farm raised was about having a sludge farm and<01:14:42.560><c>
- Uh, and when it's on the farm, it is likely to cycle through on the farm.
- ,</c> with it. uh and when it's on the farm, with it. uh and when it's on the farm, it<01:22:00.480><
Committee:
Senate Energy and Natural Resources
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Mar 5, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> families,</c><00:26:52.000><c> and</c> exposing farm workers, families, and exposing farm workers
- These farmers are farming.
- </c> here on behalf of the Hawaii Farm. here on behalf of the Hawaii Farm.
- , who are producing, to continue farming, who are producing, to continue to<00:49:29.440><c> farm,</c
- </c> to encourage them to continue to farm. to encourage them to continue to farm.
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1531, HD1, which would require the governor or county mayors to provide American Sign Language interpreters during official emergency announcements broadcast on television or the internet, ensure the interpreter is visible, and provide a primary pool feed with picture-in-picture so rebroadcasters would not need to add the feature themselves. Testimony from the Disability and Communication Access Board and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities strongly supported the bill, emphasizing effective communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents and noting that interpreter placement and size can make broadcasts inaccessible. The council requested an effective date of July 1, 2027 to allow implementation time. Members raised concerns about interpreter availability and emergency logistics on Hawaiʻi Island, but the chair moved to pass the bill with amendments reflecting the picture-in-picture recommendation and the later effective date. The committee adopted the motion, with several members voting aye and others voting with reservations.
The committee then heard House Bill 1880, HD2, which would prohibit, beginning January 1, 2027, the use or application of pesticides containing 1,3-dichloropropene, such as Telone. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that pesticides are already regulated at both the federal and state levels, with EPA risk assessments and state enforcement of label restrictions, reporting, and school-buffer requirements. The Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the bill, citing cancer and respiratory risks and arguing that safer alternatives exist. In opposition, Dole Food and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said Telone is important for controlling nematodes in pineapple production, that it is applied underground under EPA conditions, and that no comparable registered alternative exists for pineapple; they also said the bill’s 2027 start date is too short for growers to adjust. A representative from the Y Alliance for Progressive Action and Support supported the measure, citing statewide usage data and concerns about drift and chronic health impacts. Committee members questioned both sides about drift monitoring, groundwater impacts, alternative methods, and whether a transition period or research into resistant varieties could reduce reliance on the chemical.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 29th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- One, we're losing two farms a day in the state of Washington.
- a farm.
- This is exactly the kind of farm the state claims it wants to help.
- Bill Dewey with Taylor Shellfish Farms.
- This is really important in keeping our small farms in business.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources
Keywords:
agriculture, protection, state regulation, farmers, land use, sustainability, steelhead, conservation, wildlife, fishing, environmental protection, federal response, wildfire protection, community safety, infrastructure, natural resources, commercial shellfish, fees, fishing industry, regulations
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 26th, 2026 at 11:01 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Valerie Sullivan be presented to the full Senate for consideration as a member of the Board of the Farm
- that the Senate do hereby confirm the reappointment of Valerie Chasey Sullivan to the Board of the Farm
- She also worked for many years for Farm Credit in New Mexico, which I figured she had something to do
- Please welcome our newest member of the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. Mr.
- President, please welcome our newest member of the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. Mr.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Labor & Workplace Standards Jan 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Washington farm labor wages are already well above the national average.
- growing up on farms, and these farms are then directly accountable to them.
- Agriculture, farm workers deserve safe and fair treatment, we agree, but policies that push farms out
- Where are farm workers in the lineup? Do we know that?
- As you said, farm owners of Taicompe, I'm wondering what farm workers are.
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on several Labor and Workplace Standards bills. HB 2492 would require building and construction apprenticeship programs, beginning in 2027, to include two hours of behavioral health and wellness training covering topics such as suicide prevention, substance use disorder, recognizing distress, peer support, and connecting to resources. The prime sponsor and many labor, apprenticeship, and contractor witnesses supported the bill, describing high suicide and overdose rates in construction and sharing personal stories about losses and struggles in the trades. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing.
The committee then heard HB 2405, a Department of Labor and Industries request bill creating a pilot to allow earlier treatment for PTSD claims in workers’ compensation, including up to 11 treatment sessions before claim adjudication and limited follow-up treatment after closure. L&I and NFIB supported the measure as a way to speed treatment and reduce barriers, while one legal advocate supported it but raised technical concerns about pre-claim treatment and urged more focus on workplace prevention; another witness cautioned against emphasizing psychiatric drug treatment. The bill was heard only; no action was taken.
HB 2406 would expand L&I’s ability to send notices electronically, with opt-in/opt-out provisions and some changes to timing rules for workers’ compensation and WISHA notices. L&I supported the bill as a modernization measure, while labor and workers’ advocates opposed changes affecting workers’ compensation notices, arguing that email should not become the default for vulnerable workers who may miss deadlines. HB 2478 would give L&I discretion, rather than a mandate, to investigate wage complaints and allow penalties when the department initiates an investigation; L&I supported it as a more efficient enforcement tool, and the committee discussed how complaints would still be handled and communicated. Finally, HB 2471 would create a state collective bargaining framework for private-sector workers if federal labor law or the NLRB no longer covers them. Supporters said it would preserve organizing and dispute-resolution rights if federal protections fail, while agricultural employers and NFIB opposed it, arguing it would inappropriately apply to agriculture and small businesses, could disrupt perishable harvests, and should rely on secret-ballot elections rather than card check. No votes were taken on any of the bills in the hearing.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Hawaii<00:32:11.440><c> Farm</c><00:32:11.679><c> Bureau.</c> Hawaii Farm Bureau.
- Hawaii Farm Bureau.
- </c> HFNA, East County, East Aahu County Farm HFNA, East County, East Aahu County Farm Bureau,<00:33:
- </c> here on behalf of the Hoy Farm Bureau. here on behalf of the Hoy Farm Bureau.
- This is a Farm we're asking for Koi.
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 4 and began with announcements about committee protocol, including posting hearing notices and testimony earlier than required and using written HD1 drafts for more complex amendments. The chair also noted the new AV system and asked speakers to be clear because the microphones are sensitive. The committee then took up several University of Hawaiʻi-related measures, with most testimony coming from UH officials, state agencies, and advocacy groups, and no votes were taken in the portion provided.
HB 1596, relating to student basic needs support at the University of Hawaiʻi, drew support from UH, the Oʻahu Youth Action Board, and an individual. UH said it stood on its written testimony and could answer questions. HB 1597, relating to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research, received support from UH/JABSOM, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Hawaii Medical Association, and others; the Attorney General’s Office offered a procedural reminder about statewide concern. HB 1970, funding the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center and the Hawaii Tumor Registry, was supported by UH, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the Hawaii Medical Association, and others, with testimony emphasizing the registry’s role in cancer surveillance, prevention, and federal funding.
The committee also heard HB 1598, creating a Hawaii Climate Institute. UH testified in support, citing worsening drought, heat, sea level rise, and extreme weather, and said the institute would hire climate modelers and faculty across several schools. Members questioned funding, and UH said it would seek state startup money, possible green-fee support, and federal grants, noting recent federal cuts and the need for permanent positions. HB 1989, on water retention, was supported by UH as a study to slow runoff and improve aquifer recharge. HB 1951, on biosecurity, drew support from UH, DLNR, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, students, and other organizations; testimony stressed invasive species threats, the need for biocontrol research and containment capacity, and possible sites for a statewide facility. HB 1952, funding agricultural research station improvements on Kauaʻi, was supported by UH, the Farm Bureau, and others, with testimony noting aging facilities and the need to modernize stations across the islands. Finally, HB 2005, relating to language access, received UH support, with a UH representative noting that credit programs may fit best in a credit-bearing academic program and that Outreach College could be an option for noncredit programs.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- But our family farms are Thanks. ...helps feed millions globally.
- Participating farms and agribusinesses were notified on April 15th that their already approved grant
- Among these farms is Michigan's oldest farm.
- Westcroft Gardens and Farm has been owned and operated by the same family in Michigan since 1776.
- These grants were supposed to provide our farms with the opportunity to see their farm flourish for generations
Summary:
The Senate met with 27 members present and a quorum, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of motions, recesses, and introductions of bills. Several new bills were read and referred, including measures affecting the Income Tax Act, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, public utilities, nondisclosure agreements, data centers and community benefit agreements, zoning, Medicaid false claims, and the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Act, with referrals mainly to finance, energy and environment, and housing and human services committees.
In the Committee of the Whole, Senate Bills 592, 49, and 50 were reported without amendment and advanced. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bills 900, 820, 966, 967, 968, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, and 978. SB 900 dealt with the Vehicle Code, SB 820 with election law, SB 966 and SBs 974-978 with housing and insurance-related changes, and SB 967 with the Income Tax Act. SB 966, 967, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, and 978 all passed on 20-16 votes, while SB 900 passed 35-1.
Senate Bill 973, creating a state-based health insurance exchange as a nonprofit corporation, drew the most debate. Senators Weber, Lindsay, and Halk offered amendments, all of which were defeated after recorded votes; Weber argued for cost controls and consumer savings, while supporters said the bill would give Michigan more control over health care decisions and could lower premiums. Senator Irwin spoke in support of the housing-related package, saying it would help address the state’s housing shortage. Senate Bill 592, concerning the Corrections Code, was also passed after a 31-5 vote, with Senator Lindsay explaining his no vote as concern about how the bill treats juvenile offenders.
The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 133, urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to honor commitments to Michigan farmers participating in the Rural Energy for America Program. Senator McCann supported the resolution, citing farm losses from federal rollbacks, while Senator McBroom gave a strong no-vote explanation criticizing state energy policy and the resolution’s framing. The session ended with remarks recognizing Juneteenth and an anecdotal bipartisan exchange between senators before the chamber adjourned until June 23 at 10:00 a.m.