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.

Bills: SB6104 , SB6241 , SJM8015 , SB6318

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

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.

Keywords: 996, all

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.

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

Keywords: 910, house, all

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.

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was unable to get off the farm this morning, so he sends his apologies for not being able to be here
• We've seen farms, for various reasons, succession, economic factors, continue to consolidate and get
• So we have scholarship programs that we support dairy farm family young family members to go to college
• 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?

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee approved minutes from February 26 and March 3, 2026, then heard three House bills. House Bill 630 would move existing administrative-rule language on airborne control permits for predatory animals into statute without changing policy; the sponsor said the permits are free, limited to private property, and used for livestock, wildlife, or domestic animal protection rather than sport hunting. House Bill 631 would similarly codify current rule language on certificates of free sale for Idaho products, with the fee capped at $100 per certificate. Both bills drew no opposing testimony and were sent to the floor with due pass recommendations. The committee also heard House Bill 826 on the Idaho Honey Commission. The sponsor said the bill shifts regulatory authority from the commission to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, cleans up code, and reflects current practice under an existing memorandum of understanding. Testimony from the Idaho Honey Industry Association supported the bill, emphasizing the importance of the honey sector and noting that hobbyist beekeepers are not affected. Members asked about hobbyist thresholds, pesticide-related bee registration, and penalties; the sponsor and department explained that hobbyists remain exempt from commission funding, bee site registration is handled elsewhere in department rules, and the $10,000 penalty already exists while the misdemeanor provision is being removed. The committee passed the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. After the bills, Dairy West gave a presentation on its regional checkoff program covering Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Utah. Speakers described producer-funded promotion, research, school nutrition, sports sponsorships, retail promotion, farmer relations, sustainability outreach, and export development. They said Idaho remains the largest dairy-producing state in the region, with major exports to Mexico, Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, and emerging markets elsewhere. In response to questions, they said the industry relies heavily on immigrant labor and that the organization is not a lobbying group. The committee took no action on the presentation and adjourned after the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I learned from him about the plight of the farm workers.
• We can honor farm workers. We can honor the movement and la causa.
• labored in the farm fields, Hollandale and<00:15:39.480><c> Albert</c><00:15:40.160><c> Lea.
• There is Black farm laborers, you know, and so, it's about vocalizing the empowerment.
• There is black farm this movement.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• States, income from farming itself is often slim or negative.
• Most of the farms are small, less than 100 acres.
• And most of these farms are owned and run by families.
• And these farms have been passed down through generations.
• And then in addition to that, 15% of our farms are now bee-friendly farming certified.

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation was held at UC Davis and focused on how alternative proteins can support California agriculture, the bioeconomy, and farmers. Opening remarks from UC Davis leaders and committee members emphasized the university’s food science, fermentation, and sustainability strengths, and the state’s prior investments of $5 million for UC alternative protein research and an additional $1 million for ICAMP. Members framed the topic as a way to grow new markets, keep more value in-state, and address climate, food security, and commercialization challenges. The first panel featured Sana Beg of the Plant-Based Foods Institute, who argued that California agriculture and alternative proteins are complementary, not competing, and stressed that farmers are essential to the sector. She highlighted the need for ingredient processing capacity, technical assistance for growers, and predictable demand through public procurement, including schools, hospitals, and state facilities. Committee members asked about financing and market development, and Beg said guaranteed loans, grants, and state- and USDA-backed support could help de-risk investment and build the supply chain. The second panel focused on research and development. Beam Circular described the circular bioeconomy in the San Joaquin Valley, including efforts to turn agricultural residues into higher-value products, build shared infrastructure, and expand workforce training. ICAMP and UC ANR described UC Davis-centered research, pilot facilities, and a proposed plant innovation center to bridge lab-scale work to commercial manufacturing. USDA researchers discussed using byproducts such as brewer’s spent grain, tomato pomace, lima beans, and chickpeas for new food ingredients. Members repeatedly emphasized the importance of public R&D funding, consumer acceptance, and food-grade scale-up facilities. The final panel highlighted company perspectives from Optimized Foods and Blue Diamond Growers. Optimized Foods described using fungi fermentation to convert almond hulls, cocoa waste, and tomato pomace into protein-rich ingredients and stabilized nutrients. Blue Diamond outlined its grower cooperative model, sustainability practices, almond ingredient portfolio, and the Sacramento almond innovation center. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with discussion centered on research, commercialization, infrastructure, and market-building for California-grown alternative protein products.

Transcript Highlights:

• the United States, income from farming itself is often slim or negative.
• Most of the farms are small, less than 100 acres, and most of these farms are owned and run by families
• These farms have been passed down through generations.
• These farms have been passed down through generations. Next slide, please.
• And then in addition to that, 15% of our farms are now bee-friendly farming certified.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• farms and rural economies.
• Recent announcements to cut federal aid have left schools and family farms scrambling.
• We must reject these cuts and say yes to sustainable food infrastructure by connecting farms, schools
• farm-fresh schools, getting farm-fresh food coming to our schools and coming to our children who need
• farm-fresh schools, getting farm-fresh food coming to our schools and coming to our children who need

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then held its Latino Spirit Awards ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 16, proclaiming May 4–11, 2025 as Cinco de Mayo Week, after supportive remarks from several caucuses emphasizing Mexican history, women’s contributions, LGBTQ solidarity, Black and Brown unity, and AAPI and Jewish community support. The chamber then recognized 11 Latino Spirit honorees for achievements in human rights, business, arts, public service, community empowerment, health and science, environmental justice, philanthropy, and entertainment. After the ceremony, the Assembly returned to floor business and approved a series of measures. AB 60, banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products, passed 56–3. AJR 6, urging Congress to protect federal school meal and local food funding, drew extensive debate and broad bipartisan support; members cited child hunger, farm economies, and local food systems, and it passed 76–0 with 73 coauthors added. Other measures adopted included AB 679 on state park land acquisitions, AB 681 expanding Dream Loan Program caps for undocumented graduate students, AB 1224 on substitute teacher continuity, AB 831 on gaming technical changes, AB 259 extending Brown Act teleconferencing flexibility, AB 467 extending Los Angeles Neighborhood Council teleconferencing authority, and AB 519 targeting deceptive puppy mill sales. The chamber also passed AB 1522, an urgency Judiciary Committee bill protecting attorneys from politically motivated discipline and creating an expedited licensing path for some former federal attorneys, and AB 263, which extends temporary water flow requirements on the Shasta and Smith Rivers; that bill drew sharp disagreement over water rights, tribal participation, and impacts on farmers, but ultimately passed 51–16. Additional measures approved included AB 428 on pooled insurance for water corporations, AB 492 requiring notice to local jurisdictions when recovery treatment facilities are licensed, and AB 536 preserving colorectal cancer screening coverage. The Assembly also adopted a motion to suspend file notice so Appropriations could hear AB 379 on May 7.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a time visiting your your farm.
• May 30th in Fremont, New Hampshire and farm. That will be the whole committee.
• </c><00:21:12.480><c> That</c> in Fremont, New Hampshire and farm.
• That in Fremont, New Hampshire and farm.
• uh dairy research<00:21:42.880><c> farm.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session on SB 302, a bill requiring background checks for solid waste and hazardous waste facility owners. Members discussed and adopted amendment 2025-2219H, which incorporated language from prior Senate and House amendments, including provisions related to the siting evaluation committee and changes affecting landfill expansions and additional cells. The amendment also folded in language from HB 616, the animal cruelty/due process bill, which members said clarifies probable cause, imminent danger, temporary protective custody, and the role of the state veterinarian or designee in animal seizure decisions. Several members emphasized that the bill does not bar seizure of animals in emergencies or prevent nonprofits from fundraising, and that the changes are intended to strengthen due process and reduce conflicts of interest. The committee voted 12-0 to adopt the amendment. It then voted 12-0 to give SB 302 an OTPA recommendation with the amendment included. After the vote, the director raised a concern that the amendment appeared to eliminate the waste management council and related appeal provisions in the governing statutes; members acknowledged the issue and said it was intentional or at least acceptable to address later in committee of conference, where they expected further changes. The committee then agreed to place the bill on the consent calendar. After concluding the executive session, the committee discussed an afternoon field trip to research farms in Lee and Durham. They also accepted an invitation to visit a farm in Fremont on May 30 at 10:00 a.m., with the address provided as 63 South Road, Fremont, New Hampshire.

Transcript Highlights:

• which</c><01:05:21.840><c> um</c> farm and farm structures which um farm and farm structures which um
• We want to help farms.
• We want to help farms. it's a good idea. We want to help farms.
• ,</c> for farming, for farming, okay,<01:11:31.520><c> you</c><01:11:31.600><c> might</c><01:11:31.800
• </c><01:38:23.360><c> and</c> relative to the taxation of farm and relative to the taxation of farm and

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> as you know there's a lot of large farm as you know there's a lot of large farm equipment<00:33:
• BR Moto here on behalf of the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau. My apologies, Chair.
• Okay, how about this question: how many farms right now produce food under foreign entities?
• Brian Mamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau. Thank you. The Hawaii Farm Bureau was on testimony in support.
• c> teson</c><01:15:39.120><c> in</c> you CH the ho Farm was on teson in you CH the ho Farm was on teson

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered SB 1023, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and free-roaming cats, with funding sources including an income tax checkoff. The Department of Taxation had no substantive comment, while the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the measure but opposed any trap-neuter-release or re-release approach, saying spay-neuter is important but release does not reduce cats on the landscape. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about creating another special fund and tax checkoff, saying the fund may not meet statutory criteria and could create administrative burdens. The Hawaiian Humane Society strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently provides little funding for animal overpopulation control and that the measure would help nonprofits and align conservation and animal welfare goals. Several other supporters testified, including a cat sanctuary representative who described the need for a dedicated funding mechanism and a possible Oahu sanctuary to remove cats from sensitive areas. After questions about the effectiveness of trap-neuter-release and the need for alternative management tools, the committees voted to recommend passage with amendments, including blanking appropriation amounts, moving them into the committee report, setting the effective date to July 1, 2050, and noting Budget and Finance concerns; the recommendations were adopted in both committees, with some members voting with reservations. The hearing then moved to SB 1120, relating to transportation and a clean fuel standard. The Department of Transportation said it supported the intent but wanted more information on economic impacts. Electrify America and Neste supported the bill, saying a clean fuel standard would help finance EV charging, encourage investment, and expand lower-carbon fuel options such as renewable diesel. In response to questions from senators about rural and agricultural transportation needs, witnesses said the standard could support both electrification where feasible and cleaner liquid fuels in the interim for equipment that cannot yet be electrified. DOT also described county transit efforts and said it was working with Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island on assessments for zero-emission bus replacement and charging infrastructure. The committees also heard testimony on SB 586, relating to climate change and zero-emission buses by 2045, with the State Procurement Office supporting the intent but suggesting the language be moved to a different statute; DOT said it was providing pass-through funding to counties and had some zero-emission bus purchases and charging stations on order. The discussion emphasized infrastructure costs and implementation challenges, but no final vote on SB 1120 or SB 586 was described in the transcript excerpt.

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.
• detail in your witness farm.
• Where does the center stand on the solar panel farms that are going up around the state?
• Thank you for turning your way as farm. Begin when you're ready. All right.

Committee: House Conservation and Natural Resources

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in the 1980s, my granddad's dairy farm went bust, like many of the small dairy farms back then.
• sell legally from the farm.
• I didn't realize we were trying to sell this at the farm store.
• Representative Hardin, I have no issues with people going to the farm and buying.
• I didn't realize we were trying to sell this at the farm store.

Bills: HB3329 , HR1039 , HR1040 , HB3413 , HB3414 , HB3415 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3418 , HB3419 , HB3420 , HB3706 , HB3711 , HB4139 , HB1268 , HB3660 , HJR1023 , HB3298 , HB3056 , HJR1084 , HB3934 , HB3919 , HB4118 , HB4119 , HB3791 , HB4260 , HB4178 , HB4215 , HB4324 , HB3270 , HB4352 , HB4305 , HB2955 , HB3315 , HB3066 , HB1245 , HB4125 , HB3075 , HB3129 , HB3239 , HB4153 , HB3265 , HB4491 , SB680 , HB4263 , HB4268 , HB1675 , HB3885 , HB2984 , HB3697 , HB2959 , HB3671 , HB3852 , HB2933 , HB3057 , HB3802 , HB4294 , HB4285 , HB3708 , HB3979 , HB3977 , HB3986 , HB3985 , HB3588 , HB3742 , HB3845 , HJR1070 , HB3590 , HB3595 , HB3391 , HB3183 , HB3764 , HB3765 , HB1002 , HB4434 , HJR1086 , HB4060 , HB3881 , HB3500 , HB4408 , HB3648 , HB3127 , HB3606

Keywords: long-term care, advisory board, sunset legislation, mental health, psychologists, University of Oklahoma, gymnastics, NCAA, congratulations, sports excellence, recognition, honor, athletics, Joseph Castiglione, leadership, education, sports management, HB3413, public finance, state budget

Summary: The House met in session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then held an extended OU Day presentation recognizing the University of Oklahoma women’s gymnastics team for its 2025 national championship and honoring athletic director Joseph Castiglione. OU President Joseph Harris and Castiglione both spoke about the university’s growth, affordability efforts, health care expansion, and research progress, and the championship team was introduced and thanked the Legislature for its support. The chamber also received several gallery introductions, including visitors from Stigler, North Rock Creek, and Charles Page High School, along with the Doctor and Nurse of the Day. The floor then took up a package of public finance and procurement bills sponsored by Representative Strom. House Bills 3413 through 3420 focused on transparency, contract reporting, subcontractor disclosure, post-contract assessments, central purchasing rules, restrictions on bid information sharing, and limits on pilot programs and CIO contract justifications. Each bill was advanced and passed, with vote totals ranging from 87-95 in favor and only a few nays on some measures. Strom described the package as a response to audit findings and concerns about fraud, waste, and abuse in state and local spending. The House also passed several other measures. House Bill 3706, as amended, requires more elementary school math instruction time and drew questions about balance with reading and other subjects; it passed 74-19, and its emergency was approved. House Bill 3711 requires school districts to post instructional spending percentages and include them in bond materials, passing 79-16 with the emergency clause approved. House Bill 4139 created the Oklahoma Home Service Transparency Act and passed 89-5. House Bill 1268 created a deferred option retirement plan for certain emergency responders and law enforcement personnel and passed 92-1 after a title strike request. House Bill 3660, concerning natural organic reduction/cremation, passed 59-37 after debate over licensing and public health concerns. House Joint Resolution 1023 updating the workers’ compensation fee schedule passed unanimously, and House Bill 3298 standardizing judicial interviews of children in family proceedings passed 95-0. House Bill 3056, allowing sales of unpasteurized milk at farms, feed stores, and farmers markets, prompted extensive debate over safety, labeling, liability, and market access, but ultimately passed 43-11. The House then recessed until 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> they were having a hearing on the farm they were having a hearing on the farm bill<00:13:38.639>
• </c> that, you need to get a poultry farm. that, you need to get a poultry farm.
• , farm store or their residents farm, farm store or stand<04:35:59.760><c> or</c><04:35:59.920><c> to
• about farm animals, and to learn farm practices.
• <c> learn</c> learn about farm animals and to learn learn about farm animals and to learn farm<05:42:

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a farming state. So it looks like to me that I don't know. Farming state.
• , but it becomes critical if your farm is affected.
• LA Farm Bureau and Annie Brown, Elie Farm Bureau in support.
• Diesel cost for farm use is $5 a gallon.
• You guys are an amazing resource to the farming industry.

Committee: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and welcomed a new member, then took up a series of agriculture-related bills, many focused on Louisiana seafood and producer protections. HB 121 by Rep. Domain would let the Department of Agriculture and Forestry seize and destroy adulterated imported seafood after a stop order, rather than relying on another agency to do it; the commissioner said the bill would improve enforcement without adding major cost, and it was reported favorably. HB 725, also by Rep. Domain, was amended to require retailers to keep invoices for imported seafood for six months so inspectors can verify country of origin and labeling; the committee adopted the technical amendment and reported the bill favorably. HB 367, dealing with Structural Pest Control Commission hearing notices, was described as a technical change to align notice procedures with the Administrative Procedure Act and was also reported favorably. HB 505, on certification cards for commercial applicators, pesticide salespersons, and agricultural consultants, was amended to keep unexpended pesticide fund money in the fund and streamline renewal timing; it too passed favorably. The committee then considered several measures aimed at protecting farmers from market losses. HB 344 by Rep. Coates raised the Grain and Cotton Indemnity Fund thresholds for suspending and restarting assessments, with the commissioner explaining that recent bankruptcies and broker failures had shown the need for a larger reserve; the bill was reported favorably. HB 370, a follow-up measure on the same fund, increased the assessment rate on agricultural commodities so the fund could grow faster, and it also passed without objection. HB 847, on Soil and Water Conservation Commission district supervisor elections, was amended to require certified nominating petitions, shift election administration to the Secretary of State, and remove outdated statewide election language; supporters said the change would modernize a system that had become costly and unwieldy, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 370 and HB 847 drew discussion about ballot access, election administration, and the nonpartisan nature of soil and water districts. The meeting also included a lengthy agriculture update from Commissioner Strain and a presentation from LSU Ag Center Dean Matt Lee. Strain discussed seafood imports, labeling enforcement, shrimp industry promotion, feral swine damage, fertilizer and diesel cost pressures, pesticide disposal, and export markets for rice and timber, emphasizing that Louisiana agriculture depends on testing, marketing, and international trade. Lee reported that LSU Ag Center research is ranked among the nation’s top agricultural programs, with major work in sugarcane variety development, and said the center’s research generates substantial economic returns for Louisiana producers. Several industry representatives, including Louisiana Farm Bureau and LSU Ag Center staff, spoke in support of the bills and the state’s agricultural programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• My brother and I co-own and operate that farm. I am here representing my farm, Current Farms.
• , our farm program currently has two employees, myself and a farm lead.
• farm lead.
• I'm also farm owner and operator of Rude Becky Farm.
• viability and farm failure.

Bills: HCR41 , HB11 , HB227 , HB243 , HB278 , HB335 , HB424 , HB454 , HB455 , HB492 , HB623 , HB641 , HB660 , HB708 , HB719 , HB940 , HB1029 , HB1053 , HB1069 , HB1077

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: coupons, rebates, alcohol regulation, malt beverages, Louisiana Department of Revenue, remembrance, Charlie Kirk, state recognition, October 14, memorial day, court filings, electronic filing, letter size paper, privacy, legal procedure, recusal, district attorney, substitute attorney, appointment process, legal proceedings

Transcript Highlights:

• There's the oyster mariculture by encouraging the growth of the Texas farm raised oyster industry by
• By choosing farm-raised oysters, helping to reduce the pressure on wild oysters' populations, it's a
• Uh, 90% of these sustaining Texas farmed oysters sustainably raised.
• Gulf Coast farm raised oysters or either East Coast oysters that can come into the state.
• They take great care in the way that they farm them, and they come in much cleaner, um.

Bills: HB104

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tax rate election, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, de minimis rate, local government, special district, tax increase, tax notice, public hearing, tax code, Health and Safety Code, Texas property taxes, taxing unit, election threshold, two-thirds vote, majority vote, budget approval

Transcript Highlights:

• This year, over 160 New York farms are opening their doors for Maple Weekend, and I can tell you from
• Several of my district include Maple Leaf Sugar, Suca Farms in Dover Plains, New Beginning...
• THIS YEAR OVER 160 NEW YORK FARMS ARE OPENING THEIR DOORS FOR MAIN 8 WEEKEND.
• Several of my district include Maple Leaf Sugar, Suca Farms in Dover Plains, New Beginning...
• SEVERAL OF MY DISTRICT INCLUDE MAPLE LEAF SUGAR, SUCA FARMS IN DOVER PLAINS, NEW BEGINNING Farms and

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, and then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing individuals, communities, and state traditions. The chamber honored Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis posthumously after his Medal of Honor recognition, with remarks from Senator Scarcella-Spanton and others praising his sacrifice and welcoming his parents. Senators also celebrated New York maple producers and Maple Weekends, Bangladesh Independence Day and the contributions of Bangladeshi New Yorkers, York Middle/High School girls varsity volleyball for winning a state championship, Pavilion/York Air Rifle for winning the state invitational championship, and Tartan Day. These resolutions were adopted, and the sponsors opened them for co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved through the regular calendar and passed multiple bills, including measures on environmental conservation, personal property, agriculture and markets, insurance, state law, executive law, workers’ compensation, election law, correction law, public health, and parks/historic preservation. Most passed with broad support, though some drew a handful of negative votes. One bill on election law, allowing certain 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they will be 18 by the general election, prompted supportive floor debate from several senators and passed 43-17. Another bill on correction law also passed after debate. A notable controversy arose over Calendar 227, a Public Authorities Law bill related to school energy planning and electric buses. Senator Borrello challenged an amendment as nongermane, the Chair ruled against it, and the Senate voted 22-0 to sustain the ruling. The underlying bill then passed, despite criticism from senators who argued the state should repeal the electric bus mandate and instead study safer, more practical alternatives for school districts. The Senate then completed its business and adjourned until March 24 at 3:00 p.m.