Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here on House Bill 999 in regard to the deer population and controlling the deer population.
• , but we need to kill more deer.
• Would you support taking the, taking antlerless deer, like does, as well as the antlered deer?
• The deer population in Massachusetts is quite large.
• Because deer-skin products would still be allowed.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered a wide range of animal, wildlife, hunting, and environmental bills. Early testimony focused on deer management, with Rep. Markey urging creation of a deer commission to address crop damage, vehicle collisions, and Lyme disease, and Sen. Durant supporting bills to allow Sunday bow hunting, expand crossbow use, and reduce the 500-foot dwelling restriction for archery hunting. Supporters framed these measures as practical wildlife-management tools, while questions centered on how they would differ from existing Fish and Wildlife authority and whether they would allow hunting closer to residences. Later, Rep. Sena also spoke in support of a bill to increase protected wildlife management areas and another to require non-lead ammunition, arguing both would benefit biodiversity and reduce environmental harm. A substantial portion of the hearing addressed animal welfare and commerce. Multiple witnesses supported bills to ban or phase out the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops, arguing that pet stores rely on puppy mills and obscure the source of animals, while opponents said the bills would hurt responsible breeders, small businesses, and consumer choice. The committee also heard strong testimony for bills to ban the sale of cats and dogs in pet shops, with supporters citing sick animals, consumer deception, and the need to cut off the puppy mill supply chain. In a separate animal-testing segment, witnesses backed bills requiring non-animal testing methods for cosmetics and household products, saying alternatives are more accurate and humane; biomedical research representatives opposed those bills and a related research-animal measure, warning of unintended restrictions on research institutions and arguing animal models remain necessary for many studies. The committee also heard testimony on horseshoe crab conservation, with supporters of H. 898 urging an end to taking horseshoe crabs for bait because of population declines, shorebird impacts, and the species’ importance to biomedical science. On wildlife trafficking, witnesses backed bills to ban intrastate sales of ivory and rhino horn, saying Massachusetts should close loopholes that aid poaching and align with federal law and other states; one antique dealer testified in support, saying he avoids such items and still sees them in the marketplace. Additional testimony supported bans on fur products from factory farms and on force-feeding birds for foie gras, with advocates emphasizing cruelty, public health, and environmental concerns. The hearing was lengthy and heavily attended, with the chairs repeatedly limiting testimony to three minutes and inviting written submissions; no committee votes or final actions were taken during the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• disease to the state's white-tailed deer disease to the state's white-tailed deer herd<00:26:34.720
• deer hunters are not paying for our deer deer hunters are not paying for our deer farm<00:57:34.880
• Uh as you on deer farms on mortality.
• Uh deer feeding bands are for testing.
• if we weren't able to work with the deer if we weren't able to work with the deer hunters<01:08:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• like moose, white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, red deer, and reindeer.
• With deer, we’re kind of near the northern limit of deer range.
• With deer, we’re kind of near the northern limit of deer range.
• With deer, we’re kind of near the northern limit of deer range.
• is um so deer is an example so with deer is um so deer is an example so with deer we're<02:23:37.960

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1334, relating to meat donation, exempts the donation of wild game meat, including axis deer, to a
• It helps reduce our invasive species, such as axis deer, even feral pigs, even goats on Hawaii Island
• It helps reduce our invasive species, such as axis deer, even feral pigs, even goats on Hawaii Island
• We submitted testimony in support of this measure because the invasive deer issue negatively impacts
• We submitted testimony in support of this measure because the invasive deer issue negatively impacts

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the different types of situations for both elk and white-tailed deer where we've got damage
• And then vegetable farms, of course deer love vegetable farms and gardens, so a big problem.
• c> farms<01:18:23.120> and course uh deer love vegetable farms and course uh deer love vegetable
• I mean, obviously it's not covering elk, so it would be very difficult to cover anything for deer.
• as there is for elk. compensation for deer damage as well as compensation for deer damage as well as

Bills: HF601, HF271, HF1101, HF979

Keywords: agriculture, depredation compensation, livestock, crop damage, elk, wolves, wildlife management, skills path program, career and technical education, CTE, dual credit, postsecondary options enrollment, apprenticeship, apprenticeship readiness, dual training, work-based learning, career pathways, skilled trades, workforce development, high school to career

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Du, we have The great honor of recognizing an extraordinary group of student athletes from Deer
• This past fall, the Deer Creek Boys cross-country team once again brought home the class 6A state championship
• Aidan Taylor, I would also like to recognize the Deer Creek girls cross-country team who are with us
• Head coach David Yden has led the Deer Creek cross-country program for more than 20 years.
• team to the House floor. from the Deer Creek cross-country team to the House floor.

Bills: HR1052, SB2184, SB171

Keywords: 4-H, youth development, community service, education, volunteering, Oklahoma, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, SB171, state government, Capitol security, peace officer commission, legislative security, Department of Public Safety, Commissioner of Public Safety, President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House

Transcript Highlights:

• breed their deer.
• Deer farmers are already doing it. But the state of Minnesota is trying to shut deer farms down.
• breed their deer.
• Deer farmers are already doing it. But the state of Minnesota is trying to shut deer farms down.
• breed their deer.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today I want to introduce you to one of our John Deere Tech students.
• Gavin, the John Deere program you referenced—yes.
• So thank you to Gavin and to the John Deere program. NDSCS is doing great things.
• John Deere—this is just an example that we are one of two John Deere platinum programs in the country
• They have a John Deere dealer that they partner with, but they don't have the John Deere program.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We can treat the white-tailed deer; we feed them ivermectin-treated corn.
• We can treat the, the white-tailed deer. They, we feed them ivermectin treated corn.
• So we're over those species, and Parks is over the white-tailed deer and the mule deer, but it can affect
• We're in charge of, or we have authority over, the exotic susceptible species, the elk, the red deer
• So we're over those species, and Parks is over the white-tailed deer and the mule deer, but it can affect

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present to hear Article VI Natural Resources agency budget recommendations, beginning with the Railroad Commission. LBB staff summarized the commission’s 2026-27 base recommendation at $458.7 million, down from the prior biennium, with an increased FTE cap. The presentation highlighted reduced federal IIJA funding, volatility in oil and gas regulation account 5155, continued support for IT modernization, and rider changes. The commission’s major exceptional items were then presented, including requests for produced water and injection data reporting, an authorized pit registration system, regulatory filing/permitting upgrades, an underground injection well investigation team, site remediation support, and especially $100 million for orphan well plugging. Members asked about biennium-to-biennium comparisons, salary biennialization, the scale of orphan well risks, federal funding delays, bonding, and whether the state should rely more on industry or general revenue for plugging costs. Commission leadership explained that orphan wells can threaten water and public safety, that plugging costs have risen sharply, and that current funding is insufficient to keep up with emergency wells and the backlog; they also said the agency is moving to cloud-based systems with cybersecurity protections and that the proposed performance measure may need adjustment if funding does not increase. The Railroad Commission testimony was followed by LBB and agency testimony for the Texas Animal Health Commission. LBB described a $42 million recommendation for 2026-27, an increase overall, but with a reduced FTE cap due to turnover and salary reallocation. The recommendation maintained funding for cattle fever tick work, chronic wasting disease, lab testing through an MOU with Texas A&M’s veterinary diagnostic lab, and a new $5 million spay-and-neuter pilot program, while deleting a capital budget rider and adjusting riders tied to entry point inspection stations and clinical trials. Agency leadership then outlined the commission’s mission to protect livestock health and the state’s $22 billion animal industry, and described major disease threats including highly pathogenic avian influenza, cattle fever ticks, New World screwworm, and chronic wasting disease. Their exceptional items focused on recruiting and retaining veterinarians, replacing fleet vehicles, creating an ectoparasite identification lab, adding field staff and IT support, improving records and epidemiology reporting, strengthening central administration, supporting secure food supply planning, expanding chronic wasting disease work, and staffing the new spay-and-neuter program. Members asked about field identification of ticks, the use of disinfectants and PPE, fleet management, the scale of cattle fever tick risk, and chronic wasting disease; the agency explained its current inspection and lab-confirmation process, its reliance on field disinfecting and biosecurity, and the need for more staff and better data systems to keep pace with growing workloads and disease threats.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hader and Duel, we have the great honor of recognizing an extraordinary group of student athletes from Deer
• I would also like to recognize the Deer Creek Girls Cross Country team, who are with us today as well
• Head coach David Ryden has led the Deer Creek Cross Country program for more than 20 years.
• Head coach David Ryden has led the Deer Creek Cross Country program for more than 20 years, guiding the
• Members, please join us in congratulating and welcoming these student athletes from the Deer Creek Cross

Summary: The House convened, the roll was called, and the chamber proceeded with its customary opening order of business, including an invocation by Chaplain Ronnie Wilson and the Pledge of Allegiance. The prayer focused on forgiveness, using the biblical story of Joseph to emphasize turning harm into good. The House also recognized Auctioneer Day at the Capitol, with a presentation featuring Oklahoma auctioneers and a live auction demonstration, and later honored Deer Creek High School’s boys and girls cross-country teams for their state-level success, including the boys’ Class 6A championship and the girls’ strong finish. Members also received several introductions and recognitions, including former Representative Bill Gurley, Bristow Chamber Day visitors, Guthrie High School AP Government students, and Representative Culver’s family. The nurse of the day was Donna Reynolds, an emergency room manager at St. Anthony, recognized for more than 30 years in nursing, her response to the Oklahoma City bombing, and her advocacy for patient safety and organ donation. Representative Timmins honored the Millwood boys basketball team and coach Nate Jones for winning a third straight state championship and for the program’s long record of success, including Isaiah Wilkes’ Gatorade Player of the Year recognition. No legislation was debated or voted on in the transcript provided. The House concluded with a motion to adjourn, and members agreed to adjourn until Monday, April 27, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're in the middle of our deer management, our five-year midpoint deer plan review.
• They've been living together, deer and wolves, for a long time.
• We are finding some new deer that have popped up.
• We are finding some new deer that have popped up.
• We are finding some new deer that have popped up.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Deer was recognized. Thank you for acknowledging that.
• Senator Deers, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr.
• Senator Deers, you're recognized.
• Senator Deers, you're recognized.
• Senator Deers, are recognized. Thank you.

Bills: SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080, SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923

Keywords: municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI

Transcript Highlights:

• Today I want to introduce you to one of our John Deere Tech students.
• Gavin, the John Deere program you referenced. Yes.
• said, ‘I’ve been doing this for—’” “John Deere, one of the dealers.
• John Deere—this is just an example that we are one of two John Deere platinum programs in the country
• They have a John Deere dealer that they partner with, but they don't have the John Deere program.

Summary: The committee reconvened at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Dr. Flanagan and college leaders about NDSCS’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce training, and facilities needs. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, growing enrollment, and new or expanding programs in aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker training, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also emphasized the college’s partnerships with industry, including John Deere, Fargo Jet Center, Sanford, and Comdel Innovation, and said NDSCS plans to seek approval next session for a revenue bond to build a new dorm and to remodel the library into academic and allied health space. Allied health dean Deb Smith testified that her division is at capacity and needs a simulation center, more lab and classroom space, and expanded dental and OTA facilities to meet demand and accreditation needs. Committee members questioned Flanagan and staff about workforce shortages, especially faculty pay, and whether the college can staff additional growth. Flanagan said the biggest challenge is recruiting instructors because industry pays more, but noted some health care and adjunct hiring is possible because of schedule flexibility and benefits. He also discussed shifting resources away from lower-demand programs like power sports toward higher-demand areas such as automotive and aviation maintenance. Members also asked about the college’s identity as a technical institution, with Flanagan arguing North Dakota would benefit from a more defined tech-school system. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs across subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, noting that dual credit and early entry account for about 5.9% of total credit hours and 2.7% of formula funding. The analysis showed subsidized dual credit tuition revenue of about $5.5 million and unsubsidized revenue of about $2.9 million, with some institutions showing margins and others losses depending on the model. Members discussed whether K-12 funding should also be reflected, how payments to high schools and teachers are structured, and whether tuition-free dual credit would require replacing both tuition revenue and the current dual credit scholarship. No votes were taken; the committee simply received the presentations and discussed the findings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today I want to introduce you to one of our John Deere Tech students.
• Gavin, the John Deere program you referenced—yes.
• John Deere, one of the dealers. And he said, “I’ve been doing this for 10 years.
• John Deere—this is just an example that we are one of two John Deere platinum programs in the country
• They have a John Deere dealer that they partner with, but they don't have the John Deere program.

Summary: The committee met at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Flanagan and campus leaders on the college’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce programs, facilities needs, and industry partnerships. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, the college’s strategic plan, and new or expanding programs such as aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also described the need for a new dorm and a remodel of the library into academic and allied health space, including a simulation center, to address capacity limits and support growth. Several committee members asked about program demand, faculty recruitment, pay competitiveness, and how the college shifts resources from lower-demand programs to high-demand ones. Industry partner Jim Albright of Comdell testified that the college has been essential to the local manufacturing workforce and that many employees and interns come from NDSCS. A major topic was dual credit. Flanagan said dual credit is important but financially challenging, noting that only a small share of dual credit students ultimately matriculate to NDSCS and that the college’s dual credit model is close to break-even. He explained that many dual credit credits are general education rather than CTE, and that the college pays instructors, supports high schools, and absorbs indirect costs. Williston State College President Bernal Herning added that his institution loses money on the front end but has shifted toward helping students complete associate degrees before high school graduation because many go directly to work after high school. Committee members questioned how dual credit is delivered, how instructors are qualified, and whether students are truly doing college-level work. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit statewide. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs and said the analysis shows dual credit is not profitable at several institutions once tuition, instructor payments, and overhead are included. Members asked how much of the cost is borne by students, families, and the state, and whether K-12 funding should also be considered. Discussion also covered the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, payments to high school teachers or schools, and the possibility of waiving tuition in the future. No votes were taken, and the committee mainly gathered information for the ongoing dual credit cost study.

Transcript Highlights:

• Everglades has been a John Deere dealer for over 62 years.
• Additionally, John Deere started to you. That's a memorandum of understanding.
• We have John Deere has a gender universities at tax come out of.
• And we too, have sold the John Deere Service adviser, the customer version.
• There is this memorandum of understanding the John Deere in several the other way.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Follow up, Senator Deers. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Follow up, Senator Deers. Thank you, Mr. President. And, Mr.
• Or or Follow up, Senator Deers. Thank you, Mr. President. So we're we can.
• Senator Deers, you're recognized for a question on the bill.
• Senator Deers, you're recognized for an additional question. Thank you.

Bills: SB1778, SB1570, SB134, SB1966, SB1636, SB1725, SB1726, SB259, SB504, SB592, SB2030, SB1572, SB843, SB1242, SB1255, SB1262, SB1264, SB1286, SB1581, SB1290, SB1316, SB1319, SB1369, SB1379, SB1381, SB1400, SB1427, SB1436, SB1461, SB1496, SB1509, SB1534, SB1553, SB904, SB1592, SB1645, SB1684, SB1767, SB1772, SB1813, SB1894, SB1928, SB1946, SB1980, SB2040, SB2060, SB2061

Keywords: reading instruction, literacy, educational equity, intervention services, third grade retention, Strong Readers Act, child welfare, child safety, administrative transition, Department of Child Safety and Well-being, Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, juvenile justice, foster care, retirement, public employees, reemployment, benefit adjustment, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, memorial highways, bridge designations

Transcript Highlights:

• deer hunting.
• hunting if they are deer hunting.
• So the argument, you know, do you really think deer hunters are not going to get a license to go deer
• And the moment they... ...really think deer hunters are not going to get licensed to go deer hunting,
• and the moment they shoot a deer, they become criminals?

Bills: HR223, HR224, HR225, HR226, HR227, HR228, HR229, HR230, HR231, HR232, HR233, HR234, HR235, HR236, HR237, HR238, HR239, HR240, HR241, HR242, HR243, HCR94, HCR95, HCR96, HCR97, HCR98, HCR99, HCR100, HR218, HR219, HR220, HR221, HR222, HCR91, HCR92, HCR93, SCR41, SCR42, SCR43, SCR44, SCR45, SCR46, SCR47, SCR48, SCR49, SCR50, SCR51, SCR52, SB259, SB347, SB398, SB469, SB483, SB518, HR37, HCR64, SCR11, SCR22, HB89, HB341, HB451, HB456, HB541, HB579, HB595, HB621, HB818, HB841, HB1064, HB1101, HB1165, HB1191, SB1, SB23, SB32, SB42, SB43, SB46, SB51, SB110, SB113, SB150, SB154, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB221, SB253, SB289, SB310, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB502, SB123, SB125, SB387, SB401, HB730, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, HCR63, HCR69, HCR86, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB175, HB198, HB437, HB457, HB488, HB646, HB763, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1089, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231, HB1246, HB1248, HB1249, HB276, HB508, HB512, HB599, HB632, HB656, HB998, HB1052, HB1084, HB1171, HB1193, HB1194, HB1204, HB1209, HB1250, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, SB2, SB19, SB24, SB50, SB70, SB96, SB101, SB103, SB104, SB114, SB122, SB159, SB160, SB173, SB180, SB182, SB260, SB412, SB418, SB424, SB442, SB460, SB476, HCR32, HB911, HB1223, HB798, HB824, HB989, HB1140, HB1166, HB1244, HB459, HB617, HB804, HB926, HB225, HB955, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB59, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1180, HB1203, HB1234, HB1240, SB89

Keywords: Southern Soul, Shreveport, tourism, economic development, cultural preservation, music history, Paul Hollis, United States Mint, Louisiana House of Representatives, commendation, honorary resolution, ceremonial resolution, public service, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, BESE, former legislator, Louisiana politics, recognition, tribute, House Resolution 224

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, prayer, pledge, and a series of personal privileges recognizing visitors and honorees, including Northside High students, the YMCA’s 175th anniversary, Literacy Day, Special Olympics Louisiana, a 75th wedding anniversary, police jurors, Young Marine Sergeant Valerie Uitt, Elmer’s, and other community guests. The chamber also received Senate messages, including refusal to concur in House amendments to SB 149, concurrence in several House measures, adoption of Senate resolutions, and passage of multiple Senate bills. House resolutions were introduced and many were adopted without objection, including measures honoring local events, organizations, and individuals, as well as resolutions on literacy, municipal day, firefighters appreciation, and sports-related commendations. Committee reports moved numerous House and Senate bills and resolutions forward, and members were urged to monitor the Senate calendar to ensure House bills had Senate sponsors before being returned late in session. Several bills were debated and passed. HB 175 created a Veterans Service Grant Fund funded by $500,000 annually from Louisiana Lottery net proceeds, overseen by a board within the Department of Veterans Affairs to award grants to eligible veteran-serving nonprofits, colleges, JROTC programs, veteran courts, and local governments; it passed after questions about the use of lottery proceeds and the role of nonprofits. HB 198 authorized ambulatory surgical centers to perform certain procedures and be reimbursed at Medicare rates, and HB 437 restricted expert witnesses from receiving contingency-style compensation tied to case outcomes after debate over ethics and whether the bill was necessary. HB 488 created the Bell Chase Bridge Merit-Based Special Fund to support the bridge toll buyback effort. HB 763 required a centralized public database of government settlement agreements and consent decrees, with confidentiality protections preserved, and passed after questions about sensitive cases. HB 989 required commercial health coverage for behavioral health crisis services, HB 971 addressed Medicaid reimbursement parity for rural health clinics, HB 981 created a law enforcement recruitment/retention incentive stipend for campus police at public postsecondary institutions, HB 1066 clarified that campus police are not eligible for state supplemental pay, and HB 1089 established care accounts for future medical expense awards, with amendments limiting certain case types and providing for reversion of unused funds. The House also reconsidered and defeated HB 225, a constitutional amendment to impose a lifetime gubernatorial term limit, and HB 730, concerning airport authority regulation of automatic dependent surveillance broadcast systems. Several resolutions were adopted, including HCR 76 continuing a health inequities task force, HJR 77 urging federal action on H-2B seasonal employer designation for the crawfish industry, HJR 67 creating a task force on military drivers without civilian licenses, and HCR 69 urging DOTD to study Interstate 12 safety improvements. The chamber adopted numerous additional commemorative resolutions and concurred in Senate resolutions recognizing sports figures, Mental Health Awareness Month, state observances, and school achievements. Overall, the day featured a mix of ceremonial recognitions, committee reporting, and floor action on veterans, health care, transparency, labor, transportation, law enforcement, and court-related legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• licensee to participate with the same privileges and restrictions as youth hunters in any special youth deer
• that provision, which would no longer allow a class XS licensee to participate in a special youth deer
• season. ...which would no longer allow a class XS licensee to participate in a special youth deer season
• this expand the opportunity for a youth or an individual with special needs to also harvest a buck deer
• eliminate the ability of a person that holds a class XS license to participate in the special youth deer

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Deer Control and<00:28:53.919> Benison<00:28:54.640> Initiative.
• The Maui Access Deer Control and Venison Initiative. Anybody on Zoom? Okay.
• The Maui Access Deer Control and this?
• This is the Maui access deer control and venison initiative.
• This is the Maui access deer HR1 192.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Larson, my first thought was this is a deer problem, not a farm problem.
• And the reason why is when a deer is infected with CWD, those prions are shed in its urine and feces
• Um, having grown up on a farm, when you see a herd of deer on the edge of a alfalfa field and if 60%
• first thought was this is a a deer first thought was this is a a deer problem,<00:27:07.279>
• <00:27:31.039> is the reason why is when a when a deer is the reason why is when a when a

Bills: HF2784, HF2785, HF2778, HF2281, HF2576, HF2280, HF2579

Keywords: beginning farmers, agriculture, loans, economic opportunity, farmers' equity, agriculture appropriations, farm to school, early care, child care food program, school lunch program, local food, Minnesota agriculture, food access, farm-to-institution, limited market access, county fairs, biofuels, E25, ethanol, meat processing