Transcript Highlights:

• You're right. You're right. Put them both together. My apologies.
• I think that my biggest concern right now is...
• Right. So as you said, the dollars are limited.
• Again, that puts us at that disadvantage, right?
• Again, that puts us at that disadvantage, right?

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the state of agricultural production in California, with opening remarks from the Senate and Assembly Agriculture Committee chairs and Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry emphasizing agriculture’s economic importance and the need for stronger state investment. They highlighted concerns about water scarcity, labor shortages, rising costs, extreme weather, tariffs, pesticide and regulatory pressures, and the lack of agricultural funding in recent climate-related allocations. Aguiar-Curry also urged immediate action on the glassy-winged sharpshooter outbreak, which CDFA said would cost about $18.5 million annually to detect, monitor, and eradicate. The first panel featured CDFA and the Department of Water Resources. CDFA described California agriculture as a $61.2 billion industry producing more than 400 commodities, but also noted farm bankruptcies, rising input and compliance costs, climate stress, trade issues, and crop removals in vineyards and almonds. DWR focused on hydrologic variability, snowpack decline, groundwater overdraft, subsidence, and SGMA implementation, and discussed tools such as forecast-informed reservoir operations, groundwater recharge, basin characterization, and the 2028 water plan update. Members asked about immediate legislative priorities, flood response after 2023, Prop. 4 and greenhouse gas reduction funding, and regulatory alignment; officials pointed to pest control, science-based water management, affordability, infrastructure, and better coordination across agencies. The second panel examined water, climate, and resource sustainability. PPIC presented estimates that SGMA, climate change, and environmental regulations could reduce irrigation water in the San Joaquin Valley by about 20% by 2040, potentially requiring 500,000 to 900,000 acres of fallowing and affecting billions in agricultural GDP and tens of thousands of jobs. UC Merced discussed practical adaptation tools including FIRO, managed aquifer recharge, on-farm recharge, land repurposing, agrivoltaics, and crop flexibility. The Agricultural Energy Consumers Association argued that energy costs are unsustainable, that electricity and natural gas rates are rising sharply, and that state programs supporting climate-smart agriculture, biomass, and food processing need more funding and coordination. Members and witnesses discussed how limited Prop. 4 and GGRF dollars might be used for recharge, conveyance, subsidence mitigation, and regulatory improvements. The final panel addressed workforce innovation and the future of food production. Industry representatives said food and fiber processors cannot pass along rising costs from energy, labor, workers’ compensation, packaging rules, and compliance mandates, and warned that SGMA-driven land fallowing, pest pressure, and abandoned orchards threaten small farms and processing jobs. The Almond Alliance called for periodic review of regulations, stronger invasive species response, and targeted support for orchard removal, ag burn alternatives, and water efficiency. The California Farmworker Foundation described its work providing health, education, and civil assistance services to farmworkers in multiple counties, including health navigation, field-based clinics, and food support, and stressed the needs of an aging labor force and food insecurity in rural communities. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members and witnesses discussing possible future legislation and funding priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's good news, right? We always like to see increases.
• You're right. Put them both together. My apologies.
• Right. So as you said, the dollars are limited.
• Again, that puts us at that disadvantage, right?
• Again, that puts us at that disadvantage, right?

Transcript Highlights:

• to cost, right?
• You're going to adjudicate 1907 water rights, or pre-1907 water rights.
• Because if I owned any water rights along the way and had adjudicated water rights, my water rights are
• The Elephant Butte Irrigation Districts are right now litigating whether they have a senior right, but
• But if they don't... have the groundwater right, then yeah, there's not a lot of irrigating you can do

Transcript Highlights:

• All right.
• My parents have the right to organize.
• Human Rights Commission.
• I am the executive director of Care Washington, a civil rights organization which protects the rights
• I am the executive director of Care Washington, a civil rights organization, which protects the rights

Bills: SB6045 , SB6188 , SB6053 , SB5852

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: agriculture, collective bargaining, labor relations, public employment, agricultural employees, SB 6188, asbestos, asbestos training, asbestos certification, asbestos worker, asbestos supervisor, Department of Labor and Industries, L&I, rulemaking authority, occupational safety, workplace safety, hazardous materials, abatement, encapsulation, removal

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, the irrigation fund is funded by monies from water users.
• The East Kawai irrigation system, Kawai ADC COC irrigation is Kawai, and the Kaha irrigation is Kawai
• I appreciate the clarification. irrigation system Kawai ADC COC irrigation system Kawai ADC COC irrigation
• is Kawai and the kaha irrigation is Kawai and the kaha irrigation<00:29:53.480><c> is</c><00:29:53.679
• </c> is what we have listed okay all right is what we have listed okay all right well<01:24:08.000><c

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:

• It's all right. I get it. It's all right. Mental health matters.
• is that called, community ditch irrigation infrastructure or the Irrigation Works Construction Fund,
• Irrigation Works Construction Fund.
• This irrigation I've got the story right or not.
• water rights work.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right.
• You don't say that right? All right.
• You've got to have short intervals, short irrigation intervals, multiple irrigation events over the course
• You've got to have short intervals, short irrigation intervals, multiple irrigation events over the course
• You've got to have short intervals, short irrigation intervals, multiple irrigation events over the course

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and heard three presentations focused on Florida aquaculture, agricultural nutrient reduction, and land preservation. First, clam farmer Tim Solano of Cedar Key described the economic and environmental importance of the state’s clam industry, noting Florida’s strong national production, the industry’s recovery role after the net ban, and the severe damage caused by recent hurricanes and red tide. He said the Dislocated Workers program helped farmers return to work and asked that existing state programs be written more broadly to include aquaculture. Oyster producer Canaan Greg of Pelican Oyster Company then discussed the growth of off-bottom oyster farming, the losses his industry suffered from Hurricane Michael and the pandemic, and the need for better access to recovery loans, student internships, local seed production, and waterfront protection. Members asked questions about leases, production, predators, and storm resilience, and the presenters emphasized that aquaculture is a sustainable, year-round industry that filters water and supports local economies. The committee next heard from UF/IFAS regional extension agent Dr. Bob Hockmouth on education, research, and extension efforts to reduce nitrogen in the Suwannee Valley Basin Management Action Plan area. He explained that the region’s agricultural load reduction target has increased from about 4.2 million to 5.8 million pounds of nitrogen, and that extension programs are helping farmers adopt practices such as precision fertilizer placement, soil moisture sensors, controlled-release fertilizer, petiole sap testing, and irrigation automation. He highlighted corn and watermelon as major examples, saying on-farm demonstrations and cost-share programs are essential because the equipment and technology are expensive. He reported substantial reductions from participating farms and said growers are generally cooperative when funding is available. Finally, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented an update on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program acquires development rights through voluntary conservation easements to keep working agricultural lands in production, protect water resources and wildlife habitat, and preserve taxable land without transferring ownership. The presenter said the program has expanded rapidly in the last two years, with more acreage acquired, faster application review, and more properties in the Florida wildlife corridor. He noted new online application and monitoring tools, a shortened review timeline, and stronger partnerships with federal and defense-related programs. Committee members asked about long-term maintenance responsibilities and the Board of Trustees approval process, and the presentation closed with support for continued funding and efficiency improvements before the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then he confessed right after that.'
• Some of these treaties also reserve certain rights to tribal members, such as the rights to engage in
• These rights Including hunting, fishing, gathering, and pasturing. These rights are federal law.
• The right to commerce was included also. I believe the tribal liaison position is huge right now.
• The liaison, right.

Bills: HB1982 , HB2156

Committee: House Community Safety

Keywords: Indian rights, treaty rights, convictions, tribal members, criminal justice reform, Attorney General, AG investigators, limited authority peace officer, peace officer certification, economic crimes, financial crimes, white-collar crime, fraud investigation, search warrant service, electronic service, business records, law enforcement authority, criminal background check, training requirements, Washington RCW

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature has previously adopted an exception to this five-month rule for irrigation districts,
• That's due to the length of the irrigation season.
• PERSI has applied the irrigation district exception broadly to the PERSI-eligible irrigation and drainage
• PERSI has applied the irrigation district exception broadly to the PERSI-eligible irrigation and drainage
• district' with 'irrigation or drainage entity' to clarify that all PERSI-eligible irrigation and drainage

Transcript Highlights:

• Right. The Water Trust Board... Right.
• water rights are at.
• amount on your water right.
• As long as I'm within the water right, the volume of water. Is that right?
• Is that right? So am I right? I'll just probably look to your experts.

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Summary: The committee heard several water-related bills and one memorial in a Saturday session near the end of the legislative term. House Bill 63, the annual NMFA Water Project Fund authorization bill, would authorize grants and loans for 113 eligible water projects across 28 counties. NMFA and municipal interests supported the bill, and members emphasized the need to move water infrastructure funding quickly. The committee voted unanimously do pass. House Bill 109 would temporarily remove the requirement for the legislature to separately authorize Water Trust Board-vetted projects through 2029, allowing the New Mexico Finance Authority and Water Trust Board to move projects forward more quickly. Sponsors and witnesses said the change would reduce a six- to 12-month delay, improve access for small and tribal systems, and allow more flexible application periods and technical assistance. Some members raised concerns about transparency, legislative authority, and equitable access, but the bill also received broad support from local governments, tribes, and advocacy groups. The committee voted unanimously do pass. House Bill 111 would modernize water enforcement penalties by increasing fines for illegal water use, including unlawful diversions, unlicensed well drilling, and failure to meter, while exempting valid water-right holders from monetary penalties for simple over-diversion and preserving existing adjudication orders. Support came from environmental groups, irrigation districts, the Interstate Stream Commission, the Pueblo of Laguna, and others, who said stronger penalties are needed to deter illegal use. Members questioned how the bill would affect farmers, acequias, service of notices, and existing water-right disputes, and sponsors said the bill had been revised to address prior concerns. The committee voted unanimously do pass. The committee also approved Senate Memorial 27, which urges state agencies to help publicize expanded federal RECA benefits for New Mexicans exposed to Trinity radiation fallout; supporters said the memorial would help eligible residents learn about and apply for compensation before the deadline.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, so he's right in the thick of the Amazon jungle. That's right.
• Yeah, so he's right in the thick of the Amazon jungle. That's right.
• All right.
• All right, committee.
• All right, committee.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, now, in those areas, they can no longer use those wells to irrigate.
• So people who have those rights, they'll keep them.
• with surface irrigation water.
• All right. I will follow up later. Thanks. I see no further questions. Mr.
• All right, thanks. Any other questions? I have a question.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• So, to his credit, he was at Penn Square Mall, I think, getting me a Valentine's gift, so all right,
• But you would be able to use, and especially this is mainly going to happen in irrigation.
• So your irrigators could use up to 200 percent of the... ...wet years.
• So your irrigators could use up to 200% of their use in one year.
• Am I reading that right? Thank you for that question. That is correct, Mr. Chairman.

Bills: HB2976 , HB4459 , HB3142 , HB4316 , HB4338 , HB4230

Committee: House Energy

Summary: The House Energy Committee met for its second scheduled meeting and announced it would need to meet again the following week because of bill reassignments and new agenda items. The committee first considered House Bill 2976, which requires the Department of Environmental Quality to promulgate water quality criteria rules for aluminum. An amendment was adopted to extend the rulemaking deadline to December 31, 2027, to allow time for an OU study on aluminum in water to be completed. The bill then passed 9-0. The committee next heard House Bill 4459, which would create a five-year averaging option for certain water users, mainly irrigators, allowing flexibility in annual use while requiring measurement and reporting over the five-year period. Members questioned whether the bill could encourage excessive use during drought years and whether it would improve reporting accuracy; the author said he was open to discussing a possible reduction from 200% to 150% and emphasized long-term aquifer conservation. HB 4459 was reported out due pass. House Bill 3142, described as a revised version of a bill vetoed last year, also passed unanimously after the author said it addressed the governor’s veto concerns. The committee then advanced House Bill 4316, which updates outdated language related to rural water districts and passed 11-0. House Bill 4338, the so-called Brine Act, was adopted with a PCS and would allow wastewater or produced water to be used in ways that could expand Oklahoma’s iodine production industry; the author said it would create value from material now disposed of and would not change disposal rules. Members asked about treatment and environmental safeguards, and the author said the bill only recognizes the activity as legal and does not mandate it. HB 4338 passed 11-0. Finally, House Bill 4230, which expands the ability to use qualified outside suppliers for training and technical assistance, passed 11-0 after brief questioning about who those suppliers might be.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, we are going to start with Senator Hamilton.
• Right now, when you steal something, the level of the crime is depending on how much money it's worth
• All right. And so, looking at this, are there other circumstances that this is allowed?
• So, in the interest of trying to be able to protect the right of the accused in their constitutional
• rights, is there any concern if we begin to allow propensity evidence in these cases.

Bills: HB1082 , HB1638 , HB3040 , HB3269 , HB3278 , HB3298 , HB3587 , HB3996 , HB4113 , HB4140 , HB4226 , HB4236 , HB4301 , HB4324 , HB4339 , HB4342 , HB4352 , SB1082

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: child custody, joint custody, best interest of the child, guardian ad litem, domestic violence, substance abuse, Governmental Tort Claims Act, definitions, torts, political subdivisions, governmental immunity, medical providers, sex offenders, safety zones, minors protection, loitering restrictions, criminal penalties, arrest warrant, criminal procedure, telephonic communication

Transcript Highlights:

• On the right we are showing irrigation permits.
• c><00:05:12.960><c> showing</c><00:05:13.440><c> irrigation</c> On the right we are showing irrigation
• On the right we are showing irrigation permits.<00:05:14.720><c> Now,</c><00:05:15.120><c> the</c><00
• All right.
• All right. &gt;&gt; Thank you, Chair Fischer. All right.

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We need rights.
• There is no right to try anything provided by this bill. All you get is a right to ask.
• to request, not a right to try.
• So, it's just a right to request.
• That's right, Senate Bill 57.

Bills: SB41 , SB33 , SB32 , SB30

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, individualized treatment, investigational treatment, health care, life-threatening illness, patient rights, physician recommendation, informed consent, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, child protection, prosecution, crime amendments, SB30, induced abortion, abortion reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• All right. All right. Sorry. Okay, members, I think we have everyone that we are going to have.
• All right. I can stop for questions right now. I'll start with Representative Duncan.
• All right. I can stop for questions right now. I'll start with Representative Duncan.
• Are we doing things right?
• All right.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• It takes a lot of people to get it right so that we don't.
• As you can see from the graph, right now irrigation has the largest water demand category, but it's projected
• In 2060, municipal demand is going to overtake irrigation.
• The agricultural production, basically irrigation, is declining.
• We talk about the drought of record, and that's our target, right?

Bills: SB7

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, the chair will reserve your right to close. Chairman Bell?
• We request the right to close and reserve the right to close.
• All right, seeing none, thank you. We will reserve your right to close.
• I respectfully request the right to close or reserve the right to close.
• All right, we will resume your right to close. The chair will now call Kevin Reed.

Bills: HB158 , HB714 , HB 1198 , HB1630 , HB1998 , HB3509 , HB3788 , HB3875 , HB3948 , HB3977 , HB4097 , HB4313 , HB4314 , HB4317 , HB158

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: housing, veterans, surplus government property, affordable housing, funding sources, housing assistance, homeless prevention, landlord incentives, rural housing, domestic violence, community development, tenant readiness, program participants, financial assistance, homelessness, rental support, Texas Tenant Readiness Program, tenant assistance, housing stability, Texas Department of Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we're having a hard time filling the irrigation district boards and those seats in those irrigation
• And so we're having a hard time filling the irrigation district boards and those seats in those irrigation
• Irrigation district boards and those seats in those irrigation district boards.
• I believe that hunting is a fundamental right that we have.
• All right. This is the Harriman agreement.

Committee: Senate State Affairs