Video & Transcript : 'conservation futures program' :
Page 93 of 500
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part II) Mar 5th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Local connections that this bill could strengthen and empower, such as the WIT program for tutoring and
- I am currently the Director of Operations for the WIT Program in San Angelo, Texas, where we provide
- What I found was when I started implementing some different programs to clean up properties and to help
Keywords:
SB 502, Texas peace officers, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC Office of Inspector General, OIG investigators, law enforcement classification, Schedule C, state employee benefits, injury benefits, peace officer status, commissioned officers, state auditor classification, Government Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, human services, health and human services, law enforcement compensation, public employee benefits, Texas state law enforcement, child welfare
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- family personally, uh, local connections that this bill could strengthen and empower, such as the WIT program
- I am currently the director of operations for the WIT Program in San Angelo, Texas, where we provide
- What I found was when I started implementing some different programs to clean up properties and to help
- That's what ERISA are the vendor drug program and, and the reason I bring it up because TRS and URS are
Keywords:
SB 502, Texas peace officers, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC Office of Inspector General, OIG investigators, law enforcement classification, Schedule C, state employee benefits, injury benefits, peace officer status, commissioned officers, state auditor classification, Government Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, human services, health and human services, law enforcement compensation, public employee benefits, Texas state law enforcement, child welfare
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- conservation projects and programs.
- , and science-based programs to support voluntary conservation activities and enhance the environmental
- Now moving to our performance measures related to conservation programs and services, you can see that
- In fiscal year 2025, our RCRDP loan program assisted with financing conservation projects that improved
- And so if I'm thinking about how I see conservation, it's not just a program, it's not just a fluffy
Summary:
The Senate Agricultural Committee opened by welcoming a BYU-Idaho agribusiness class visiting the committee, then took up a rule docket, 020601-2501. Senator Lakey moved to approve the docket except for section 112, new subsections 01 through 05, which were rejected because the incorporated-by-reference documents lacked a specific date, creating a conflict with the Administrative Procedures Act. The motion carried.
The committee then printed two RSs. RS 33272, presented by Senator Nichols, would create standards for kratom products, preserving access to natural leaf kratom while prohibiting adulterated or artificially enhanced products, requiring limited third-party testing, setting an age restriction, and clarifying supply-chain responsibilities. RS 33226, presented by Senator Lakey, is the Idaho Direct to Consumer Act, aimed at reducing regulation on small-scale homemade food and non-alcoholic beverage sales, including direct farm and ranch sales, while keeping basic labeling, recordkeeping, and food-safety education requirements. Both RSs were moved to print without opposition.
The Idaho Department of Water Resources, speaking through the Soil and Water Conservation Commission, gave an agency update on district support, conservation programs, and budget requests. Staff described funding distributed to the 50 conservation districts, CREP and water-quality work, and the Water Quality Program for Agriculture (WQPA), which has seen strong demand and funded many projects statewide. In response to a question, Director Weaver said WQPA is not included in the governor’s budget. The Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts then emphasized the value of locally led, voluntary conservation, citing education, infrastructure, and wildfire-related projects, and said districts return $2.82 in local benefit for every state dollar invested. No further actions were taken before adjournment.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Commerce and Economic Development Feb 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And increasing this conservation program will also create jobs.
- And increasing this conservation program will also create jobs.
- The land trust will have to but The conservation program will also create jobs.
- Trust can more effectively work with landowners to conserve critical landscapes for the future, for
- I'm the conservation director with the Santa Fe Conservation Trust.
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 186, which would update New Mexico’s Land Conservation Incentives Act by increasing the conservation tax credit cap from $250,000 to $2 million, raising the credit percentage, and making the credit refundable. The sponsor and conservation groups said the bill is intended to help land-rich, cash-poor landowners preserve working farms, ranches, watersheds, habitat, and cultural resources, while also leveraging federal conservation dollars and supporting rural economies. Supporters from land trusts, Realtors, conservation organizations, and local landowners testified that current caps are too low to make easements feasible for smaller properties and that the bill would reduce pressure to sell to developers. Some members raised concerns about fiscal impact, whether refundable credits should be limited, and whether wealthy landowners could benefit; the sponsor said the bill is aimed at smaller landowners and that the fiscal estimates may be overstated. The committee voted 6-3 to do pass HB 186.
The committee then considered HB 92, which would phase out the state income tax on Social Security benefits over eight years. The sponsor argued that Social Security income should not be taxed and said the phase-out would help seniors, attract retirees, and support the economy. An amendment was adopted to strike language related to a prior date. Opposition testimony focused on fairness and revenue concerns, with one witness arguing the bill would mainly benefit higher-income filers and reduce funds for schools, infrastructure, and housing. Several members questioned the fiscal impact, the income thresholds, and whether the bill was ready without more data; the sponsor said the phase-out was designed to avoid a cliff effect and that the current estimates were uncertain. The committee then voted 5-3 to table HB 92.
Finally, the committee heard HJM 1, a memorial supporting stronger relations between Taiwan and New Mexico and the United States in trade, technology, education, and official exchanges. The sponsor and a representative from Taiwan’s economic office described the long-standing sister-state relationship and said the memorial would reinforce goodwill and people-to-people ties. Members spoke in support of the relationship, with one noting Taiwan’s importance in technology and chip manufacturing. One member questioned tariffs and the need for the memorial but still acknowledged the strong bilateral relationship. The committee approved HJM 1 on an 8-1 do pass vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The California Conservation Corps is the longest-running and largest conservation corps in the United
- this program...
- Under the competitive grant program, we purchase or accept donations of conservation easements or fee
- Under the competitive grant program, we purchase or accept donations of conservation easements or fee
- So we anticipate that. program.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard an overview from the California Conservation Corps on its 50-year history, current operations, and budget proposals. Director J.P. Patton described the CCC’s work in conservation, disaster response, education, and workforce development, noting 26 facilities, about 3,000 Corps members annually, and a funding mix of roughly 55% General Fund and 45% reimbursements. Members praised the program and asked about revenue sources, recruitment, retention, and post-service tracking. The CCC said it has a 5,000-person waitlist, uses first-come, first-served admissions with minimal eligibility requirements, and is working to improve data on outcomes. The committee also discussed the Greenwood Residential Center, where the CCC seeks staffing and operating funds to reopen a rebuilt facility in El Dorado County; the LAO suggested considering fewer new members or a delayed opening to reduce General Fund pressure, but no vote was taken and the item was held open.
The committee then considered a CCC wildfire readiness proposal to move hand crews to a seven-day operational schedule. CCC and Cal Fire representatives said the change is needed because wildfire is now year-round and because the current model leaves crews unavailable in many months due to staffing gaps. They said the proposal would improve reliability for Cal Fire, preserve training opportunities for Corps members, and better align the CCC with Cal Fire’s 66-hour workweek. The LAO supported the concept but recommended considering lower-cost alternatives, such as relief staffing or partial reimbursement. Members also discussed the decline in incarcerated fire crews, with Cal Fire explaining that reforms and eligibility changes have reduced the pool of incarcerated people who qualify for camp and fire work. One member raised the use of goats and grazing for fuel reduction, and staff responded that such methods can help with prevention but cannot replace hand crews for suppression. The item was held open.
Cal Fire then presented its department overview, emphasizing its expanded workforce, year-round wildfire response, vegetation management, community preparedness, and partnerships with federal, local, tribal, and private entities. Members asked about contract counties such as Orange County, reforestation and seedling capacity, federal reimbursement, and the 66-hour workweek rollout. Cal Fire said it is still below the seedling capacity needed for post-fire reforestation and relies heavily on public-private partnerships. The committee also reviewed a proposal for permanent funding for defensible space inspections. Cal Fire said it needs 31 positions and ongoing General Fund support to replace temporary funding that expires in 2027 and to maintain a goal of 250,000 inspections per year. The LAO said the proposal has merit but suggested alternatives such as a different General Fund/GGRF mix, reinstating an SRA fee, or approving the positions on a one-time basis. Members generally supported the work but raised budget concerns, and the proposal was held open.
Finally, Cal Fire began presenting a fixed-wing pilot and mechanics contract increase, explaining that its aviation fleet has grown and become more complex, requiring more pilots and maintainers for year-round operations. The department said labor market pressures have increased contractor costs and that the contract is needed to support continuous aerial firefighting readiness. The transcript cuts off before further discussion or any action on that item.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- enforcement programs.
- Last program I'm going to touch on is our Edwards Aquifer Protection Program.
- We set desired future conditions in Bell County for groundwater availability in the future.
- So there's the ASR Conservation District, there's Plum Creek that's a conservation district and a GCD
- future.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- easement they've used their conservation futures funds to preserve farmland.
- I've also overseen grants and loan programs for conservation acquisitions.
- I've also overseen grants and loan programs for conservation acquisitions.
- The competitive grant review process are not eligible for conservation futures.
- So each county is different in how they implement their conservation futures program.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 5838, which would add a federally recognized tribal representative to the State Board of Natural Resources. The Department of Natural Resources commissioner and tribal leaders said the change would bring Indigenous knowledge and a voting voice to decisions on trust lands, while preserving existing tribal consultation. Some county and economic interests said they were not opposed to tribal participation but stressed the board’s fiduciary duty to trust beneficiaries and asked for more review of the board’s purpose; one witness questioned whether the beneficiaries had been consulted. The prime sponsor, Senator Claudia Kaufman, said the bill is about inclusion and equity and indicated openness to an amendment adding both eastside and westside tribal representation. The hearing closed with 142 written comments reported: 33 pro, 107 con, and 2 other.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 5960, which would require Fish and Wildlife to designate at-risk ungulate populations and take predator mitigation actions when populations fall below specified benchmarks. Senator Shelley Short said the bill responds to declining deer and elk numbers and a lack of management, especially in northeast Washington. Supporters argued the bill would codify existing agency plans and restore balance in wildlife management, while opponents—including conservation groups, the Sierra Club, and several scientists and advocates—said the state’s predator-prey study found wolves were not the main driver of ungulate declines, pointing instead to habitat, forage, weather, disease, and vehicle collisions. Ranching and farm groups supported the overall goal but objected to the bill’s in-state wolf translocation provisions. The Department of Fish and Wildlife said it recognized the bill’s intent but opposed it because some directives were impractical, costly, or would require legislative approval. The hearing closed with 1,197 written comments reported: 843 pro, 352 con, and 2 other.
The committee then held a work session on Lake Washington salmon predation. Larry Phillips and Muckleshoot Fisheries Director Jason Schaffler described a coalition effort to reduce predation on juvenile salmon in the Lake Washington system, saying invasive and predatory fish such as walleye, rock bass, American shad, northern pike, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass are harming sockeye and Chinook recovery. They said sockeye returns have fallen from hundreds of thousands to about 18,000 in recent years, ending tribal and sport fisheries, and argued that targeted predator removal, supported by prior state and county funding, could help restore runs. Senators asked about the methods and funding, and the presenters said fishing and netting are being used to suppress larger predatory fish and that more sustained investment is needed.
Finally, the committee began public hearing on Senate Bill 1697, which would make federally recognized tribes eligible recipients for county conservation futures funds. Testifiers from the Washington Farmland Trust and the Tulalip Tribe said the bill would expand voluntary conservation partnerships, help tribes steward farmland and habitat, and make it easier to leverage county funds with other grants. They described past projects where tribal participation improved conservation outcomes but said tribes could not directly access conservation futures dollars under current law.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Conservation Commission.
- funnel through IDWR in the future.
- programs.
- Recognize the broad mission of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission and conservation districts
- For many directly not involved with the Soil and Water Conservation Commission or any of the conservation
Summary:
The House Agricultural Affairs Committee approved the February 10, 2026 minutes and then introduced RS 331-92, a proposal by Rep. VanderWater to allow additional milk-testing quality categories to be set by rule between producers and buyers. VanderWater said the measure would give the Department of Agriculture flexibility to address testing issues beyond butterfat, protein, and somatic cell counts, including possible bacteria-related standards. Members asked whether organic dairy would be included, and he said it would apply to dairy sold to processors. The motion to introduce the RS passed unanimously.
The committee then heard a detailed presentation from Matt Weaver of the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission and Brian Keekley of the Langdon Group on a proposed merger of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into the Idaho Department of Water Resources. They described a months-long evaluation process that included stakeholder interviews, a survey, a workshop, and a final report. The presenters said the recommended structure would keep the commission’s board and mission intact while moving support functions into IDWR, preserving local conservation district autonomy, maintaining the commission’s branding and non-regulatory identity, protecting funding, and creating a formal partnership framework to guard against enforcement or policy conflicts.
Members generally expressed support for the proposal’s sideboards and the involvement of local districts. Questions focused on how the merger framework would be implemented and when. Weaver said Senate Concurrent Resolution 115 and House Bill 503 were the main legislative vehicles, with additional statutory cleanup and a combined budget expected for the 2027 session, along with a memorandum of understanding between the agencies. Committee members indicated they were comfortable with the legislation coming before them as early as Monday. The meeting concluded with no further business.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I am a supervising environmentalist at Hennepin County and the program manager of our habitat conservation
- Additionally, this bill will help conservation programs, including ours, be more efficient with state
- </c><00:52:27.440><c> programs</c><00:52:28.040><c> including</c> help conservation programs including
- help conservation programs including ours<00:52:29.319><c> be</c><00:52:29.520><c> more</c><00:52:29.799
- programs to allow specific conservation programs to allow their<01:00:49.440><c> cessors</c><01:00:50.280
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And finally, we have a program for agricultural water conservation grants and loans, and that's to cover
- And these are these are similar water loss water conservation program projects. that we used that are
- programs throughout our great state. is administratively tied to 216 soil and water conservation districts
- In fact, the newest conservation program at the agency is called the On the Ground Conservation Program
- The agency administers a number of conservation-related grant programs for local districts, which are
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Conservation Commission.
- funnel through IDWR in the future.
- programs.
- Recognize the broad mission of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission and conservation districts
- For many directly not involved with the soil and water conservation commission or any the conservation
Summary:
The House Agricultural Affairs Committee approved its February 10, 2026 minutes and welcomed a group of BYU-Idaho agribusiness students. The committee then introduced RS 331-92, a proposal by Rep. VanderWater to allow the Department of Agriculture and milk buyers/sellers to establish additional milk-testing categories beyond the current statutory measures of butterfat, protein, and somatic cell count. VanderWater said the change would give parties flexibility to set testing rules, including for bacteria-related testing, and members noted the bill could affect organic dairies as well. The RS was introduced without opposition.
The committee also received a detailed presentation from Matt Weaver of the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission and Brian Keekley of the Langdon Group on a yearlong evaluation of merging the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into the Idaho Department of Water Resources. They described a process that included stakeholder interviews, a public survey, a workshop, and a final report involving 48 individuals from 25 organizations, with input from conservation districts, state agencies, and federal partners. The presenters said the evaluation recommended IDWR as the appropriate home for the commission, citing overlapping administrative functions, water-related work, and opportunities for shared technical and career resources.
The presenters emphasized several proposed safeguards if a merger moves forward: preserving the commission’s non-regulatory mission and branding, retaining local conservation district autonomy, protecting funding and staff, maintaining the current relationship with conservation districts and NRCS, and formalizing a partnership framework to prevent regulatory confusion. They said the commission board would continue in statute, with the IDWR director serving as a nonvoting member and the commission chair serving as a liaison to the Idaho Water Resource Board. Members generally expressed support for the process and the proposed sideboards, and asked about stakeholder involvement and timing. Weaver said Senate Concurrent Resolution 115 and House Bill 503 are the next legislative steps, with additional statutory review, a memorandum of understanding, and a combined budget expected to follow; the committee indicated it was comfortable considering the measures as early as the following Monday.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The state board's newest program, the on the ground conservation Program mentioned earlier, And, uh,
- delivery of conservation programs.
- Conservation programs play a key role in this.
- I'm the program manager for the flood control program at the Texas Soil and Water Conservation Board.
- We support wildlife services through water conservation programs.
Bills:
HB294
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Sep 11th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And then we've activated programs such as our life watch program.
- Conservancy.
- There's only a few federal conservation programs, and they've been largely inaccessible in New Mexico
- New Mexico has a handful of local or state conservation programs, less than a handful.
- or our Soil and Water Conservation District Soil Health Program, meaning this program is impacting far
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- What's the future of Florida citrus?
- part of that future.
- What's going to create the grove of the future, the production practices of the future that are going
- Can you break down the CRAFT program a little bit, how a grower would get into the program or activate
- Can you break down the CRAFT program a little bit, how a grower would get into the program?
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Agriculture heard an update on the Florida citrus industry from Matt Joyner of Florida Citrus Mutual and Shannon Shepp of the Department of Citrus. Both described the industry’s steep decline over the past two decades due to citrus greening (HLB), hurricanes, freezes, and aging groves, but emphasized ongoing recovery efforts through research, replanting, and new therapies. They highlighted promising tools such as plant growth regulators, protective screens and covers, direct oxytetracycline application, CRISPR-based breeding, and the CRAFT program, which has expanded to more than 10,000 acres of solid-set plantings and over 20,000 acres including resets. Members discussed disaster relief, property tax pressures, grower participation, and the need for assessment relief and other state support. No votes were taken on the citrus presentation.
Shepp also outlined the Department of Citrus’s marketing and research role, noting strong consumer demand for Florida orange juice, global advertising efforts, and clinical research tied to health messaging. She said the industry remains a major economic contributor, with thousands of jobs and billions in economic impact, and that the department is working to maintain demand while growers replant and reset groves. Senators asked about the CRAFT program, new grower participation, and how advertising and state policy could help sustain the industry.
The committee then received a performance review of the Opa-locka Soil and Water Conservation Districts from David Jahossky of Malden and Jenkins. The review found wide variation among the 49 districts studied, with many lacking recurring revenue, staffing, proper meeting notices, records retention, formal performance goals, and timely financial reports. The report identified nearly 400 recommendations and noted that some districts had already dissolved or were considering dissolution. Senators questioned whether the districts were duplicative of other agencies and whether they still served a useful purpose; the presenter said there was overlap and collaboration but no duplication. A public commenter from Jefferson County argued that local boards still provide trusted, community-based support for producers and help connect them to cost-share and best management practice programs. The chair indicated the review would inform possible legislation to improve or restructure the districts, and the committee adjourned without taking a vote.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 6 Feb 10th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, today we have the criminal justice program from Kahi Care Tech and Mccallister here.
Bills:
HB3281, HB3320, HB3081, HB3127, HB3128, HB3498, HB2035, HB3765, HB4324, HB3678, HB4170, HB3495, HB3040, HB3062, HB4140, HB4106, HB4109, HB4104, HB3581, HB3620, HB3942, HB3279, HB3378, HB3383, HB3413, HB3414, HB3415, HB3420, HB3130, HB3700, HB3379, HB3129, HB3132, HB3315, HB2950, HB3242, HB3041, HB4428, HB4429, HB1064, HB3265, HB3721, HB3028, HB3313, HB3588, HB3020, HB3724, HB3392, HB3466, HB4060, HJR1074, HB3501, HJR1070, HB3794, HB3796, HB3928, HB2955, HB4453, HB4460, HB4128, HB3659, HB3270, HB3145
Keywords:
administrative procedures, guidance documents, transparency, public inspection, rulemaking, sunset laws, statutory entities, regulatory compliance, emergency provisions, board re-creation, fire extinguisher, licensing, public safety, age qualification, State Fire Marshal, medical marijuana, employment rights, safety-sensitive positions, workplace policies, public assistance
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 6 Feb 10th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, today we have the criminal justice program from Kymus Career Tech and McAlister here.
Bills:
HB3281, HB3320, HB3081, HB3127, HB3128, HB3498, HB2035, HB3765, HB4324, HB3678, HB4170, HB3495, HB3040, HB3062, HB4140, HB4106, HB4109, HB4104, HB3581, HB3620, HB3942, HB3279, HB3378, HB3383, HB3413, HB3414, HB3415, HB3420, HB3130, HB3700, HB3379, HB3129, HB3132, HB3315, HB2950, HB3242, HB3041, HB4428, HB4429, HB1064, HB3265, HB3721, HB3028, HB3313, HB3588, HB3020, HB3724, HB3392, HB3466, HB4060, HJR1074, HB3501, HJR1070, HB3794, HB3796, HB3928, HB2955, HB4453, HB4460, HB4128, HB3659, HB3270, HB3145
Keywords:
administrative procedures, guidance documents, transparency, public inspection, rulemaking, sunset laws, statutory entities, regulatory compliance, emergency provisions, board re-creation, fire extinguisher, licensing, public safety, age qualification, State Fire Marshal, medical marijuana, employment rights, safety-sensitive positions, workplace policies, public assistance
Summary:
The House convened with a roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then followed its regular order of business. The chamber also completed administrative items including correction/reassignment of measures and introductions of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Lee Sheffler, and Nurse of the Day, Amanda Fisher. A special recognition was held for the 2025 Mustang Bronco 6A fast-pitch softball state champions, who were introduced in the chamber and gallery.
Several members made announcements about committee and caucus meetings, including the Women’s Caucus, Native American Caucus, Rural Caucus, insurance committee, judicial criminal committee, public health, banking, business committee, and a devotional gathering. Members also welcomed nursing students and faculty, and a criminal justice program from Kiamichi Career Tech and McAlester. No legislation was debated or voted on in the transcript.
At the end of the session, the floor leader moved to adjourn once the clerk’s desk was clear, and the House agreed without objection. The chamber adjourned until Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/13/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- So next we will move to another program I am extremely proud of, and that's the Water Conservation Grant
- But I think it's also to make sure that we continue to improve this program into the future.
- , a natural resource conservation district board.
- We have ASU interns in their program that we've partnered with so the conservation districts can have
- center where we're teaching kids about the benefits of conservation.
Summary:
The committee heard introductions from members and staff, then took up several water and natural resources bills. House Bill 2024 would expand Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) authority to include snowpack augmentation and related planning and permitting costs. Supporters, including a cloud-seeding company, argued the technology can increase snowpack and water supply at relatively low cost, while opponents raised concerns about weather modification, chemicals such as silver iodide, uncertainty in the science, and potential environmental effects. After debate, the committee passed HB 2024 on a 6-4 vote, with some members explaining they wanted more research but were willing to advance it for further consideration.
House Bill 2053 would appropriate $100,000 to the Arizona Department of Water Resources to update stormwater recharge mapping statewide, including private land, and the committee adopted an amendment extending the timeline and revising language about recharge sites and surface-water conflicts. ADWR said it could do the mapping but noted legal concerns about determining appropriable surface water rights. SRP and the Sierra Club opposed parts of the bill, arguing the language could affect existing water rights or exclude nature-based recharge areas. The bill passed as amended on a 6-4 vote.
The committee then heard a presentation from WIFA director Chelsea McGuire on the agency’s revolving funds, conservation grants, and long-term augmentation efforts, including seven proposed augmentation projects and a request for no budget cuts. House Bill 2097, which would cap groundwater pumping in irrigation non-expansion areas at six acre-feet per acre and add related reporting, exemptions, and substitution provisions, drew support from the sponsor as a conservation measure but opposition from ADWR and environmental advocates who said the cap was too high or could encourage pumping; it passed 6-4. House Bill 2116, appropriating $1 million to the Colorado River Litigation Fund, passed 8-1 amid comments that it was a precaution in ongoing Colorado River negotiations. Finally, House Bill 2117, a cleanup bill shifting environmental special plate fund authority to the new conservation district board and updating distribution rules, was presented as a technical correction and education-fund update; the transcript ends before a final vote on that measure.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Apr 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- , and we administer the state's agricultural land conservation program.
- Conservation programs, including the California Farmland Conservancy Program, which is one of the programs
- The California Farmland Conservancy Program was established in 1995 to support the conservation of the
- To the department to support continued work under both of these programs to protect, restore, conserve
- Bird Returns is a program that we work on in partnership with the Nature Conservancy, Point Blue, and
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The California Conservation Corps is the longest-running and largest conservation corps in the United
- Conservation Corps was not familiar to me in the beginning. conservation core was not familiar to me
- this program...
- Under the competitive grant program, we purchase or accept donations of conservation easements or fee
- So we anticipate that. program.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Apr 14th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , to add rail infrastructure at ports as eligible projects for the program.
- , to add rail infrastructure at ports as eligible projects for the program.
- The city later changed its code to ban this type of programming moving forward.
- We are honored because some of us were able to attend the Fire Ops 101 program.
- And this is where anyone, future students would go to.
Bills:
HR133, HR134, HR135, HR136, HR137, HR138, HR139, HR140, HR141, HR142, HR143, HR144, HR145, HR146, HR147, HR148, HR149, HR150, HR151, HR152, HR119, HR120, HR121, HR122, HR123, HR125, HR126, HR127, HR128, HR129, HR130, HR131, HR132, HCR53, HCR54, HCR55, HCR56, SCR3, SCR22, SB4, SB18, SB66, SB106, SB201, SB256, SB274, SB292, SB326, SB386, SB406, SB422, SB423, SB456, SB475, HCR3, HB1, HB3, HB27, HB71, HB214, HB225, HB241, HB244, HB306, HB312, HB313, HB314, HB345, HB366, HB383, HB446, HB473, HB511, HB514, HB655, HB730, HB743, HB836, HB983, HB1027, HB1037, HB1043, HB1082, HB1091, HB1096, HB1103, HB1126, HB1167, HB1174, HB1175, HB1230, HB1237, HB1238, SB162, SB349, SB350, SB382, SB383, HB76, HB132, HB181, HB210, HB250, HB265, HB275, HB291, HB322, HB342, HB475, HB486, HB616, HB635, HB639, HB690, HB740, HB757, HB761, HB774, HB808, HB855, HB872, HB883, HB886, HB903, HB949, HB962, HB996, HB1003, HB1036, HB1054, HB1071, HB1076, HB1078, HB1113, HB1132, HB1146, HB1232, HB1233, HB21, HB24, HB29, HB31, HB39, HB45, HB77, HB136, HB150, HB263, HB273, HB299, HB315, HB376, HB377, HB431, HB444, HB450, HB519, HB533, HB538, HB559, HB562, HB663, HB664, HB715, HB717, HB805, HB822, HB823, HB834, HB864, HB867, HB1017, HB1018, HB1068, HB1134, HB1137, HB1234, HB1235, HB1236, HB961, HB399, HB868, HB905, HB180, HB192, HB284, HB476, HB915, HB952, HB1006, HB401, HB51, HB58, HB140, HB982, HB1010, HB750, HB911, HB977, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB9, HB151, HB193, HB310, HB393, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB615, HB682, HB733, HB773
Keywords:
commendation, leadership, energy sector, Shell USA, Louisiana pride, House Resolution 134, HR134, honorary resolution, Bob Lupo, Robert E. Smith Lupo, Lakeview, New Orleans, civic service, philanthropy, real estate development, Hurricane Katrina recovery, community service, charitable giving, public recognition, Louisiana House of Representatives
Summary:
The House met with a quorum and spent much of the day on personal privileges, recognizing visiting groups and designating several commemorative days, including Sigma Gamma Rho Day, Alpha Kappa Alpha Day, Italian Festival royalty, Acadiana’s Red and White Day, and Louisiana Automobile Dealer Day. Members also welcomed students, civic leaders, former legislators, a state pageant titleholder, and a visiting African law enforcement delegation focused on combating human trafficking. The chamber received Senate bills and committee reports, and several resolutions were adopted without objection, including condolences resolutions and commendations for schools, festivals, and public service organizations.
The House then took up a long series of bills, with many passing on final passage after brief debate or technical amendments. Measures addressed topics such as notification of inmate releases from parish jails and DOC facilities (HB 76), ethics and financial disclosure, video voyeurism involving deceased persons (HB 265, renamed the Jacob Carter Dignity and Death Act), health insurance claim practices (HB 291), victim access to parole testimony without fees (HB 32), special education due process burden of proof (HB 342), AI disclosure in medical settings (HB 475), the psychology interjurisdictional compact (HB 486), homelessness provider oversight (HB 616), AI disclosure in campaign calls (HB 639), Medicaid managed care claim review (HB 740), menhaden fishing restrictions (HB 757 and HB 855), HIV exposure law modernization (HB 808), and rare cancer treatment advisory board changes (HB 761). Most of these bills passed with strong support; HB 342 passed 98-3, HB 639 passed 86-9, HB 808 passed 99-0, and HB 855 drew the most extended debate, with supporters citing science-based conservation and opponents warning about harm to the menhaden industry and coastal jobs.
The House also adopted committee amendments and set several major fiscal measures as special orders for April 16, including HB 1, HB 2, HB 3, HB 313, HB 383, HB 983, and HB 1126. Additional bills were advanced to third reading from committee reports, and the chamber returned some measures to the calendar for later consideration. Overall, the meeting was marked by ceremonial recognitions, a heavy legislative agenda, and multiple substantive policy votes across education, health, criminal justice, transportation, ethics, and natural resources.