Video & Transcript : 'charter fishing' :

Page 94 of 349
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Education May 21st, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Relative to charter schools and to provide for related matters.
  • Bridget Neeland, and again representing Charter Schools USA.
  • School, the First Line Charter School, and the KIPP School all sent messages.
  • The Renew Charter School, the First Line Charter School, and the KIPP School all sent messages from their
  • We are 90-something percent charter, as you all know. We are a portfolio school district.
Committee: Senate Education
Summary: The Senate Education Committee met to hear several education-related measures. It reported favorably, without objection, on House Bill 1215, which would transfer certain removed historical statues and monuments to the Office of State Parks, prohibit re-erection in the parish where they were removed, and require interpretive signage. The committee also advanced House Bill 682, which creates a school guardian program for honorably discharged veterans employed or contracted by local school systems or charter schools; testimony emphasized that guardians would be unarmed, trained, and used for mentoring and school safety. House Bill 1079, giving enrollment preferences in charter schools to children in early childhood programs, military families, foster children, and children in custody disputes, was also reported favorably, as was House Concurrent Resolution 81, directing the Department of Education to study options for districts facing declining enrollment. The committee then took up House Bill 1084, which would allow public postsecondary institutions to raise tuition and mandatory fees by up to 15 percent annually, with higher increases requiring Board of Supervisors approval. The bill drew extended debate over affordability, TOPS, student retention, and whether universities should have more autonomy to set prices. Members raised concerns about fee burdens on families and whether the state should first study the issue; supporters argued the bill would increase transparency and let institutions respond to funding needs and market conditions. Senator Mazzell offered an amendment lowering the cap from 15 percent to 10 percent, and the committee adopted the amendment before reporting the bill favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 342, which would shift the burden of proof in special education due process hearings from parents to local education agencies. The author and parents testified that the current system places an unfair burden on families of children with disabilities, who often lack access to records and legal resources, and that schools already control the documentation and should have to show compliance with IEP obligations. Jefferson Parish school officials opposed the bill, arguing it would increase legal costs, require more staff and attorney time, and potentially lead to more hearings; they also questioned the fiscal note. The Legislative Fiscal Office said the fiscal impact was indeterminable, and the committee continued hearing testimony from parents and school representatives as the transcript ended.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

February 10, 2026 - 09:00 AM

Education & Employment Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • district, charter school administrator, or direct support organization, or any such school or school
  • So this amendment removes lines 132 to 142 and inserts: “A public school, including a charter school,
  • , school district, charter school administrator, public school, including a charter school, school district
  • Chris Moyer, representing Charter Schools USA, as a proponent, waves in support. Great.
  • Chris Moyer, representing Charter Schools USA, waves in support.
Summary: The committee first took up CS for CS for HB 1471, which would bar Florida courts from enforcing foreign or religious law that conflicts with the U.S. or Florida Constitution, create a process for designating domestic terrorist organizations, and prohibit public funds from supporting such organizations. The sponsor said the bill protects constitutional supremacy, due process, and taxpayer dollars, while opponents argued it was vague, targeted religion, and could be used to suppress dissent and protected speech. Members debated whether a conviction was required, who would make designations, and what consequences would follow; an amendment changing student expulsion language from “may” to “shall” was adopted. After extensive public testimony both for and against, the bill passed 16-4 and was reported favorably with amendment. The committee then heard CS for CS for HB 1071, an education bill covering parental opt-outs for certain health instruction, required instruction on embryology, fetal development, and HIV/AIDS, math plan requirements, student-led organizations, epinephrine access, instructional material review, safe-school officer options, and chronic absenteeism reporting. The sponsor framed it as a parental rights, academics, accountability, and safety measure, while opponents said parts of the bill would restrict sex education, chill student organizations, and undermine DEI-related activities and LGBTQ student groups. Several amendments were offered by the ranking member to remove or soften the provisions restricting funding for DEI and social/political activism, but those amendments failed. The committee adopted a Trabulsy amendment requiring districts to publicize virtual instruction options, and another amendment clarifying reading-coach language and safe-school officer options, as well as an amendment giving publishers an appeals process if removed for noncompliant materials. A final Trabulsy amendment requiring annual reporting of chronic absenteeism by grade level was also adopted. Public testimony on the bill remained sharply divided, with supporters emphasizing embryology, parental rights, and school safety, and opponents warning about censorship, reduced reproductive health education, and harm to student expression. The transcript ends during continued public testimony on HB 1071, before final committee action on the bill is shown.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Education Finance - 01/21/25

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Again, these children may be open enrolled in private schools; they may be in charter schools, but this
  • schools but this again are just charter schools but this again are just the<00:21:14.760><c> growth<
  • co-ops which are our districts Charters co-ops and<01:08:53.000><c> intermediates</c><01:08:54.000><
  • </c><01:14:37.440><c> or</c> uh by category of District Charter or uh by category of District Charter
  • This aid would cover 10% of the charter schools' unreimbursed costs.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Apr 14th, 2026

Natural Resources and Water

Transcript Highlights:
  • The coexistence program within the Department of Fish and Wildlife is focused on managing and reducing
  • do just want to pause kind of on the comments there and just say a big thanks to the Department of Fish
  • I appreciate that California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Chuck Bonham is gone.
  • I do want to note also that in parallel right now, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is
  • I do want to note also that in parallel right now, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is
Summary: The committee first heard SB 1135, which would reestablish the California Wildlife Coexistence Program to promote nonlethal human-wildlife conflict reduction and support coexistence efforts for species such as wolves, bears, and mountain lions. Supporters, including wildlife groups and local government representatives, said the prior program was effective and that proactive tools like fladry, guardian animals, deterrents, reporting, and outreach reduce conflicts and costs. Ranching and agricultural groups were opposed unless amended, saying they supported the concept but wanted changes to the wolf-livestock compensation program, including clearer practicability standards, protection of compensation funds, and more flexibility on nonlethal requirements. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote, with the measure left on call. The committee then took up SB 1085, which would preserve water supply assessments for large development projects even when those projects are exempt from CEQA, so local agencies still receive information about whether sufficient water exists for the project. The author and sponsor argued the bill would keep water planning and land use planning linked and prevent “paper water” problems, while the California Building Industry Association opposed it, warning it could add delay, uncertainty, and litigation risk for housing projects already subject to other water-supply safeguards. Members discussed how the bill would affect different local structures, especially cities that also operate their own water systems, and whether the assessment adds value in those cases. The bill passed 4-1 to Local Government and was left on call. SB 1270 was next, expanding the California wildfire mitigation home-hardening pilot beyond the original six counties to include four additional high-risk counties identified by Cal OES and Cal Fire, and directing future funding toward those areas. Supporters said the recent Los Angeles fires showed the need to broaden access to home-hardening assistance, while members discussed whether the program should remain geographically targeted or be made available statewide based on need. The bill was amended in committee and passed 5-0 to Emergency Management, left on call. Finally, the committee heard SB 895, a major proposal to place a $23 billion bond on the ballot to create a California Foundation for Science and Health Research and stabilize scientific research funding in the state. The author, UC, UAW, and many research, labor, health, and university groups supported the measure, arguing that federal cuts and instability threaten California’s research workforce, innovation, and economy. Some members raised concerns about the size of the bond and about political issues involving one sponsor, but the author said the foundation would operate under California law and the bill is intended to keep science funding open and collaborative. The bill was moved out of committee on a 5-0 vote and left on call.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Radioactive and Hazardous Materials May 29th, 2025

Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Department of Agriculture through the Forest Service, the US Department of Interior, through BIA, Fish
  • So the both the communities that rely on the natural resources, but also the wildlife, the fish, the
  • So that would be wildlife habitat, wildlife, um, fish.
  • Does, um, Fish and wildlife, um. Give notice to people when they're hunting in that area. Uh, Mr.
  • That's true for fish or um any other natural resource that communities use.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/21/2026 - Senate Education Committee of Reference

Senate Education Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • schools or charter operators.
  • I just want to note it does say they all were charter schools that were approved.
  • It's really structured... ...charter schools, and that's not because there is any kind of animus amongst
  • And yeah, that was a district school, not a charter school.
  • Both public school districts and charter schools can participate in the program.
Summary: The Senate Education Committee of Reference first heard a sunset review of the Credit Enhancement Eligibility Board. Governor’s Office staff explained that the board was created in 2016 to lower borrowing costs for qualifying schools by providing a state guarantee that improves credit ratings, but the board has no dedicated staff or budget and is now largely in a monitoring role because it has reached its statutory leverage cap. Members discussed the long maturities of the approved financings, whether rural districts might benefit from additional capacity, and why a 10-year continuation was being requested. The committee voted to recommend continuing the board for 10 years until July 1, 2036. The committee then heard a sunset review of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). WICHE’s president described the interstate compact, its regional student access programs—WUE, WRGP, and PSEP—along with behavioral health fidelity reviews and cooperative purchasing savings. Testimony emphasized tuition savings for Arizona students, the return of health care graduates to Arizona, and the value of regional collaboration. The committee voted to recommend continuing WICHE for 10 years until July 1, 2036. Finally, the committee reviewed the Arizona Department of Education School Safety Program performance audit. The Auditor General reported that the program has grown substantially, but many sampled schools were not fully complying with requirements such as operational plans, safety teams, training, activity logs, and reimbursement documentation. The department agreed with the finding and said it would implement the recommendations. The school safety director responded that the department has already begun tightening monitoring, training, and documentation procedures, and he answered questions about emergency plans and campus safety. No further action was taken on the audit, and the meeting adjourned.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have a $700 million-plus fishing industry in Massachusetts.
  • We have a $700 million plus fishing industry in Massachusetts.
  • One of the biggest bright spots, one of the areas of the most growth, is our shell fishing industry.
  • ask, Madam President, if any of the sponsors of this amendment have tried to put shellfish or any fishing
  • In 2024 and 2025, all of the juvenile herring fish perished before they could reach their destination
Summary: The Senate took up a major environmental bond bill with amendments covering climate resilience, housing health, plastics reduction, coastal protection, fisheries, and related regulatory issues. Early debate included Senator Keenan’s withdrawn amendment to fund the Massachusetts Healthy Homes Program with $50 million, followed by his adopted amendment banning hotels from providing plastic toiletry packages. Senator Tarr’s amendment to remove the paper bag charge was defeated after extended debate over whether the 10-cent bag assessment functioned as a tax; a related floor speech from Senator Duner argued the fee would burden working families. The chamber also adopted Senator Fernandez’s ocean acidification amendment, which would aggregate ocean monitoring data to support shellfish, water quality, and coastal management, with support from Senators Sear and Driscoll. Other adopted measures included Driscoll’s Houghton’s Pond multi-use trail, Montigny’s New Bedford State Pier redevelopment and harbor oil-recovery provisions, Collins’s Commonwealth Conservation Commission later withdrawn, and several coastal resilience and housing-related amendments. The Senate also approved a series of environmental and public health measures. Senator Moore’s rodenticide restriction amendment was adopted after testimony from animal welfare and conservation groups, with the sponsor describing harms to wildlife, pets, and livestock and noting local municipal support. Senator Lewis’s amendment directing DEP to study the feasibility of banning polystyrene was adopted, as was Senator Mark’s Massachusetts Climate Bank amendment and Senator Edwards’s carbon sequestration amendment expanding attention to salt marshes, seagrasses, and waterways. The chamber adopted amendments on equitable representation, improving indoor air quality, and a Douglas State Forest trust fund that would raise the entry fee from $1 to $2 for maintenance. Several amendments were withdrawn, including Collins’s urban coastal resilience commission and Tarr’s proposed Commonwealth Conservation Commission. Housing and permitting issues were another major theme. Senator Driscoll’s amendment requiring local confirmation before a project is designated a priority housing project was defeated, but his related amendments clarifying the process and requiring consultation with the Housing and Livable Communities Secretary were adopted. The Senate also adopted Crichton’s amendments streamlining permitting for coastal resiliency projects in urban areas and creating a five-year pilot for nature-based solutions, as well as Tarr’s amendment adding dredging and sand placement to general coastal permits. Tarr’s amendment to revise the Salisbury Beach Preservation Trust Fund was adopted, while his later constitutional challenge to a landform-migration provision was withdrawn after he argued it could amount to an uncompensated taking. The session ended with the Senate noting only two amendments remained and then adjourning in memory of Quincy’s former mayor James A. Sheets.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Conservation Feb 5th, 2026

Senate Conservation

Transcript Highlights:
  • And my concern there is the Department of Game and Fish—I don't know—pretty short-handed anyway.
  • The Department of Game and Fish issues licenses for hunting and that type of stuff.
  • Game and Fish is well versed in the wildlife of our state.
  • The Department of Game and Fish issues licenses for hunting and that type of stuff.
  • Game and Fish is well versed in the wildlife of our state.
Bills: SB154 , SB187 , SB193 , SM3
Summary: The Senate Conservation Committee first took up Senate Memorial 3, presented by Senator O’Malley on behalf of Senator Bergman and a group of Rio Doso High School students and Wild Friends. The memorial asks state agencies to participate in a no-cost workshop on insect identification, ecology, monitoring, and management, and to help educate the public about insects. Students, conservation specialists, and an entomologist testified that insects are essential to pollination, ecosystems, agriculture, and biodiversity, while also noting declining insect populations and the need for more public understanding. Some senators raised concerns about the memorial’s wording, including whether it should be broadened from insects to arthropods and whether the Department of Agriculture, rather than Game and Fish, should be involved. The committee discussed timing and implementation, and the sponsor agreed to work on amendments. The memorial passed on a due pass motion by a vote of 8-0, with one excused. The committee then heard Senate Bill 154, which would require wildfire-related homeowners coverage to include flood damage caused by post-fire conditions for a five-year period. Senator Duhigg and the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance argued the bill responds to the Ruidoso fires and subsequent flooding, noting that many homes were destroyed by mudslides and that flood insurance is often unavailable or inadequate. Supporters, including Ruidoso officials, affected residents, and attorneys, said the bill would help homeowners recover from cascading wildfire and flood losses. Opponents from the insurance industry and business groups warned the bill would be an outlier, could significantly raise premiums, and might reduce availability of homeowners insurance statewide. Committee members questioned how the mandate would work, whether it should be optional, and how costs would be allocated. The bill passed on a 5-4 vote. Finally, the committee briefly heard Senate Bill 187, which appropriates $202,000 from the general fund to the New Mexico Finance Authority’s Water Project Fund for future water projects authorized by the legislature. The Finance Authority said the funding would help address a gap between available money and the 113 recommended projects, totaling about $522 million, including water conservation, flood prevention, storage, wastewater, and watershed projects. Members asked for more detail on the locations and types of projects, and the Finance Authority said it would provide the list from the companion authorization bill. The committee then moved the bill forward on a do pass motion.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Transportation Dec 4th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • The speaker also noted significant money needed for fish passage barriers to fully complete the current
  • They also noted significant funding needs for fish passage barriers and said inflation on large projects
  • The speaker said the state needs significant money for fish passage barriers to fully complete the current
  • And these aren't the fish passage culverts that we often talk about.
  • the five critical priorities keeping ferries running the safety operations and maintenance and our fish
Summary: The committee received a detailed staff presentation on Washington State Ferries’ capital needs, current fleet status, and long-range funding outlook. Staff described the current service pattern, ridership recovery since the pandemic, the aging fleet, and the state’s plan to add three new hybrid-electric Olympic-class vessels under the 2025 budget, with delivery expected around 2030-2032. Members also heard that the fleet is operating with no reserve vessel, that preservation time is below the desired level, and that terminal electrification and vessel conversion plans face timing, cost, and procurement risks. Questions focused on ridership trends, biofuel supply, design-risk allocation in vessel contracts, sequencing of terminal electrification with new vessel delivery, and the cost and feasibility of restoring international Sidney service, which would require a SOLAS-certified vessel. Staff then outlined ferry capital funding, saying recent spending and programmed needs are far above regular ferry-specific revenues and that the system relies on a mix of dedicated accounts, transportation package money, federal grants, and transfers. They said the near-term budget is balanced through 2027-29, but the longer-term capital outlook shows a shortfall of roughly $250 million to $300 million per biennium, with broader unmet needs much higher. The presentation estimated costs for future vessels, life extensions, terminal electrification, and additional Jumbo Mark II conversions, and noted that the current enacted plan does not fully fund fleet replacement, full electrification, or life extension of older vessels. Members asked for follow-up information on terminal seismic/environmental issues, contract options for additional vessels, and the timing and cost of alternative vessel designs. The committee then shifted to WSDOT maintenance and preservation. Pascoe Focktich described maintenance operations, including winter response, guardrail repair, facilities, equipment, and the effects of underfunding and inflation. He said most of the maintenance budget is fixed cost and labor, that material prices have risen sharply, and that many facilities are in poor condition with asbestos issues and deferred upkeep. He also noted growing guardrail damage, increasing pavement claims, and the burden of maintaining aging bridges and facilities. Members asked about prior planning for these needs, the role of asbestos, and whether more proactive sequencing could help budget decisions. Troy Suing then presented the highway preservation program, saying WSDOT is in the early stages of critical failure and has stretched preservation dollars as far as possible. He explained the distinction between pavement, bridge, and other highway asset preservation, said the department is largely reactive, and estimated that delaying work can make it three to five times more expensive later. He said about 40% of roadways are currently due or overdue for preservation, bridge conditions are nearing the federal poor-bridge threshold, and the department’s 10-year preservation need is about $8 billion. Members asked about the cost of deferring work, whether the department could do more if funded, how priorities are set, and whether other states face similar problems. Finally, Evan Grimm and Mike Fay briefed the committee on bridge strikes by overheight vehicles. They described recent incidents on I-90 near Cle Elum and SR 410 near White River, the damage and closures caused, and possible countermeasures such as public outreach, improved trip-planning tools, and a pilot warning system with sensors and flashing beacons. Fay explained the state’s financial recovery process for third-party damage, saying WSDOT recovers roughly $20 million per biennium and about 78% to 80% of billed damages, with money going to the motor vehicle fund. Members asked about prevention, insurance recovery, and whether the state uses claim data to inform future design or safety changes.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Apr 9th, 2025 at 01:00 pm

North Dakota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members of the Assembly, 1470 is a Game and Fish fee bill.
  • on page 6, sections 3 and 4, dealing with how a guide and outfitter is certified and how Game and Fish
  • Members of the Assembly, House Bill 1470 is the fee bill for North Dakota Game and Fish.
  • For a married couple's fishing license, from $22 to $40.
  • For a married couple, a fishing license from $22 to $40.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then approved journal corrections and recognized visiting students from Underwood School. The chamber also handled several conference committee appointments after failing to concur with Senate amendments on House bills 1022, 1049, 1229, and 1029, and after the Senate failed to concur on House amendments to Senate bills 2010 and 2113. The House then concurred in or passed a series of amended measures, including House Bills 1481 (dental insurance loss ratio and reporting), 1511 (physician guidance on abortion law, with an emergency clause), 1562 (mandated reporter training), 1197 (correctional facilities study), 1095 (child protective services liaison work group), 1317 (barber licensing board changes), 1549 (corrections facility grants and reentry-related provisions), 1354 (appraiser evaluations), 1374 (open meeting exemption for township supervisors during on-site inspections), 1355 (abbreviated notice for administrative rulemaking), 1025 (advanced nuclear energy study), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes), 1592 (Lignite Research Council updates), and 1375 (alcohol service/photo ID provisions). Final passage votes were recorded on each bill, with most passing comfortably and some drawing notable opposition, especially HB 1470 and HB 1549. The House spent substantial time on Senate Bill 2011, the Highway Patrol appropriation. Members discussed shifting one-time funding from the general fund to the Electronic Motor Carrier Permit Fund, including body armor, preliminary breath tests, an emergency vehicle course, resurfacing, fleet costs, and handgun/taser replacement, while also noting a federal grant and no new FTEs. Questions focused on salary-line increases and the new-and-vacant FTE pool, with Appropriations explaining that those dollars had been moved back into agency budgets from OMB. The bill passed 84-6. The House also passed Senate Bill 2013, the Commissioner of University and School Lands appropriation, after discussion of Trust Lands operations, unclaimed property staffing, and distributions from the Common Schools Trust Fund; one member was excused for a conflict, and the bill passed 67-22. Senate Bill 2023, the Racing Commission appropriation, passed 65-25 after a brief explanation of the agency’s responsibilities and funding. A major policy debate centered on Senate Bill 2385, which revises mobile home park regulation. Supporters said it creates receivership procedures if a license is revoked, requires clearer tenant notices, limits certain fees, and strengthens protections against eviction and utility overcharges. Two members were excused from voting due to conflicts tied to mobile home park ownership, and the bill passed 84-4. Another extended debate occurred on Senate Bill 2159, which allows the State Energy Research Center to study nuclear-related projects with approval from the Industrial Commission and consultation with the radioactive waste advisory council. Supporters said it is meant to help study advanced nuclear energy while preserving existing prohibitions on high-level radioactive waste storage; opponents raised concerns that the language could weaken prior protections and open the door to waste-related research or storage. The transcript ends during that debate, before a final vote on SB 2159 is shown.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee Aug 1st, 2025

Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Because when a student is enrolled in Medicaid, charters can request reimbursement from Medicaid when
  • This is a transit practice that was developed between educator programs, school districts, and charter
  • This was to the federal portals used to get the funds to reimburse districts and charter schools for
  • Secretary Padilla sent out a letter to every single district and charter in the state to notify them
  • Very committed to reaching out to districts and charters to provide them with whatever information we
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session 03-20-2025 11:30am

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • President, we also have students from Kihei Public Charter School that are joining us today.
  • And we also have our charter school, Kula O Nāwahīokalaniʻou? students.
  • And we also have our charter school, Kula O Nāwahīokalaniʻou? students.
  • Welcome to your state senate. charter school kula o navah kalani ou charter school kula o navah kalani
  • Over 120 students from 36 public and charter schools participated, representing 14 complex areas.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/04/2026 - House Appropriations

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • The $250,000 is for compensating ranchers and also being able to use with the Game and Fish for wolf
  • I'm here as a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, functioning as a subject matter expert
  • Ten percent of that is drawn by the Fish and Wildlife Service for administration, leaving $900,000 split
  • for almost a decade at the same amount of one million dollars ten percent of that is drawn by the fish
  • farmers that lose their cattle to the wolf, we did appropriate $250,000 from the game to non-game fish
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee Jan 21st, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • The fish were contaminated with forever chemicals or PFAS, right?
  • the UC Berkeley system, and it actually says in there, and the results are right here, 91% of the fish
  • I mean, if you have the opportunity to go, you know, catch 10 fish out there and nine of them out of
  • It says that 91% of the contaminants in the bay, the fish out there, 91% are contaminated with forever
  • But I would say that, so one is what you've described about PFAS and the fish.
Summary: The Senate Rules Committee established quorum and first approved several non-appearing gubernatorial appointees and procedural items on unanimous 5-0 votes, including Hampus Eitsiter to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Peter Stern to the California Horse Racing Board, Dean White to the State Mining and Geology Board, references of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgements. The committee then heard testimony on Tyler Sadwith’s appointment as Chief Deputy Director of Healthcare Programs at the Department of Health Care Services. Sadwith emphasized protecting Medi-Cal access and equity, continuing CalAIM and behavioral health transformation, and drawing on personal experience with family members needing care. Senators focused heavily on hospital financial distress, rural access, eligibility redeterminations, fraud oversight, provider reimbursement, dental access, labor and delivery closures, and the impact of federal changes; Sadwith said the department is working on expedited payments, monitoring distressed hospitals, county technical assistance, and strategies to reduce disenrollments and improve program integrity. Public commenters from county, hospital, and care organizations supported his confirmation, and the committee advanced his nomination to the full Senate on a 5-0 vote. The committee next considered Chris Thayer, PhD, for Director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Thayer described OEHHA’s role as providing transparent, scientifically rigorous health assessments and supporting tools such as Prop 65, CalEnviroScreen, and risk communication. Senators pressed him on the use of models versus real-world data, fenceline monitoring, PFAS, wildfire health impacts, and whether OEHHA’s work adequately reflects lived experience and local conditions. Thayer responded that the office often must rely on the best available evidence, including animal, human, and alternative methods, while continuing to improve communication and community engagement; he also discussed EnviroScreen updates, Prop 65 warning reforms, and research gaps. Public testimony in support highlighted OEHHA’s scientific role and the importance of biomonitoring and PFAS work. The committee approved Thayer’s nomination to the full Senate on a 3-1 vote, with Senator Grove voting no and Senator Jones not voting.
NE

Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Morning Session Apr 10th, 2026

Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Education Cybersecurity Act, and provisions concerning junior mathematics programs, examinations, and charter
  • Every student deserves access to healthy fish during the day.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/10/2026 - Senate Natural Resources

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Fish and Wildlife Service, and a $250,000 appropriation in last year's budget.
  • Fish and Wildlife Service, and a $250,000 appropriation in last year's budget.
  • I know that the game and fish and also the wildlife group does have that number.
  • I know that the, I know that the game and fish and also the wildlife group does have that number.
  • Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House State Government & Tribal Relations Jan 30th, 2026 at 08:00 am

State Government & Tribal Relations

Transcript Highlights:
  • you wanted the state to make the six-gill shark his state shark, and he said, well, it's actually a fish
  • 6PPD, enters our waterways through stormwater runoff and has been shown to cause acute mortality in fish
  • 6pd, enters our waterways through stormwater runoff, and has been shown to cause acute mortality in fish
  • as coastal cutthroat trout and coho salmon, and... and has been shown to cause acute mortality in fish
  • six-skill sharks are threatened by human activities such as overfishing, accidental catches, and fishing
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Jan 14th, 2026 at 04:00 pm

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • These include critical transportation projects along our I-5 corridor, fish barrier removal, EV stations
  • Last session, WDFW requested $1.9 million to sustain two fish hatcheries in southwest Washington.
  • It would help support the multimillion-dollar recreational fishing industry in the state and comes at
  • a time when recreational anglers will be paying 38% more for their fishing licenses.
  • Thank you. 38% more for their fishing licenses. Thank you for your time. Thank you, Nella.
Bills: HB2289
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

ALC-PEER Jun 16th, 2026

ALC-PEER

Transcript Highlights:
  • R is a letter from Game and Fish for $5 million. It's to incentivize landowners.
  • R is a letter from Game and Fish for $5 million to incentivize landowners to undertake conservation practices
  • E2A is Game and Fish. It's $1.5 million. This is a grant from the U.S.
  • D is a letter from the Game and Fish Commission.
  • It is a former employee of the Game and Fish Commission that just sued everybody under the sun, including
Committee: All ALC-PEER
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Caucus of the Whole - 2026-05-29 - 11:15AM

Vermont House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • There was language around fish and wildlife fees that, as the bill left the House,... ...we essentially
  • legislation many years ago, delegated our fee authority from the legislature to the Department of Fish
  • In miscellaneous tax, as it left the House, we took that delegation back from Fish and Wildlife, said
  • While the bill was hanging out in the Senate and they were working on it, the miscellaneous Fish and
  • into statute, close a loophole, and so we made a few changes to this language to acknowledge that the Fish