Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:08.839><c> um</c> troutstream by the metro big Rivers um troutstream by the metro big Rivers
• Louis River Estuary, or the St. Louis River restoration initiative.
• Louis River Estuary.
• Louis River Estuary, or the St. Louis River restoration initiative.
• Louis River Estuary.

Bills: HF1250

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: outdoor heritage, land acquisition, wildlife management, conservation easements, environmental restoration, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:25:36.159><c> and</c><01:25:36.400><c> Lakes</c> Game, Marine Patrol, uh River and Lakes Game
• >> Right, so two separate ones, one representing rivers and one representing lakes. Thank you.
• the<01:39:59.119><c> number</c><01:39:59.280><c> of</c> river. river. river.
• </c><01:40:16.080><c> association</c> the rivers association the rivers association &gt;&gt; or<01:40
• Sunset Lake and down through there into the Second River, so yes. Thank you, Senator. Thank you.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 125,000 acre-feet of water that come down the Bear River.
• In my case, in the Ponderay River, there's 22 miles of river, but the skiers have to ski with this situation

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am honored to have with us today guests from the Fall River Boys and Girls Club here on Club Day here
• I am honored to have with us today guests from the Fall River Boys and Girls Club here on Club on Club
• Fall River Boys and Girls Club.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd say most of your rails was, you know, what he's kind of talking about is along the river.
• So you've got one side that's river property, which could be whoever owns that, which would be, I have
• no idea, who would own that side of the center line to the river.

Committee: House Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2280, sponsored by Representative Nulte, but did not have a quorum. The bill would require the state land surveyor’s office to determine and publish the geometry of abandoned railroad rights-of-way so adjoining landowners and surveyors can identify ownership boundaries, with the work potentially contracted to private surveyors or engineers. Nulte said the measure is intended to address uncertainty over abandoned rail corridors, where the Surface Transportation Board is the entity that formally abandons rail lines, and noted the bill includes a sunset date in 2046 to spread out the work and reduce fiscal impact. Members asked about how abandonment is defined, how landowners would reclaim or survey former rail property, how the bill might affect rail-to-trail corridors such as the Katy Trail, and whether railroad fences or other remnants remain the railroad’s responsibility. Nulte said the bill is aimed at long-abandoned lines and that a committee substitute would likely add more detail on how the geometry would be reconstructed from historical maps and records. He also said title insurance and existing boundary records may help in some cases. The Missouri Railroad Association testified in opposition to the bill as drafted, saying the issue is more complicated than it appears because abandoned lines can involve reverted property, state-owned trail corridors, industrial sites, brownfields, and older records that may be proprietary or incomplete. The association said it was concerned about privacy, liability, and the burden of scrubbing historical ownership information from its files, and noted that Missouri’s rail network remains heavily used for freight and national defense shipments. No witnesses testified in favor, no votes were taken, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As soon as I crossed the river for two solid miles on the other side of the river, all them log trucks
• were stopped over there because they were all... ...on the other side of the river, all them log trucks

Summary: The Public Safety Committee met and heard several House bills, most of them receiving due pass recommendations. Representative Banning presented HB 2979, which would allow the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to reduce speed limits on four-lane highways near school zones when the center line is within 150 yards of a school zone; it passed unanimously. He also presented HB 2980, which lets DMV staff accept a physical insurance card during a short window after coverage is purchased instead of waiting for emailed/faxed verification, while still checking the insurance database; it passed 7-0 after questions about fraud prevention and the role of DMV discretion. Representative Dempsey presented HB 3662, reducing the enforcement radius around fixed weigh stations from seven highway miles to five, arguing it would keep enforcement focused on the scales and not rural roads; it passed 5-2. Representative Ford’s HB 4105 was laid over, while HB 4107 passed unanimously and would make it a crime to hack outdoor warning sirens or their PA systems. Representative Kelly’s HB 382 passed unanimously to bar firefighters on the sex offender registry from employment, and HB 383 passed unanimously to make county burn bans easier to declare using National Weather Service red flag warnings. Representative Kerr’s HB 2997 passed to adjust fines for used motor vehicle dealers and increase FTEs in self-regulated divisions. Representative Kelly also presented HB 355, requiring CLEET directors to be CLEET-certified officers; it passed unanimously after discussion about director pay. Finally, HB 2159, a DOC request bill to add omitted prisons back into a prior transportation-related statute, also passed unanimously. The committee then adjourned after completing its business.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2279 relates to commercial river outfitters in the Grand Canyon.
• participants to release those operators from liability for injuries arising from the inherent risks of river
• would eliminate the availability of the right of action for ordinary negligence against commercial river

Committee: House Rules

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, I was born and raised in the Hudson River Valley, a defining feature of who I am.
• Andy Kitzman, Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway.
• Ing Me Downey, Chair of the Hudson River Greenway Council.
• ANDY KITZMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HUDSON RIVER VALLEY GREENWAY.
• ING ME DOWNEY, CHAIR OR THE HUDSON RIVER GREEN WAYS COUNCIL.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the journal, and took up a series of motions to discharge identical Assembly bills to the Third Reading Calendar, along with committee reports and amendments. The chamber also received an introduction from Senator Gonzalez honoring Maria Raine and her advocacy for guardrails on AI chatbots after the death of her son, and later adopted a Rules Committee report sending several General Business Law bills directly to Third Reading. The resolution calendar was adopted with some exceptions, and the Senate recognized several previously adopted resolutions honoring individuals and observances, including Barnabas McHenry, Arthur Jones Jr., Floyd Todd Peterson III, the Lexington School for the Deaf, Tadeusz Kosciuszko, Apraxia Awareness Month, Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, Prevention Week, Physician Anesthesiologists Week, and Golf Day in New York. The Senate then considered and passed numerous bills, many on consumer protection and public policy topics. Measures included bills on General Business Law, Public Health Law, Correction Law, Environmental Conservation Law, Executive Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Public Officers Law, Not-for-Profit Corporation Law, Public Housing Law, Education Law, Labor Law, and Public Service Law. Several bills were laid aside, including a Public Health Law bill by Senator Fernandez and a Public Service Law bill by Senator Parker. The chamber also passed a concurrent constitutional resolution by Senator Stec proposing an amendment to Article 14. During floor debate, senators explained votes on several measures. Senator Ramos spoke in support of paid sick leave for domestic workers, describing the bill as a long-overdue labor protection for a workforce historically excluded from such rights. Senator Fernandez described her bill as the Manufacturer Disclosure and Transparency Act, aimed at requiring notice and public disclosure of certain pharmaceutical patent settlement agreements to improve transparency and competition in prescription drug pricing. Senator Ryan and Senator Martins supported a bill restricting hidden algorithmic price manipulation online, and Senator May supported a bill limiting excessive rental car fuel charges as part of a broader consumer protection package. The Senate also passed a memorial highway bill naming a portion of Route 19 in LeRoy for Lieutenant Gary A. Scott, with Senator Borrello explaining the veteran’s service and sacrifice.

Transcript Highlights:

• it's Kootenai County, the Kootenai Electric, or Clearwater Power, Idaho County Light and Power, Fall River
• , Lost River, or Salmon River, you have an elected board with members of that co-op who then represent
• One February winter morning, I was crossing the bridge over the Boise River.
• And they said American eagles winter along the Boise River, and then they sometimes fly into downtown
• We have the Snake River. We have geothermal potential.

Summary: The Senate convened with 34 members present, later noting all 35 present, and began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the March 24 journal. The body then moved through committee reports and messages from the House and Governor, referring a number of bills and memorials to committees, enrolling and transmitting several measures, and advancing to floor consideration of legislation. Among the early actions, House Bill 928 was sent to the 14th order for possible amendment, and multiple House and Senate bills were introduced, read, and referred to standing committees. The chamber first took up House Bill 760 on reconsideration after it had previously failed on a tie vote. After debate over whether the bill would create an optional low-income housing tax credit program that supporters described as a workforce housing tool and opponents criticized as a tax shift and government-subsidized housing, the motion to reconsider passed 24-11. On final passage, however, the bill failed again, 15-20, and was returned to the House. The Senate also debated and passed Senate Bill 1397, which extends utility-style consumer protections to certain privately held wastewater systems; supporters said it addresses captive customers and stranded property, while opponents warned against expanding regulation. The bill passed 21-14. The Senate then passed Senate Bill 1398, which returns Idaho to a presidential primary system and sets the primary for the Tuesday after the first Monday in May; supporters cited low caucus turnout and broader voter access, while opponents worried about shortening the campaign season. Senate Bill 1396 also passed as a cleanup measure repealing obsolete Pacific Fisheries Task Force language. In addition, House Bill 630, on airborne control of predatory animals, failed 6-28 after debate over whether the measure merely codified existing permit rules or could harm livestock protection efforts. Later, the Senate passed House Bills 631, 826, 585, 648, 773, 787, and 790. These measures dealt respectively with certificates of free sale for Idaho agricultural products, eliminating the Idaho Honey Commission, expanding inspection requirements to help speed housing-related permits, parity for oral cancer medication coverage, repeal of obsolete credit union and cemetery code sections, moving podiatry under the Board of Medicine, and allowing certified interior designers to sign certain nonstructural technical submissions. Several of these bills were described as cleanup or efficiency measures, while HB 648 drew especially personal testimony about the cost of oral chemotherapy. The Senate also adopted House Concurrent Resolution 31, honoring the late Lyndon B. Bateman, with members sharing personal recollections of his teaching, handwriting, and service. The day ended with additional committee reports, referrals, announcements, and a recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• it's Kootenai County, the Kootenai Electric, or Clearwater Power, Idaho County Light and Power, Fall River
• , Lost River, or Salmon River, you have an elected board with members of that co-op who then represent
• One February winter morning, I was crossing the bridge over the Boise River.
• And they said American eagles winter along the Boise River, and then they sometimes fly into downtown
• We have the Snake River. We have geothermal potential.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And just down the river in Dakota County is the Minnesota River Regional Trail, where the parks and trails
• And just down the river in Dakota County is the Minnesota River Regional Trail, where the parks and trails
• And just down the river in Dakota County is the Minnesota River Regional Trail, where the parks and trails
• And just down the river in Dakota County is the Minnesota River Regional Trail, where the parks and trails
• And just down the river in Dakota County is the Minnesota River Regional Trail, where the parks and trails

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In Owensboro, many clinicians can make a relatively short commute across the river into Indiana, where
• It's River Valley and the Birch, isn't it? Okay, River Valley and the Birch aren't they?
• There's some success in a small way, and that River Valley program is the one that I'm mentioning.
• Birch isn't &gt;&gt; It's River Valley and the Birch isn't it?
• and the Birch aren't &gt;&gt; Okay, River Valley and the Birch aren't they?

Committee: Joint Families & Children

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm immensely proud of the Brevard, Indian River, and Orange County school districts for doing the
• So I'm immensely proud of the Brevard, Indian River, and Orange County school districts for doing the
• So I'm immensely proud of the Brevard, Indian River, and Orange County school districts for doing the
• Jonah studies geographic information sciences and applies his skills at Sound Rivers, protecting our
• </c> applies his skills at sound rivers applies his skills at sound rivers protecting<02:31:31.200><c

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have something in Boston, but I think it’s very important for us to be diversified and show us Fall River
• going to be in Boston, it'd be great to think about whether we do one on Cape Cod, New Bedford, Fall River
• , Taunton, And it'd be great to think about whether we do one on Cape Cod, New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton
• Situate and of Boston and of New Bedford—and there's a group in Taunton and there's a group in Fall River—where

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The meeting focused on organizing the Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Commission, including confirming quorum, approving prior minutes, electing leadership, and planning next steps. Once quorum was reached, members approved the minutes from the prior meeting and unanimously elected Senator Liz Miranda and Representative Kip Diggs as co-chairs. There was also discussion of whether vice chairs should be added later, with several members favoring a mix of legislative and appointed/community representation. A major portion of the discussion centered on expanding the commission membership and identifying candidates who reflect regional, gender, and professional diversity, with emphasis on arts, culture, history, philanthropy, development, and construction. Members suggested numerous names from Boston, Brockton, New Bedford, Fall River, Cape Cod, Taunton, and other communities, and there was broad interest in including people connected to cultural organizations, universities, and the business/development community. Members also discussed whether designees could count toward quorum, but no rule change was adopted during the meeting. The commission also discussed its operating structure and public process. Members agreed to submit two or three recommended names by November 13, and to reconvene on November 25 at 4 p.m. to finalize recommendations and continue building the commission. They also discussed meeting cadence, with support for alternating formal meetings and site visits or listening sessions every other month, plus possible subcommittees to handle research between meetings. The chair noted that the commission is public-facing, will keep records and minutes, and will need to consider the organizational vehicle or advisory structure that will support Cape Verdean clubs and associations in the broader project. The meeting adjourned after these next steps were outlined.

Transcript Highlights:

• An example is the Green River, which flows down from Vermont into Leyden, and Leyden provides the water
• Any impact to the flow of the river in Leyden impacts Greenfield.
• The river does not stop in Greenfield; it also continues to Deerfield and so on. ...to the Connecticut
• River.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint committee held a public hearing on several bills covering state administration, land/public housing redevelopment, construction safety, memorialization, records management, rural grant equity, and animal research. Testimony in support of H. 3329 described an inequity in the Governor’s Council reimbursement statute, which currently cuts off travel, meals, and lodging reimbursement after four terms; the witnesses argued this disproportionately burdens members from western Massachusetts and creates geographic and economic barriers to service. The Boston Housing Authority supported legislation for the Brighton/Faneuil Gardens area, saying it would allow a mixed-use redevelopment that replaces all existing public housing units one-for-one, adds new affordable housing, creates replacement rehearsal space for displaced musicians, and preserves prevailing wage standards. A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 2112, a construction safety bill. Suffolk Construction, Boston building trade representatives, and local inspectors testified that the measure would strengthen training, site safety standards, oversight of high-risk work, and enforcement, while helping protect workers and the public and improving retention and recruitment of inspectors. Witnesses said the bill would align Massachusetts more closely with higher safety standards in other states and build on lessons from past construction-related incidents. The committee also heard support for S. 2162, which would create a COVID-19 memorial; the witness emphasized the scale of pandemic deaths in Massachusetts and the educational value of public memorials. Other testimony addressed H. 3321, which would modernize records preservation for registers of deeds by reducing reliance on costly microfilm in an increasingly electronic system; the witness said current law is outdated and expensive. H. 3311, aimed at advancing equity for rural communities receiving state grants, drew support from town officials in Leyden and Ashfield, who said small towns lack staff for grant writing and should be evaluated more on need and regional impact, especially for climate and public safety projects. Finally, S. 2117, concerning animal research, was supported by an animal welfare advocate who urged prohibiting state funds for animal experiments and shifting to non-animal research methods. After the hearing concluded, the chairs noted that additional hearings and polling votes would follow, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• having over $90 billion of investment, close to $20 billion is going to be invested in District 5, the River
• like for Chancellor Taylor to expand upon a program that's working well with Dow in partnership with River
• Quentin Taylor, Chancellor, River Parishes Community College. Thank you for the opportunity.
• Quentin Taylor, Chancellor, River Parishes Community College. Thank you for the opportunity.

Bills: HCR26 , HB28 , HB195 , HB283 , HB316 , HB319 , HB363 , HB380 , HB386 , HB392 , HB406 , HB636 , HB738 , HB807 , HB905 , HB992 , HB1146

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: human growth, development education, prenatal education, state standards, biological science, teacher certification, certification appeals, BESE, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Teacher Certification Appeals Council, educator licensure, teaching license, teacher licensure, appeals process, certification denial, administrative appeal, special meeting, board president, retroactive application, education board

Summary: The committee met with a large docket and adopted the April 29 minutes. Several bills were heard and advanced, mostly on education, workforce, literacy, early childhood, charter schools, and student mental health. Testimony was generally supportive, with many witnesses waiving in favor; a few bills drew questions about implementation, student awareness, and whether proposals were sufficiently broad or specific. House Bill 406, requiring the Department of Education to study the direction and regulation of interscholastic high school athletics and report back by March 1, 2027, was reported favorably after testimony from a retired principal who urged an open-minded study and discussion from the bill author about compliance and the bill’s purpose. House Bill 380, creating a pilot program between community and technical colleges and local school systems to expand awareness of CDL, entry-level driver training, and related programs, was also reported favorably. House Bill 807, creating a workforce and structure capacity investment program and fund to help industry partner with colleges to train instructors, was reported favorably after support from higher education and industry witnesses; senators raised interest in adding a stronger health care component and in reaching students earlier, but the author said he would work on amendments. The committee also advanced House Bill 316 on adolescent literacy and high-dose tutoring, with amendments clarifying teacher training timing, existing statutory bans on outdated literacy practices, and charter school participation; House Bill 1146, consolidating early childhood governance into a commission; House Bill 28, creating an appeal path for denied teacher certification applicants through BESE; and House Bill 992, assigning early childhood education identification numbers to support data collection on outcomes. House Concurrent Resolution 26, urging BESE to add the science of human growth and development to science and health standards and provide approved instructional resources, was amended and reported favorably. House Bill 386, allowing local districts to let locally authorized charter schools operate as their own LEA under district rules, was amended and reported favorably. House Bill 392, expanding suicide prevention information requirements on school websites, ID cards, handbooks, and signage, was reported favorably as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I used to work at the Wanapum-Priest Rapids Dam on the Columbia River and had a lot of asbestos in
• Does this bill apply to the mid-sea dams on the Columbia River, the Wells Dam, Rocky Reach, Rock Island
• So I used to work at the Wanapen-Priest Rapids Dam on the Columbia River and had a lot of asvestis in
• Does this bill apply to the mid-sea dams on the Columbia River, the Wells Dam, Rocky Reed, Rock Island

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee held public hearings on several Department of Labor and Industries request bills and related workplace measures. Senate Bill 6039 would allow L&I to send notices electronically with an opt-out option; Senator Curtis King and L&I supported it as a simple modernization and the committee heard no opposition. Senate Bill 6136 would require L&I to publish actuarially indicated workers’ compensation rates and explain when rates are capped below those levels; Senator King and employer groups described it as a transparency bill, while L&I said it would disclose how reserve funds and rate caps affect different classes. Senate Bill 6188 would expand L&I’s authority over asbestos certification rulemaking beyond rules specifically required to match federal standards; Senator Victoria Hunt and L&I argued this would strengthen worker safety and training, while the Building Industry Association raised concern about diverging from federal rules and asked for narrower authority. Senate Bill 6014 would create a Public Records Act exemption for people involved in pregnancy-accommodation complaints or investigations and fix a cross-reference in last year’s pregnancy accommodation law; Senator T’wina Nobles and Moms Rising said it would restore intended protections and privacy for pregnant and postpartum workers. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 6058, which would give L&I discretion to investigate wage complaints under the Wage Payment Act and assess penalties for willful violations when it initiates an investigation; L&I supported the bill and noted a House amendment to reduce costs and avoid conflict with another wage-recovery measure. For Senate Bill 6136, hospitality, construction, and self-insured employer representatives all supported the measure as a transparency step, with the self-insurers noting the impact of PTSD presumptive claims on rate classes. For Senate Bill 6188, L&I said the bill would let the department set stronger certification standards for asbestos workers and supervisors, while BIAW argued the bill should be limited to specific EPA model standards rather than removing the current statutory limitation. In executive session, the committee took action on five bills. On Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5061, which requires annual prevailing-wage adjustments in public works contracts, an amendment allowing change orders for wage increases over 5% failed, a one-year effective-date delay was adopted, and the bill passed 7-2 as amended. Substitute Senate Bill 5874, allowing ESD to waive penalties for minor unemployment-insurance reporting errors, passed 9-0. Senate Bill 5944, making missed-appointment payments part of bargained compensation for language access providers, passed 9-0. Substitute Senate Bill 5972, expanding binding interest arbitration for correctional officers in city and county jails, rejected two amendments that would have limited the binding effect and required consideration of local fiscal ability, then passed 8-1. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6302, addressing misclassification of independent contractors on public works projects, passed 9-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• illustration of its efficacy in humans, it was approved for human parasitic infections, in particular for river
• When ivermectin was person approved for river blindness and other parasitic human infections.
• And I know that you mentioned river blindness, yes, and certain parasites.
• Ivermectin is approved for river blindness.

Bills: SB 3 , SB 16 , SB 2 , SB 5 , SB 10 , HB17 , SB 54 , SB 9 , SB 7 , SB 17 , SB 4 , HB8 , HB25 , HB26 , HB192 , HB8 , HB25 , HB26 , HB48 , HB149 , HB192 , HB254 , HB17 , SB54 , SB9 , SB7 , SB17 , SB4 , SB3 , SB16 , SB2 , SB5 , SB10

Keywords: flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, real property theft, real property fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I would suggest, uh, Either Taos or Red River. On that July 31st, August 1st.
• Well, how about Red River? About Red Dosa Riodosa. We better check the room rates.
• I made a red river, raise your hand. Why don't we um?
• It'll either be Red River or Riodoso for, for that 3rd meeting.

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority.
• I'm here on behalf of the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District.
• I'm here on behalf of the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District.
• supposedly clean it and put it in Mustang Creek, which goes to Brushy Creek, which goes to the Brazos River

Bills: HB2018 , HB1633 , HB1689 , SB612 , SB3058

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Keywords: agricultural conservation, land preservation, environmental protection, wildlife habitat, Texas Farm and Ranch, groundwater conservation district, Texas Water Code, water permit, permit amendment, groundwater permit, water rights, aquifer, well registration, exempt wells, beneficial use, water conservation, groundwater quality, well plugging, Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area, surface water resources

Summary: The Senate Water, Agriculture, Rural Affairs Committee heard several bills focused on groundwater management, water infrastructure, and agricultural land conservation. SB 612 would limit certain water districts in Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties from charging developers pipeline construction fees above actual, documented costs; the committee substitute removed a developer challenge mechanism to preserve district discretion over construction standards. HB 1633 would require groundwater conservation districts to consider registered exempt wells when reviewing or amending permits, and testimony from landowners, district representatives, and advocacy groups largely supported the bill as a way to protect domestic and livestock wells from drawdown caused by large export projects. HB 1689 would clarify that export fee revenues may be used for well operability, alternative water supplies, and aquifer monitoring, including through interlocal cooperation, and HB 3058 would give the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District authority to use export fees for county road improvements and environmental programs tied to well inspection and groundwater management. HB 2018 would clarify that the Texas Farm and Ranchland Conservation Program is intended to purchase conservation easements only on working agricultural lands, with support from cattle raisers and Farm Bureau representatives. The committee also considered HB 29, which would require large water systems to validate water loss audits and submit mitigation plans; a committee substitute removed the water-loss threshold and adjusted the timeline for more detailed validation. Public testimony on the bills was generally supportive, with several witnesses describing declining well levels, road damage from export projects, and the need to preserve agricultural land and local water supplies. The committee adopted committee substitutes and voted favorably on HB 29, HB 1689, HB 2018, SB 612, and SB 3058, recommending several of them for the local and uncontested calendar; HB 1633 was left pending awaiting a committee substitute.