Transcript Highlights:

• So let's start with Farm to School Task Force.
• Where are we with the Farm to School Task Force?
• I know that they are moving forward with Farm to School Week in the fall for timing.
• The Farm to School Task Force was established in 2024.
• And I think we can do this, like, based, you know, and farms and such.

Keywords: Virginia Commission to End Hunger, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My 20-acre farm is surrounded by 1,200 acres of solar.
• Come and make an offer on my farm, and yet I have to pay full taxes.
• I attempt to run a farming and ranching operation of about 150,000 acres of solar industry.
• My mother and I live next to one of the most destructive solar farms in the state of Texas.
• The solar farm is more or less an ecological dead zone.

Bills: SB913 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1143 , SB1534 , SB1553 , SB1718 , SB1754 , SB2004 , SB2322 , SB2448

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills, mostly related to economic development, tax incentives, and workforce programs. Senate Bill 1534 would direct a study by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission on health physics education and workforce needs; resource witnesses from the Workforce Commission and Coordinating Board testified, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1553 would authorize Kerr County to impose a hotel occupancy tax for tourism-related uses, and Senate Bills 1086 and 1087 would authorize similar county hotel taxes for Children’s County and Mason County; all three bills received supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1754, which would prohibit county and local tax abatements for renewable energy facilities selling power wholesale, with testimony sharply divided between landowners and policy groups opposing renewable subsidies and industry representatives and some senators arguing the bill would harm clean energy investment and local decision-making; the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2322, which would exempt dispatchable electric generation facilities from the JEDI program’s compelling-factor test so they could qualify for school district tax incentives; testimony was mixed, and the bill was left pending. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 1718, which would add the NRA annual meeting to the state’s major events reimbursement program. The bill’s sponsor and NRA representatives argued the event brings substantial tourism and economic activity, while opponents said it would use taxpayer funds to subsidize an organization that opposes gun safety measures; the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 2004 would add the Arlington Grand Prix to the major events reimbursement program, with the committee substitute exempting it from the usual competitive site-selection requirement because of timing; testimony from the event organizers and Arlington tourism officials was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 2448 would create a rural workforce development grant program at the Texas Workforce Commission to support college-and-career readiness and technical assistance in rural communities; witnesses from Texas 2036, Collegiate Edgination, and a rural school district supported it, and it was left pending. Finally, Senate Bill 913 would repeal a special requirement that Alpine dedicate at least 50% of its hotel occupancy tax to advertising and promotion, and Senate Bill 1143 would require more coordination and reporting for youth workforce programs serving disconnected young Texans; both bills received supportive testimony and were left pending. At the end of the hearing, Senator Johnson moved that the committee stand in recess, subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, someone who grew up in the farm worker movement, as a son and grandson of farm workers who
• The farm worker movement was never, ever about one man.
• And it calls for a renewed commitment to the values that the farm worker movement was built on.
• And it calls for a renewed commitment to the values that the farm worker movement was built on.
• Built the farm worker movement. Thank you, Mr. Proton.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a largely ceremonial and procedural floor session. Speaker Revis delivered remarks condemning the sexual abuse allegations involving Cesar Chavez and said he would work with Senate leadership on legislation to rename Cesar Chavez Day as Farm Worker Day. The body also handled several procedural motions, including re-referrals of bills to committees and guest introductions for visiting students, advocacy groups, and university representatives. The main substantive actions were on a series of resolutions. H.R. 83, recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, drew extensive personal testimony from Assemblymembers about family members and constituents with disabilities, the need for inclusion, and the importance of state funding and direct support services; it was adopted by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added. ACR 154, recognizing California Down Syndrome Awareness Week and Day, was similarly supported with personal stories about family members with Down syndrome and the need for continued awareness and services; it was adopted after 67 co-authors were added. ACR 148, designating Family Physician Week, highlighted the shortage of primary care doctors and the importance of investment in family medicine; it was adopted after 60 co-authors were added. ACR 156, recognizing National Day of Play, emphasized social connection, reduced screen time, and community engagement; it also passed with 60 co-authors added. The Assembly also adopted the consent calendar, which included Senate Concurrent Resolution 125 related to Ramadan, by a 60-0 vote. Later, members gave an adjournment in memory for Raymond Martin Melgoza, a union laborer and community member from the Central Valley. The session ended with announcements about the schedule, including no floor session on March 20 and a mandatory joint convention on March 23 for the State of the Judiciary address, followed by adjournment until March 23 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to start by thanking the Farm Bureau and the Commodity Commissions, the Department of Agriculture
• We are concerned about the governor's cuts around small farm and marketing assistance funds.
• We are concerned about the governor's cuts around small farm and marketing assistance funding in our
• We are working on a farm-to-schools bill under the Chair of Education's leadership here to make sure
• Then we have a farm-to-food-banks bill.

Summary: The meeting was a legislative press event focused on food insecurity and a broader state strategy to improve food access in Washington. Food Lifeline CEO Stephen Davis described rising hunger across western Washington, citing roughly one in eight residents and one in six children as food insecure, and warned that federal SNAP cuts and higher costs could worsen the problem. He emphasized the need for coordinated state, local, nonprofit, and industry action to strengthen food security and support the charitable food system. House Agriculture and Natural Resources Chair Rep. Lisa Reeves framed the issue as a state-level responsibility and highlighted a Food Fighters Caucus working on multiple bills. She pointed to proposals including a Washington version of a Farm Bill (HB 2616), a statewide food security strategy (HB 2238), a ban on force-feeding birds (HB 1735), support for local food infrastructure grants, farm-to-schools efforts, medically tailored meals (HB 2211), a farm-to-food-banks bill (HB 2463), food donation reporting, dynamic grocery pricing (HB 2481), and pesticide restrictions on PFAS (HB 2279). She also said the state was trying to offset federal policy changes that could reduce millions of meals and affect SNAP recipients. Rep. Darya Farivar focused on grocery access as infrastructure and described the closure of the Fred Meyer in her district as an example of fragile food access. She outlined a bill package centered on HB 2294, HB 2297, and HB 2313: removing anti-competitive covenants that block grocery stores from reopening, giving local governments tools to support existing and new stores in underserved areas, and allowing municipal or partnered grocery options when private stores disappear. Grocery worker Dan House, of UFCW 3000, testified in support of HB 2313, saying store closures hurt seniors, families, workers, and neighborhood stability. No votes were taken; the event ended with a call for continued support, collaboration, and public engagement on the bills and food security efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• ON FARM LEGAL WORKER HOUSING.
• WITH THAT, I PRESENT THE FLORIDA FARM BILL. >> THANK YOU SENATOR TRUENOW.
• TRIP UNDER, FARM BUREAU WAIVING IN SUPPORT. JIM SPRATT FLORIDA NURSERY WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
• LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION FOUNDED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF PROTECTING PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS. 2025 FLORIDA FARM
• TRIP HUNTER, FARM BUREAU, WAIVING IN SUPPORT. TRIP HUNTER, FARM BUREAU, WAIVING IN SUPPORT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:55:59.679><c> for</c> amount paid to local farms for amount paid to local farms for qualifying
• </c><01:56:06.800><c> they</c> document what registered farm they document what registered farm they
• Why BEA and not Department of Agriculture, who registers farms and manages farms?
• </c> registers farms and manages farms? registers farms and manages farms?
• farm one and it sells it for a from farm farm one and it sells it for a dollar.<02:35:17.040><c> But

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• advances and real-time data comes in with folks trying to track a flock of ducks, trying to track deer

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The committee took up several House bills dealing mainly with ethics, elections, and legislative procedure. HB 858 by Rep. Riser, creating a public records exception for GPS data on wildlife and aquatic life held by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, was reported favorably without objection. HB 661, which expands existing nepotism exceptions to allow school board members and superintendents to hire immediate family members as paraprofessionals and janitors, drew support from members concerned about staffing shortages in schools; the Ethics Administrator noted the board’s concern that repeated exceptions erode the nepotism rules, but the bill was still reported favorably without objection. HB 359, a cleanup bill on the death of a non-major-party primary candidate, was also reported favorably without objection. HB 258, which clarifies that volunteer firefighters are not subject to dual office-holding restrictions and allows retired judges to serve on certain boards while still being available for ad hoc judicial service, passed on an 8-4 roll call vote. Rep. Newell’s HB 705, which would strengthen contempt of the legislature penalties and add provisions addressing disorderly conduct and interference with legislative proceedings, generated the most debate. Members raised concerns about the proposed jump in fines from $1,000 to $50,000, due process, and the breadth of language that could be read to cover ordinary advocacy or passionate testimony. After discussion, the author agreed the bill needed more work, and it was voluntarily deferred in committee. The committee also heard HB 177, allowing retired court reporters to return on a contractual basis to address shortages, which was amended and then reported favorably without objection. HB 238, which would remove a waiting period and population-based restriction for former school board members or certified psychologists to return to work in school districts, prompted a lengthy debate about the judiciary and per diem rules because of related ethics concerns raised in the discussion; the author ultimately asked to voluntarily defer the bill, and the committee agreed. Finally, HB 398, which would cap lodging, meal, and incidental expense reimbursements for state officials and employees at GSA rates and limit emergency exceptions, drew sharp opposition from several members and a retired judge who argued the current judicial per diem is reasonable and tied to safety and travel needs. The author said he would work on amendments and voluntarily deferred HB 398. The committee then began discussion of HB 752, which would move the timing of regular legislative sessions into joint rule and change the session start/end dates, with the author explaining it was intended to give the Legislature more flexibility without needing constitutional amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kelly Deering, and I am Missouri-born, Missouri-educated, and I am an optometrist practicing up north

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee continued a public hearing on House Bill 2897, which would expand optometrists’ scope of practice. Supporters, including Dr. Kelly Deering, said optometrists are trained to perform the listed office-based procedures, that rural Missouri lacks access to ophthalmologists, and that the bill would reduce wait times, travel burdens, and costs while helping retain students and practitioners in the state. Opponents, including representatives of the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, argued the bill does not guarantee rural access and said the procedures should remain within the medical/surgical training of physicians. Members also questioned training on live human eyes and how suspicious lesions would be handled. No vote was taken, and the hearing on HB 2897 was closed. The committee then heard House Bill 2353, which would create a licensing and sign-and-seal framework for interior designers and move oversight to the board that includes architects, engineers, land surveyors, and landscape architects. Sponsor Rep. Sherri Gallick and supporters said the bill modernizes regulation, recognizes accredited education and NCIDQ testing, and would let licensed interior designers take responsibility for non-structural interior design work without hiring an architect to stamp plans. Opponents from the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers and others said they were still negotiating but remained concerned about scope-of-practice language, especially phrases like “all interior design of buildings” and “publicly occupied buildings,” which they said could create overlap with architecture and engineering or unintended obligations for public entities. Testimony also focused on whether unlicensed interior designers would still be allowed to work under carve-outs. No final action was taken. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2241, which would create a separate framework for certain faith-based residential child care facilities to operate without a state license while registering with the state and meeting background-check, reporting, and oversight requirements. Sponsor Rep. Jamie Gregg and MACA representatives said the bill is intended to expand foster placement capacity for children in need while preserving the religious mission of Christian homes, and they cited federal and state initiatives encouraging partnerships with faith-based providers. Opponents argued the bill would create a two-tier system, weaken state licensing protections, and risk placing vulnerable children in facilities without the same direct oversight, inspections, and reunification safeguards as licensed foster homes. Members raised concerns about abuse history at some faith-based homes, the role of the proposed board, and whether religious practices or other mission-based rules would conflict with child welfare standards. The hearing continued with additional testimony; no vote was reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and my farm is 265 years old. Um, 1761. and my farm is 265 years old. Um, 1761.
• I think, like, we have L Farm.
• Mo farms, um, because it's like probably the closest apple farm we would go to.
• Mo farms um because it's like &gt;&gt; L Farm.
• closest app farm we would probably the closest app farm we would go<01:03:30.559><c> to.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We represent surface water users and groundwater users delivering water historically, largely to farm
• We represent surface water users and groundwater users delivering water historically, largely to farm
• ground is just not very good farm ground because it's just too saturated.
• ground is just not very good farm ground because it's just too saturated.
• These are all individually owned water rights by individual farms and water users.

Summary: The committee heard a series of presentations on Idaho water infrastructure and management projects funded through state and federal grants. Paul Arrington of the Idaho Water Users Association opened by describing statewide water challenges and emphasizing that recent legislative investments are being paired with private dollars to address aging infrastructure, improve reliability, and avoid future curtailment. He introduced presentations focused on Boise River Basin projects and Eastern Snake River Plain settlement-related work. Lori Gray of Nampa Meridian Irrigation District described a $21 million Ridenbaugh headworks replacement project near Barber Dam and Barber Park. She said the project will replace 1930s-era infrastructure, improve employee safety, increase delivery reliability, improve efficiency, and include fish screens, automated crest gates, and an OG weir. She outlined funding from a state aging infrastructure grant, a regional water sustainability grant, and federal WaterSMART funds, and gave a schedule showing work through 2026 and 2027. Daniel Hoke of Water District 63 presented the Treasure Valley Water Supply Project, which is using new monitoring, modeling, and forecasting to track declining drain return flows in the Boise River Basin and develop mitigation options, including a planned Fifteen Mile drain project to stabilize return flows. Jay Barlowji of Twin Falls Canal Company described a large canal lining and automation effort to reduce seepage, improve delivery efficiency, and add real-time monitoring at return-flow sites; he said the project totals about $26.3 million and is about two-thirds complete. Alan Jackson of Bingham Groundwater District discussed groundwater-to-surface-water conversions, a district-owned drill rig and planned monitoring wells, and annual mitigation water purchases under the settlement agreement. Aaron Dowling of Fremont-Madison Irrigation District described telemetry for groundwater meters, a pipeline replacement, a long-running North Fremont Canal pipeline project, automation that has increased reservoir storage, and smaller canal-company infrastructure upgrades. The committee then took up two rule dockets from the Idaho Department of Water Resources. It approved docket 37-0204-2501, revising the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Water Bank rules, after Mary Condon explained that the changes were the product of consultation with the tribes and stakeholders and mainly removed outdated or unnecessary provisions while clarifying rental applications, payments, and terms. Haley Johnson Wasco testified for the tribes in support. The committee also approved docket 37-0307-2501, revising stream channel alteration rules, after Aaron Gollart explained that the changes streamline the rules, add definitions and standards for bridges, culverts, permanent structures, rock riprap, and bioengineering, and reduce the overall word count. A third rule docket was postponed to another day, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• All of our products are independently tested, naturally derived, precisely formulated, and Farm Bill
• I'm a fourth-generation farmer on this farm, and we decided to attempt to grow hemp about four years
• I've given a lot for my farm. Adam and I, who's already spoken, we actually work together.
• It sells fine at the farmers markets, at Farm 2.1.
• It sells fine at the farmers markets, at farm tours, and at various markets, where we even have them

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy considered several bills and reported all of them favorably. SB 70-24, on state planning and budgeting, was presented as a modernization of the long-range planning program to simplify reporting, remove outdated measures, and focus on key data points and outcomes; it passed without opposition. CS/SB 166, on administrative efficiency in public schools, made broad changes to school accountability and operations, including lowering the stakes of certain student assessments, giving districts more flexibility on evaluations, contracts, certification, calendars, facilities, and VPK oversight. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying that Title I funds may be used for STEM services, and another refining how advanced degrees count on salary schedules. The bill passed favorably after testimony both supporting and opposing the changes, with supporters emphasizing flexibility and opponents raising concerns about teacher evaluation and instructional practice. CS/SB 164, on vessel accountability, was described as a measure to address derelict and at-risk vessels by improving owner identification, creating a free long-term anchoring permit program, increasing penalties, and authorizing grants for local governments in the FWC prevention program. It received support from marine industry groups and was reported favorably. CS/SB 472, on education and correctional facilities for licensed professions, would allow inmates to receive credit toward licensure for qualifying coursework; a strike-all amendment added coordination with DBPR and professional boards. The bill drew support from criminal justice, business, and policy groups and passed unanimously. The committee spent the most time on CS/SB 438, on food and hemp products. Senator Burton and co-sponsor Senator Davis argued the bill was needed to regulate intoxicating hemp products, restrict child-appealing packaging and signage, ban synthetic hemp products, cap THC content in edibles and beverages, and require hemp beverages to be sold through alcohol-style distribution channels. Supporters, including alcohol distributors and some public safety advocates, said the bill would improve testing, labeling, and consumer protection. Opponents, including hemp retailers, farmers, and libertarian advocates, argued it would harm small businesses, reduce consumer choice, and push sales to the black market. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tab five, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eva Farm Lots. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture is not present.
• Hawaii Farm Bureau, thank you, chairs, vice chairs, members of the committee.
• Um, I guess the Hawaii Farm Bureau... there's no appropriation amount in this bill; it's blank.
• </c> questions um I guess the Hawaii Farm questions um I guess the Hawaii Farm Bureau<01:06:05.160><c
• </c> recommends um adopting Hawaii Farm recommends um adopting Hawaii Farm Bureau<01:07:00.200><c> suggested

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on a series of energy, transportation, climate, and waste bills. HB 977 would provide additional funding to the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority for low-interest financing of rooftop solar and storage for underserved ratepayers; HB 1295 would require state and county agencies to use federal energy tax credits; HB 1051 concerns energy efficiency portfolio standards; HB 1019 addresses long-duration clean energy storage; HB 344 concerns EV charging infrastructure at state facilities; HB 733 would change EV parking requirements; HB 242 creates a working group on EV battery reuse and recycling; HB 1022 expands access to energy industry information reporting; HB 1017 repeals the greenhouse gas sequestration task force; HB 787 asks for a feasibility study on a Buy Clean program; and HB 751 sets composting goals. Testimony was largely supportive across the bills, with some agencies standing on written testimony or offering comments, and a few measures drawing opposition or concerns, including HB 751 from county agencies and HB 242 from Redwood Materials requesting inclusion of a specialized battery recycler on the working group. Members asked several questions, including about EV charging siting, whether bike parking and showers should be considered in EV facility planning, how often EV charging stalls are relocated to other sites, and whether Hawaiʻi has in-state capacity to prepare EV batteries for shipping and recycling. On HB 751, the committee discussed county diversion rates and Maui’s composting capacity, with the Department of Health noting Maui’s diversion decline was tied to closure of the EKO co-composting facility at Central Maui landfill and that reestablishment was planned. On HB 242, Redwood Materials explained it handles lithium-ion batteries, including work related to the Maui wildfire response, and said a full in-state recycling chain is unlikely, though local facilities can safely prepare batteries for shipment. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass all of the measures with amendments. For HB 977, the committee noted a recommended appropriation of $50 million and made technical amendments. HB 1295, HB 1051, HB 1019, HB 344, HB 733, HB 242, HB 1022, HB 1017, and HB 787 were all advanced with technical or substantive amendments, including changes to dates, appropriations, and working group membership. For HB 344, the committee accepted DAGS’s suggestion to make HSEO the expending entity and adjusted the appropriation to one year. For HB 242, the committee added a battery storage industry member, included stationary storage as a consideration, and extended the reporting date to 2027. HB 787 was advanced with a request that the Climate Commission and State Procurement Office work together on more specific amendments if the bill continues moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I have a client that's got a family farm.
• </c> have a a client that's got a family farm have a a client that's got a family farm the<00:16:52.120
• They want to keep the family farm going down the family lines.
• I'm the public policy specialist at Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation on behalf of our 31,000 family farm
• Kooch's example with the family farm, so I'm just going to kind of hammer on that point.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We specialize in end to end wind farm decommissioning support.
• those stipulations as far as financial assurance are done in the original implementation of the wind farm
• Again, the initiator, the, the person that owns the wind farm or the solar farm, is there a reporting
• We're gonna have to shut down a, uh, a major farm to market road through our area.
• Big enough as they anyway and they're prevalent enough everywhere and these are just breeding farms.

Bills: HB205

Committee: House Environmental Regulation

Keywords: disaster recovery, economic development, grants, loans, infrastructure support

Transcript Highlights:

• Farm data between 2017 and 2022 shows that the least profitable farms spend 15% to 30% more on fertilizer
• c> that the least profitable farms spend 15 that the least profitable farms spend 15 to<00:18:53.080>
• </c> the most profitable farms. the most profitable farms. 2023<00:18:58.440><c> financial</c><00:18:
• I I purchased item in my farm.
• </c> the well owners in cities or on farms. the well owners in cities or on farms.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We were there for disasters, taking over family farms, buying them, renting them back for a dollar, and
• then selling them back, saving farms, right?
• then selling them back, saving farms, right?
• Our record $500 million farm financial stability loan program put us over the top on that.
• And now we had our largest record-breaking farm financial stability program that we have just closed

Summary: The committee took roll, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a compliance-report update on the Industrial Commission and related funds and programs. Staff reviewed the status of one-time appropriations and grant programs, including electric grid resiliency, lignite research, enhanced oil recovery, the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, the salt cavern business-case study, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members asked about funding balances, reimbursement timing, matching requirements, and how some commitments would affect the State Investment Fund and future biennia. Industrial Commission staff then gave a broader update on the agency’s administrative office, grant management system, leadership transitions at several commission agencies, and active grant rounds. They reported that the grant management system is nearing completion, that several agency leadership searches have concluded, and that the commission’s grant programs currently have 108 active grants totaling more than $165 million. They also described the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority round, the oil and gas research program’s enhanced oil recovery awards, the grid resiliency grants, the salt cavern study, and the research technology park program, noting that some projects are awaiting federal funds or additional matching cash. Ron Ness, speaking for the Oil and Gas Research Council, focused on the state of the oil industry and the enhanced oil recovery “Bakken 2.0” effort. He said production remains steady, but future growth depends on better infrastructure, longer laterals, and new EOR methods such as CO2, natural gas, and surfactants. He emphasized the importance of the Bakkeneast pipeline and related gas-utilization projects, the recent DOE funding that will return some money to the research council, and the need to modernize tax and incentive rules for CO2-based recovery. Members discussed the potential economic benefits for oil, agriculture, and manufacturing. The Bank of North Dakota then presented its compliance report and a broader strategic update. Bank leadership reviewed the bank’s mission, governance, participation lending, student lending, disaster programs, and legislatively directed programs, and said the bank is managing for a flatter deposit base and stronger liquidity because of fintech competition and changing market conditions. They reported improved earnings, with net income rising to about $231 million, and described Rough Rider Coin as a new internal payment rail for North Dakota banks and credit unions, not a public cryptocurrency. Members asked about student loan eligibility, disaster lending, and the bank’s capacity to support state programs while maintaining its balance-sheet and liquidity requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> No farm, no food, Mr. President.
• We have over 30,000 family farms that generate nearly $90 billion in economic impact.
• &gt;&gt; NO FARM, NO FOOD, Mr. PRESIDENT.
• WE HAVE OVER 30,000 FAMILY FARMS THAT GENERATE NEARLY $90 BILLION IN ECONOMIC IMPACT.
• OUR FARMS GROW AND PRODUCE WHAT'S CALLED THE FULL PLATE.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal, then moved through a series of introductions and resolutions recognizing Women’s History Month honorees, Prince Hall Masons and Eastern Stars, Agriculture Week, Pakistan-American Heritage Day, visiting Mercaz Academy students, and the 175th anniversary of Albany Law School. Several senators spoke in support of the commemorations, and each resolution was adopted. The chamber then took up a number of bills on the calendar. Among the measures passed were bills related to insurance, private housing finance, public health, mental hygiene, real property, elder law, public authorities, and environmental conservation. One bill on the Environmental Conservation Law drew a procedural challenge over a proposed amendment; the Chair’s ruling that the amendment was nongermane was upheld by a show of hands, after which the bill passed. Another bill amending the Emergency Tenant Protection Act was debated on the issue of vacant rent-stabilized units and LLC ownership transparency, with supporters saying it would help identify responsible owners and opponents arguing it was too broad and could impose unclear penalties; it ultimately passed. The most extended debate centered on a real property bill concerning electronic rent payment systems and automated clearinghouse fees. Supporters framed it as a transparency measure that lets tenants choose whether to use such systems, while critics questioned how fees would be handled and whether the bill would affect landlord costs. After debate, the bill passed. A public health bill sponsored by Senator Webb also passed after she explained it was intended to improve transparency and oversight of changes to maternity and perinatal services amid concerns about maternal health deserts and hospital closures. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• and have historically been farmed.
• </c><01:13:30.560><c> program</c><01:13:30.880><c> and</c> the federal farm program and the federal farm
• </c> having been farmed eight of 10 years. having been farmed eight of 10 years.
• I farmed in Lake of the Woods County for most of my life. I took over my dad's farm.
• I've been I took over my dad's farm.

Bills: HF4253 , HF4257 , HF3236 , HF4264 , HF4149 , HF4019

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: boat storage structures, public waters, natural resources, rule amendments, watercraft canopy, PFAS, environmental regulation, manufacturers, public health, product safety, groundwater, water appropriation, water-use permit, water permit, aquifer test, aquifer, well construction, groundwater permit, Department of Natural Resources, DNR

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a working horse farm.<00:44:01.560><c> Uh</c> farm. Uh farm.
• Farm bill compliant specifically addresses Delta 9. So, they are farm bill compliant.
• It says farm bill compliant.
• It says farm bill compliant.
• It says farm bill compliant.

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• address several issues, one including an option for a five-year license term, as discussed with the Farm
• As discussed with the Farm Bureau of Idaho as well as the Idaho Potato Commission, we also had the purpose
• Slaibau, I'm still a little bit concerned with, I mean, if you look at a lot of farms or family farms
• So the cost of entry is a little bit lower, and that provides an avenue maybe for that farm setup to
• So the cost of entry is a little bit lower, and that provides an avenue for that farm setup to approach

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The committee met late due to a lunch with FFA members and then took up five Idaho State Department of Agriculture rule dockets. Jared Stewart presented four rules: stone fruit grades, bulk permits and retail sale of potatoes, weights and measures, and organic food products. He explained each as part of ISDA’s zero-based rulemaking effort, with changes focused on removing obsolete or duplicative language, updating incorporation-by-reference citations, and clarifying standards and procedures. Members asked a few questions, including about weights-and-measures rechecks, and all four dockets were approved by voice vote. Brian Slabaw presented the pesticide and chemigation use and application rule. He said the agency-initiated changes were intended to reduce administrative burden, update license categories, add a five-year license option, create a drone application category, and clarify supervision and seminar-credit requirements. Members raised several questions about fees, drone operations, supervision ratios, and whether the changes would affect small farmers. Slabaw said the fee change was intended to be revenue-neutral over five years, that drone applicators would need the appropriate license and on-site supervision, and that the agency had discussed the proposal with stakeholders, including aerial applicator groups. The committee approved this docket as well. At the end of the meeting, the committee approved minutes from a January 22, 2026 meeting and then adjourned. The chair also welcomed FFA visitors and noted that five rules were considered during the meeting.