Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 887 by the State Affairs Committee regarding water skiing.
• House Bill 887 by State Affairs Committee regarding water skiing.
• that we might, in fact, want to have regulations for.
• Let's stop regulating so much. Let's get the problem fixed in CPS.
• ski regulations.

Summary: The House convened, approved the journal, and received messages from the Governor and Senate on bills signed, enrolled, and transmitted. Several committee reports were read, including bills and resolutions advanced to second or third reading, and House Resolution 28 and multiple appropriations and policy bills were introduced and referred. The House also recessed and later resumed business, continuing with messages and committee reports before moving into floor action on selected bills. A major floor debate centered on House Bill 725, which would have allowed cities to join the Idaho State Health Insurance Pool. Supporters argued it would give cities access to a larger, more stable risk pool, lower premiums, and reduce property tax pressure, while opponents warned it could create adverse selection, raise costs for state employees, and expand state administrative burdens. After extended debate, the House rejected HB 725 by a vote of 30-40 and held it at the Chief Clerk’s office. The House then passed House Bill 660, a measure requiring local law enforcement to collect and report twice-yearly counts of arrested individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States. Supporters said it was a limited reporting requirement aimed at understanding costs to taxpayers, while opponents raised concerns about unclear procedures, added burdens on law enforcement, and questionable fiscal assumptions. The bill passed 40-30 and was transmitted to the Senate. The House also took up several budget enhancement bills under suspended rules. House Bills 905, 906, 907, 908, and 909 all passed, covering enhancements for the State Board of Education, community colleges, career technical education, the Military Division, and the Secretary of State. Debate on these bills focused on whether the additions were true restorations or budget growth, the use of one-time funds and federal grants, and concerns about higher education priorities and fiscal restraint.

Transcript Highlights:

• , sewer, including roads, water, sewage system is available to provide support for development.
• Provided that there's adequate water, sewer, including roads, water, sewage system is available to provide
• ><01:20:39.040><c> to</c><01:20:39.199><c> be</c> regulations that are trying to be regulations that
• into compliance with zoning regulations into compliance with this<01:22:32.239><c> bill?
• </c><01:34:01.520><c> are</c> that um private regulations are that um private regulations are enforceable

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:48.840><c> in</c> because there won't be enough water in because there won't be enough water
• funding, none of the water funds go to protect our water.
• funding, none of the water funds go to protect our water.
• none of the water funds go to protect our<02:36:05.920><c> water.
• </c> our water. our water.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Before the power is restored, before the waters recede or the debris is cleared, Ben shows up.
• Our water is invaluable.
• If you can deny that we need more data about water, If you can deny that we need more data about water
• I could use some water. If I thought, I'd pour it in the glass first. That's good. Okay.
• I was raised by a water and wastewater civil engineer and a schoolteacher.

Summary: The Florida Senate convened for its organizational session with prayer, presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem, followed by a moment of silence for the mother of Senator Fine. The chamber then received special guests and administered oaths to newly elected senators after reading certificates of election from the Secretary of State. Tracy Campbell Cantella was nominated and unanimously elected Secretary of the Senate, then sworn in. Ben Albritton was nominated, seconded, and elected as President of the Senate for the 2024–2026 term, and Jason Brodeur was later nominated, seconded, and elected President Pro Tempore. Both leaders were sworn in and delivered extended remarks about faith, service, Florida’s economy and education, hurricane recovery, insurance, rural communities, agriculture, water quality, Israel, veterans, and the need for data-driven, accountable government. After the leadership elections, the Senate adopted its rules for the new term and authorized the Secretary to make technical and conforming changes. The chamber also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 2-O-RG, which establishes the joint rules of the Florida Legislature for 2024–26. A committee was appointed to notify the House that the Senate had convened for organization, and the committee later reported back that the House had been informed. The Senate then received a communication from the Democratic caucus certifying that Senator Jason Pizzo was elected Democratic leader and Senator Tracie Davis Democratic leader pro tempore for the term. The session included additional remarks recognizing Senate staff and security personnel, as well as tributes to the late John Pasidomo and a moment of silence for him. The meeting concluded with a performance of “Amazing Grace,” brief closing comments, and an attempted motion to adjourn sine die that was briefly tabled until the House confirmed it was convened and ready to transact business. The Senate then adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• They do not, not through Regulation and Licensing. What they do to the environment?
• , access to restrooms, things that may not be regulated currently.
• Bill would allow some oversight to ensure proper safety and water accessibility. So, Mr.
• I guess I'm just confused on why we're increasing regulation instead of enforcing law. Senator, Mr.
• And I actually do agree that regulation, this kind of inspection and regulation, could identify these

Bills: HB294, SB40, SB43, SB35

Keywords: cannabis, cannabis packaging, cannabis labeling, cannabis regulation, Cannabis Control Division, adulterated cannabis, artificial color additive, food dye, youth appeal, minor appeal, child-resistant packaging, black-and-white packaging, edibles, product labeling, consumer protection, marijuana, hemp, dispensary, licensed cannabis business, cannabis manufacturer

Summary: The committee first briefly discussed House Bill 95, which would create an additional judgeship in the Second Judicial District. Members noted it was being aligned with the Senate version so the House and Senate bills would match. An amendment was adopted to also include the new First Judicial District judgeship that had been added earlier in the session, and the bill then received a do pass recommendation as amended. The committee then heard Senate Bill 23, which would require school districts and charter schools to adopt and implement policies banning wireless communication devices during the school day, with exceptions for educational purposes, emergencies, and health care needs. The sponsors and Public Education Department officials said the bill was intended to reduce classroom distractions, improve student focus and mental health, and support teachers, and the Office of Broadband explained that $1 million from an existing education technology fund would help schools implement storage solutions such as lockers or pouches. Supporters included representatives from New Mexico Kids Can, Albuquerque Public Schools, and the Higher Education Department; there was no opposition testimony. Committee members raised concerns about the bill’s definition of “school day,” the three-year phase-in, local control, and whether the funding and storage requirements were necessary. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to strike Section 4, which contained the phase-in schedule, and then voted to report the bill do pass as amended. Members also discussed whether the bill should be more direct and immediate, but sponsors said the phased approach and funding were intended to improve chances of passage and implementation. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 246, which would add licensure and inspection requirements for massage therapy establishments to address safety, sanitation, and concerns about illegal activity such as prostitution and human trafficking. The sponsor and Regulation and Licensing Department said the bill would close a regulatory gap and allow inspections of establishments, while the massage therapy industry supported the rulemaking being left to the board. Members questioned the breadth of the bill, including inspection timing, the impact on legitimate businesses, and language that could unintentionally bar people from licensure for past conduct. The committee worked through amendments to narrow those provisions, including adding “for compensation” and limiting certain denial language to conduct after the bill’s effective date, and the sponsor accepted those changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• longer-growing favor warm water or cool water species such as bass.
• The DNR can use this very narrow scope where there is no other water to provide access to water for those
• The priority water uses, we have six priority water uses, and the number one is domestic use.
• to evaluate water use and those.
• Most of those large water uses would fall under the priority 5 water use.

Bills: HF647, HF2824, HF1249, HF623, HF820

Keywords: water appropriation, aquifer management, potable water, water conservation, environmental policy, fishing regulation, angling, sustainability, biodiversity, game fish, Carley State Park, Minnesota state parks, state lands, park boundary expansion, Wabasha County, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, public lands, land acquisition, park addition

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1200, an act providing for certificates of assured water supply.
• There's a difference between wet water and paper water, and we have to keep that wet water and paper
• water.
• We cannot continue to do water policy that way.
• for future water.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of local databases, not subject to regulation.
• It will drive regulated companies to try to compete...
• We represent 94 regulated drinking water utilities serving roughly 6 million Californians, which is about
• fire hydrants and water meters.
• Removing meters can result in uncontrolled water flows, significant water loss, and sudden drops in system

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we got the water tanks. We got two water tanks already that we provided.
• So you have water.
• So you have water. You don't have to So you have water.
• I've not heard that. put in roads and water. So there's no put in roads and water.
• Water systems are lacking.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you very much. s SP 547 relating to water s SP 547 relating to water conservation<00:00:59.199>
• </c> recycling systems and atmospheric water recycling systems and atmospheric water generators<00:01
• </c> certain standards on Gray Water certain standards on Gray Water recycling<00:01:18.560><c> systems
• and atmospheric water recycling systems and atmospheric water generators<00:01:21.680><c> in</c><00:
• </c> for this bill but we think water for this bill but we think water conservation<00:05:21.160><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The hearing began on SP 547, which would create incentives for graywater recycling systems and atmospheric water generators through an income tax credit, a Department of Health rebate program, and building code standards. The Department of Health and Department of Taxation offered written comments; Taxation said it had seven proposed amendments to improve administration. Testimony was largely supportive, with advocates and local users describing water-supply benefits, emergency use during the Maui fires, and potential help for drought conditions and Red Hill concerns. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii suggested only the rebate program should move forward for clearer cost transparency, and the Department of Health said it needed more time to study the bill. Members questioned the fiscal impact and whether combining a tax credit and rebate was typical, but staff did not have cost estimates. Decision-making on SP 547 was deferred to February 12, 2025. The committee then took up SP 242 on foreign ownership of agricultural lands. The chair recommended passage with amendments, including deleting a reference to the Attorney General in one section and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. Supporters argued the bill was a first step to limit foreign ownership of farmland, citing other states with similar restrictions, while several members said they supported the intent but had reservations about possible unintended harm to farmers and agriculture investment. After discussion, the measure passed with amendments on a 5-0 vote, with some members voting with reservations. The committee also discussed SP 1633, which would create a green building tax credit for structures using at least 30% Hawaii-grown hemp material. The chair said the bill was close but needed more work, and decision-making was deferred to February 12, 2025. Later, the committee heard several environmental measures: SB 683, which would ban intentionally added PFAS in certain products starting in 2028; SB 1109, which would replace the “finding of no significant impact” with a “finding of completion of environmental disclosure process”; SB 391, which would expand recycling requirements to certain lithium-ion batteries; and SB 12, which would classify neonic pesticides as restricted-use pesticides and limit certain seed treatments. Testimony on these bills included support from environmental and advocacy groups, comments from state agencies, and requests for amendments or further study, but no final votes were taken on those measures in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's mainly in the form of heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.
• To assist a lot of our community members, and we delivered hundreds of water bottles, masks, to various
• Getting them involved in that gives the PUC another thing to regulate when they're already over...
• We have additional folks in the room who wish to... ...regulation for this bill. Thank you.
• So the service territories that I have are DWP, Glendale Water and Power, as well as SoCal Edison.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 21, 2025, with 86 bills on the agenda. The committee first approved two consent motions covering a group of bills eligible for the Assembly floor consent calendar and another group of unanimous bills not eligible for floor consent. Several bills were then heard individually, with authors and supporters emphasizing that many had no or minimal state costs and were aimed at climate, health, or regulatory improvements. Among the bills discussed were AB 39 on local planning for electrification and EV charging infrastructure; AB 1129 allowing local health jurisdictions to opt into reporting birth defects and early-life health conditions; AB 1332 to allow narrow direct shipment of medicinal cannabis to seriously ill patients; AB 1056 phasing out transfer of certain gillnet permits except for a one-time family transfer; AB 408 creating a new Medical Board health and wellness program for physicians; AB 546 requiring health plans to cover portable HEPA air purifiers for vulnerable people during wildfire emergencies; AB 942 revising rooftop solar subsidy rules to reduce costs for non-solar ratepayers; and AB 967 expediting licensure for out-of-state physicians. Supporters generally framed these bills as improving access, equity, public health, or affordability, while opponents on AB 942 and AB 967 raised concerns about implementation, workload, contract issues, and impacts on existing programs. The committee took action on each bill after testimony and questions. AB 39, AB 1129, AB 1332, AB 1056, AB 408, AB 546, AB 942, and AB 967 were all moved out of committee on roll call votes, with some members voting no or not voting on certain measures. The suspense calendar was then read and deemed approved, and the committee opened general public comment, where speakers voiced support for bills including AB 715, AB 1138, AB 782, AB 98, AB 53, AB 258, AB 330, AB 650, AB 649, AB 1048, and AB 425. The meeting adjourned after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• ASK US FOR WATER PROJECTS AND EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS.
• OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLL OF REGULATION CONTROL A LOCAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE DONE
• FINALLY WE WILL TAKE UP TAP 4 SB 1118 ON LAND USE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS.
• I AM THE ORANGE COUNTY SOIL AND WATER SUPERVISOR FOR DISTRICT 5 SO EASTERN ORANGE COUNTY.
• IT IS ABOUT WATER, ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE WE HAVE A THOUSAND PEOPLE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And if you've never spent a day on the water, I will tell you that there is nothing that cannot be solved
• , and longer growing seasons, which also favor warm water or cool water species such as bass.
• We do maintain in certain places special regulations for bass.
• Um, we do maintain in certain places special regulations for bass.
• Um, but if you go to somewhere like Max and you just look anecdotally through the water, you will see

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, the first one that we have up, because he must go, is HB 69, regulation of presidential libraries
• So I understand that the federal already does regulate a lot of the libraries are considered federal
• Specifically, it's actually my water district.
• by or do business with. ...or agencies that they are regulated by or do business with the district.
• So I decided to take it one step at a time now and work with my own local water district.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard and voted on several local and statewide bills. HB 69, by Rep. Andrade, preempted local zoning and land-use authority to the state for presidential libraries; after an amendment clarifying the scope of preemption, it passed 13-2. HB 63, by Reps. Gerwig and Cassel, created a public-records exemption for city and county administrators and their deputies, citing threats and harassment against local administrators; it included a 10-year sunset and passed 15-0. HB 4045, by Rep. Alvarez, updated the City of Tampa firefighters’ and police officers’ pension plan, including extending the DROP period by three years; it passed 14-0 with a committee substitute. HB 4023, by Rep. Hunschofsky, tightened conflict-of-interest rules for officers and employees of the North Springs Improvement District after prior audit concerns; it passed 16-0. HB 4017, by Rep. Oliver, codified the Bermont Drainage District’s charter and corrected a statutory cross-reference via amendment; it passed 16-0 with committee substitute. HB 4009, by Rep. Kendall, renamed the St. Johns County regional airport to the St. Augustine Airport and passed 16-0. The committee also considered PCB IAS 25-01, by Vice Chair Griffiths, which would standardize county constitutional officers’ budget procedures and create an appeal process for clerks of court and supervisors of elections similar to that used by sheriffs; after testimony from the clerks and supervisors’ associations, it passed 16-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• this visual in mind of this powerful event with millions upon millions upon millions of gallons of water
• flying in from the Atlantic over water flying in from the Atlantic over the<00:08:27.199><c> streets
• of gallons of water filling the mighty<00:08:48.640><c> Mediterranean</c><00:08:49.279><c> and</c><00
• It reflects proposals recommended by the Commissioner of Financial Regulation.
• Madam Speaker, the Financial Regulation.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Dietary supplements are not regulated like pharmaceutical drugs.
• Dietary supplements are not regulated like pharmaceutical drugs.
• Infant formula is regulated in a way that baby food under, it's regulated under federal law in a way
• But also, unlike baby food, we have regulations that...
• It's in the water. It's in the land.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on workforce access, consumer protection, behavioral health parity, and public health safety. AB 1591 by Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez would create a podiatric medicine pipeline program to address shortages of podiatrists, especially in rural and underserved counties; it drew strong support from podiatrists and medical groups and no opposition. AB 2011 by Assembly Member Hart would codify federal mental health and substance use disorder parity standards into state law; supporters argued it would preserve access if federal enforcement weakens, while health plans and insurers opposed it as premature and potentially confusing. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Appropriations and remained on call after a roll vote with several ayes and some noes. The committee also considered AB 2311 by Assembly Member Chiavo, which would allow public health care district hospitals to directly employ physicians. Supporters said the change would help district hospitals recruit and retain doctors and stabilize care in underserved communities, while CMA and emergency physicians warned it could weaken the corporate practice of medicine protections and physician autonomy. Members raised concerns about guardrails, but the author said the bill would continue to be refined; it passed on a due pass motion to the Business and Professions Committee. AB 2030 by Assembly Member Lowenthal would prohibit sales of over-the-counter diet pills and weight-loss or muscle-building supplements to minors, with supporters citing eating disorder risks and opponents objecting to scope, age-verification, and retail requirements. The bill passed on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee. AB 1864 by Assembly Member Berman would require screening of gene synthesis orders to prevent misuse for bioterrorism and would authorize enforcement penalties for noncompliance. Supporters from Stanford, Encode, and the medical community said the measure would align California with federal best practices and address growing biosecurity risks, while life sciences representatives raised concerns about operational burdens and supply-chain impacts. Members discussed whether the bill should include an urgency clause and how to keep the standards current; it passed to the Judiciary Committee. AB 2457 by Assembly Member Connolly would standardize and speed up Medi-Cal managed care credentialing for physicians, and it passed to Appropriations with broad support. Finally, AB 2302, presented on behalf of Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez, would require infant formula manufacturers to test for toxic elements such as lead and arsenic and post results publicly; pediatric and disability advocates supported the measure as a transparency and infant safety bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The levees were designed to handle a couple of days of high water.
• We had a couple of weeks of high water.
• Rising floodwaters impacted drinking water and wastewater plants.
• We've seen regulations and building codes implemented.
• And so, again, a lot of aviation, a lot of swift water rescue.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2579, which would create a Public Media Broadcaster Program and a Digital Equity Program funded by a 20-cent-per-line monthly tax on wireless, prepaid wireless, VoIP, and landline service. Staff explained that 80% of the revenue would support public media grants, 20% would support digital equity grants, and a small share could be used for administration. The prime sponsor, Rep. Chris Stearns, and many public media, community media, and digital equity supporters testified that public radio and television provide emergency alerts, local news, education, training, and community connection, especially in rural and underserved areas, and that federal funding cuts have made state support more urgent. Several witnesses described how public media helped with emergency communications, youth training, Indigenous programming, and access to local information. Opposition came from CTIA and Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes. CTIA argued the tax would add to already high wireless taxes in Washington and would be regressive because low-income residents rely heavily on wireless service. Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes objected to the bill as another tax increase and said it would worsen affordability. One supporter said an amendment would be offered to address a misunderstanding in the fiscal note. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then received a cybersecurity and critical infrastructure briefing from state emergency management and cybersecurity officials. They described Washington’s layered cybersecurity model, the role of state agencies, the Fusion Center, WOTEC, the National Guard, and the Emergency Management Division, and the growing threat from ransomware, supply-chain attacks, and AI-enabled attacks. Members asked about volunteer cyber response capacity, the most vulnerable sectors, and whether the legislature should fund more real-time threat monitoring and intelligence sharing. Officials said the state is working to establish a volunteer cyber incident response team and that the main gap is real-time monitoring across participating local and private networks. The committee also heard updates on the December 2025 flooding response and wildfire resilience. Emergency management officials reported widespread flooding, landslides, power outages, evacuations, rescues, and infrastructure damage, but said mitigation investments helped prevent worse outcomes. They identified gaps in statewide alerting, search and rescue coordination, and local emergency management capacity, and said a statewide alert system like Oregon’s would require ongoing funding. In the wildfire update, DNR and partner agencies described increasing wildfire risk, the use of aircraft, AI-enabled detection cameras, and common operating pictures, and ongoing work on hazard and risk mapping, community wildfire preparedness, and home hardening. Members asked about predictive technology, sediment removal, and other mitigation tools, and officials said they are working with universities and federal partners to improve prevention and response.

Transcript Highlights:

• to portable water supply and waste<00:04:50.360><c> water</c><00:04:50.560><c> system</c><00:04:51.240
• ><c> connections,</c><00:04:52.400><c> and</c> waste water system connections, and waste water system
• Next up is Senate Bill 223, which is an act relating to water quality of the waters of Vermont.
• quality of the act relating to water quality of the waters<00:21:31.240><c> of</c><00:21:31.400><c>
• Member from waters of Vermont. Member from Middlebury.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first one is the soil and water conservation districts.
• through an existing water rights holder.
• In essence, usage needs to be accounted for as part of the existing water rights process.
• existing system and doesn't potentially go in and take out water that we can ill afford to lose.
• We're just backstopping this with regulations and codification.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House convened with 53 members present, approved the journal, and received messages from the Governor and Senate announcing several signed bills, enrolled measures, and new Senate bills and resolutions. Committee reports moved multiple bills forward, including measures on elections, health and welfare, education, revenue and taxation, transportation, and state affairs. The House also introduced new bills on property, land use, conversational AI safety, and housing, and referred them to committee. A Senate concurrent resolution supporting Idaho’s partnership with Taiwan was referred to State Affairs. The chamber then took up a long series of third-reading bills. Among the major policy debates were House Bill 928, the “Merit-based Health Care Act,” which would restrict DEI-related practices in Medicaid and health care provider agreements; supporters framed it as a merit and patient-care measure, while opponents argued it would block anti-racism and implicit-bias training and worsen health disparities. House Bill 929, allowing patients to negotiate discounted cash prices with providers and have them count toward deductibles, passed after brief debate. House Bill 930, revising campaign finance reporting, loans, and investment rules, also passed after concerns about credit card treatment and reporting complexity. House Bill 879, aimed at closing a loophole in industrial hemp regulation to prevent THC products from being sold as CBD, passed as well. Several other notable bills passed the House, including House Bill 932 creating an advisory ballot question on an official state gun for America 250; House Bill 896 establishing a process for the Attorney General to investigate and seek remedies for alleged failures by public officers or entities to follow the law; House Bill 895 regulating water use for new data centers; House Bill 856 closing a loophole involving the sale of human remains; and House Bill 911 codifying protections so large electrical loads do not shift costs onto other ratepayers. The House also passed House Bill 898, which reorganizes the State Historic Preservation Office within a new administrative structure, despite concerns that it could weaken preservation independence. In addition, the House approved a number of appropriation and enhancement bills, including funding for the Commission on Aging, the State Historic Preservation Officer, the Idaho State Lottery, Veterans Services, the Public Utilities Commission, the Industrial Commission, and Pardon and Parole. The House returned some bills to committee or moved them to General Orders, including House Bills 529, 828, 862, and 903. It also adopted House Resolution 28, which approved House Agriculture Committee rules. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we're finding that water is an issue in the west and the Midwest.
• They don't have the water and a lot of regulations and restrictions are being put on in Colorado this
• </c><00:15:23.240><c> is</c><00:15:23.360><c> an</c> that now we're finding that water is an that now
• we're finding that water is an issue<00:15:24.079><c> in</c><00:15:24.199><c> the</c><00:15:24.360><
• </c><00:15:34.240><c> and</c> water and a lot of regulations and water and a lot of regulations and restrictions

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard extended testimony from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and several senators about using agriculture economic development funds to make Kentucky farms more profitable and attract related businesses. Discussion focused on expanding markets for corn, soybeans, beef, dairy, and other products through biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, feedlots, processing plants, transportation, and other infrastructure that would keep more value in-state. Members also discussed the profitability pressures on farmers, high land prices, and the need for small-farm support and aggregation programs such as Kentucky Proud, BCAL, KOAP, CAP, food-is-medicine efforts, LFPA, and farm-to-school initiatives. Senators raised specific ideas and concerns, including raw milk and food-freedom innovation, support for 5-acre and other small farms, and the possibility of a beef processing plant in Kentucky. Shell said raw milk testing is not currently a department function but could be explored with legislative direction, and he emphasized that Kentucky must first prove it can feed cattle at scale before a processor is likely to locate here. He also argued that changing conditions in the West and Midwest, including water limits, workforce shortages, and regulatory pressure, could make Kentucky increasingly competitive for beef processing and feedlot operations. Several senators shared personal farming experiences to underscore the difficulty of making a living in agriculture and the need for off-farm income or value-added businesses. They cited examples such as grain storage, dairy products, chicken and hog operations, and restaurant or rental income supporting farm operations. Commissioner Shell said the fund is intended to fill gaps and attract businesses that need Kentucky agricultural products, creating premium markets and more local jobs. After questions concluded, the committee took up the bill, with a motion by Senator Richardson and a second by Senator Nunn. The roll call was taken, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then moved to adjourn.