Video & Transcript Research : 'ranchers'
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HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We stand on our testimony and support because I know too many cases of our ranchers being faced with
- Um, and our ranchers who face this, they're mothers, they're fathers, they're responsible members of
- Um, we need to protect our farmers and ranchers in these rural areas and deter illegal trespassers on
- Um, and our ranchers who face this, they're mothers, they're fathers, they're responsible members of
- Um, we need to protect our farmers and ranchers in these rural areas and deter illegal trespassers on
Summary:
The AEN hearing on March 14, 2025 reviewed several agriculture, biosecurity, animal, and climate-related measures, but the chair announced at the outset that the committee would not have decision-making that day because quorum was not expected. Decision-making for the full agenda was rescheduled to Monday, March 17, 2025 at 1:02 p.m. in room 224. Testimony was limited to one minute per speaker.
Measures heard included HB 48 HD2 on coffee labeling and regional origin, HB 782 HD1 creating a Department of Agriculture working group to review obsolete agricultural laws, HB 980 HD1 on mongoose and feral chicken control, and HB 1237 HD1 appropriating funds for agricultural biosecurity and invasive species work in Maui County. The Department of Agriculture supported HB 48, HB 782, and HB 1237, and several industry and conservation groups testified in support of the first two. HB 980 drew strong opposition from Pono Advocacy and the Hawaiian Humane Society, who argued it raised animal cruelty and public health concerns, especially during H5N1 risks; the measure also had support from agriculture-related groups. HB 1237 received broad support, with witnesses asking for language changes to broaden coverage to additional invasive species and to better support Maui Invasive Species Committee work on little fire ants and other pests.
The committee also heard SCR 88/SR 71 on a microbial algae soil products pilot program, SCR 91/SR 74 on self-defense law changes for agricultural communities, SCR 93/SR 76 on integrating indigenous knowledge into climate policy, SCR 94/SR 77 on Maui axis deer control and venison, and SCR 103/SR 84 on a PFAS working group. Testimony on SCR 91/SR 74 came largely from ranching and agricultural interests in support, citing trespass, poaching, and safety concerns. SCR 93/SR 76 drew support from a Native Hawaiian testifier and others who emphasized stewardship, intergenerational planning, and climate resilience. SCR 94/SR 77 and SCR 103/SR 84 also received support, including from the Department of Agriculture and the Honolulu Board of Water Supply on the PFAS measure. No votes were taken.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Nov 18th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- right here in New Mexico It's what I sometimes refer to as the punchline to the joke: a farmer, a rancher
- There's opportunities through NRCS for farmers to get more funds for ranchers to get more funds.
- Similarly, with FSA, the Covira Coalition receives funding to support farmers and ranchers in applying
- If you know a rancher, you can search by their Last name and it will pull up for you who is available
- But really, I am blessed and privileged to hear pretty frequently from producers, ranchers, growers,
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband Mar 31st, 2025
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband
Transcript Highlights:
- Blackwell, a rancher representing himself against the bill. Uh, here calls up Amber Selley.
- I'm just a plain Jane rancher. I live in the country.
- Uh, rancher, rancher. Thank you.
- And Jody Blackwell, a rancher representing himself against House Bill 3445, is that correct?
- And your occupation is a rancher, correct?
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband Mar 31st, 2025
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband
Transcript Highlights:
- The Chair calls up Jody Blackwell, a rancher, representing himself against the bill.
- Joe Eddie Blackwell, a rancher, representing himself against House Bill 3448. Is that correct?
- I'm just a plain Jane rancher. I live in the country.
- Oh, rancher. Rancher. Thank you.
- And your occupation is a rancher, correct? Correct.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/17/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #6
Transcript Highlights:
- Bill 2162 requires at least one member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission to be a cattleman or rancher
- The ranchers know their land really well.
- They live on it, and so it would be good to have a rancher on the Game and Fish Commission.
- Species Act of 1973 and the Migratory Bird Conservation Act to reduce regulatory requirements for ranchers
- And some ranchers have been reporting that if they're over the migratory bird path, they've been prohibited
Summary:
The meeting was a rapid review of a very large bill package, with the chair repeatedly asking staff to keep descriptions high level and many bills placed on third-read consent or consent calendars. A major theme was artificial intelligence: bills would require minors to be told when they are interacting with AI, allow AI-assisted divorce arbitration by consent, create an AI education program, privilege certain AI communications, and require K-12 instruction on ethical and practical AI use. Other education measures addressed school district superintendents, health instruction, anti-Semitism prohibitions, fetal development standards, and school safety, including a bill allowing concealed firearms on school grounds under specified conditions.
Several health and public safety bills were also discussed. These included funding and oversight measures for childhood cancer research, nursing care complaint timelines, firefighter cancer data collection, limits on pharmacy penalties, and a bill making it a felony to administer abortion-inducing drugs without consent. Members also heard bills on overtime wage enforcement, domestic violence evidence standards in parenting cases, probation limits for dangerous crimes against children, and a measure expanding manslaughter liability to online encouragement of teen suicide. One sponsor strongly opposed a provisional medical licensing bill for foreign-trained applicants, while other sponsors emphasized rural health access, nurse anesthetist reimbursement parity, and the need for a dental board member who is an oral surgeon.
A large portion of the meeting focused on water, land, energy, and state agency oversight. Bills would streamline or change rules for small modular reactors, new power plants, water supply determinations, groundwater transportation fees, water hauling, and state land disposition. Members also considered measures affecting the State Land Department, including audits, oversight boards, continuation, land-use maps for data centers and energy projects, and rules for mineral leases and solar or wind siting. Other topics included wildlife and ranching, Mexican wolf policy, annexation, housing and development incentives, transportation and towing rules, digital driver licenses, and a proposed four-year moratorium on municipal and county fee, tax, and utility-rate increases, which drew questions about stakeholder input and the impact on enterprise funds and local utilities. No recorded roll-call votes were taken in the transcript; most items were simply presented, briefly discussed, and left on consent or calendar status, with one bill noted as held in rules and another pulled for further discussion.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- overwhelmingly supported the constitutional amendment protecting the right to farm, farmers and ranchers
- overwhelmingly supported the constitutional amendment protecting the right to farm, farmers and ranchers
- Additionally, if a farmer or rancher prevails, they are entitled to recover...
- Additionally, if a farmer or rancher prevails, they are entitled to recover court costs and reasonable
- This bill ensures that farmers and ranchers are not only protected from unjust local regulations, but
Bills:
SJR12, SJR81, SCR39, SB22, SB32, SB241, SB393, SB414, SB458, SB464, SB568, SB583, SB609, SB660, SB693, SB731, SB732, SB746, SB783, SB785, SB897, SB993, SB996, SB1008, SB1029, SB1035, SB1036, SB1120, SB1122, SB1147, SB1163, SB1188, SB1197, SB1209, SB1227, SB1245, SB1267, SB1307, SB1321, SB1332, SB1386, SB1394, SB1396, SB1470, SB1494, SB1537, SB1596, SB1598, SB1610, SB1664, SB1814, SB1822, SB1841, SB1948, SB2065, SB2155, SB2406, SB2407
Keywords:
parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, tax exemption, ad valorem, tangible personal property, income production, border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum call, invocation, approval of routine motions, and the reading of gubernatorial nominations and several honorary resolutions. The chamber adopted resolutions recognizing Jack and Jill of America Day and DJ Daniel Day at the Capitol, with multiple senators offering remarks praising youth leadership, perseverance, and public service. The Senate also introduced the Doctor of the Day and then proceeded to a long series of floor actions on bills.
A major focus was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 568, which overhauls special education funding and services in public schools by moving from a placement-based model to an intensity-based system tied to student needs and IEPs. Senators Bettencourt, Creighton, and Menendez emphasized transparency, parent input, evaluation funding, dyslexia services, and better alignment of funding with actual services; Senator Hinojosa shared a personal story about dyslexia and the importance of early intervention. The bill was advanced on second and third reading and finally passed 30-0. The Senate also passed SB 1396 to prohibit national sex education standards in public schools, SB 2065 on the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System, SB 1664 requiring clearer public disclosure of transmission and distribution utility rate changes, SB 1029 on advertising certain used motor vehicles, SB 1120 expanding rights for family violence victims, SB 1036 regulating residential solar retail transactions, SB 464 creating school-proximity restrictions and penalties for tobacco and vaping sales, SB 1035 giving farmers and ranchers equitable relief from certain local agricultural regulations, SB 1610 addressing civil commitment facility safety and prosecution issues, SB 1197 extending drone restrictions to spaceports, and SB 1386 changing legislative witness immunity from transactional to testimonial immunity.
Another major bill was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1188, which updates electronic health record requirements. Senator Kolkhorst said the bill builds on Texas medical privacy law by requiring U.S.-based storage of EMR data, prohibiting recording of voter registration status and credit score information, requiring provider verification and disclosure for AI-assisted diagnosis or treatment recommendations, preserving parental access to minors’ records until age 18, and ensuring EMRs can capture metabolic health and biological sex information. A floor amendment clarified the bill’s scope and enforcement, and the bill passed 23-7. Several measures drew debate, especially SB 414 on bond ballot transparency, where Senators Eckhardt and Menendez questioned whether requiring estimated interest and total debt cost on ballots could be misleading or difficult to implement because interest rates and financing terms can change before issuance or over time. The transcript ends during that discussion, with no final action shown on SB 414.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate and House Tax Policies Discussion Group - 05/12/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If they choose to rent it to a rancher or farmer, they then are required to pay real estate tax on those
- or farmers to have their cattle on there, it's both beneficial for them as well as for the rancher and
- or farmers to have allowing the ranchers or farmers to have their<00:49:27.120>
cattle <00:49: - <00:49:34.200>
And as far as the rancher and farmer. - And as far as the rancher and farmer.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- She described a rancher who does not use most of his lease because it is too dry, steep, and remote,
- to us that he a rancher indicated to us that he doesn't<00:46:56.480>
use <00:46:56.640>a< - >
up <00:49:29.119>portions <00:49:29.440>of the ranchers offered up portions of - And so I ranchers off their leases.
- in a way that keeps these um ranchers in a way that keeps these um ranchers still<00:54:48.400><
Bills:
SB2606, SB3253, SB237, SB3252, SB1178, SB2322, SB2019, SB3043, SB3014, SB2972, SB1190, SB2488
Keywords:
wildlife sanctuary, environmental conservation, Hawaii, nonprofit corporation, freshwater preservation, community stewardship, biodiversity, ecological heritage, conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on several measures related to wildlife, conservation, shoreline adaptation, and climate governance. On SB 2606, which would establish the Freshwater State Recreational Area Wildlife Sanctuary Corporation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said it had concerns about employee eligibility and was not yet prepared to comment further on the bill’s ramifications. After testimony ended, a senator asked DLNR to follow up with more detail, and the department said it would relay the questions to leadership and respond later. No vote was taken on the measure during the excerpt.
On SB 3253, which would create the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity to work with DLNR, the department said it supported the bill. In discussion, DLNR said Hawaii has not done anything like this before, described a similar model in New Zealand, and estimated that developing such a sanctuary could cost millions of dollars. Members also discussed whether the concept would fit with existing efforts such as Hakalau, and DLNR said the bill could apply to private or state lands depending on the site. No action was taken.
The most extensive discussion was on SB 237, which would expand state and county authority to develop adaptation pathways for relocating infrastructure away from sea level rise and coastal flooding areas. DLNR supported the bill, saying it prioritizes public trust resources over economic development or private property. The Kahana Bay Steering Committee and the Shoreline Preservation Coalition opposed the measure, arguing it was too focused on managed retreat and should include a broader range of shoreline responses, such as erosion mitigation, groins, sand nourishment, and other interim protections. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it appreciated the bill’s intent but wanted broader language that would allow more tools in the toolbox. Members debated whether retreat is inevitable, whether different shorelines require different approaches, and whether the bill should be more flexible. No vote was taken.
The final measure discussed was SB 3252, which would amend the powers and duties of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, create a coordinator position, and appropriate funds. The commission’s coordinator testified in support, while OPSD opposed the bill, saying it would remove the two cabinet-level co-chair positions, raise accountability concerns, and duplicate some of OPSD’s functions. In questioning, members debated whether the current commission structure has been effective, who would appoint or confirm the coordinator, and whether the bill would improve transparency and implementation. OPSD said it supported more statewide interdepartmental funding for climate planning and staffing, but had concerns about the proposed governance changes. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We have thousands of our ranchers on our homelands, while our own people are waiting on the wait list
- Again, our farmers and ranchers are going to rely.
- Again, our farmers and ranchers are going to rely.
- Again, our farmers and ranchers are going to rely.
- Again, our farmers and ranchers are going to rely.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- They are represented by really the front lines of conservationists, and that is our farmers and ranchers
- Board Supervisors Sharon Luna and Russell Wolfe, both big landowners and ranchers, thank you for all
- Waterways, erosion control, and more to go out and educate farmers and ranchers on the programs that
- Andy is a rancher and a farmer in Colfax County.
- If you would yield, Senator, on that note, discussing the importance to our farmers and ranchers.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm representing myself as a fourth-generation rancher in the South Texas border region and as a member
- A coalition of ten ranchers has pulled our money together to... hire a grant writer, and as a result,
- Our farmers and ranchers have been affected greatly.
- Tremendously, their vehicles, our farmers and ranchers, their equipment, hauling and transporting cows
Bills:
HB1589, HB2208, HB2297, HB2560, HB2725, HB3080, HB4417, HB4473, HB4520, HB4662, HB4888, HB4905, HB4906
Keywords:
HB 1589, toll road, toll project, toll project entity, voter approval, local control, county election, commissioners court, Transportation Code, Chapter 372, road construction, highway funding, infrastructure, public referendum, ballot measure, transportation policy, Texas toll roads, regional mobility, toll collection, vehicle registration
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Mar 17, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 33
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Day at the Capitol, so if you see anyone with cowboy boots today or a cowboy hat or looking like a rancher
- hat or looking boots today or a cowboy hat or looking like<00:41:40.640>
a <00:41:40.839>Rancher - 41.960>
is <00:41:42.200>because <00:41:42.520>it <00:41:42.640>is like a Rancher - it is because it is like a Rancher it is because it is Cattleman<00:41:43.319>
State <00:41:43.520
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Today's rancher has far more concerns than just their cow herd.
- I think the real success is that we've kind of shown some of our ranchers that there is an avenue for
- We have seen so many of our ranchers, so many of our working farms in the state show support and an eagerness
- I appreciate the collaboration between the ranchers, the farmers, the ag people, and the Commissioner
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture heard two informational presentations before taking up legislation. Tracy Dean of Conservation Florida described the organization’s work protecting wild and working lands, especially ranch and timber lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and argued that agricultural conservation easements are essential to preserving habitat, water resources, family farms, and the corridor itself. Senators discussed how conservation easements can help family operations remain viable across generations, and Dean emphasized strong demand for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and Florida Forever funding. Dr. Jamie Ellis of the University of Florida then gave a detailed presentation on honeybees, their role in pollination and Florida agriculture, and major threats such as Varroa mites, queen quality, nutrition issues, hurricanes, and the yellow-legged hornet; senators asked about colony losses, pollination alternatives, and the economic importance of beekeeping in Florida.
The committee then considered SB 210 on animal cremation, sponsored by Senator Harrell. The bill was described as a response to a case involving mishandled pet cremation and would require crematories to provide clear disclosures about services, prohibit false or misleading information, and authorize civil penalties enforced by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. Next, the committee took up SJR 318, a joint resolution by Chair Truenow creating a proposed ad valorem tax exemption for tangible personal property used in agricultural production or agritourism on agricultural land and owned by the landowner or leaseholder. Several industry and agency representatives appeared in support, and the resolution was also reported favorably by unanimous vote.
The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment motioned by Senator Rouson.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAL Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3,2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- fencing and and and farmers and ranchers fencing and and and farmers and ranchers will<01:01:29.760
- them again to keep farmers and ranchers them again to keep farmers and ranchers uh<01:01:53.359>
- Our ranchers are providing between 20 to 25% of the beef demand for the state today.
- Um, our ranchers are and thriving today.
- rancher. Um, I am support of this bill. rancher. Um, I am support of this bill.
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land met on February 3, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills, with the chair emphasizing a two-minute limit and noting that bills would die if the hearing ran past noon. For HB 1848, the Commission on Water Resource Management and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development both supported the measure with technical, non-substantive amendments. Testimony focused on requiring early consultation about water availability in district boundary amendment petitions, with water officials explaining that the petitioner should submit a written statement reflecting consultation and that the goal was to identify water constraints earlier in the development process. The Land Use Commission’s representative opposed the bill, arguing that water availability is already addressed through existing environmental review and agency consultation, that the issue had been raised and rejected before, and that the proposal could create unnecessary delay or litigation.
The committee then heard HB 1728 on rainwater catchment systems. The Commission on Water Resource Management said it acknowledged the bill’s intent but deferred to counties and other regulatory agencies, including the Department of Health, on regulatory implications. Hawaii Realtors testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion of the hearing shown.
For HB 1652 on storm water management systems, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association opposed the bill, arguing it would weaken protections created by Act 281 (“Sharkey’s Law”) and increase drowning risk for children by exempting certain water features from safety requirements. The American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii supported the bill, saying the language clarifies and better balances child safety with practical green stormwater infrastructure, including depth-based limits and exemptions for certain agricultural ponds. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the agricultural pond exemption, saying such ponds are used for irrigation, livestock, and fire control and are generally away from the public. A private testifier, Allison Schaers, opposed the bill and described her daughter’s drowning in a detention basin, arguing that poor maintenance can turn stormwater features into dangerous hazards. The hearing ended without any recorded committee action or vote in the excerpt provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- He has been doing this work for the department on behalf of the farmers and ranchers, taking their perspective
- He has been doing this work for the department on behalf of the farmers and ranchers, taking their perspective
- He has been doing this work for the department on behalf of the farmers and ranchers, taking their perspective
- 53.040>
hardworking <00:41:53.680>farmers <00:41:54.000>and <00:41:54.240>ranchers - our hardworking farmers and ranchers our hardworking farmers and ranchers will<00:41:55.200>
Summary:
The committee heard multiple gubernatorial confirmation nominations, beginning with GM509 for Jay Stone to the Environmental Advisory Council. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and other supporters praised Stone’s more than 30 years of engineering experience and said he would help balance environmental protection with economic development. Stone said he wanted to contribute to environmental health and sustainability, and identified sea level rise and PFAS in drinking water as key concerns. The committee then moved to GM531 and GM532, nominations of Judson Leair and Nicholas Ta to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported both nominees. Leair emphasized his farming background and said pesticide policy should be more comprehensive, selective, and threshold-based rather than relying on broad-spectrum use; Ta said he would focus on integrated pest management, label compliance, education, and using the least amount of pesticide necessary, including non-chemical alternatives such as exclusion and behavior changes.
The committee next considered GM533, Janet Ashman’s nomination to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau all supported her, citing her experience, responsiveness, and prior service. Ashman said she wanted to help make pesticide regulations more understandable and stressed targeted pest control, scouting, and more precise products. Members asked about the complexity of pesticide regulations and the shift away from broad-based pesticide use; Ashman explained that regulations are complicated for both farmers and homeowners and that newer, more targeted products are needed as pests develop resistance. The committee then heard GM57 for Don Hegger Nordl to the Environmental Advisory Council. Supporters said she has environmental planning experience and knowledge of Chapter 343 and related rules. Nordl said she could bring state, county, and federal experience to the council and identified the need for more volunteers and broader professional representation as the council’s biggest challenge.
Finally, the committee took up GM697, Dean Matsukawa’s nomination as deputy director of the Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and several other testifiers strongly supported him, highlighting his 30 years with the department, his family farming background, and his understanding of farmers’ needs, especially access to capital and biosecurity challenges. Testifiers said he is calm, logical, experienced, and already familiar with the department’s work. Matsukawa was described as a reluctant nominee who was sought out for the role. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on the nominations during the portion provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL Public Hearing 03-20-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- that she cares deeply about ensuring the integrity of our public land system as well as helping our ranchers
- that she cares deeply about ensuring the integrity of our public land system as well as helping our ranchers
- that she cares deeply about ensuring the integrity of our public land system as well as helping our ranchers
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land heard HB 511, House Draft 1, relating to public lands. The bill would remove the requirement that a land survey be completed before public lands are set aside to a state department or agency. Testimony from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Land and Natural Resources was generally supportive of the bill’s intent, with requests for clarification. The Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the measure, arguing that surveys are costly and time-consuming and can delay transfers needed for agricultural use and land stewardship. One member of the public testified in strong opposition, arguing that eliminating surveys would weaken due process, transparency, and the state’s fiduciary duties over public lands.
The chair then proposed amendments to narrow the bill’s effect. The amendments would create tiered survey requirements based on land risk: high-risk lands would still require a survey before transfer, while low-risk state agricultural lands with clear historical records could defer surveys if sufficient mapping or GIS data exists. If a survey is deferred, the recipient agency would have to complete one within five years unless exempted by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. The amendments would also allow GIS and related mapping tools for approximate administrative boundaries, require a centralized digital registry of public land transfers, and establish a mediation process for boundary disputes before litigation.
Senator McKelvey said he had concerns about the original bill but would support it with the amendments. The committee chair recommended passage with amendments, noting the bill would also go to the Judiciary Committee. The committee adopted the recommendation by vote, with the chair and vice chair voting aye and Senator Dort voting no.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAL-PBS Joint Public Hearing - Tue Mar 31, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST
Water & Land
Transcript Highlights:
- , large ranchers, conservation organizations, education and cultural institutions, and state and federal
- <00:37:04.480>
a <00:37:04.560>number <00:37:04.920>of <00:37:05.120>ranchers - , we that includes a number of ranchers, we that includes a number of ranchers, large<00:37:06.000
- >
ranchers, <00:37:06.520>conservation large ranchers, conservation large ranchers, conservation - as the amount of ranching and ranchers as the amount of ranching and ranchers that<00:44:53.240>
Bills:
HCR13, HCR61, HCR136, HCR185, HCR155, HCR68, HCR174, HCR178, HCR179, HCR91, HCR103, HCR115, HCR199, HR15, HR128, HR175, HR147, HR62, HR164, HR168, HR169, HR83, HR95, HR107, HR189
Keywords:
coral reefs, sunscreen, environmental education, student stewardship, marine conservation, reforestation, Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, native forests, climate resilience, sustainable practices, economic opportunity, biodiversity, wildland-urban interface, WUI, wildfire mitigation, wildfire safety, Maui County, County of Maui, Kauai
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land met on March 31, 2026, and heard testimony on several resolutions. HCR 13/HR 50, which asks DLNR to work with DOE and the Public Charter School Commission on a student coral stewardship program, drew comments from DLNR, which said it stood on written testimony and had proposed amendments, and from supporters in the room. HCR 61, urging investment in reforestation policies, workforce, nursery capacity, and related support for public and private lands, received strong support from DLNR and multiple testifiers, including members of a reforestation policy hui, a resident, and others who emphasized watershed protection, flood and fire resilience, and the need to upgrade nursery infrastructure and staffing. Committee members asked questions about nursery modernization, staffing, island-specific needs, and whether reforestation could reduce wildfire impacts; the DLNR witness said all islands need investment, with especially large opportunities on Hawaiʻi Island, and that healthier forests improve resilience though they cannot eliminate climate-related risks.
The committee then heard HCR 136/HR 128 on wildland-urban interface safety standards for Maui plantation towns, but no one testified. It also heard HCR 185/HR 175, which urges denial of permits for ICE detention-related warehouses; Chris Coffey of Immua Alliance testified in support, saying migrant survivors of exploitation are harmed when ICE detains people and that Hawaii would not be the first place to take such action, citing examples from other states and cities. In questioning, members explored whether a local facility would keep people closer to families and services or instead increase local detention; Coffey said detention generally cuts off access to services and can intensify fear, and that a local facility could incentivize more detention and make survivors less likely to come forward.
Finally, the committee heard HCR 155/HR 147 supporting the Hawaii Water Safety Coalition’s Hawaii Water Safety Act. Testifiers included Allison Shapera, who described the statewide water safety plan, Hawaii’s high drowning rate, the economic and human costs of drownings, and her personal loss of her daughter in a preventable drowning; Kirsten Hermstead and Kalani Vierra of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association said the plan’s recommendations need legislative recognition to help with implementation and grant funding; and Jessamine Town Horner testified by Zoom as a co-founder and bereaved family advocate. The transcript provided does not show any votes or final committee actions on the measures discussed.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- The EQ shall test the biosolids, and DEQ shall give the test results to the farmers and ranchers.
- DEQ shall give the test results to the farmers and ranchers. Thank you, Mr. Arthur.
Summary:
The committee took up House Bill 3403. The presenter explained that the Senate amendments in Sections G, H, and I were rejected, and that the pilot program was changed from five years to four years. He also noted that DEQ will purchase the equipment, DEQ will test the biosolids, and DEQ will provide the test results to farmers and ranchers.
After that explanation, the chair declared HB 3403 open. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 215, which Vice Chairman Kane presented on behalf of Pro Tem Moore. The bill was requested to be open for signatures, and the meeting was then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It shouldn't go all the way up to the state general fund where the rancher in St.
- It shouldn't go all the way up to the state general fund where the rancher in St.
- It shouldn't go all the way up to the state general fund where the rancher and St.
- It shouldn't go all the way up to the state general fund where the rancher in St.
Keywords:
taxpayer protection, law interpretation, transparency, public hearings, tax policies, GPLET, abatement, tax incentives, local government, property improvement, central business district, property tax, assessment, destruction, proration, Arizona Revised Statutes, Arizona tax corrections act, transaction privilege tax, sales tax, use tax
Summary:
The House Ways and Means Committee heard several tax-related bills. SB 1293 would prohibit abating Government Property Lease Excise Tax revenues attributable to school districts, while still allowing abatements for counties, cities, towns, and community college districts. Supporters, including the sponsor, Arizona Tax Research Association, and NFIB, argued that GPLET shifts costs to other taxpayers and the state general fund through school aid backfill, while opponents from the City of Phoenix, City of Mesa, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and the League of Arizona Cities and Towns said GPLET is an important redevelopment tool that supports urban projects, housing, and long-term tax base growth. After extensive debate over tax shifts, school backfill, and local redevelopment impacts, the committee passed SB 1293 on a 5-3 vote.
The committee then considered SB 1294, a clarification to property tax classification rules for property destroyed by fire, flood, or other verifiable accident. The bill would allow assessors to keep the pre-destruction classification in place for up to five years or until a verifiable change in use occurs. The sponsor and Arizona Tax Research Association said the measure restores the prior intent of the law and corrects an inadvertent change. The committee approved SB 1294 with a due pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote, with one present and one absent.
Finally, the committee took up SB 1430, an annual technical corrections bill for tax statutes administered by the Department of Revenue. An amendment was adopted to remove a disputed unclaimed-property limitations provision after the sponsor said he would strip out any nontechnical item that drew concern. The Department of Revenue supported the bill and the amendment, and the committee passed SB 1430 as amended by a 7-0 vote, with one present and one absent.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, I'm representing myself as a fourth-generation rancher in the South Texas border region and as a
- A coalition of 10 ranchers, uh, have pulled our money together to, uh, hire a grant writer.
- Our ranchers have been affected greatly and not only on, on one side, but on both sides of 281 I-69 corridor
- Um The roads have affected our residents tremendously, uh, their vehicles, our farmers and ranchers,