Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota FFA Foundation.
• Val Arsvold, the Executive Director of the Minnesota FFA Foundation.
• I'm the Executive Director of the Minnesota FFA Foundation.
• Our celebration of 100 years of Minnesota FFA.
• Minnesota FFA has a rich, long history in our state.

Bills: HF2411, HF2471, HF1440, HF1393, HF1631, HF1259, HF280, HF1281, HF1459

Keywords: cultural heritage, funding, White Earth Nation, tribal community, construction, Delano, sesquicentennial, community events, fall of Saigon, Saigon anniversary, Vietnam War commemoration, Vietnamese Minnesotans, Cambodian Minnesotans, Lao Minnesotans, Southeast Asian refugees, Asian American heritage, cultural heritage fund, Minnesota Humanities Center, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, equity funding

Transcript Highlights:

• and the Minnesota FFA Foundation.
• for grants to the Minnesota FFA for grants to the Minnesota FFA Foundation<00:51:38.319> or
• I have had the through the FFA.
• FFA is understanding of the world.
• FFA members continue to City.

Bills: HF2411, HF2471, HF1440, HF1393, HF1631, HF1259, HF280, HF1281, HF1459

Keywords: cultural heritage, funding, White Earth Nation, tribal community, construction, Delano, sesquicentennial, community events, fall of Saigon, Saigon anniversary, Vietnam War commemoration, Vietnamese Minnesotans, Cambodian Minnesotans, Lao Minnesotans, Southeast Asian refugees, Asian American heritage, cultural heritage fund, Minnesota Humanities Center, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, equity funding

Transcript Highlights:

• FFA Week.
• of the young men and women of FFA, be recognized on February 5th, 2025, as FFA Day in the Senate.
• I'm a proud honorary member of the Mesa Vista FFA, and Mesa Vista FFA got some GROW funds from the Senate
• Being an honorary member of the FFA means that I've dedicated time, energy, or resources into FFA.
• We had the FFA in here earlier.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, but I'm in the official FFA uniform, including my FFA tie. Mr.
• President, but I'm in the official FFA uniform, including my FFA type. Mr.
• I do not have an FFA jacket.
• She's been in FFA for three years. Nelania Key, also a senior, four years in FFA.
• Welcome to our Hatch FFA students. Hey. Thank you. Welcome to our Hatch FFA students.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He's currently serving as a New Mexico FFA State Vice President, and he has won over 10 FFA contests
• So I rise in support of FFA Day.
• The National FFA organization has come to be home of more than a million 27,373 FFA members in all 50
• Today, the New Mexico, Today, the New Mexico FFA Association boasts more than 5,200 FFA members in 93
• So today, New Mexico FFA Association is celebrating National FFA Week.

Bills: HM19

Keywords: New Mexico Aviation and Aerospace Day, aviation, aerospace, space industry, missile programs, Spaceport America, White Sands Missile Range, White Sands Test Facility, Kirtland Air Force Base, drone, unmanned aircraft systems, commercial space transportation, NASA, aircraft, STEM education, research laboratories, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, flight testing, medical evacuation

Transcript Highlights:

• And today, I want to recognize a beacon of our future, our FFA students.
• FFA has been the bedrock of outstanding student leadership in New York.
• ONE PART OF THE FFA MOTTO IS One part of the FFA motto is living to serve.
• I want to welcome all of the FFA members from across the state who have been here today.
• IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, FFA CHAPTERS IN NEW YORK HAVE GROWN In the last two years, FFA chapters in New

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior Journal, and then handled several introductions and resolutions. Senator Bailey introduced Jayson Fefami, described as the Bronx-based creator of the “quarter zip” trend, and the chamber welcomed him with applause. Senator Cooney presented a privileged resolution memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim July 1, 2026, as Canada Day in New York, emphasizing the state’s economic, cultural, and border ties with Canada; the resolution was adopted. Senator Hinchey also spoke on a previously adopted resolution designating February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Organization Week, with Senator Helming and visiting FFA students and advisers offering remarks in support of agricultural education and youth leadership. The Senate then took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, including measures related to a fiscal task force, environmental conservation, urban development, education, workers’ compensation, elder law, real property, general business, state finance, insurance, tenant protection, and public health. Several bills passed unanimously, while others drew limited opposition; for example, the Environmental Conservation and Education measures had a handful of negative votes, and the real property bill drew more substantial opposition. Senator Webb explained her vote on a bill addressing college student food insecurity by exempting certain meal-share donations from sales tax, saying students should not have to choose between class and hunger. Senator Palumbo also explained his vote on the kratom labeling bill, supporting the measure while urging future action on the synthetic opioid 7-OH. The chamber also discharged several identical Assembly bills from Rules and substituted Senate versions earlier in the day, and later passed those measures on the floor. At the end of the session, the Senate completed the calendar, reported no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• state officers The presentation by Florida FFA state officers.
• I invest in FFA and agricultural roles.
• I invest in FFA and agricultural youth because FFA invested in me.
• The letters FFA stand for Future Farmers of America.
• An FFA member's motto is four parts.

Summary: The Agriculture Committee took up SB 806, the consumer and agricultural equipment right-to-repair bill by Senator Trumbull. Trumbull said the measure would expand repair options for portable wireless devices and farm equipment while protecting trade secrets. The committee adopted two amendments: one clarifying the bill does not apply to motor vehicles, and a technical staff amendment. Testimony was mixed: an Everglades Equipment representative opposed the bill, warning it could weaken local dealer support, reduce parts inventory, and increase downtime for farmers; the Consumer Technology Association also opposed the bill in its current form, citing concerns about a patchwork of state repair laws, private lawsuits, and inconsistent standards. The bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 806 by a roll call vote of 4-0, with Senator Rouson not voting. The committee then heard a presentation from Florida 4-H state officers Timmy Hawes, Summer Wayne, and Taylor Thigpin. They described 4-H as a youth development organization focused on citizenship and leadership, agriculture, STEM, and healthy living, serving more than 216,000 youth statewide. They highlighted personal stories about how 4-H built confidence, leadership, and entrepreneurship skills, and they outlined goals to grow participation to 300,000 youth and to invest in 4-H camps, especially Camp Cherry Lake and Camp Timpoochee, as year-round learning sites. Senators praised the program and asked questions about how youth get involved and what drives participation. Florida FFA state officers Hope Storder and Isabel Jenkins then presented on agricultural education and FFA. They explained FFA’s three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development, and noted that Florida now has more than 65,000 FFA members and that state funding has allowed all agricultural education students to participate at no cost. They emphasized agriculture’s role in feeding a growing population and discussed how technology, innovation, and urban agriculture can help meet future production needs. Senators commended the organization’s work and its role in preparing future leaders and agricultural professionals. At the end of the meeting, Senator Burton requested a group photo with the students, and the committee agreed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Counties rely on FFAs to support the needs of foster children, as FFAs can provide more support than
• These FFAs were located across 13 counties.
• FFA is not just an administrative agency.
• to FFA or FFA to county.
• So, you know, there are obviously other reasons an FFA could close.

Summary: The hearing covered several child welfare, human services, tribal housing, child care, and long-term care bills. SB 1099 would clarify local governments’ authority to provide state or local public benefits to all residents under PRWORA; SB 1190 would regulate private youth transport services by requiring permits, background checks, training, and bans on blindfolds, hoods, restraints, and overnight pickups; SB 1322 would streamline tribal access to Community Care Expansion housing grants and better align the process with tribal sovereignty; SB 1109 would require an annual license renewal review for STRTPs with five or more Type A citations in a year; SB 1234 would require fentanyl testing in juvenile dependency cases when a court finds a risk of fentanyl use; SB 991 would require DSS to identify the specific type of abuse on its public licensing database; SB 1200 would redefine “infant” for family child care ratio purposes as under 18 months; and SB 1345 would strengthen foster youth rights regarding access to and dignified transport of personal belongings. The committee also approved a consent calendar including SB 534, SB 1410, and SB 1421. Testimony was largely in support of the measures, often from authors, advocates, county officials, and people with lived experience. Supporters of SB 1190 described traumatic youth transport practices and argued for basic safety standards. SB 1322 supporters said tribal grantees face unnecessary delays and collateral demands that conflict with sovereignty. SB 1109 drew support from county probation officers who cited repeated serious violations and public safety concerns at STRTPs, while the chair ultimately opposed the bill as duplicative of existing CDSS authority. SB 1234 drew emotional support from a grandparent who lost a child to fentanyl, but also opposition from the Drug Policy Alliance and a dependency attorney, who argued the bill was redundant, vague, and could create biased or unnecessary testing; amendments were accepted to narrow the standard. SB 991 supporters said the public needs more specific information about abuse findings, SB 1200 supporters said the change would expand infant care capacity and help working families, and SB 1345 supporters said foster youth deserve dignity rather than having belongings packed in trash bags. Votes were taken after quorum was established. SB 991, SB 1200, SB 1345, SB 1190, SB 1234, SB 1322, and SB 1099 were all reported out of committee, most on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 1234 passed 6-0 as amended to Appropriations, and SB 1099 later had a vote change recorded, ending 5-1. SB 1109 did not advance after the motion failed for lack of a second, and it was held in committee. The committee then adjourned and transitioned into an oversight hearing reviewing the outcomes of AB 2247 (placement stability and notice protections for foster youth) and AB 2496, with presenters discussing how the earlier foster youth placement law has changed practice and the importance of dignity, notice, and youth voice in placement decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Counties rely on FFAs to support the needs of foster children, as FFAs can provide more support than
• These FFAs were located across 13 counties.
• And an FFA is not just an administrative agency.
• to FFA or FFA to county.
• FFAs have to make that difficult decision, and the issues that drove the FFA closures are not going to

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I invest in FFA and agricultural roles. My professional future career.
• I invest in FFA and agricultural youth because FFA invested in me.
• The letters FFA stand for Future Farmers of America.
• But FFA is not just for students who want to be production farmers.
• We have had over 5,820 attendees at the 97th Florida FFA Convention.

Bills: S0806

Keywords: right to repair, repairability, consumer repair, independent repair provider, authorized repair provider, portable wireless device, smartphone repair, cell phone repair, mobile device, agricultural equipment, farm equipment, tractor, combine, diagnostic information, repair manuals, parts availability, tools, embedded software, firmware, security module

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture took up SB 806, a consumer and agricultural equipment right-to-repair bill sponsored by Senator Truenow. The bill was described as expanding repair options for portable wireless devices and farm equipment while protecting trade secrets. Two amendments were adopted: one clarified that portable devices do not include motor vehicles, and another was a technical staff amendment. Testimony included support for the general goal of repair access, but opposition from a John Deere dealership representative, who warned the bill could weaken local dealer support, reduce parts inventory, increase downtime, and create emissions-compliance risks. The Consumer Technology Association also opposed the bill in its current form, citing concerns about a patchwork of state laws, a private right of action against manufacturers, and inconsistencies with other states’ repair laws. After closing remarks from Senator Truenow, the committee voted to report CS for SB 806 favorably. The committee then heard a presentation from Florida 4-H state officers and alumni, who highlighted 4-H’s role in youth development, leadership, agriculture, STEM, and healthy living. They described statewide participation of more than 216,000 youth, the impact of camps and hands-on programs, and efforts to raise funds for facility improvements, including Camp Cherry Lake and Camp Timpoochee. Members asked about how youth discover 4-H, what drives participation, and the organization’s growth goals, including reaching 300,000 youth. Next, Florida FFA state officers presented on agricultural education and FFA’s role in preparing students for careers in agriculture and related fields. They emphasized the three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and FFA leadership activities, and noted Florida’s membership growth to more than 65,000 students, supported by state funding that allows all agricultural education students to participate at no cost. Members discussed the need for technology and AI to help meet future food-production demands, and the presenters stressed innovation, urban agriculture, and efficiency as key to feeding a growing population. The meeting concluded with general comments of support and a request for a group photo with the students.

Transcript Highlights:

• serving as the Minnesota FFA currently serving as the Minnesota FFA state<00:01:26.960> secretary
• Minnesota FFA state reporter. Minnesota FFA state reporter.
• running, but he also was an FFA member. running, but he also was an FFA member.
• How does FFA talk about that realm? How does FFA talk about that realm?
• National FFA has to accommodate FFA and National FFA has to accommodate every<00:10:13.120> different

Bills: HF3580, HF3566

Keywords: agriculture, livestock, depredation, crop damage, wolf compensation, elk damage, state funding, agricultural protection, trespass, criminal penalties, farm equipment, agricultural land, 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then heard from Minnesota FFA officers, who described FFA as a student-led agricultural education organization focused on leadership, personal growth, and career success. The students explained the three-part model of agricultural education, the size and reach of FFA in Minnesota, and upcoming events at the Capitol, including an agricultural policy experience conference and FFA Day at the Capitol. Members asked about FFA’s role in encouraging the next generation of farmers, the organization’s broader focus beyond farming to include wildlife and other natural resources careers, and the mix of rural, metro, and urban chapters. The students emphasized that FFA and agricultural educators help students discover career paths and that urban chapters are active and thriving alongside rural ones. The committee then received a presentation from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on the Agri program. The department described Agri as a legislature-created program that uses producer-payment funds to support roughly 15 grant and cost-share programs, including newer efforts such as Protect and Prepare. Testimony stressed transparency and fraud prevention: Agri is reimbursement-based, requires detailed documentation, conducts site visits on grants over $25,000, and has identified and stopped more than a dozen fraudulent applications in the past year. The department also noted a prior legislative auditor review of two larger Agri programs and said only about one-tenth of 1% of reviewed expenditures were recommended for recovery. The department highlighted the Make It Minnesota cost-share program, which helps Minnesota food and agriculture companies attend national trade shows such as Natural Products Expo West. Testifiers then described how Agri has supported their businesses: Mark Schiller of Lon Liquor in Northfield said the program helped his microdistillery expand into milling organic flour and adding food service, while Pete Gangler of Snowpack Foods in Caledonia said Agri grants supported food safety improvements, processing capacity, and a new freezer warehouse project. The department said additional grantees would testify as well, and members asked whether the department’s fraud-prevention practices could be shared with other state agencies; staff said they already are being shared through interagency best-practice efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas FFA.
• Carlson of Vega FFA, Area 2, Walton Marshall of Glasscock County FFA.
• McGee of Union Grove, FFA, Area 7, Luke Anderson of Madison, FFA.
• FFA area 8 Tanner Williams of Dawson FFA area Ken Cassidy-Neal of Goliad FFA.
• Area 11, Cash Smith of Fayetteville FFA. Brady Lambert of College Station FFA.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas FFA.
• Of Paradise FFA, we have State First Vice President Thomas Barton, a chef. FFA.
• Carlson of Vega FFA, Area 2, Walton Marshall of Glasscock County FFA.
• McGee of Union Grove, FFA, Area 7, Luke Anderson of Madison, FFA.
• FFA, Area 8, Tanner Williams of Dawson, FFA, Area 10. Can Cassidy Neal of Goliad FFA?

Keywords: legislation, testimonies, committee meeting, public interest, bills

Summary: The committee meeting was conducted with several discussions surrounding various proposed bills, addressing both public interests and legislative concerns. Specific bills were presented, and members debated the implications of each, emphasizing their potential impact on the community and state regulations. Notably, several testimonies were heard from stakeholders, which enriched the conversation and provided different perspectives on the bills being reviewed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Association and the to the Minnesota FFA Association and the Minnesota<00:09:49.279> FFA<00:09
• could include such things as state FFA could include such things as state FFA and<00:10:02.160><
• Minnesota FFA Minnesota FFA the Minnesota FFA Foundation<00:10:22.839> would<00:10:23.040>
• had the privilege of being around FFA had the privilege of being around FFA for<00:11:33.680>
• executive director of Minnesota FFA executive director of Minnesota FFA Association<00:16:08.959

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AND FFA STATE SECRETARY.
• OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, HILLARY HOLLY, FLORIDA FFA DIR.
• OF DEVELOPMENT AND FLORIDA FFA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
• THE LETTERS FFA AND FOR FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA.
• IN FFA MEMBERS MOTTO IS FOR PARTS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and Macy Jordan, the FFA State Secretary.
• Holly, the Florida FFA Director of Development, and Ronnie Simmons, the Florida FFA Executive Director
• ," from the FFA Creed by E.M.
• The letters FFA stand for Future Farmers of America.
• FFA is not just for students who want to be production farmers.

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture heard a presentation from Florida FFA state officers Gabby Howell and Macy Jordan, who described FFA and agricultural education as a three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development. They highlighted FFA membership growth, Florida’s more than 60,000 members, industry certifications, and state funding that allows all agriculture education students to participate at no cost. Members praised the students and the organization’s role in developing future agricultural leaders. The committee then took up SB 438, which would regulate hemp and hemp extract products, including THC-infused beverages, by adding testing, labeling, retail location, age, and event restrictions, along with penalties and $2 million for testing equipment. Senator Burton said the bill is intended to address public safety, prevent products with illegal THC levels from reaching consumers, and respond to the governor’s prior veto concerns, especially store location and regulation. An amendment clarifying final batch testing was adopted without objection. Testimony was mixed. Supporters, including beverage distributors, law enforcement, and some hemp beverage businesses, backed regulation and said the bill would improve safety and clarity, though some asked for changes to avoid treating specialty beverage retailers like liquor stores. Opponents and some hemp industry representatives argued the bill was too restrictive, would hurt small businesses, and could push products into the black market; they also objected to THC limits, event restrictions, and the proposed regulatory structure. After debate, the committee voted 6-0 to report CS for SB 438 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is my second year in FFA, and I believe FFA is important to integrate.
• This is my second year in FFA.
• for FFA just to make sure I was right.
• And OST funding and programming does support FFA as well. ...for FFA just to make sure I was right.
• You were talking about FFA earlier.

Bills: SB83, SB106, SB107, SB123, SJR1

Keywords: ecological monitoring, sustainability, tribal engagement, education, research funding, graduate scholarship, higher education funding, New Mexico, appropriation, financial aid, out-of-school programming, education funding, youth programs, affordability, nonprofit organizations, defibrillators, public schools, health and safety, emergency response, school elections

Transcript Highlights:

• It is so neat for us to be able to have this swearing-in ceremony on FFA Day of all days.
• I know how important this is to you, Dillon, and Dillon being a former FFA member of the Cleveland FFA
• But I think it’s an honor to be sworn in on FFA Day because FFA is the one single organization growing
• And so I’m very proud to be a former FFA member and the things that FFA has showed me when I was growing
• And so it’s a real privilege to be sworn in on FFA Day. So thank you guys.

Keywords: 914, all

Summary: The House convened for the swearing-in ceremony of Representative-elect Dillon Travis. The ceremony included an invocation by House chaplain Ronnie Wilson, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore, and administration of the oath of office by Chief Justice Dustin Rowe. Travis also signed the required oath and loyalty documents. In remarks surrounding the ceremony, House leaders noted the significance of holding the swearing-in on FFA Day and highlighted Travis’s background as a former FFA member from the Cleveland FFA chapter. Travis thanked his wife, family, and friends, said FFA played a major role in shaping his life, and emphasized his commitment to supporting rural Oklahoma. No legislation was considered and no votes were taken; the only formal action was the swearing-in of Representative-elect Travis.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a ton of blue Colorado FFA Day.
• We do have the FFA state leadership team on the side.
• <00:30:15.200> leaders, talk with many of our FFA leaders, talk with many of our FFA leaders
• We do have the FFA important to them.
• <00:30:42.240> Thank why FFA is so crucial to them. Thank why FFA is so crucial to them.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and spent much of the opening portion recognizing visitors and celebrating Colorado FFA Day. Members introduced guests and student groups, including the Colorado Dental Association and 350 Colorado Youth Action Committee, and several speakers highlighted the importance of FFA and agricultural education. Representative Johnson and AML Winter gave extended remarks about FFA’s role in leadership, rural life, and support for students, and the chamber recognized FFA members in attendance. The chamber then adopted a motion making several bills special orders and moved into floor consideration of multiple measures. Senate Bill 10, concerning clarification of agricultural property tax definitions, passed after sponsors explained it would better define agricultural land and pasture-based livestock operations to support small and beginning farmers. Senate Bill 52, concerning coal transition communities, passed after the House adopted amendments L4, L5, and L6 clarifying that hiring preferences apply only to qualified coal transition workers in coal transition communities and that public entities may invest settlement funds related to coal closures. House Bill 1115, modifying prepaid wireless telecommunications service charges, passed after a finance committee amendment exempted federal Lifeline plans; sponsors said the bill reinstates the 911 surcharge on prepaid plans to support 911 and 988 services. House Bill 1182 passed after sponsors and the veterinarian member described it as a sunset repeal of the Veterinary Pharmaceutical Advisory Committee, which had not met since 2021. House Bill 1096, allowing Medicaid members to access direct primary care on a cash-pay basis, passed with a two-year data-review amendment; sponsors said it is aimed at rural health access and health deserts. House Bill 1142, concerning child advocacy centers, also passed after amendment L3 clarified definitions in Title 19; sponsors said it would better define child advocacy centers, multidisciplinary teams, and child maltreatment and support confidentiality and immunity protections for those centers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Shanks and FFA saved me. I was headed down a different path. Mr. Shanks wasn't just a teacher.
• Shanks and FFA saved me. I was headed down a different path. Mr. Shanks wasn't just a teacher.
• In the gallery we have Butte Valley FFA members, Anderson FFA members, and my son, Zach, from Alturas
• FFA.
• Welcome, FFA members. Okay, we have some other very important guests here.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and proceeded with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of guest introductions recognizing FFA students, district staff, public health leaders, and visiting students from local schools. Several members highlighted agriculture education, public health week, and civic education, and one member also announced the birth of a calf before introducing an honored agriculture teacher. The chamber then moved through the daily file, passing over second- and third-reading items and taking up Senate Concurrent Resolution 1, which establishes the joint rules for the 2025-26 legislative session; it was adopted on a 50-14 vote and sent immediately to the Senate. On the consent calendar, Assembly Bill 565, Assembly Bill 708, and Assembly Concurrent Resolution 42 were adopted unanimously, 71-0. ACR 42, relating to adult education, also received 65 co-authors. Additional guest introductions followed, including students from the San Fernando Valley and a Jewish day school, with remarks emphasizing leadership, agriculture, and community service. The Assembly then held an adjournment in memory for U.S. Army Sergeant Edvin F. Franco of Glendale, who died in a training accident in Lithuania. Members honored his military service, awards, and family. The house announced its next schedule and adjourned until Monday, April 7 at 1 p.m.