Transcript Highlights:

• Farm, which is a pheasant rearing and release facility in Lewis County operated by the Department of Fish
• proposed substitute that's in the books, H3401.1 by Representative Orcutt, requires the Department of Fish
• I also want to thank the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Bills: HB2668, HB1735, HB2131, HB2199, HB2463, HB2598, HB2619

Keywords: relocation, wildlife, game farm, agriculture, environmental impact, animal welfare, force-feeding, birds, humane treatment, sea lion, predation control, salmon preservation, fishing industry, voluntary donations, derelict vessels, marine environment, coastal management, environmental protection, maritime economy, farmers

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee met on February 4, policy cutoff day, and held a public hearing on House Bill 2668, which would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify and pursue relocation of the Bob Oak Game Farm in Lewis County and also seek funding to remediate the current site. Staff explained the proposed substitute would require alternate site identification, reporting to the Legislature, future capital budget requests for pre-design, relocation, and remediation, and continued monitoring to address nitrate leaching. Representative Orcutt said the bill is intended to protect nearby wells and Centralia’s drinking water without shutting the game farm down, and he thanked DFW for working to reduce fiscal impacts. City of Centralia officials, Lewis County public health staff, a tribal member, and the county health officer testified in support, describing nitrate contamination in a sole-source aquifer, health risks, and the need for a long-term relocation solution; the committee also noted 52 people signed in pro and one opposed. The committee then moved into executive session on several bills. House Bill 2598, creating a Salmon Advisory Commission, was debated with concerns raised about the size of the commission, cost, and overlap with existing salmon recovery efforts, but it was reported out 6-5 with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 2619, creating a legislative task force to reduce regulatory stress in agriculture, drew bipartisan support focused on farm mental health and suicide prevention and passed unanimously. House Bill 2199, dealing with derelict vessels, was amended with a Department of Natural Resources proposal and then passed unanimously as amended. House Bill 2463, which revises the Washington commodities donation and farm-to-food pantry programs, was also reported out unanimously as a substitute bill. The committee next took up House Bill 1735, which prohibits force-feeding birds and related sale/distribution of products made using that practice. An amendment by Representative Dent to narrow the bill to ducks and geese for commercial purposes and remove product-sale prohibitions failed, and the substitute bill then passed 6-5. Finally, the committee added House Bill 2668 to the executive agenda despite its late arrival, citing the urgency and bipartisan support, and then reported the substitute bill out unanimously. The chair emphasized that moving HB 2668 on the same day was highly unusual and not standard practice, but was done because of the public health concerns and broad support from affected local and tribal communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• That includes the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• and Wildlife and the Forest and Fish Agreement from day one.
• And I don't know, because that was part of the agreement in both the Forest and Fish and Timber, Fish
• And I don't know, because that was part of the agreement in both the Forest and Fish and Timber, Fish
• Fish and Wildlife Service for them to agree to this work.

Bills: HB2598, HB2620, HB2104, HB2348, HB2544, HB2554, HJM4009

Keywords: anadromous fish, environmental conservation, state coordination, wildlife recovery, fisheries management, forest management, natural resources, collaboration, forest practices, sustainability, aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response, timber sales, land sales, process efficiency, legislation, department language

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 2598, which would create a Salmon Advisory Commission to coordinate salmon and steelhead recovery efforts among tribes, state agencies, legislators, and local governments. The prime sponsor argued the commission would improve coordination, elevate tribal co-management, and address fragmented recovery efforts. Supporters emphasized salmon’s cultural and treaty importance and the need for a formal statewide forum, while the lone public testifier from Washington Policy Center opposed adding another statewide body and urged more local control. The bill drew strong opposition in sign-in sheets, with 10 in favor, 886 opposed, and one other. The committee then heard House Bill 2620, which would repeal the recently adopted non-fish-bearing stream buffer rule and change how future riparian buffer rules are evaluated. The ranking member said the bill was intended to restore collaboration and ensure stakeholders were heard. Testimony split sharply: tribal, Ecology, DNR, conservation, and environmental witnesses defended the rule as science-based, necessary for water quality, and consistent with the Forest and Fish adaptive management process; timber, small forest landowner, and county representatives said the process broke down, the rule was too burdensome, and economic impacts on rural communities were not adequately considered. Committee members questioned witnesses extensively about consensus, Ecology’s role in concurrence, economic analysis, and the history of the rulemaking. Sign-in sheets showed 592 in favor, 489 opposed, and one other. In executive session, the committee first passed House Bill 2104, which removes the sunset from the Aviation Assurance Funding Program, by an 11-0 vote. It also passed House Bill 2348, a Department of Natural Resources request bill making changes to land and material sale advertising procedures, by 11-0. House Joint Memorial 4009, urging federal action on wildfire management of national forest lands, also passed 11-0. House Bill 2554, which repeals Initiative 456 concerning state declarations on tribal natural resource management and fishing rights, passed 7-4 after a roll call vote, with several members voting no without recommendation. The committee then moved on to House Bill 2544, but the transcript cuts off before that vote was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our goal is to increase opportunities to put fish in the lake, but also fish in the live well.
• </c><00:03:01.200><c> in</c> put fish in the lake, but also fish in put fish in the lake, but also fish
• </c> do is go fishing again. do is go fishing again.
• to catch fish by having more fish in the water.
• You might actually catch more fish, but also have a better opportunity to catch fish by having more fish

Bills: HF624

Keywords: HF624, Minnesota fishing law, game and fish, walleye stamp, walleye stamp validation, angling, angler, fishing lines, two lines, four lines, open water fishing, ice fishing, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, fishing regulations, fish harvest, conservation, Minnesota Statutes 97C.315, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, Senate Bill 1280 prohibits the Arizona Game and Fish Commission from transporting
• SB 1280 would prohibit the Arizona Game and Fish Commission from transporting Mexican gray wolf pups
• The Game and Fish, as of December 25, says there's a minimum of 319 Mexican gray wolves.
• The Game and Fish, as of December 25, says there's a minimum of 319 Mexican gray wolves.
• It is my understanding that in Game and Fish, I'm here to agree with what I'm about to say, but that

Bills: SB1075, SB1144, SB1280

Keywords: foreign ownership, land sales, review commission, national security, property rights, veterinary technicians, certification, education alternative, Arizona Revised Statutes, veterinary education, Mexican gray wolf, Mexican wolf, Mexican gray wolf puppies, Arizona Game and Fish Commission, Arizona Game and Fish Department, endangered species, wolf reintroduction, wolf translocation, cross-fostering, wildlife management

Transcript Highlights:

• business meeting here to vote on the nominations of Brigadier General Brian Nesvick to be Director of Fish
• General Nesvick has served for more than 29 years with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, retiring
• Simultaneously with his service in Wyoming Game and Fish, General Nesvick had 35 years of decorated military
• almost three decades of relevant experience and experience. extensive leadership, he will make a great Fish
• his military service, but his clear prioritization of agricultural and fossil fuel interests over fish

Keywords: presidential nominations, EPA, environmental policy, Fish and Wildlife, committee meeting

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the presidential nominations of Brigadier General Brian Nesvick as Director of Fish and Wildlife and Jess Kramer and Sean Donahue as assistant administrators at the EPA. Each nominee presented their qualifications and experiences in their respective fields, with an emphasis on their commitment to uphold the laws passed by Congress. The discussion highlighted the nominees' dedication to addressing environmental issues and their proactive stances on regulatory matters. After deliberation, votes were held to report the nominations favorably, despite some members voicing concerns regarding their qualifications and potential conflicts with environmental interests.

Bills: SF0025, SF0026, SF0066, SJ0009

Keywords: landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, property tax, Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, tax exemption, employee residences, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations, public lands, local governance, land management, resource development, federal agency, agriculture

Bills: SF0025, SF0026, SF0066, SJ0009

Keywords: landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, property tax, Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, tax exemption, employee residences, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations, public lands, local governance, land management, resource development, federal agency, agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, Senate Bill 1290 prohibits the Arizona Game and Fish Commission from transporting
• I represent the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, and we are registered neutral for the bill.
• I represent the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, and we are registered neutral for this bill.
• Fish and Wildlife Service, there are population and genetic goals that must be met before the Mexican
• And I thank the Game and Fish Commission for coming and speaking to it.

Bills: SB1005, SB1202, SB1278, SB1279, SB1280, SB1287

Keywords: cosmetics, animal testing, prohibition, manufacturers, sales regulation, state preemption, groundwater, water conservation, Arizona water resources, drought management, water quality, solar radiation management, environment, regulation, Arizona Revised Statutes, weather modification, licensing, environmental impact, public safety, cloud seeding

Bills: SF0052

Keywords: wildlife management, environmental restoration, funding, invasive species, aquatic ecosystems, native fish, habitat conservation, 916, all

Bills: SF0052

Keywords: wildlife management, environmental restoration, funding, invasive species, aquatic ecosystems, native fish, habitat conservation, 916, all

Bills: SF0052, SF0024

Keywords: wildlife management, environmental restoration, funding, invasive species, aquatic ecosystems, native fish, habitat conservation, lottery, debit card payments, gambling regulations, state revenue, financial transactions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• water</c><00:04:04.239><c> can</c><00:04:04.480><c> get</c> Fish can get through, water can get Fish
• It is a tremendous loss of fish.
• ><c> down</c> will move those fish as they come down will move those fish as they come down the<00:13
• It is a tremendous loss of fishing.
• </c> all these problems and now these fish all these problems and now these fish are<00:14:23.920><c>

Bills: SF0052, SF0024

Keywords: wildlife management, environmental restoration, funding, invasive species, aquatic ecosystems, native fish, habitat conservation, lottery, debit card payments, gambling regulations, state revenue, financial transactions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• about 10 or 15 years ago, I authored the original bill on viral hemorrhagic septicemia, which was a fish
• There are more fish diseases now.

Bills: HF4080, HF3693, HF1857, HF4350

Keywords: agriculture, livestock, retailers, ownership interest, exclusive contracts, meat packing companies, dominant retailers, state law, Department of Agriculture, appropriation, funding, agriculture policy, state budget, animal welfare, cat declawing, animal cruelty, therapeutic procedures, civil penalties, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, aquatic life

Transcript Highlights:

• governor must consider recommendations from organized groups representing a variety of aspects of fish
• governor must consider recommendations from organized groups representing a variety of aspects of fish
• When acting in their capacity as a Fish and Wildlife Commissioner or alternate, these new folks must
• be registered voters in Washington, and have a general knowledge of the habits and distribution of fish
• Washington State and tribal governments by adding four tribal seats and four alternate seats to the Fish

Bills: HB2170, HB2544, HB2578

Keywords: natural climate solutions, ecosystem services, revenue generation, economic opportunities, environmental policy, water rights, adjudication, Columbia River, environmental impact, natural resources, tribal members, fish and wildlife, commission, indigenous rights, state regulation, 904, all

Summary: The committee began with House Bill 2170, a DNR request bill that would authorize ecosystem service projects on state trust lands, including carbon and other natural climate solutions, with contracts lasting up to 125 years and Board of Natural Resources oversight. The sponsor and DNR said the bill would diversify revenue, modernize forest management, and help meet climate goals; supporters argued it would add tools without mandating changes to timber harvests. Opponents from timber companies, counties, school districts, and logging groups warned the bill could reduce harvest levels, lower trust revenue, hurt rural jobs and mills, and lock up working forests for generations. Supporters from environmental groups and some local officials said the bill would create more stable revenue, support climate and watershed benefits, and could still allow timber harvests. No vote was taken, and the chair noted HB 1508 and HB 2170 were both active ecosystem services vehicles for possible amendments. The committee also briefly heard House Bill 2578, which would add four tribal commissioner seats and four alternates to the Fish and Wildlife Commission, with representation from federally recognized tribes on both sides of the Cascades. The staff briefing described the new positions, qualifications, staggered terms, and quorum changes. The prime sponsor said the bill would strengthen co-management and tribal-state partnership, but the hearing was suspended before public testimony and no action was taken. Later, the committee took up House Bill 2544, a pilot process for the Upper Columbia Water Rights Adjudication. Staff explained that the bill would direct Ecology to begin the adjudication in two phases, first focusing on tribal and federal claimants and then all other claimants, with a report due in 2035. The sponsor said the bill would make a decades-long process more efficient and allow earlier settlement discussions without reducing anyone’s rights. Colville Tribes testified in support, as did other tribal representatives, saying the phased approach would improve clarity and efficiency; the hearing then moved into public testimony on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our shrimp and our fish industry is suffering due to imports.
• /c><00:09:19.640><c> shrimp</c><00:09:20.160><c> and</c><00:09:20.240><c> our</c><00:09:20.360><c> fish
• Our shrimp and our fish imports.
• Our shrimp and our fish industry<00:09:21.680><c> is</c><00:09:22.000><c> suffering</c> industry is suffering

Bills: HB444, HB444

Keywords: HB444, vaccines, vaccine exemption, religious exemption, religious liberty, private school, church school, faith-based school, parochial school, school immunization, testing requirement, disease testing, parental rights, school enrollment, attendance requirements, CHOOSE Act, school choice, education funding, tax exemption, corporate income tax

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll recognize that bass fishing, or fishing in general, is one of the great legacies that we have
• I'm the Executive Director for the Minfish Sport Fishing Foundation and Coalition.
• Our primary concern is wanting to improve fishing in Minnesota through proper management and quality
• As opposed to March and April, when this proposed fishing season would occur.
• the numbers of fish.

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:

• I'm the executive director for the Minnesota Fish Sport Fishing Foundation and Coalition.
• fish sport fishing foundation the minf fish sport fishing foundation and<00:03:12.560><c> Coalition<
• Those are meant more for quality and larger fish as opposed to the numbers of fish.
• Those are meant more for quality and larger fish as opposed to the numbers of fish.
• </c><00:21:39.960><c> fishing</c> because it was much like fishing fishing because it was much like fishing

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:

• That’s why we also created the Department of Game and Fish.
• Game and Fish Department.
• So this bill is asking a game and fish to break So this bill is asking a game and fish to break the law
• Our Game and Fish Commission, excuse me, is a civilian board.
• Fish and Wildlife will continue to do what they're doing.

Bills: HB2023, HB2100, HB2147, HB2158, HB2159, HB2162, HB2197, HB2497, HB2787, HCM2006

Keywords: land division, property disclosure, real estate, affidavit, Arizona Revised Statutes, small land subdivision, land use, real estate regulation, county ordinance, water supply requirements, property access, civil penalties, wildlife management, deer permits, private land, landowner rights, human-wildlife conflict, predatory animals, hunting regulations, game and fish

Bills: SF0025, SF0027, SF0043, SF0066

Keywords: landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:23.279><c> Thank</c> for the game of fish, folks? Okay.
• Thank for the game of fish, folks? Okay.
• Fish Commission to set that at 40% at Fish Commission to set that at 40% at least.<00:38:07.040><c> They
• Wyoming Game and Fish has a wonderful donated tag program.
• </c> uh through Wyoming Game and Fish. uh through Wyoming Game and Fish.

Bills: SF0025, SF0027, SF0043, SF0066

Keywords: landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations