Video & Transcript Research : 'call before you dig'

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AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Transportation and Energy Committee Apr 23rd, 2025

Transportation and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • I mean, if there's a substitute, then I may, you know. Oh, you didn't know. You know.
  • Oh, you didn't know. You already told me that.
  • How are you? Good. How are you doing? Very well, thank you. Are you going to your...?
  • Thank you all. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, members. Good to see y'all.
  • Thank you for coming. been approved. Thank you for coming today. Thank you all. Thank you, Mr.
Bills: HB443
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Constitution, Campaigns and Elections Committee Mar 4th, 2026

Constitution, Campaigns and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • >> And if you don't mind, I'd like to call >> And if you don't mind, I'd like to call
  • <00:23:58.799> you What what this current bill before you What what this current bill before
  • We'll call on you as soon as we call.
  • Once you call that limited to.
  • , the application of the call or whatever you call it.
Bills: HB433, HB443
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee Apr 9th, 2025

Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There has been some input from shareholders on this bill.
  • This is the bill that has come from the Senate, as you see, and there's no amendments, no anything to
  • The other is if there's a discrepancy, there are appeals that you can do online.
  • Question from committee members: I just want to thank you. I know you have worked ...thank you.
  • I know you have worked extremely hard on this, as have many others.
Bills: HB517, SB110
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/24/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Transcript Highlights:
  • At its core, this bill is about modernizing the 811 call-before-you-dig system.
  • Thank you. She's coming. On 1445, I just called your name for a vote. Aye, aye.
  • Thank you. Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, please call the roll.
  • You can do it mechanically. I've done it myself before we built the equipment.
  • Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, please call the roll.
Summary: The committee first received a presentation from the Arizona Water Banking Authority by Dr. Rebecca Burnett. She explained the authority’s role in storing Colorado River water as long-term storage credits, its funding sources, and its obligations to provide backup supplies for CAP municipal and industrial subcontractors, the Hualapai River Indian community, and Nevada. Members asked about future firming for CAP users, recovery of credits, water quality issues, and whether municipalities banking water themselves affects the authority’s supply. Burnett said the authority has no current firming policy for CAP M&I subcontractors, is waiting on Colorado River guidelines, and does not have excess water to bank because no surplus is available. No action was taken on the presentation. The committee then heard and voted on several bills. SB 1445, as amended, allows small municipalities to test bacteriological samples on site with EPA-approved equipment; the sponsor and a rural mayor argued it would save money and improve responsiveness, while some members questioned whether the change was already possible under existing law. The bill passed 6-4. SB 1137, with a Taylor amendment, modernizes Arizona’s 811 call-before-you-dig system by adding large-project coordination meetings, an interactive positive response system, and related procedures; it passed unanimously 10-0. SB 1287, which expands an existing groundwater use allowance for irrigation grandfathered rights from initial AMAs to all AMAs, passed 9-1. The committee also considered SB 1335, as amended, which in its final form addressed a temporary continuation of irrigation tied to the Ag-to-Urban program and groundwater savings credits; DWR said the amendment was still a placeholder and needed cleanup, while supporters said it would help manage timing issues for farmers and developers. It passed 5-4. SB 1336 reauthorized the State Land Department through 2030 and added oversight, reporting, and planning requirements; the department was neutral but raised concerns about the proposed oversight committee and implementation details. After debate over the need for another board and the length of reauthorization, it passed 5-4. Finally, SB 1677 appropriates $3 million to the Department of Forestry and Fire Management for salt cedar mitigation along the lower Gila River corridor. Supporters from Audubon Southwest, the City of Buckeye, and local landowners said the invasive trees increase flood and wildfire risk, consume large amounts of water, and crowd out native habitat; some members raised concerns about herbicide use and wanted more detail on the mitigation plan. The bill passed 9-0. The chair then thanked staff and members, and the meeting adjourned.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/17/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Transcript Highlights:
  • to call it the invisible pipe or the conduit lake—you could pass through other water you legally had
  • I almost called you Mrs. Chair, but I know that's not correct.
  • The motion before you is that the Griffin Amendment dated March 16, 2026, at 10:48 a.m. be adopted.
  • Members, the motion before you is that Senate Bill 1447 be returned with a due pass recommendation.
  • Secretary, please call the roll. Representative Carter? Aye. Representative Contreras? Thank you.
Summary: The committee heard several water and energy-related measures. SB 1200, as amended, addressed Arizona Department of Water Resources treatment of certain “conduit lakes” in active management areas, allowing some existing lake systems to continue using groundwater mixed with effluent for irrigation or landscaping purposes. ADWR testified in opposition to the amendment’s policy implications and enforcement concerns, while HOA, homebuilder, and resident witnesses argued the bill would grandfather existing communities, avoid costly system redesigns, and reflect prior agency practice. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then passed SB 1200 on a 6-3 vote. SB 1419, dealing with residential rooftop solar installations, was amended to add consumer-protection and disclosure requirements, including roof inspection and installation standards, clearer contract disclosures, and contractor responsibilities. County and industry witnesses said the bill was the product of a lengthy stakeholder process aimed at addressing misleading sales practices and installation problems, though some technical issues were still to be resolved on the floor. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1419 on a 6-1 vote with two members present and one absent. SB 1447, which extends Pinal AMA groundwater withdrawal fee provisions and related fund deadlines, was supported by irrigation and agricultural interests as a way to finance local infrastructure and conservation during Colorado River uncertainty; it passed 7-1 with one present and one absent. SB 1560 raised the maximum single loan amount from the Water Supply Development Revolving Fund from $3 million to $20 million. WIFA said the current cap was too low for larger rural water projects and that the change would better match demand without harming the fund’s revolving nature; the bill passed 8-1 with one absent. The committee also approved SCM 1004, urging Congress to clearly define EPA powers and duties, despite some members saying it was unnecessary or backward-looking; it passed 6-2 with one absent. The meeting then adjourned.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/28/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:
  • Weiss, why don't we call up some folks to testify before he gets here? Mr.
  • Bice, why don't we call up some folks to testify before he gets here?
  • It modernizes the Arizona 811 call-before-you-dig system. AGC strongly supports Senate Bill 1137.
  • It modernizes the Arizona 811 call-before-you-dig system.
  • That's why I called this one up. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Summary: The Committee on Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency heard several bills and took action on three of them. Senate Bill 1137 would update underground facility excavation rules by requiring white lining before notice, creating coordination meeting requirements for large projects, adding an interactive response system, and directing the Arizona Corporation Commission to adopt rules. Supporters from SSC Underground, Arizona 811, and the Associated General Contractors said the bill would improve communication, reduce delays, and modernize the 811 system; the League of Arizona Cities and Towns raised concerns about staffing, project scope, meeting requirements, and liability, but said it was working on amendments. The committee passed SB 1137 on a 7-0 vote. Senate Bill 1145 would shift licensing and regulation of behavior analysts to the Committee of Behavior Analysts under the Psychology Board, reduce the board from 10 to 8 members, and remove the requirement for two behavior analysts on the board. Supporters said the current structure creates delays and that the change would let the board focus on psychology issues while the committee handles behavior analyst matters. A self-advocate also supported the bill, citing long waitlists and the importance of behavior analysts for people on the autism spectrum. The committee passed SB 1145 on a 7-0 vote. Senate Bill 1128 would create a study committee on scrap metal theft to review current laws, industry compliance costs, and penalties, and report recommendations by December 1, 2026. The Arizona Scrap Recyclers Association supported the bill as a way to evaluate whether current reforms remain effective, while members discussed the difficulty of tracing stolen metal and the need to keep the process bipartisan. The committee passed SB 1128 on a 7-0 vote. Senate Bill 1238, which adopts the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact to allow multistate licensure privileges, also received support from the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants, who said it would improve workforce mobility, help military families, and expand access to care; the committee passed it on a 7-0 vote. The committee then held SB 1235 at the sponsor’s request and adjourned.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Mar 3rd, 2026

Ways and Means Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Appreciate you report. Thanks. Appreciate you committee. >> Please call the next bill.
  • Thank you, sir. Thank you, Mr.
  • Thank you, sir. report. Thank you, sir.
  • You and I have talked about this before.
  • Thank you. Thank you, sir. Any other comments or questions by members before we leave?
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • have an order that says no contact, and you were just calling to get back together or what have you.
  • > to<00:19:52.640> uh and and you were just calling to uh and and you were just calling to
  • that period of time, so you have my appreciation for coming before the committee, sharing your story.
  • is if you do have a 1983 claim before is if you do have a 1983 claim because<00:36:19.599> maybe<
  • Thank you, Mr. Chairman.” “Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Please call the roll.”
Summary: The committee began with roll call and introductory remarks, including recognition of new members and guests. It then took up House Bill 38, sponsored by Representative Tipton, which would increase penalties for repeated violations of an order of protection. Under the committee substitute, a third violation involving the same order and same individual could be elevated from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony. Tipton and domestic violence survivor Maryanne Pratt testified in support, with Pratt describing repeated abuse, protective-order violations, and ongoing fear despite arrests and jail time. Several members spoke in favor of the bill and praised Pratt’s testimony. Members and outside witnesses raised concerns about the substitute’s language, especially the requirement that the same victim be involved and whether the bill could leave gaps for repeat abusers with different victims. Representative Burke and others questioned whether the conduct was already covered by stalking or assault statutes. Scott West, speaking for the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, argued that the bill could allow technical contempt findings to be used as predicate offenses and noted that existing assault and stalking laws already address much of the conduct. Sponsor Tipton said the language was not final and that further changes might be considered in the Senate. Despite the concerns, the committee adopted the substitute and passed HB 38 with favorable expression by a 19-0 vote. The committee then heard House Bill 206, sponsored by Representative Nemes, on wrongful conviction compensation. Nemes introduced exonerees and representatives from the Kentucky Innocence Project, and the substitute was adopted without objection. Testimony came from Paul Herd, who spent 20 years wrongfully convicted and described the difficulty of reentry, and Jon Acar, who said he was wrongly convicted as a teenager and spent years in custody and on parole. Both urged passage of the bill as overdue support for people exonerated after wrongful convictions.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 35 (2-26-26) - Reupload

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • > sub you that about two hours before the sub you that about two hours before the sub was<01:37
  • So that funding is in the bill before us. >> Lady from Floyd, >> thank you very much.
  • include me and people on the team to help you process and form that bill before you file it?
  • like that before, but I can tell you like that before, but I can tell you every<02:26:49.600>
  • You have a citation as well. Yes, sir. Call Citation 43. Mr. Clerk, please report.
Summary: The House convened with 97 members present, declared a quorum, approved excusing absent members, and suspended the rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The journal for February 25, 2026 was approved. The clerk also reported that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 98 and 122 and requested concurrence. The House then received second-reading reports on a range of bills, including measures on prison educational programs, respiratory care, dietitians, wildlife depredation, temporary structures, military families, civil rights, local boards of education, light pollution, controlled-substance prescribing licenses, youth health services, class sizes for exceptional children, the athletic trainer compact, limited commercial driver’s licenses, and Senate Bill 145 relating to the Department of Agriculture and Alcohol Beverage Control. Committee reports moved several bills forward, including the main budget bills House Bill 500 and House Bill 504, along with measures on workforce investment, data centers, domestic violence, guardians ad litem, domestic relations, health delivery and “food is medicine” initiatives, state personnel, open records, and fish and wildlife resources. House Bill 500 and House Bill 504 were taken from the Rules Committee and placed on the orders of the day. House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill, was then taken up for third reading and explanation. Members presented extensive floor explanations of House Bill 500 and House Committee Substitute 1, describing it as a “good first draft” of the executive budget. Supporters said the proposal emphasizes restrained spending growth, base reductions with exemptions for key areas, employee salary increments, and deposits to the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for future one-time investments. They highlighted funding for K-12 education, postsecondary aid and workforce training, Medicaid and behavioral health, public health infrastructure, pensions, veterans, public safety, economic development, tourism, and state technology and facility maintenance. The budget substitute was adopted by voice vote, and the discussion continued with detailed descriptions of the bill’s provisions; no final passage vote was shown in the excerpt.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • So it gives you a before-and-after picture of the increase in students.
  • So it gives you a before-and-after picture of the increase in students.
  • So, you know, before they graduate and hit postsecondary. back there, may be back there waving his back
  • So you know um before a lot of money.
  • So you know um before they<00:31:12.640> graduate<00:31:13.120> and<00:31:13.279> and
Summary: The committee met to review KHEAA’s student aid programs ahead of the upcoming biennial budget. KHEAA officials outlined the agency’s role administering state grants and scholarships, emphasizing that net lottery proceeds are statutorily dedicated to student financial aid after a literacy appropriation. They focused on the College Access Program (CAP), Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG), and KEES, and explained that the FAFSA simplification changes significantly expanded eligibility for Pell and CAP recipients. KHEAA said the General Assembly’s additional funding this biennium allowed CAP to be fully funded, and that FY25 spending for CAP reached about $232 million for roughly 72,000 students, up from about 55,000 recipients the prior year. Officials said they are watching current-year application trends closely and expect a clearer funding picture by late fall as awards are actually disbursed and enrollment data comes in. Members asked about how CAP eligibility works, the difference between applicants and recipients, and whether KTG is tied to Pell eligibility. KHEAA explained that CAP is essentially aligned with Pell eligibility, while KTG uses a different need formula and is limited to private colleges in Kentucky. They also noted that schools verify final eligibility after KHEAA’s initial review of application data. Questions about the FAFSA simplification act and federal changes led KHEAA to say they do not expect major effects on state grant and scholarship programs, though federal student loan changes may affect students, especially at the graduate level. The committee also discussed KEES, which KHEAA said has been fully funded since its creation, and dual credit/work-ready scholarships. KHEAA reported that dual credit participation continues to grow and that FY25 spending for dual credit and Work Ready Kentucky totaled about $26.4 million, compared with a $13.1 million appropriation, with transfers from Work Ready used to keep dual credit fully funded. Officials said they will seek growth funding for dual credit in the next budget because the program has expanded and now includes the work-ready component under one statute. Members asked about transferability of dual credit courses and whether students actually use the credits toward degrees; KHEAA said it does not have hard data on every credit’s transfer, but it is seeing positive trends in bachelor’s completion and more high school graduates earning associate degrees. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the July 15, 2025 meeting minutes.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • So, with that, I call the meeting to order and ask for roll call. Need to do roll call.
  • Burgerer, is there any additional details that you want to add before we open it up to questions?
  • Um I think you would be, you know, you Um I think you would be, you know, you would<00:38:05.280
  • Representative Bray, have you all submitted a RFP or RFI for, um, before you started negotiating with
  • you submitted a RFP or RFI for um before you started<00:52:32.240> negotiating<00:52:33.040><
Summary: The committee met to hear updates from the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Corrections on two related issues: a proposed high-acuity juvenile mental health treatment facility and medical services contracts, including the impact of Wellpath’s bankruptcy proceedings. At the start, the chair agreed to hear the Department of Corrections first so members could get context on the medical contract before turning to DJJ’s proposal. DOC officials said Wellpath, the department’s comprehensive medical and mental health provider since 2013, was awarded its current contract through a 2021 procurement process. They reported that Wellpath’s Chapter 11 reorganization plan had been confirmed and that the company had transitioned ownership to lenders, but had not yet fully completed the bankruptcy process. DOC said there had been no service lapses, no reduction in care, and no known impact on Kentucky vendors or hospitals, and that DOC staff meet with Wellpath almost weekly. Members asked whether the committee had been kept informed and whether the bankruptcy could affect future services or subcontractors. DJJ then presented its concept for a high-acuity facility, explaining that the project is still in the preliminary programming and conceptual stage and has not yet entered the formal design phase with DECA. Officials said the proposal in the capital plan would create a 24-bed facility, with 16 clinical beds and 8 assessment/stabilization beds, to serve justice-involved youth with serious mental health needs. They said the facility would need to separate males and females and high- and low-risk youth, and that current placements often require sending youth out of state to places such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Arkansas, and Texas. Staff said the goal is to centralize treatment, improve safety, and reduce the need for fragmented or out-of-state placements. Committee members questioned the cost estimates, staffing needs, and whether the facility was justified given the small number of youth currently placed out of state. DJJ said the operational estimate includes an unknown medical-contract component and that the number of youth needing the facility can fluctuate because of surges in the juvenile population. Officials also said they had consulted with South Carolina, which is developing a similar facility, and noted that renovating existing facilities was considered but could be more expensive or impractical than building a separate site. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Apr 1st, 2026

Finance and Taxation Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • > saying, you want So what what I hear you saying, you want So what what I hear you saying, Senator
  • Thank you, Senator Elliott. Thank you, Mr. Lomax. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, committee.
  • <00:27:32.920> to the retirees, you knew you were going to the retirees, you knew you were
  • budget where the you see you would see budget where the you see you would see some<00:40:27.360>
  • Thank you members, appreciate you. end. Thank you members, appreciate you.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • So if I don't call on you, if you've previously asked a question, that's why.
  • So if anybody that didn't get called upon, if you have a comment or a question that you would like, submit
  • <01:02:08.079> Uh<01:02:08.400> you construction worker as I call it.
  • Uh you construction worker as I call it.
  • Chad, if you all could just identify yourselves for the record before we go. Okay.
Summary: The committee met on October 23, 2025, approved the September minutes, and heard testimony on a proposed “Kentucky by America” procurement preference bill. Representative Patrick Flannery described the concept as giving preference in public construction and public works contracts to iron, steel, aluminum, and other manufactured goods made in the United States, while emphasizing he wanted to avoid excessive taxpayer costs and was open to changes. Chad Connley of the United Steelworkers and Dustin Reinsteller of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO supported the idea, arguing it would strengthen domestic manufacturing, keep tax dollars in the local economy, and support jobs; Connley said the bill would include waivers for items not made domestically and noted Kentucky has opted out of the GPA trade agreement. Mike Buckington of Metals Innovation Initiative, testifying virtually, also supported the concept and said Kentucky’s metals sector has seen significant investment and can supply most construction needs, while stressing supply-chain reliability and national security concerns. Members generally expressed support but raised questions about implementation. Representative Branscum asked who would grant waivers and how contractors would know the rules during bidding; Flannery said he was open to revising the language and process. Representative Gentry supported the concept but said the bill would likely need editing to avoid harming businesses or markets. Senator Nun suggested aligning the bill’s definition of a U.S. good with industry country-of-origin standards to make compliance easier. Representative KC Carney asked for data on the impact of similar laws in other states, and Connley said he could provide numbers later but did not have them on hand. Senator Boswell supported the concept and asked about the cost threshold for waivers; Connley said the federal standard is a 25% cost increase, while the prior Kentucky version used 10%, and that the threshold is a key detail. The committee then shifted to an informational presentation on building trade apprenticeships. Eric Elie of the Kentucky State Pipe Trades Association, Nick Brown of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 502, and retired IBEW training director Steve Willinghurst explained how union apprenticeship programs work. Brown described earn-while-you-learn training, with apprentices placed on jobs by signatory contractors and attending classes two nights a week for five years. He outlined the work of plumbers, pipefitters, welders, and HVACR technicians, emphasizing that these trades support construction, industrial facilities, distilleries, and other critical infrastructure. No votes or formal actions were taken on the policy topics beyond approval of the prior minutes.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you very much. Before we begin, I'd like to remind everyone to please silence your phones.
  • Committee, because I'm nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof coming before you guys today.
  • Committee, because I'm nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof coming before you guys today.
  • Committee, because I'm nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof coming before you guys today.
  • Committee, because I'm nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof coming before you guys today.
Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 186, which would streamline food-service rules for churches and nonprofits providing meals to homeless shelters and people displaced by natural disasters. Representative Duvall said the bill is meant to remove unnecessary kitchen and plumbing requirements so organizations can safely serve simple meals in emergencies. Members discussed food safety, whether the bill applies only in declared disaster situations or also to homeless shelters, and whether training should be offered; Duvall clarified that the disaster and homelessness provisions are separate and that food must still be safe and wholesome. After discussion, the committee took a roll call vote and House Bill 186 passed with favorable expression. The committee then heard House Bill 370, a Department of Agriculture reorganization measure sponsored by Representative Payne. Payne and Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said the bill would move the Division of Farm Safety and Rural Health and create an Office of Economic Development to better support programs such as Food Is Medicine, rural health, farmer mental health, and farm safety. Members asked about the removal of references to shows and fairs, whether the bill would affect livestock shows and county fairs, and whether any new funding was included; Payne said the department would still support shows and fairs, the change was about efficiency and focus, and no new funding was specified because budget decisions come later. Discussion on House Bill 370 also highlighted the department’s broader economic role, including agricultural economic development and outreach tied to the new USDA secretary’s visit to Kentucky. The committee then voted and the bill passed with favorable expression. Finally, the committee began House Bill 304 on soybean assessment language. Representative Bivens and soybean association representatives explained it as cleanup language related to the soybean checkoff and a contingency if the federal checkoff changes. Members asked whether a referendum had already occurred and whether producers supported the measure; the witnesses said the referendum had already taken place and that soybean producers and the association supported it, while one member noted the state may increasingly need to adjust to federal changes.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture. (3-24-26)

Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:
  • seeing before you is an actual field from my district and from Senator House's district. >> Thank you
  • But before we go to a vote, I just want to thank you for being... You want to proceed or you... No.
  • But before we go to a vote, I just want to thank you for being... You want to proceed or you... No.
  • But before we go to a vote, I just want to thank you for being... You want to proceed or you... No.
  • But before we go to a vote, I just want to thank you for being... You want to proceed or you... No.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • [Procedural note: roll call begins.] "Pledge. Thank you, Madam Secretary. Please call the roll."
  • "And, Chairman, how are you? We have a quorum. Thank you."
  • <00:03:58.280> thank thank you thank you Mr chairman thank thank you thank you Mr chairman
  • Thank you.
  • Introduce yourself before you get started. We have a committee substitute that I had put on this.
Summary: The committee met with a quorum, heard brief announcements, and moved quickly through four House bills. House Bill 24, as amended by a committee substitute, would raise the audit threshold for conservation districts from $750,000 to $1 million and also clarify that temporary roads, highways, and structures may be built on certain easements if they are removed when work is complete. The substitute was adopted, the bill passed on a roll call vote, and a title amendment was also adopted. House Bill 304, presented by Rep. Ryan Bivens with support from the Kentucky Soybean Association, would adjust soybean checkoff language so the state checkoff could rise from one-quarter to one-half percent if the federal checkoff ever ends, keeping funding levels effectively the same and allowing the state board to continue promotion, research, and education work. Members asked about the cost impact on farmers, and sponsors said there would be no added cost because the language is intended as a backup to match the current federal rate. The bill passed unanimously with favorable expression. House Bill 186 would streamline rules for churches and nonprofits providing food to homeless shelters or people displaced by declared natural disasters, reducing regulatory barriers for safe, wholesome food service. The sponsor argued current requirements are too restrictive for simple food distribution. The bill passed. House Bill 315, with a committee substitute, would protect agricultural land from entities tied to designated hostile governments, while also allowing some land to be used or leased for research purposes; the sponsor noted the substitute reflected prior work and concerns from bankers about lien priorities, which he said he would address later on the floor. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then adjourned.