Transcript Highlights:

• She said farmer experience is something they support, whether through on-farm experience, an agriculture
• She said farmer experience is definitely something they support, whether that be through on-farm experience
• > in Farm, which is a small vegetable farm in Farm, which is a small vegetable farm in Northeast
• bigger farms.
• They may may farm things farm flowers.

Bills: HF3508, HF3548, HF3549

Keywords: dairy assistance, agriculture, investment, relief initiative, farm support, farm assistance, down payment, state funding, loan modification, grain indemnity, financial security, crop insurance, Minnesota agriculture, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Ensuring that our next generation has both the financial tools and the on-farm advisory support to mitigate
• <00:25:14.159> advisory<00:25:14.720> support<00:25:15.039> to and the on-farm
• advisory support to and the on-farm advisory support to mitigate<00:25:15.679> risk<00:25:16.240
• side to support us. Thank you. side to support us. Thank you.
• , so farms who had at The largest farms, so farms who had at least<00:48:29.760> 5<00:48:29.920

Bills: HF3474, HF3475, HF3508

Keywords: agriculture, funding, research, agricultural institute, state appropriations, education, leadership council, compensation, research institute, dairy assistance, investment, relief initiative, farm support, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• school, farm to institution program.
• It's either you could rent or lease a farm, or you could rent or lease... From an incubator farm.
• And I'd ask for your support. Thanks, Chair Hanson.
• So I'd ask for your support to lay this over.
• I ask for your support.

Bills: HF2784, HF2785, HF2778, HF2281, HF2576, HF2280, HF2579

Keywords: beginning farmers, agriculture, loans, economic opportunity, farmers' equity, agriculture appropriations, farm to school, early care, child care food program, school lunch program, local food, Minnesota agriculture, food access, farm-to-institution, limited market access, county fairs, biofuels, E25, ethanol, meat processing

Transcript Highlights:

• hopes of Congress passing a farm bill. hopes of Congress passing a farm bill.
• problem, not a not a farm problem. problem, not a not a farm problem.
• grant program and one is agri support. grant program and one is agri support.
• I'd ask for your support. continue. I'd ask for your support.
• Ask for your support.

Bills: HF2784, HF2785, HF2778, HF2281, HF2576, HF2280, HF2579

Keywords: beginning farmers, agriculture, loans, economic opportunity, farmers' equity, agriculture appropriations, farm to school, early care, child care food program, school lunch program, local food, Minnesota agriculture, food access, farm-to-institution, limited market access, county fairs, biofuels, E25, ethanol, meat processing

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd ask for your support. Thank you, Chair Hansen. Members, any questions?
• I'd ask for your support. appropriation. I'd ask for your support.
• And so for these reasons I ask for your support of this bill.
• Appreciate co-chair Noatne's support of this as well in the public safety committee.
• I would appreciate your support. Thank you. >> Thank you.

Bills: HF3475, SF3832, HF3508, HF3917, HF3404, HF3593

Keywords: agriculture, education, leadership council, compensation, research institute, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, investment, relief initiative, farm support, medication repository, drug donation, healthcare, Minnesota Statutes, pharmacy, public health, controlled substances

Transcript Highlights:

• The Hawaii Farm Bureau will stand on its written testimony in support. >> Okay.
• The Hawaii Farm Bureau will stand on its written testimony in support. >> Also in support: Brandon, testifying
• The Hawaii Farm Bureau will stand on its written testimony in support. >> Also in support: Brandon, testifying
• We'll stand testimony in support. >> Uh, Brian Mimoto from Farm Bureau. >> Thank you, Chair.
• The Hawaii Farm was stand on this testimony in support. >> Okay.

Bills: SB2309, SB2317, SB2318, SB2319, SB2321, SB2323, SB2332, SB2405, SB2485

Keywords: agricultural loans, financial support, Hawaii agriculture, food security, revolving fund, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, agricultural statistics, data collection, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, economic analysis, market development, grant funding, climate resiliency

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• mental health support farming can be a mental health support farming can be a stressful<01:16:05.159
• Finally, I'd like to add this appropriation also supports related work on farm safety.
• Finally, I'd like to add this appropriation also supports related work on farm safety.
• Finally, I'd like to add this appropriation also supports related work on farm safety.
• Finally, I'd like to add this appropriation also supports related work on farm safety.

Bills: HF47, HF434, HF1503, HF1702

Keywords: telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF434, cervidae, deer, elk, moose, chronic wasting disease, CWD, wildlife importation, animal health, biosecurity, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA, USDA exhibitor, species survival plan

Transcript Highlights:

• It supports urban farming. It supports rural farming, beginning and established farmers.
• <00:01:58.000> Urban<00:01:58.320> farming<00:01:58.719> it<00:01:58.880> supports
• <00:01:59.240> rural supports Urban farming it supports rural supports Urban farming it supports
• I fully trust the Department of Agriculture supports Farm to School, but they did just have a significant
• I fully trust the Department of Agriculture supports Farm to School, but they did just have a significant

Bills: HF1704

Keywords: Minnesota agriculture budget, Department of Agriculture appropriation, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, farm bill, rural development, agricultural grants, soil health, livestock compensation, crop damage, meat inspection, poultry inspection, county agricultural inspectors, biofertilizer, nitrogen management, commercial nitrogen fertilizer, water quality, farm down payment assistance, beginning farmers

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like your support to send this bill to the general register as a vehicle bill.
• Farming can be a small business, so you can have big business and be a farm.
• and be a farm Farms range at different and be a farm Farms range at different sizes<00:54:01.359
• Again, I would encourage support.
• bill again I would encourage support bill again I would encourage support Madam Madam Madam chair

Bills: HF1704, HF2052

Keywords: Minnesota agriculture budget, Department of Agriculture appropriation, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, farm bill, rural development, agricultural grants, soil health, livestock compensation, crop damage, meat inspection, poultry inspection, county agricultural inspectors, biofertilizer, nitrogen management, commercial nitrogen fertilizer, water quality, farm down payment assistance, beginning farmers

Transcript Highlights:

• between wild and farmed cervidae. between wild and farmed cervidae.
• We support them, and I also support the Burkel amendment. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• We support them, and I also support the Burkel amendment. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• We support them, and I also support the Burkel amendment. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• We support them, and I also support the Burkel amendment. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Bills: HF3548

Keywords: farm assistance, down payment, agriculture, state funding, loan modification, 1183, house

Summary: The Agricultural Finance and Policy Committee met on April 15, 2026, approved the April 13 minutes with a correction to Assistant Commissioner Peter Kesset’s name, and then took up House File 3548. The bill, moved by Chair Anderson for re-referral to Ways and Means, centered on the farmer down payment assistance program and the Department of Agriculture’s budget and policy provisions. Anderson described the DE4 amendment as compromise language that reserved up to 25% of funds for applicants with purchase contracts, removed a proposed marijuana exclusion, and allowed appropriated funds to remain available through June 30, 2030 rather than reverting to the general fund at the end of the biennium. Laura Schreiber of the Land Stewardship Project testified in support, emphasizing the importance of keeping funds available and urging that grants remain capped at $20,000 so more farmers could participate. The committee then adopted several amendments. A23, described as the governor’s budget request and department policy bill, was adopted and included moving the Emerging Farmers Office into the Agricultural Marketing and Development subdivision, combining some reports into the Agri report, and addressing delegated authority with MDA. A17, allowing certain eggs past their quality assurance date to be donated to food shelves under specific handling requirements, was adopted. A18, adjusting per diem rates for certain non-representative committee members, was adopted. A19, shifting about $20,000 to support farm land transition services such as mediation, contracts, financial planning, tax preparation, estate planning, and housing assistance, was also adopted. A22, which combined funding for wolf depredation claims and the local food purchasing program, drew the most debate. Representative Smith questioned why the two items were combined and sought to divide the amendment, but staff said that would be problematic because the funding changes were interdependent. Supporters said the amendment would pay about 80% of wolf-loss claims and add money for local food purchasing, while opponents argued the local food need was greater and the wolf depredation approach was not the best use of funds. The roll call on A22 was confusing in the transcript, but the amendment ultimately prevailed. A21, which would have removed a physical-contact requirement for farm cervidae containment, failed on a 7-7 tie after opponents argued it would weaken disease protections and supporters said the fencing costs were driving deer farmers out of business. Hansen then declined to move A24, which would have advanced a paraquat ban, saying there was no agreement and he did not want a negative vote at that time. After the DE4 as amended was adopted, the committee took a final roll call on House File 3548 as amended. The bill failed on a 6-8 vote and was laid over. In closing, members on both sides said the bill contained useful provisions for farmers, but disagreement over the unresolved paraquat issue prevented the committee from advancing it.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I'm here today to support House Bill 4462.
• So, again, we're very supportive of this bill.
• So asking for support for this as well.
• of a budget rider for support.
• Actually, it's a budget support of a budget rider for support of the local graduate medical education

Bills: HB240

Keywords: tax exemption, farm products, ad valorem taxation, tax code, producer ownership

Summary: The subcommittee heard a series of county and regional government bills, with most measures left pending after testimony. HB 2097 would let counties that opt in give sheriff’s deputies an alternative appeal route for certain discipline cases through an independent hearing examiner instead of the Civil Service Commission. The author and a CLEET witness said it would be faster, cheaper, and fairer; questions focused on why the bill was needed and whether sheriffs could already use such a process. No opposition testified, and the bill was left pending. HB 4642 drew extensive testimony after the author said it was prompted by a death involving an out-of-state jail contract. The bill would require counties contracting with out-of-state jail facilities to include Texas-like jail standards and oversight provisions. The author, a former detainee held in Louisiana, his wife, and a Texas Jail Project advocate described poor conditions, lack of accountability, and multiple deaths of Texans housed out of state. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards director said five counties are currently housing 1,251 Texas inmates out of state, mostly because of staffing shortages, and said the bill would give the commission more authority and oversight. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4350, which would allow peace officers to request redaction of personal information from online real property records. Supporters said officers face retaliation risks and should have protections similar to judges and other officials; a title industry witness cautioned that redaction should not compromise the integrity of land records. The bill was left pending. HB 3687 would require county fire marshals in counties over 100,000 to meet specified training and certification standards, and HB 4105 and HB 4205 would give Harris County preferences in construction contracting and require pay parity for comparable law enforcement ranks within the county, respectively; all drew support from county officials and were left pending. HB 5403 would repeal a special rule requiring Dallas and Tarrant county sheriffs to get commissioners court approval for commissary disbursements, and it was also left pending. Later, HB 4462 would let elected county officials in large counties choose outside counsel in civil cases involving them, rather than relying solely on the county attorney. Supporters argued this would reduce conflicts of interest and protect officials’ reputations; questions centered on who qualifies and whether it could conflict with county interests. Finally, HB 240 would restore a five-member quorum requirement for Harris County tax levies, effectively requiring all commissioners to be present before a new tax rate can be adopted; supporters framed it as a taxpayer protection, while the Conference of Urban Counties opposed it as giving one member a de facto veto and potentially disrupting the budget process. Both bills were left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm a strong supporter of E15, and we do support that buildout in this bill.
• So I'm a strong supporter of E15, and we do support that buildout in this bill.
• mentioned but it does strongly support mentioned but it does strongly support the<00:10:21.040><
• of E15 and we so I'm a strong supporter of E15 and we do<00:10:54.079> support<00:10:54.440><
• Representative Vang said the bill's changes would support urban communities interested in farming, but

Bills: HF1704, HF1722

Keywords: Minnesota agriculture budget, Department of Agriculture appropriation, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, farm bill, rural development, agricultural grants, soil health, livestock compensation, crop damage, meat inspection, poultry inspection, county agricultural inspectors, biofertilizer, nitrogen management, commercial nitrogen fertilizer, water quality, farm down payment assistance, beginning farmers

Transcript Highlights:

• In the next farm bill, it's critical we improve risk management tools to support both our specially crop
• Now more than ever we must support our poultry and livestock. producers as their farms are hit by avian
• I pledge ASI's full support for your efforts to secure our priority requests in the 2025 Farm Bill. farm
• feedlot and hear directly from him about how the Farm Bill could support cattle producers.
• UEP and Roseacre Farms fully supports vaccination in their industry.

Keywords: agriculture, avian flu, bipartisan farm bill, economic challenges, poultry, dairy, specialty crops

Summary: The committee meeting focused on crucial discussions surrounding the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, particularly concerning avian flu and its impact on poultry and dairy producers. Members provided insights into the economic struggles within the industry, emphasizing the need for a new bipartisan farm bill that addresses the diverse needs of specialty crop and livestock producers. Witnesses from various agricultural sectors spoke about their experiences, illustrating the high costs, regulatory burdens, and emerging diseases that threaten their operations. The meeting underscored a commitment to exploring solutions that will help maintain market stability and ensure food security.

Transcript Highlights:

• Together, with 55 other Farm Credit associations, we are committed to supporting rural communities in
• My written testimony identifies a detailed list of farm credit priorities in supporting the next farm
• This is why bankers are so supportive of a long-term farm bill.
• Now is the time for Congress to act on a new farm bill and support the industry I've devoted my life
• These farm safety nets must be strengthened and support young farmers.

Keywords: farm bill, rural economy, crop insurance, access to credit, young farmers, USDA funding freeze, agricultural policy, risk management

Summary: The meeting of the agricultural committee focused on significant concerns regarding the current state of America's rural economy, highlighting the need for a strong five-year farm bill to address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly young and beginning farmers. Key testimony was given by multiple stakeholders including agricultural leaders and young farmers, emphasizing issues related to crop insurance, access to credit, and the adverse impact of recent USDA funding freezes. Various members discussed the necessity of risk management tools that farmers rely on to secure financing, which is crucial for sustaining agricultural operations and supporting rural communities. The importance of timely legislative action was underscored, as many farmers reported struggles in the current economic climate, raising urgency for reforms within the Farm Bill framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bureau supporting another Hawaii Farm Bureau supporting another Hawaii Farm Bureau legislative<00
• in support of Farm Bureau's bill. in support of Farm Bureau's bill.
• Next we have Hunter Heavlin, Farm. >> Farm stands on its testimony and support. >> Okay. Thank you.
• >> Farm stands on it testimony and support.
• >> Farm stands on it testimony and support.

Bills: HB1602, HB2246, HB1707, HB2216, HB2594, HB2595, HB2155, HB2113, HB2207, HB1832, HB2015, HB2152, HB2548

Keywords: agriculture, grant specialist, financial support, farmers, Hawaii, federal grants, grant administration, revolving fund, department of agriculture and biosecurity, grant compliance, transportation, reimbursement, food security, local production, sustainability, agricultural loans, financing, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii agriculture, loan portfolio

Transcript Highlights:

• Individualized home supports is a service that provides support to individuals.
• but a training and support service. but a training and support service.
• c> 3375 Our supports also filed 3375 Our supports also filed 3375 as<00:22:07.120> amended,
• and the more intensive supports. and the more intensive supports.
• really need 7 hours of support that day. really need 7 hours of support that day.

Bills: HF3526, HF3375, HF3469

Keywords: home care, licensing, fines, advisory council, grant program, client safety, healthcare regulation, HF3375, Minnesota disability waiver, waiver rate system, human services, individualized home supports, individualized home supports with training, individualized home supports with family training, positive support services, employment support services, employment development services, employment exploration services, billing limits, service authorization year

Transcript Highlights:

• uh farm-toschool programs. uh farm-toschool programs.
• Um, I thank you very much for the support committee support for the Agri program.
• Closing out, I was asked to acknowledge Minnesota Farm Bureau support for this bill as well, as they
• c> this Minnesota Farm Bureau support for this Minnesota Farm Bureau support for this bill<00:52:
• Farms are not vacant land.

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:

• So as I read this and I'm All supportive of a funding mechanism for public charter schools.

Bills: HB1590, HB1242, HB3818, HB4305

Keywords: education funding, linked deposits, education infrastructure, charter schools, nonprofit organizations, Oklahoma Education Infrastructure Program, HB1242, cervidae, deer, elk, sales tax exemption, agricultural exemption, livestock, ranching, farm tax, agricultural sales tax, Oklahoma Tax Commission, agriculture, producer sales, private treaty

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to express our strong support for HB 4810.
• We urge you to support 4810, and we thank you for your... your support. Members, questions?
• So very much want to support this bill. A lot of.
• Bryan Adamek and I serve on the Texas Farm Bureau State Board, a farm in Victoria County where I grow
• I've got 20 different farms I have to look after.

Bills: HB2013, HB4163, HB4810

Keywords: property owners associations, chickens, urban farming, land use, homeowner rights, agriculture, municipal regulation, governmental requirements, farm management, inspections, border control, trade, state funding, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, thank you for your support of this bill.
• So, with that, I hope you'll support as much today. Thank you. That concludes debate.
• I don't think there'll be anybody in here that would not support that.
• I think supporting families and dads is important. As you know, you're a dad of six.
• That's why I'm supportive of this. Senator Hiinz, for a question. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman.

Bills: SB843, SB1733, SB1476, SB1237, SB1410, SB1894, SB1272, SB1204, SB1721, SB1725, SB1735, SB1337, SB1339, SB1461, SB1975

Keywords: school boards, educational governance, conflict of interest, employee relations, Oklahoma statutes, child abuse, reporting requirements, sexual misconduct, law enforcement, school personnel, confidentiality, student safety, land office, land exchange, investment, education funding, real estate management, Teachers' Bill of Rights, education, teachers' rights