Transcript Highlights:

• The bill defines green fertilizer as nitrogen-based fertilizer produced using manufacturing processes
• We're developing the Pacific Green Fertilizer Project in Richland.
• The Pacific Green Fertilizer plant will produce fertilizer domestically, ensuring farmers have a more
• fertilizer and building green projects.
• It would be the largest green fertilizer plant in the state.

Bills: SB5816, SB5971

Keywords: juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, green fertilizer, low-carbon, sustainability, incentive program, 904, all

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5816, which would add juice grapes to Washington’s Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act so grape producers could form an accredited association to negotiate with processors. Staff explained the bill’s negotiation timelines and a modest fiscal note. Senator Torres said the measure was intended to help juice grape growers obtain fairer prices, and the sole testifier, a third-generation grower, described large price gaps between Washington and New York, limited buyer options, and little ability to negotiate before harvest. The public hearing closed with 47 people signed in pro and one con. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5971, which would create a green fertilizer incentive program for low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer production and use in Washington. Staff described the bill’s 80 percent emissions-reduction standard, rulemaking timeline, and fiscal note. Senator Benke and supporters from the Tri-Cities, Atlas Agro, NRDC, labor, ports, and agricultural groups argued the program could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stabilize fertilizer supply and prices, support jobs, and help Washington compete for federal clean hydrogen tax credits. WSDA said the bill was implementable with consultation and that the Climate Commitment Act could be a funding source, while noting rulemaking costs. Testimony also included support from the League of Women Voters, the Washington State Potato Commission, and a potato farmer. The public hearing closed with 202 pro, 737 con, and one other comment. The work session focused on commercial shellfish fee increases adopted by the Department of Health. The department explained that fees had not been raised for many years, that general fund support had declined, and that the new structure is intended to move toward full cost recovery in phases, with the first year set at 50 percent of the increase and further rulemaking underway to examine impacts on small businesses. Shellfish growers and industry representatives strongly opposed the increases, saying the fee calculations were confusing, the increases were extreme for small farms and processors, and the department had not fully implemented recommendations from the Green Economics report, including possible efficiencies and shifting biotoxin testing costs to the state. Several testified that the new fees could force closures, consolidation, or reduced operations. Committee members questioned the size of the increases, the fee methodology, and whether the legislature had contributed to the problem by relying on general fund backfill in prior years.

Transcript Highlights:

• fertilizer grants.
• generation of fertilizer.
• It’s hugely popular with our members. [00:37:10.390] This proposal cuts green fertilizer grants by $3
• </c><00:36:56.119><c> fertilizer</c> this proposal Cuts uh green fertilizer this proposal Cuts uh green
• ><c> uh</c> in green fertilizer production and uh in green fertilizer production and uh both<00:37:10.560

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:

• In this amendment, again, technical in nature, cleans up writer language related to the Forever Green
• writer language related to<00:04:58.600><c> the</c><00:04:58.720><c> Forever</c><00:04:59.160><c> Green
• particularly I'll point to some of the DFL efforts to fund urban ag and good food access, Forever Green
• have agreed on in the past, including DFL efforts to fund urban ag, good food access, and Forever Green
• You can't magically count on corn prices dropping from $7 down to $3.50, and your fertilizer bill doubling

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:

• And so, with housing, green space, hotels, office space, I think that this will continue to be a thriving
• c><00:15:56.920><c> um</c><00:15:57.040><c> with</c><00:15:57.160><c> housing</c><00:15:57.519><c> Green
• </c> potentially and so um with housing Green potentially and so um with housing Green Space<00:15:58.120
• spaces</c><00:42:58.400><c> Etc</c><00:42:59.400><c> um</c><00:42:59.559><c> but</c> risks lack of green
• spaces Etc um but risks lack of green spaces Etc um but the<00:42:59.800><c> reality</c><00:43:00.200

Bills: HF1746, HF2585, HF1159, HF2574, HF2839, HF157, HF158, HF160, HF338, HF512

Keywords: Oakdale, tax increment financing, local government, funding, urban development, tax increment, St. Paul, redevelopment, housing authority, housing trust fund, low-income housing, property taxation, Minnesota statutes, vacant property, housing, commercial to residential conversion, Minneapolis, urban redevelopment, public parks, tax capacity

Bills: SB145, SB143

Keywords: auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license

Bills: SB145, SB143

Keywords: auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 5971 directs the State Department of Agriculture to establish the Green Fertilizer Incentive
• Program and defines green fertilizer as nitrogen-based fertilizer produced using manufacturing processes

Bills: SB5816, SB5838, SB5930, SB5960, SB5971, SB6075, SB6097, SB6104, SB6216, SB6233, SB6318, SJM8015

Keywords: juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, tribal representation, natural resources, board of natural resources, environmental policy, community involvement, irrigation districts, director contracts, beneficial interests, transparency, governance, ungulate populations, wildlife management, habitat restoration, conservation, sustainability

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard staff reports on a series of bills covering agricultural marketing, tribal representation on the Board of Natural Resources, irrigation district ethics, ungulate population management, a green fertilizer incentive program, agricultural mitigation and impact statements, conservation futures participation by tribes, timber sale efficiencies, wildlife penalty assessments, shellfish fees, and a joint memorial on federal wildfire response. Staff outlined fiscal notes and several proposed substitutes or amendments, including changes to tribal board representation, limits on the green fertilizer program, and revisions to the agriculture protection bill. During executive session, the committee adopted a proposed substitute for SB 5838 after rejecting amendments that would have required tribal board members to have forest-management experience or would have alternated representation between eastern and western Washington. The committee also adopted substitutes for SB 5971 and SB 6097, and advanced SB 5816, 5971, 6097, 6216, 6233, 6318, and SJM 8015. SB 5930, SB 5960, SB 6075, and SB 6104 were taken no action on. SB 6233 drew discussion about possible unintended consequences and the need for clearer definitions, while SB 6318 was supported as a way to avoid fees that could harm shellfish growers. Several members explained their votes, particularly on SB 5838, where concerns were raised about conflicts of interest and the need for relevant forestry expertise on the Board of Natural Resources. On SB 6233, supporters said the bill updated penalty amounts tied to endangered species enforcement, while opponents wanted more specificity. The committee concluded that all listed executive-session items had been either moved forward or dropped, and the meeting adjourned after the board signing process.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:46.000><c> for</c> application of sewage sledge for application of sewage sledge for fertilizer
• investigate where PFAS may occur, records retention, and then also determines that open burning of fertilizer
• House File 2577 also determines that open burning of fertilizer has an unreasonable adverse effect on
• Joshua Stamper, division director of pesticide and fertilizer management. >> All right.
• Joshua Stamper, division director of pesticide and fertilizer management. >> All right.

Bills: HF858, HF2577, HF2576

Keywords: bioincentive payments, agriculture, job creation, environmental compliance, financial reporting, waste handling, sewage sludge, PFAS regulation, environment, record retention, fertilizer disposal, pesticide disposal, environmental impact, safety regulations, burning prohibition, 1183, house

Bills: HB2, SB145, SB143

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 143, which would raise caps on certain agriculture fees so they can keep pace with inflation. Senator Woods explained that the bill only adjusts fee ceilings, not automatic increases, and an amendment was adopted to tie the caps to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the U.S. Department of Labor. There was no public support or opposition testimony, and the bill was then passed on an 8-0 do-pass vote, with several members excused. The committee then took up Senate Bill 145, which would change the state audit system by raising thresholds for smaller local public bodies and creating a statewide federal single audit for state agencies. The State Auditor and DFA said the bill was intended to streamline audits, reduce delays, and align New Mexico with federal rules and other states, but multiple CPA and audit witnesses opposed the statewide single-audit concept, warning it could reduce transparency, weaken accountability, and increase the risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. Committee members pressed for clarification on how the audit structure would work, which agencies would be covered, and whether DFA or independent auditors would conduct the work; the sponsors said amendments were needed to clarify the bill and remove problematic language, including the appropriation and references to gifts and donations. The committee adopted an amendment striking the appropriation language and then continued questioning without taking final action in the excerpt. The final portion of the meeting shifted to the House Bill 2 budget presentation. Committee members reviewed the Senate Finance version of the budget, which included about a 2.7% increase in recurring spending, 30% reserves, and major investments in health care affordability, early childhood, public education, housing, clean energy, water, and agriculture-related priorities. Members asked about water testing needs, water settlement funding, career technical education funding, and the contingency fund/disaster reserve structure. The presenters said some items still needed technical work and that additional adjustments would be made before final passage.

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

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:

• Representative Klevorn, I assume you're talking about potash fertilizer.
• Representative Klevorn, I assume you're talking about potash fertilizer.
• </c><00:08:27.560><c> used</c> a major component of the fertilizer used a major component of the fertilizer
• </c><00:28:50.320><c> but</c> these lasers are green but these lasers are green but anyway<00:28:53.120
• Patrick's Day after all, and I'm not wearing green.

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:

• The Fertilizer Act, '76. Commercial Feed Act, '73. So that's 52 years ago, okay?
• So regarding fertilizer, the current fee of 35 cents per ton was set in rule in 1976.
• My name is Katie Laney, and as last stated, I oversee the feed, seed, and fertilizer program.
• So I didn't know if that inspection, the mismatch in the price of the fertilizer...
• So I didn't know if that inspection, the mismatch in the price of the fertilizer.

Bills: SB47, SB110, SB122, SB143, SB168

Keywords: food recovery, composting, waste management, solid waste surcharge, organic waste reduction, environment, grants, advisory group, bosque management, Rio Grande, environmental protection, water resources, fiscal appropriation, drinking water, well owners, water testing, water treatment, public health, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• appropriates funds for a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund to be administered by the Hawaii Green
• Uh, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority. Uh, DLNR, Charles Taylor.
• </c><00:02:07.920><c> Infrastructure</c> by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure
• What if we wanted to put this under the green fee?
• </c> wanted to put this under the green fee? wanted to put this under the green fee?

Bills: HB1618

Keywords: cesspool conversion, cesspool replacement, wastewater, sewer connection, sewerage systems, septic system, pollution control, water pollution control revolving fund, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HGIA, low-interest loans, forgivable loans, homeowner financing, environmental infrastructure, public health, wastewater treatment, low- and moderate-income households, revolving loan fund, Department of Health, memorandum of agreement

Summary: The committees held a joint hearing on HB 1618 HD1, which would create and fund a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund administered by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority to help homeowners upgrade, convert, or connect cesspools. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state agencies and advocacy groups, with witnesses emphasizing that cost is the main barrier to cesspool conversion and that recent Kona flooding underscored the public health and pollution risks of cesspools. One testifier suggested the fund should actively pursue outside funding sources, and another urged an effective date that would allow counties to contribute sooner. A member raised concerns about whether loans would be affordable and whether other financing tools, such as tax credits, should also be considered; another member opposed the bill as not adequately addressing district-level sewer and septic issues. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, and the motion was adopted. The joint Judiciary and Ways and Means committees then considered HB 2592 on the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority. The chair outlined amendments to clarify that the authority would assume property and liability associated with transferred assets, preserve existing liability rules, transfer conditional use permits if not already transferred, allow lease extensions before transfer, and set reversion triggers if the authority fails to adopt a management plan by June 30, 2028, or administrative rules by December 31, 2029. Members asked about preserving the public trust and whether the amendments would keep the Board of Land and Natural Resources’ role intact; the chair confirmed the fee and board role would remain unchanged. The committees voted to pass the bill with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The committees also took up HB 2033, making further amendments to clarify the definition of state, delay certain effective dates, allow rental and U-Drive lessors to avoid liability by identifying renters, delete one section, and add administrative hearing language and bus-camera clarifications. HB 1888 was amended to expand protections for educational workers to include sports officials, define sports official, make intentional bodily harm a felony with enhanced penalties for repeat offenses, and authorize the attorney general to assist with restraining orders. Both measures were recommended for passage with amendments and adopted. Later, several bills were moved with little or no discussion: HB 1515, HB 1713, HB 1718, HB 2022, and HB 2385 were recommended for passage unamended; HB 2375 was deferred; and HB 1741 was amended to reflect Honolulu’s concerns, narrow study requirements, add exemptions and a delayed implementation date, and was recommended for passage with amendments. The committees adopted the recommendations on these measures, with some members noting reservations or prior opposition on certain bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're wearing our green T-shirts today.
• We're wearing our green t-shirts today.
• working with the Andover Select Board, our Health Department, our Conservation Commission, and our Green

Bills: H5432, H5433, S3093, H5363, H5137, H5247

Keywords: Newbury, rodenticides, second generation anticoagulant rodenticides, SGARs, pesticides, pest control, wildlife protection, environmental regulation, local bylaw, municipal authority, private property, rodent control, anticoagulant poison, public health, Massachusetts local option, Wellfleet, fertilizer, nitrogen, phosphorus, nutrient pollution

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hybrid hearing on late-file bills, with testimony focused first on multiple home rule petitions seeking local authority to restrict anticoagulant rodenticides in towns including Andover, Topsfield, North Andover, Williamstown, Georgetown, Lexington, and others. Municipal officials, residents, wildlife advocates, and conservation groups described documented harm to hawks, owls, foxes, turtles, pets, and other wildlife, and argued that towns should be able to regulate these poisons locally. Several speakers said their towns had already voted to support restrictions and were using integrated pest management and other alternatives. Committee members noted that statewide rodenticide legislation had already advanced out of committee in both chambers and that the environmental bond bill was in conference committee, but no votes were taken during the hearing itself. The committee then heard testimony on H. 5137, a bill to prohibit the retail sale of parrots. Supporters, including animal welfare groups, veterinarians, rescue operators, and advocates, said parrots are often sourced from large breeding facilities with poor conditions, that many birds are surrendered because they are difficult long-term pets, and that rescues are overwhelmed. They argued the bill would encourage adoption, reduce demand for commercial breeding and trafficking, and improve bird welfare and public health. Opponents, including breeders, pet retailers, aviculture representatives, and rescue operators, said the bill would harm small businesses, reduce consumer access and transparency, and push sales to unregulated markets without improving welfare. Several speakers said the bill should instead focus on stronger standards and enforcement rather than banning sales. A separate bill, S. 310, designating the Marion Stoddard River Walk, was also briefly discussed in testimony supporting Marion Stoddard’s environmental work. The hearing ended after the committee finished taking testimony and adjourned; no roll-call votes or formal actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're wearing our green T-shirts today.
• We're wearing our green t-shirts today.
• working with the Andover Select Board, our Health Department, our Conservation Commission, and our Green

Bills: H5432, H5433, S3093, H5363, H5137, H5247

Keywords: Newbury, rodenticides, second generation anticoagulant rodenticides, SGARs, pesticides, pest control, wildlife protection, environmental regulation, local bylaw, municipal authority, private property, rodent control, anticoagulant poison, public health, Massachusetts local option, Wellfleet, fertilizer, nitrogen, phosphorus, nutrient pollution

Bills: SB90, SB90

Keywords: Green County, racing, pari-mutuel wagering, gaming regulations, commission appointments, historical horse racing, local tax, seafood, licensing, regulation, commercial fishing, fee structure, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been voted out of this committee for the last three years based on the Green County Racing Commission
• The Green County Racing Commission has been in business since 1973.
• Is that also in Green County? Yes, the new palace.
• So the palace now is the operating entity, not Green Track anymore. Right? Not Green Track anymore.
• Are there state taxes that come in from Green track on any of this?

Bills: SB90, SB255, SB268

Keywords: Green County, racing, pari-mutuel wagering, gaming regulations, commission appointments, historical horse racing, local tax, mixed spirit beverages, alcohol regulation, licensing, excise tax, distribution agreements, retail sales, wholesalers, 1136, house, all

Bills: SB2596, SB3002, SB3067

Keywords: government leases, state entities, real property, affordable leasing, budget impact, green infrastructure, urban development, sustainability, environment, climate change, public health, Hawaii State Planning Act, land records, registration, surveys, subdivision, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Water and Culture and the Arts and on Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 3173, which would create a cultural training pilot program in the Department of Land and Natural Resources, administered by DOBOR, for commercial permit holders operating in Lahaina Harbor. Testimony was largely supportive from Lahaina Strong, which said the bill responds to community concerns and would help commercial operators return with greater cultural understanding and respect. Supporters framed the measure as a way to rebuild Lahaina intentionally and strengthen relationships between industry and community. Opposition came from Trilogy Excursions and the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii. They said they already provide or encourage cultural education, but argued the bill as written is too broad, potentially mandatory, and could create hiring and operational problems for businesses trying to restart after the fire. They asked that any program be voluntary, collaborative, and practical, with clearer details on who must take the training, how often it would be offered, and how it would be coordinated. In response to questions, a witness said most operators would likely participate if the training were accessible and well-marketed, but that the harbor’s limited current operations and staggered rebuilding make timing important. After testimony and questions, the chairs said they appreciated the comments but wanted to move the bill forward without amendments because of a filing deadline, noting that timing and other issues could be worked out in later committees with DLNR, OHA, and stakeholders. Both committees then voted to pass SB 3173 unamended, with one member excused in each committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• found the highest levels in General Mills-made Annie's Organic Cheesy Ravioli, Cheerios, Yoplait, Green
• favorite Cheerios is my three-year-old's favorite yop<00:08:32.719><c> plate</c><00:08:32.919><c> Green
• /c><00:08:33.200><c> Giant</c><00:08:33.560><c> and</c><00:08:33.719><c> Progressive</c> yop plate Green
• Giant and Progressive yop plate Green Giant and Progressive Brands<00:08:35.279><c> there</c><00:08:
• burn of a fertilizer container. 1.12 that uh relates to uh an old 1.12 that uh relates to uh an old

Bills: HF44, HF2102, HF2279, HF2280, HF2281

Keywords: HF44, Casey Jones State Trail, Pipestone Trailhead, Currie Loop, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, trail rehabilitation, trail reconstruction, recreational trail, bike trail, hiking trail, infrastructure, state trail, Pipestone, Currie, bonding authorization