Transcript Highlights:

• So I guess my follow-up question to that is, have you talked to any of those producers, and have they
• that much, knowing that most small producers aren't going to have that many.
• I was one of those producers.
• producers anymore.
• The senate author and for trying to do something here for some of these small dairies.

Bills: SB2173, SB2028, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134

Keywords: landowner, energy negotiation, agricultural preservation, orphaned wells, renewable energy, raw milk, unpasteurized milk, milk products, dairy, pasteurization, food safety, consumer warning label, health warning, farm sales, direct-to-consumer sales, ungraded milk, goat milk, raw milk cheese, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, agricultural regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• producers.
• it's going to it's going to hurt small it's going to it's going to hurt small businesses<00:46:24.000
• producers.
• <01:07:30.319> a on insurance coverage for small a on insurance coverage for small a producers
• The chair's recommendation producers.

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:

• Just the producer. I mean, if to be, no, we're not.
• So I'm good with protecting the producer, but does a producer, is there going to be some kind of signage
• How is the consumer going to know that the producer is not liable so we can protect our producers?
• in where and how they produce their local food.
• in where and how they produce their local food.

Bills: HB3056, HB3391, HB3657, HB3617, HB4055, HB3720, HB3902

Keywords: raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising, animal welfare, commercial pet breeders, licensing, animal cruelty, labor, employment definitions, agricultural services, Oklahoma Workforce Commission, confidentiality, data access, right to repair, agriculture, OEM, repair providers

Transcript Highlights:

• Every ten years, there's a referendum that only the cotton producers get to vote on about their check-off

Bills: HB352

Keywords: HB352, cotton, cotton bale assessment, cotton levy, cotton producers, agriculture, forestry, Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee, per bale fee, commodity assessment, producer referendum, cotton sales tax, Alabama Code 2-8-199, cotton commission, agricultural funding, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a variety of genetic components that all have small, moderate, and only a few large effects on
• to write a book and not a paper, because there are so many individual genetic components that have small
• If it takes both parents to produce an offspring, both parents have to have this to pass it on to the
• What number would it take to create enough diversity to be able to have two parents produce an offspring
• Realistic, um, 56 years ago, I'm a physician in a small town.

Bills: HB3270, HB3145, HB3056

Keywords: farmed cervidae, chronic wasting disease, genetic resistance, wildlife management, agriculture, wildlife tagging, hunting regulations, Cervidae family, feral swine, exotic wildlife, conservation, commercial hunting, raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I call the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship to order.
• The Senate created this committee to help all small businesses compete with larger firms.
• The ramifications of this action, if permanent, will be felt by all small business owners.
• These are just small people, and they're looking for help from the government.
• all small businesses, not just a select few.

Bills: SB298, SB300, SB371

Keywords: employee relocation, headquarters, Small Business Administration, Washington metropolitan area, telework, cost reduction, rural markets, geographic diversity, disaster loans, accountability, reporting, loan forgiveness, federal funding, SBA reforms, small business, disaster assistance, transparency, report publication, government accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now in Oklahoma, we produce 86 million gallons of milk yearly.
• Now if you took our 86 million gallons that we're producing right now.
• What about the low end producer, the mom and pop producers? Is there a low end?
• So if someone produces $86 their fee for the year would be $100.
• Another company could be sued by a private producer.

Bills: SB1346, SB1509, SB1928, SB2028, SB2071, SB2110, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134, SB722, SB3

Keywords: water infrastructure, wastewater, investment program, loans, local government, SB1509, groundwater, water wells, well spacing, water rights, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, basin, subbasin, maximum annual yield, aquifer management, water allocation, water permits, temporary permits, irrigation

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, members, SB1864 aims to increase access to the graded egg market for small-scale producers
• What I don't want to do is say that small farmers producing eggs that are, you know, just smaller or
• I mean, I would say that you get a higher quality egg from an ungraded system from small producers than
• So you have small producers that.
• And I'm not against the small producers at all; that's not what this is about.

Bills: SB1864

Keywords: eggs, ungraded eggs, egg grading, poultry, farm products, local food, small farmers, direct-to-consumer sales, wholesale food sales, food safety, refrigeration requirements, sanitation standards, occupational license, dealer-wholesaler license, Texas Department of Agriculture, restaurants, small grocery stores, cooperatives, farmers cooperative, agricultural regulation

Bills: HB1163, HB2113, HB2333, HB2411, HB2583, HB1613, HB1614, HB2590, HB1950, HB1603, HB1707, HB1832, HB2119, HB2155, HB2594, HB2595, HB1929, HB2015, HB2207, HB1619, HB1667, HB1984, HB2140, HB2097, HB1957, HB2503, HB2581, HB1520, SCR55, SR53

Keywords: commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, Kainahola Stream, flood prevention, vegetation removal, appropriation, natural resources, transportation, airport special districts, penalties, Hawaii, aeronautics law, public safety, workforce development, sector partnerships

Transcript Highlights:

• of producing food. of producing food.
• agricultural producers.
• agricultural producers.
• producers? producers?
• producer, reverse vending producer, producer, reverse vending machine,<02:08:53.199> and<02:08

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:

• The Small Business Administration is intended to support small businesses by providing capital, contracts
• Mulligan also owns two small businesses. Dr.
• Two of my sisters currently run a small business today, and I have owned and operated two small businesses
• Mulligan, letters from the National Small Business Association, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council
• Start a small business ecosystem.

Keywords: SBA, small business, nominations, Bill Briggs, Casey Mulligan, regulations, capital access, public support

Summary: The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship convened to consider the nominations of Bill Briggs for Deputy Administrator of the SBA and Dr. Casey Mulligan for Chief Counsel for Advocacy. The discussions highlighted the critical role of the SBA in promoting small businesses, with emphasis on overcoming challenges posed by excessive regulations and the need for improved access to capital. Several committee members expressed their concerns over recent layoffs within the SBA and the closure of district offices, which they believe undermine support for small businesses across the nation. The committee meeting saw extensive dialogue about the implications of regulations on small business operations and how the nominees plan to address these issues if confirmed. Public support for the nominees was acknowledged through letters from various stakeholders who advocate for small business interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• portion of that large chain; Augusta, which is an independent community hospital; Bath, which is a very small
• different things like that, there are things they can tap into right in their local grocery store, fresh produce
• different things like that, that these foods will heal their bodies, ...local grocery store, fresh produce
• So thinking about medically tailored meals, produce prescription programs.
• As you're aware, I am someone that literally grew up in a small rural pharmacy and owned one for 17 years

Keywords: House Select Committee on Advancing Rural and Small Town Health Care, 976, house, all

Summary: The Rural Health Care Committee met to reorganize for the new interim, adopt its annual electronic meetings policy, and hear member priorities for the coming work. Members emphasized recurring rural health issues including access to primary and specialty care, workforce shortages, transportation barriers, maternal health and OB-GYN shortages, dental care, telehealth and broadband limitations, and the financial strain on rural hospitals. Several members also highlighted the value of mobile clinics, community colleges and K-12 pipeline programs, and bringing providers and local health departments into future meetings. Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin Figueroa briefed the committee on the worsening condition of rural hospitals and the impact of federal H.R. 1, saying Virginia’s rural health system faces major financial pressure and that the state’s Rural Health Transformation Fund is not a replacement for lost Medicaid-related support. He described the fund as a temporary opportunity to test new models such as mobile care, community paramedicine, workforce pipelines, and remote monitoring, while warning that coverage losses and service reductions are likely if the state cannot adapt quickly. Heidi Hertz, director of rural health transformation, then outlined Virginia’s approved plan and implementation timeline. She explained that Virginia will receive $189.5 million in year one, with funds needing to be obligated by October 30, 2026, and that the state must meet CMS metrics to avoid clawbacks or rescoring. She described the plan’s major workstreams: Care IQ for technology and innovation, Homegrown Health Heroes for workforce development, Connected Care Closer to Home for access and maternal care, and Live Well Together for prevention and chronic disease management, including Food is Medicine and consumer health technology. Committee members asked about local health department involvement, contracting structure, metrics, and funding sustainability, and Hertz said the committee would receive the presentation and that regional meetings and RFAs would roll out over the coming months. A public commenter thanked the committee for supporting a midwifery work group, and the meeting adjourned after members were encouraged to continue sharing ideas and helping publicize the program.

Transcript Highlights:

• update to their workers' compensation insurance verification website, um, and may also result in a small
• also<00:02:36.160> result<00:02:36.480> in<00:02:36.640> a<00:02:36.959> small
• <00:02:37.680> increase<00:02:38.000> in may also result in a small increase in may
• also result in a small increase in calls<00:02:38.720> and<00:02:38.959> questions<00:

Bills: SF1832

Keywords: economic development, small business, workforce training, grants, entrepreneurship, equity, community support, 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . producers of raw materials.
• We won't be able to produce the weapons that we need without the facilities needed to produce them. process
• We need to grow those and take advantage of small businesses as well.
• I want to move on to small business defense production because Mr.
• Policies, priorities, and a focus on small business.

Keywords: defense industrial base, small business, workforce development, acquisition processes, national security, cybersecurity, critical minerals

Summary: The meeting of the committee revolved around critical discussions on enhancing the defense industrial base, focusing on small business engagement and the importance of streamlined processes in defense contracting. There was a significant emphasis on the need for more investment in the defense manufacturing sector, particularly in the face of competition from countries like China. Some members expressed frustration over the treatment of small businesses, citing barriers that prevent these innovative companies from effectively participating in defense contracts. The need for a workforce capable of meeting the common challenges posed by evolving technologies and geopolitical threats was also highlighted throughout the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• For decades, the Small Business Innovation Research Program, or SBIR, and the Small Business Technology
• and small business technology transfer programs.
• The Small Business Technology Council.
• Rothside, every day I hear from small businesses in North Carolina, particularly small businesses with
• And then the small business has no control.

Keywords: SBIR, STTR, Innovate Act, small business, innovation, legislative reforms, economic growth, funding, technology transfer

Summary: The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.

Transcript Highlights:

• true small businesses.
• And small businesses agree.
• That is not a small person.
• I have a my wife is a small business owner but she's like most small business owners 81 percent a small
• First of all, we're talking about this idea of keeping taxes lower on our small businesses and our producers

Keywords: joint hearing, small business, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, economic recovery, tax relief, job creation

Summary: In this joint hearing of the House Committee on Small Business and the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, the primary focus was on the importance of making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) permanent. The chair emphasized that small businesses are crucial for the nation's economic recovery, especially in the wake of current federal policies perceived as detrimental. Witnesses shared their experiences and highlighted how the tax cuts facilitated job creation and business expansion, stressing the need for continued support through ongoing tax relief measures. The meeting included discussions about the economic implications of the TCJA's potential expiration, with members voicing their concerns regarding how this could impact small businesses and the broader economy.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, according to the Fed's Small Business Credit Survey, in 2023, only 32 percent of Black small
• The program makes small-dollar loans with a focus on reaching undisturbed small business owners.
• Advantage program has demonstrated success in making small dollar loans to small business owners that
• I got an extraordinary note from a small business owner.
• Those old WASP-y bankers in New England, in that small city.

Keywords: SBA, 7A loan program, underwriting standards, loan defaults, Community Advantage Program, small business funding, testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on discussions regarding the SBA's 7A loan program and its implementation challenges. Members raised significant concerns about recent changes to the underwriting standards, which have been criticized for leading to an increase in loan defaults. Ranking members expressed a desire for a return to stronger guidelines to protect taxpayers and ensure the program remains a viable source for small businesses struggling to secure funding. Testimonies from community lenders highlighted their efforts to support underserved communities and stressed the importance of the Community Advantage Program.

Transcript Highlights:

• > supporting stabilizing small businesses, supporting stabilizing small businesses, supporting
• <00:07:28.880> business community leaders, and small business community leaders, and small
• for small business owners. for small business owners.
• Willmar is a small, rural, and diverse. Willmar is a small, rural, and diverse.
• to be supporting our small businesses. to be supporting our small businesses.

Bills: HF4477

Keywords: Minnesota business recovery loan program, small business loan, zero-interest loan, forgivable loan, business recovery, economic development, small business emergency loan account, Minnesota Initiative Foundations, nonprofit lenders, greater Minnesota, Twin Cities metro, seven-county metropolitan area, immigration enforcement, business interruption, revenue loss, job preservation, business stabilization, state appropriation, forward fund, loan forgiveness

Transcript Highlights:

• worked very closely together and collaboratively in many ways, but found there were just a couple small
• <00:03:02.000> just<00:03:02.159> a<00:03:02.319> couple<00:03:02.480> small
• <00:03:02.640> issues there were just a couple small issues there were just a couple small

Bills: SF1832, HF2440

Keywords: economic development, small business, workforce training, grants, entrepreneurship, equity, community support, labor market, employment, funding, data analysis, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• To earn the title of state champion is no small accomplishment.
• Many of you know I grew up just outside of Denver, not exactly a small town, but I moved to Enid, which

Bills: SB378, SB985, SB1246, HB3720, SB1500, SB1984, HB4118, SB1644, SB1546, SB483

Keywords: bail bondsman, bondsman license, multicounty agent bondsman, surety bondsman, Insurance Commissioner, bail bond regulation, bond deposit, forfeiture, deposit ratio, writing capacity, license transfer, power of attorney, surety bond, bail industry, Oklahoma insurance law, financial solvency, administrative action, Oklahoma Local Food for Schools, school meals, local food procurement