Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Agriculture to our local food security system.
• security across the system. states of resources relative to food security across the system.
• Department of Agriculture to our local food security system.
• I'm with the Washington Food Coalition, which is a statewide membership organization made up of 360 food
• as a key part of the overall food security conversation.

Bills: HB2279, HB2463, HB1941, HB2238

Keywords: PFAS chemicals, agriculture, environmental impact, regulation, food safety, farmers, food security, Washington, support for farmers, cannabis, cooperatives, marijuana industry, HB 2238, HB2238, statewide food security, food security strategy, hunger, food insecurity, food access, food assistance

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard public testimony on House Bill 2279, which would require the Department of Agriculture to establish a program and criteria to evaluate PFAS chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides. The prime sponsor argued PFAS are persistent “forever chemicals” that pose environmental and health risks and said Washington should begin acting now, while some members questioned whether the bill would duplicate federal EPA review and could disadvantage Washington agriculture. WSDA testified that the bill is implementable but would require rulemaking, ongoing staff resources, and likely a 12-month extension to complete stakeholder engagement; agricultural and pesticide industry witnesses opposed the bill as duplicative of federal oversight and warned of market impacts, while environmental groups supported it as a needed step to reduce PFAS exposure in food and agriculture. The committee took no action on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 2463, which would expand and rename the Washington Commodity Donation Program and create a farm-to-food pantry program to help hunger relief organizations buy Washington-grown food directly from farmers. The sponsor said the bill responds to reduced federal food security support and is intended to strengthen local food access and support farmers. Testimony was broadly supportive from food banks, hunger relief organizations, tribal farms, AARP, and several growers, who said the program helps move fresh produce, dairy, and protein to people in need and supports local agriculture. Several witnesses, however, raised concerns that language limiting participation to organizations that “solely” do this work could exclude many existing food hubs, distributors, and regional partners; others requested amendments to include tribally owned small-scale farms, food hubs, and broader distribution networks. No vote was taken on HB 2463. After the hearings, the committee recessed for caucus and then held executive session on House Bill 1941, which authorizes licensed cannabis producers to form agricultural associations and engage in collective processing, handling, and marketing. The sponsor and chair described it as a parity measure to help smaller cannabis producers organize and compete, while opponents argued it was premature given ongoing federal marijuana scheduling issues and that the bill’s scope was too broad. The committee approved the bill on a 6-5 vote and reported it out with a due pass recommendation. The chair also announced that executive action on House Bill 2238 would be deferred until the following day due to pending amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• food security strategy.
• food security strategy. and directs the department to develop a statewide food security strategy.
• And so in the interest of trying to advance a bipartisan approach to statewide food security that I think
• That's where our food security strategy has to start.
• security strategy, not a food response or a food insecurity strategy, but a proactive strategy.

Bills: HB2275, HB2238

Keywords: wildfire prevention, Washington wildfire council, fire safety, environmental protection, state regulations, HB 2238, HB2238, statewide food security, food security strategy, hunger, food insecurity, food access, food assistance, anti-hunger, nutrition education, food system literacy, agricultural viability, supply chain resilience, Washington Department of Agriculture, food policy forum

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2275, which would create a Wildfire Prevention and Protection Fund and a 15-member council to administer it. Committee staff explained that investor-owned utilities would be required to participate, consumer-owned utilities could opt in, and utilities would pay annual contributions and potentially a one-time startup payment; the fund would compensate certain wildfire damage claims tied to utility negligence and support wildfire mitigation planning and related work. Representative Reeves, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to address wildfire liability, improve transparency for ratepayers, and create a more comprehensive statewide approach to wildfire prevention and response. Testimony was mixed. Supporters included the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Department of Natural Resources, wildfire survivors, and several advocates who said the bill could help victims recover, stabilize wildfire response funding, and support mitigation. Several witnesses described personal losses from the Gray Fire and said a dedicated fund could have helped with recovery. Opponents and those testifying “other” or “con” included utilities, utility associations, business groups, and ratepayer advocates, who raised concerns about retroactive liability dating back to July 1, 2021, unclear fund solvency, potential rate increases, equity among customer classes, and the risk that the fund could be swept for other state purposes. Some witnesses argued the bill should be paired with broader liability reform and stronger mitigation requirements, while others pointed to California’s wildfire fund as a model or cautionary example. After public testimony, the committee read the record of sign-ins as 30 pro, 774 con, and 2 other, and then concluded the hearing on HB 2275. The committee then moved to executive session on House Bill 2238, which directs the Department of Agriculture to develop a statewide food security strategy and adds food security coordination and food system performance monitoring duties. Staff briefed five amendments, four of which were adopted: one requiring consideration of regulatory cost metrics and periodic competitiveness reporting, one directing the department to recommend legislative actions to improve food affordability, one adding people with lived experience of food insecurity and BIPOC small farmers to consultation requirements and emphasizing root causes of hunger, and one adding fuel and labor cost metrics. A fifth amendment, which would have required a consultant study of agricultural labor collective bargaining legislation, failed on a 5-6 roll call vote. The committee then moved the substitute bill forward with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we’re going to start by opening the public hearing on House Bill 2238 concerning statewide food security
• As you mentioned, the bill before you is House Bill 2238, which relates to statewide food security.
• food security strategy.
• And right now, we don't have a state agency tasked with coming up with a statewide food security strategy
• And, of course, the viability of farmers producing food is directly related to food security.

Bills: HB2238, HB1311, HB1608, HB1735, HB1825, HB1976, HB2062

Keywords: HB 2238, HB2238, statewide food security, food security strategy, hunger, food insecurity, food access, food assistance, anti-hunger, nutrition education, food system literacy, agricultural viability, supply chain resilience, Washington Department of Agriculture, food policy forum, BIPOC, tribal consultation, small farmers, diet-related health disparities, food affordability

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee opened public hearing on House Bill 2238, which would add food security coordination and food system performance monitoring to the Department of Agriculture’s duties and require a statewide food security strategy due by December 1, 2027. Prime sponsor Rep. Christine Reeves said the bill would codify and extend work the department had done under prior emergency authority and argued it would help coordinate agencies, food banks, farmers, schools, and other partners to address hunger and affordability. Testimony from food banks, farmers market advocates, agricultural groups, county government, grocers, hunger-relief organizations, and health-related coalitions was broadly supportive, with some asking for inclusion of people with lived experience and small farmers on advisory efforts and emphasizing food deserts, rising costs, and the need for better coordination. No one testified in opposition during the hearing, though the written record showed 137 pro and 166 con sign-ins. The committee then reviewed several bills on executive session, including measures on gray wolf management (HB 1311), farmed octopus (HB 1608), force-feeding birds/foie gras (HB 1735), grizzly bear management (HB 1825), invasive species education for pet retailers (HB 1976), and maple syrup processing operations (HB 262). Staff briefings described the bills and, for some, proposed amendments, but most action was deferred. Members discussed HB 1976’s retailer notice requirements and whether the bill provided funding for the required cards or pamphlets. The only bill voted out of committee was House Bill 1608, which would prohibit knowingly possessing, transporting, or distributing farmed octopus and allow a civil penalty. After debate, with supporters citing animal welfare and opponents raising concerns about unanswered questions, the committee approved the bill 6-5 on a roll call vote and sent it to the next committee with a do pass recommendation. Other bills on the executive session calendar were deferred, including HB 1735 for amendment and HB 1976 for further amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendments 5 through 7 shift responsibility for conducting a statewide study to identify and map food
• they want those foods.
• They launched the Fresh Food Financing Initiative, which is very similar situated to the Healthy Food
• But Whole Foods.
• the most expensive food.

Bills: HCR65, HB512, HB1194, SCR23, SB502

Keywords: crawfish, agricultural labor, H-2A program, seasonal workforce, Louisiana economy, Healthy Food Retail Act, food access, food deserts, economic opportunity, public health, Louisiana agriculture, community development, fresh food, agriculture, national security, food production, supply chain, security task force, farm labor, Chinese investments

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 23, which would create an Agricultural-based National Security Priorities Task Force to study issues such as Chinese drones, farmland ownership, and other technology-related concerns that could affect farmers and national security. Senator Kathy Stewart said the goal was to avoid unintended consequences in legislation and to bring agriculture stakeholders together. The resolution was moved favorably with no objections. The committee then took up Senate Bill 502 on sugarcane bagasse storage. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Commissioner of Agriculture, and the American Sugar Cane League, said the bill would clarify that bagasse is an agricultural byproduct and would protect storage practices that comply with department best practices from local ordinances. Several residents from St. Martin Parish testified in opposition, saying a large bagasse pile near their homes was out of compliance, created dust and odors, and caused health and property-value concerns. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably with no objections. House Bill 512, by Representative Schamerhorn, would prohibit the manufacturing and sale of cell-cultured food products in Louisiana while allowing university research to continue. An amendment was adopted to make the bill effective only if certain federal court rulings allow such a ban. The sponsor and Commissioner Strain argued the issue is still scientifically uncertain and that the state should avoid costly litigation; the bill was reported favorably with amendments after no objections. House Bill 1194, the Healthy Food Retail Act, was amended to shift food-desert research and mapping duties to the LSU AgCenter, while the financing authority would continue handling grants and related funding mechanisms. Supporters said the bill would improve data on food deserts and help target grocery access in underserved urban and rural areas; some members raised concerns about government subsidies and long-term dependence, but the sponsor and Commissioner Strain said the program is intended as infrastructure support to launch stores, not ongoing operating aid. After debate, the bill was reported favorably with amendments by a 10-3 roll call vote. The committee also reported favorably House Concurrent Resolution 65, which urges federal action to reclassify crawfish-industry job duties as agricultural labor for H-2A purposes; testimony emphasized labor shortages, the impact on crawfish and rice producers, and the need for more legal guest workers. The meeting ended with a brief informational handout on direct marketing and custom slaughter plants and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendment 5 through 7 shift the responsibility for conducting a statewide study to identify and map food
• We already have the Healthy Food Retail Act, but what we do not have is a strong definition for food
• they want those foods.
• They launched the Fresh Food Financing Initiative, which is very similar situated to the Healthy Food
• the most expensive food.

Bills: HCR65, HB512, HB1194, SCR23, SB502

Keywords: crawfish, agricultural labor, H-2A program, seasonal workforce, Louisiana economy, Healthy Food Retail Act, food access, food deserts, economic opportunity, public health, Louisiana agriculture, community development, fresh food, agriculture, national security, food production, supply chain, security task force, farm labor, Chinese investments

Bills: HB2091, HB2118, HB2122, HB2138

Keywords: insurance, financial surveillance, regulations, assessments, Arizona Revised Statutes, mobile food vendors, licensure, food safety, statewide regulations, health standards, zoning, temporary vendors, technical registration, engineering, architect, land surveyor, reciprocity, endorsement, qualification standards, firefighter

Transcript Highlights:

• collaborate with state and county agencies and community-based organizations to develop a comprehensive statewide
• food strategy.
• Ag Stewardship Hawaii in support, and Lauren Zirbel for Hawaii Food Industry Association in support.
• <00:01:21.000><c> Zirbel</c><00:01:21.400><c> for</c><00:01:21.560><c> Hawaii</c><00:01:21.920><c> Food
• </c><00:01:22.160><c> Industry</c> Lauren Zirbel for Hawaii Food Industry Lauren Zirbel for Hawaii Food

Bills: HCR144

Keywords: food security, Hawaii, agriculture, community organizations, nutritional access, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Government Operations and Agriculture and Environment hearing on April 16, 2020 considered only HCR 144, House Draft 2, which asks the Department of Agriculture to work with state and county agencies and community-based organizations to develop a comprehensive statewide food strategy. Testimony was generally supportive: the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity supported the measure, as did Kanaloani Ohana Farm, the Farm Bureau, Ag Stewardship Hawaii, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association. DBEDT submitted comments that were described as sounding more like opposition, citing existing efforts. No members of the public appeared to testify, and there were no questions from members. The Government Operations committee recommended the resolution pass as drafted, and members present voted aye. Because the Agriculture and Environment committee lacked quorum, its decision-making was rolled over to the next day, Friday, April 17, 2020 at 3:10 p.m. in CR 224. The chair noted that the measure had been adopted on the GVO side and, with the noticed time certain for the remaining committee action, the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bank program, with direct responsibility for local food procurement, operations, and statewide implementation
• And with a vast and varied network of our statewide pantries and food assistance sites, we're able to
• It makes sure that the food they're receiving is nutritious and that the food dollars stay local.
• security in the state.
• outlets for their products, this investment strengthens both food security and our local economy.

Bills: SB66, SB79, SB108

Keywords: environment, cleanup, contamination, uranium mining, abandoned sites, state funding, mosquito control, public health, surveillance, prevention funds, local government grants, food security, agriculture, food bank, regional program, appropriation, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pyshe; and H. 5115, an act establishing statewide food truck regulations, filed by Rep. Hogan.
• And H. 5115, an act establishing statewide food truck regulations, filed by Rep. Hogan.
• meant constant awareness, constant caution, and a new kind of anxiety about something as basic as food
• Suddenly, parents must learn to read food labels, prevent cross-contact in their kitchens, and help their
• The result is a population in a food service culture that understands celiac disease not as a preference

Bills: H5013, H5087, H5115, S2928

Keywords: celiac disease, gluten intolerance, autoimmune disorder, pediatric screening, child health, public health, screening pilot, early detection, 12-year-olds, cholesterol screening, lipid screening, health care providers, Department of Public Health, patient advocacy, family support, Massachusetts, preventive care, diagnostic screening, nutrition, gastroenterology

Transcript Highlights:

• In Alabama's case, food... ...under federal law.
• In Alabama's case, food stamp applicants are given a brochure that is labeled a cash welfare benefit
• and then automatically deemed eligible for food stamps without a limit on assets.
• of those food insecure children were eligible for nutrition programs such as SNAP.
• That little bit of food assistance they get really helps them.

Bills: SB245, SB246, HB30, HB30

Keywords: SB245, public assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, food assistance, Alabama Medicaid Agency, Department of Human Resources, eligibility verification, self-attestation, data matching, fraud prevention, improper payments, program integrity, benefit eligibility, income verification, residency verification, asset verification, electronic benefit transfer, EBT, cross-checks

Transcript Highlights:

• food systems grant the climate resilient food systems grant program<01:53:17.199><c> within</c><01:53
• It reestablishes the agricultural development and food security special fund, establishes a carbon emissions
• </c> and Bio Security in support in person. and Bio Security in support in person.
• security fund for farmers.
• </c> security goals. Thank you. security goals. Thank you. &gt;&gt; Thank<02:05:45.119><c> you.

Bills: HB1617

Keywords: carbon emissions, tax credit, fossil fuel, agriculture, food security, environmental tax, greenhouse gas, 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1949, which would create a public dashboard for the green fee to improve transparency and accountability. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and many community and conservation groups was generally supportive, with several speakers urging that the governor’s project recommendations remain largely intact and that community-driven projects continue to guide spending. One amendment was suggested to place the dashboard at the Department of Budget and Finance for fiscal expertise, while other testimony favored keeping it with the commission. Members asked about procurement, ETS involvement, recurring hosting costs, and whether the dashboard could be funded from green fee revenues; the commission said it could work with ETS and that green fee funds could reasonably be used. The committees then voted to pass HB 1949 with amendments. The committees also heard HB 2618, which would require the governor to submit a separate bill for amounts tied to any increase in the transient accommodations tax and, in later discussion, was expanded into a broader restructuring of future green fee allocations. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, and others supported the bill and emphasized the value of more predictable, dedicated funding for conservation and climate-related work. During decision-making, the chair described amendments creating several special funds under DLNR, including a watershed biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction fund, an aquatic resources conservation fund, a coastal restoration fund, a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund, and a green fee special fund for remaining revenues, with recommended amounts discussed for some of the funds. The committees voted to pass HB 2618 with amendments. The hearing then moved to HB 1644, a consumer protection measure for residential solar sales that would require compliance with consumer protection laws, licensing or contractor affiliation for sellers, and a standardized disclosure form. Testimony in support came from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and several solar companies and individuals. Supporters said the bill would address complaints about third-party sales practices and improve disclosure, especially around financing. The committee then began hearing HB 2243, which would require electric utilities to provide public, electronic customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the Public Utilities Commission; the Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC offered comments supporting the measure’s intent.

Transcript Highlights:

• First item on the agenda is Senate Bill 38, fees on registered pet food.
• I'm a registered lobbyist for the Pet Food Institute.
• There's a fee on registering the pet food.
• school security in New Mexico.
• In fact, statewide polling shows that there is sweeping bipartisan support.

Bills: SB38, SB17, SB41, SB264

Keywords: SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks, sexual crimes, statute of limitations

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 38, which would make permanent the New Mexico affordable spay-neuter program funded by fees on registered pet food. The sponsor and supporters said the program helps reduce companion animal overpopulation, shelter intake, and euthanasia, while opponents argued the charge is an unlawful tax, is tied to ongoing litigation, and that required annual reporting has not been done. After public testimony, the committee adopted a due pass motion on SB 38 by a 10-1 vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 17, a gun-safety measure that would impose new requirements on firearms dealers and prohibit future sale of certain assault-style and high-capacity weapons. Supporters, including sponsors, gun-violence survivors, public safety advocates, and some local officials, argued the bill would address straw purchasing, trafficking, dealer accountability, and mass-casualty weapons. Opponents, including firearms retailers, ranchers, law enforcement, and gun owners, said the bill would burden lawful businesses, raise constitutional concerns, and do little to stop crime. After extensive testimony and questions about the bill’s legal basis, definitions, and dealer regulations, the committee did not vote and instead rolled the bill for further work on amendments. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 41, as amended, which would eliminate the statute of limitations for second-degree criminal sexual contact of a minor. Support came from the Chamber of Commerce and sexual assault advocacy groups, who said delayed disclosure is common and justice should not expire before survivors are ready to come forward. Committee members asked detailed questions about the bill’s scope, including why certain offenses remained covered and how the criminal statutes are categorized. The committee adopted an amendment to correct drafting issues and then passed SB 41 as amended on a 10-0 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 264, an elections safety bill that would strengthen penalties for election interference, create emergency polling-place protocols, and clarify when law enforcement may be present at polling places at the request of election officials. Supporters said it was needed to protect voters from intimidation, while an opponent argued it could put law enforcement at risk and restrict their ability to vote. The sponsor and Secretary of State explained that the bill was aimed at preventing ordered deployment of armed personnel to polling places, not barring officers or service members from voting. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Bills: SB38, SB17, SB41, SB264

Keywords: SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks, sexual crimes, statute of limitations

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard extensive testimony on House Bill 99, a proposed reform of the Medical Malpractice Act. Representative Chandler said the bill is intended to address physician shortages, rising malpractice premiums, and litigation pressures by changing punitive damages rules, including a higher standard of proof, a requirement that punitive damages not be pleaded in the initial complaint, and limits tied to the type of provider. Supporters, including physicians, business leaders, and some patients, said the bill would help retain doctors, improve access to care, and create more predictable liability exposure. Several supporters also said current malpractice conditions are driving doctors out of the state and harming rural access to services. Opponents argued the bill would reduce patient recovery, create unequal treatment based on insurance status through the bill-versus-paid provision, and raise constitutional concerns involving equal protection, collateral source rules, and separation of powers. They also criticized the bill for not addressing other drivers of malpractice, such as hospital practices, prior authorization, staffing, and background checks for out-of-state doctors. Some witnesses urged amendments to protect the Patient Compensation Fund, ensure future medical expenses are covered, require minimum surcharge settings, and improve oversight of providers entering the state. Committee members questioned the sponsor and witnesses about whether the bill would actually lower premiums, whether it would improve access to care, and how it would affect hospitals, independent providers, and the Patient Compensation Fund. The sponsor said the bill was based on negotiations and comparisons with other states, and that it should help premiums over time. Members raised concerns about the fund’s solvency, the role of hospitals in the fund, and whether some provisions would survive legal challenge. No final vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the chair indicated amendments would be discussed later and the committee would continue the hearing the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> This bill strengthens Hawaii's food This bill strengthens Hawaii's food security,<00:35:01.040><
• > in</c> help support food security and debt in help support food security and debt in this<00:44:07.839
• It seems like everyone supports local agriculture and more food security, but at least in theory, but
• </c><00:58:23.040><c> security,</c><00:58:23.680><c> but</c> agriculture and more food security, but
• agriculture and more food security, but at least<00:58:24.799><c> in</c><00:58:25.119><c> theory,</c>

Bills: SB2350, SB2349, SB2407, SB3320

Keywords: agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, agribusiness, Department of Agriculture, regulatory functions, employee benefits, restorative practices, sustainability, environmental stewardship, local food systems, Native Hawaiian, workforce development, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, state employment, SB3320, Hawaii, Agribusiness Development Corporation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SP 2350, which would transfer oversight of the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Development Division and the aquaculture and livestock support services branch to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. The Department of Agriculture and ADC both testified, with ADC opposing the bill as written while supporting the goal of strengthening agriculture. ADC said the transfer could create federal operational and coordination risks, jeopardize federal funding and program continuity, and was unnecessary because ADC is a business development entity, not a regulatory agency. The Hawaii Farmers Union also expressed concern that moving the programs could weaken the department’s ability to access federal resources, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau submitted written testimony and the Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association and H-Plan were noted as supporting the measure; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was noted as opposing it. Much of the discussion focused on aquaculture’s economic potential and the role of regulation, permitting, and funding. Committee members questioned why aquaculture had not grown faster, citing current gross revenues of about $66 million last year, a prior high of $82 million, and a possible long-term target of $500 million. Testimony identified permitting and feed costs as major barriers, along with market conditions and water quality issues affecting producers. ADC described ongoing efforts on feed development, permitting streamlining, coastal-state collaboration on seaweed and restorative aquaculture, and national advocacy for more parity in seafood import standards. Members also pressed the Department of Agriculture on its leadership and priorities, criticizing the lack of bills and resources dedicated to aquaculture and asking whether the department should have more authority to pursue land purchases and development opportunities. The department said it relies on divisions and industry feedback for bill ideas, noted it funds an annual aquaculture survey, and said it was pursuing congressional earmarks and other funding for aquaculture parks, research, and export/import issues. ADC said it would work with the department if the bill passed, but that its current statute does not give it regulatory authority and any such change would require a statutory amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first item on the agenda is Senate Bill 38: fees on registered pet food. ...registered pet food.
• I'm a registered lobbyist for the Pet Food Institute.
• Spay and neuter sub-account that comes off the tax that's on pet food.
• Is there an actual tax on anything over this, or is it just the fee to register the food?
• In fact, statewide polling shows that there is sweeping bipartisan support.

Bills: SB38, SB17, SB41, SB264

Keywords: SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks, sexual crimes, statute of limitations

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> food. It was to double food production. food. It was to double food production. &gt;&gt; Yep.
• But the data is important if we're about food security, especially with AI now that scrapes data.
• </c> important if we're about it is food important if we're about it is food security security security
• </c> industries statewide? industries statewide?
• . food. food.

Bills: SB874, SB2097, SB2098, SB2126, SB2154, SB2153, SB2160, SB2123, SB2110

Keywords: veterinary medicine, prescription, consumer rights, transparency, pet medication, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, food system resilience, grant program, Hawaii agriculture, agriculture, clean plant program, disease-free plants, plant propagation, small farms, midsize farms, sustainable farming, Hawaii, data analysis, market study

Summary: The committee heard several agriculture-related bills. SB 874 on veterinary medicine would require veterinarians, upon a client’s request, to provide a written prescription for an animal patient in an existing veterinary client-patient relationship, allow Hawaii-licensed pharmacies to dispense those prescriptions, and authorize the Veterinary Medicine Board to set penalties. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with supporters citing lower costs and consumer choice; the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association said veterinarians already should be doing this and supported the bill if amended. One testifier in opposition argued the bill needed a conspicuous notice requirement so pet owners know they can request prescriptions. Committee members and the Department of Agriculture said they were not aware of widespread problems, and discussion focused on whether the measure was already consistent with current practice and whether amendments would address remaining concerns. The committee also heard SB 2097, which would create a climate-resilient food systems grant program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and appropriate funds. The department, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and others supported the bill, saying it could help farmers and ranchers invest in resilience, infrastructure, and technology. Several testifiers asked for clearer definitions, especially for terms like “food hubs” and “resilience hubs,” and suggested adding technical assistance and clearer eligibility criteria. The department explained the program was intended for shovel-ready projects in the middle of the supply chain, with a focus on farmers in a certain revenue range, and said it was modeled on a USDA program. SB 2098 would establish a clean plant program to produce and distribute disease-free plant material to growers, nurseries, and other producers. Testimony was supportive, emphasizing biosecurity, nursery industry needs, and preventing invasive species and crop disease. The department described the program as using tested clean stock, tissue culture facilities, and data collection to support future planting decisions, and estimated a two-year ramp-up. Members questioned whether the program duplicated existing work at CTR/other partners and whether data collection should be centralized, but the department said the effort would build on existing varieties and partnerships rather than overlap them. Finally, SB 2126 would create a conventional farming grant program for small and midsize conventional farmers. Supporters from the department, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council said conventional agriculture deserves support and that the bill would help increase food production. Opposition and comments focused on the bill’s exclusion of organic farmers; one farmer said the measure was unfair unless amended to include organic producers, while a Farmers Union witness said the bill was too vague about the grant’s purpose and should be clearer about its goals. In response to questions, the department said the exclusion of organic farming was not intentional and that the bill was meant to support all agriculture, though no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• related to food policy in the state to strengthen local food networks and producer-to-consumer access
• This new body aims to improve food security and coordinate sustainable agriculture, supplementing existing
• localized efforts including a Tulsa Food Policy Council in the Oklahoma City food hub.
• This will represent various sectors including farmers, food security initiatives, health departments,
• The idea that more people could eat food or grow their own food is absolutely necessary.

Bills: SB2108, SB2121, SB2171, SB2061, SB2112, SB2138

Keywords: feral swine, nuisance control, wildlife management, hunting permits, agriculture, cultivated meat, food safety, public health, misbranding, advertising, food labeling, food distribution, state regulations, hunting licenses, fishing licenses, veterans, controlled hunts, deer population, wildlife conservation, food policy

Transcript Highlights:

• This new body aims to improve food security and coordinate sustainable agriculture, supplementing existing
• This new body aims to improve food security and coordinate sustainable agriculture, supplementing existing
• localized efforts, including Tulsa Food Policy Council and the Oklahoma City Food Hub.
• This will represent various sectors, including farmers, food security initiatives, health departments
• The idea that more people could eat food or grow their own food is absolutely...

Bills: SB2108, SB2121, SB2171, SB2061, SB2112, SB2138

Keywords: feral swine, nuisance control, wildlife management, hunting permits, agriculture, cultivated meat, food safety, public health, misbranding, advertising, food labeling, food distribution, state regulations, hunting licenses, fishing licenses, veterans, controlled hunts, deer population, wildlife conservation, food policy

Summary: The committee laid over several bills at the start of the meeting, including SB 1550, SB 2173, and SB 2114, and announced a new rule prohibiting video recording on phones in the committee room. The committee then took up a series of agriculture-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on feral hog control, lab-grown meat, hunting regulations, local food policy, open-range cleanup, and prescribed burn liability coverage. SB 2108, as amended, was presented as a feral swine control bill. Supporters said it would reduce property damage, disease spread, and regulatory barriers for landowners and hunters, while opponents raised concerns about people who capture hogs for food and the impact on self-provisioning. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 10-2. SB 2121, which would ban the sale of cell-cultured, lab-grown meat, drew debate over free-market choice versus protecting Oklahoma agriculture and food safety; it passed 9-3. SB 2171, which would extend the residency requirement for a lifetime fishing license from six months to one year and create a velvet buck season under controlled hunts, passed 12-1 after debate about trophy hunting, commercialization, and deer management. SB 2061 would create an Oklahoma Food Policy Council within the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to coordinate local food networks and producer-to-consumer access. Testimony from the agency said some related work is already being done through its Market Development Division, but the council would formalize broader representation; the bill passed 12-1. SB 2112, as amended, cleaned up prior open-range language to include leased land and passed unanimously. SB 2138 would establish a prescribed burn indemnity fund to help cover damages from escaped prescribed burns; members discussed coverage levels, funding, and whether it primarily protects the burner or neighboring landowners. It also passed unanimously. The meeting ended with an announcement about a Marshallese group performing in the rotunda and then adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Healthy foods actually have a positive outcome when it comes to our health.
• For over 125 years, the MGA has been a leading voice for Minnesota's food industry: retailers, food producers
• Low-income families seeking to put more fresh food on their tables.
• Now, in this statute, special event food stands are also included in this.
• Food stands.

Bills: HF2779, HF1645, HF1885, HF1289, HF1534, HF2707, HF1675, HF3046

Keywords: health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration, horizontal consolidation, vertical consolidation, health care ownership, corporate practice, health care regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:12:58.400><c> supports</c> able to use our SNAP um food supports able to use our SNAP um food
• </c> leading voice for Minnesota's food leading voice for Minnesota's food industry.<01:13:57.280><c>
• ><c> producers,</c> 300 retailers, food producers, 300 retailers, food producers, manufacturers,<01:14
• I I grew up um in food insecurity, idea.
• Um and if that happens uh food stands.

Bills: HF2779, HF1645, HF1885, HF1289, HF1534, HF2707, HF1675, HF3046

Keywords: health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration, horizontal consolidation, vertical consolidation, health care ownership, corporate practice, health care regulation