Committee Summary for House Environment and Agriculture (05/20/2025)

Aron, Judy(Chairman)(R)[A-]2025	King, Seth(Clerk)(R)[B+]2025	Barbour, Liz(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2025
Gruber, James(D)[F]2025	Bixby, Peter(D)[F]2025	Sofikitis, Catherine(D)[D-]2025
Freeman, Lisa(R)[B+]2025	Comtois, Barbara(R)[B+]2025	Scully, Kevin(R)[A-]2025
Howard, Molly(D)[D]2025	Wheeler, Jonah(D)[D-]2025	Haskins, Linda(D)[F]2025
Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2025	Kenny, Catherine(R)[B]2025	Germana, Nicholas(D)[F]2025
Miner, Laurence(R)[B]2025

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB302 2025-2219H 00:02:38.400 - 9:31:34 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) requiring background checks for solid waste and hazardous waste facility owners, establishing a solid waste site evaluation committee and temporarily suspends the issuance of solid waste permits by the department of environmental services, relative to the confiscation of animals from persons suspected of or charged with abuse of animals, and establishing a committee to study the animal cruelty statutes.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
Unclear 00:18:36.840 - 9:47:32 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

SB302 2025-2219H: Chairwoman Erin Information Only00:02:38.400 - 9:31:34 AM; Chairwoman Erin opened the executive session for SB302, noted Representative Patenza's absence due to health issues, and introduced an amendment (2025-2219H) to the bill. She mentioned that the amendment incorporated language from a Senate amendment, further amendments suggested by Director Whimsat, and language from the non-germaneness hearing and HB 616 regarding animal cruelty.
SB302 2025-2219H: Representative CompTisa Support00:04:51.720 - 9:33:47 AM; Representative CompTisa expressed gratitude for the inclusion of language from HB 616 in the amendment. He clarified that contrary to misinformation, the bill does not prevent animal seizure without conviction but specifies that investigating officers must be accompanied during cases involving livestock. He emphasized that the bill does not hinder nonprofits from raising funds and supports the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty'.
SB302 2025-2219H: Representative Germana Support00:08:43.839 - 9:37:39 AM; Representative Germana thanked the committee for bipartisan communication and supported the separation of the moratorium and the site evaluation committee into a standalone bill for better negotiation in a committee of conference. He also expressed gratitude to Representative Patenza for her contributions despite her absence.
SB302 2025-2219H: Representative Bixby Support00:10:04.200 - 9:39:00 AM; Representative Bixby supported HB 616, stating it clarifies due process rights for animal seizure, requiring probable cause and imminent danger. He highlighted the importance of removing the appearance of conflict of interest and distinguishing between protective custody and potential criminal situations. He also endorsed the site evaluation committee's placement in a separate bill for better negotiation in a committee of conference.
SB302 2025-2219H: Director Whimset Information Only00:15:32.959 - 9:44:28 AM; Director Whimset raised a concern about the amendment, stating it appears to eliminate the waste management council and appeal references in the division's governing statutes. He pointed out this detail was on page 17, section 10 of the amendment.
SB302 2025-2219H: Representative Germana Support00:17:10.880 - 9:46:06 AM; Representative Germana addressed Director Whimset's concern, noting that the elimination of the waste management council was intentional and would be further discussed in a committee of conference. He believed this could lead to better alternatives in the SEC process.
Unclear: Chairwoman Erin Information Only00:18:36.840 - 9:47:32 AM; Chairwoman Erin announced a field trip to the organic dairy research farm in Lee and the Woodman Horticultural Research Farm in Durham. She also mentioned an invitation from Representative and Leanne Miner to visit their farm in Fremont to observe chicken or duck processing, with dates offered on May 30th or June 2nd. The committee settled on visiting the Miner's farm on May 30th at 10:00 AM.