Committee Summary for House Environment and Agriculture (02/04/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:05:54.360 - 8:34:45 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Chairwoman Aaron Information Only00:05:54.360 - 8:34:45 AM; Chairwoman Aaron opened the environment and agriculture committee's work session, noting they were running late and would start the session. She mentioned that they would discuss several bills, starting with HB 153 FN regarding law enforcement officers' training on animal cruelty. She indicated that the subcommittee, led by Representative Ktoa, was working on changes to the language of the bill based on testimony received.
Unclear: Representative Bixby Information Only00:08:01.159 - 8:36:52 AM; Representative Bixby stated that he did not have any new information about HB 153 FN beyond what was discussed in the subcommittee and mentioned that Representative Ktoa was working on amendments based on the testimony.
Unclear: Representative Haskins Information Only00:09:11.640 - 8:38:02 AM; Representative Haskins noted that in the absence of the subcommittee chair, there was no new information on HB 153 FN. He mentioned that Representative Ktoa had ideas for changes based on the testimony but was currently in another meeting.
Unclear: Representative Ktoa Information Only00:17:50.679 - 8:46:41 AM; Representative Ktoa updated the committee on HB 153 FN, stating that a subcommittee meeting was scheduled for February 14th to discuss the bill and potential amendments. She inquired about members' availability for a 9:00 a.m. start time.
Unclear: Chairwoman Aaron Information Only00:10:05.959 - 8:38:56 AM; Chairwoman Aaron moved on to discuss HB 215 FN, which requires landfill permit applicants to submit a report on the potential harms and benefits of the project. She mentioned that the bill was sent to the solid waste subcommittee and asked for an update from Representative King.
Unclear: Representative King Information Only00:10:05.959 - 8:38:56 AM; Representative King reported that HB 215 FN was sent to the solid waste subcommittee, where Representative Ger was working on amendments in collaboration with the department. He planned to schedule a subcommittee meeting before the next regular committee meeting and mentioned that they would discuss HB 215 and HB 240 together.
Unclear: Representative Ger Information Only00:11:15.519 - 8:40:06 AM; Representative Ger provided an update on HB 215 FN, discussing the ideas for amendments following his meeting with Director Whims. He mentioned a preliminary screening phase to determine net public benefit and the inclusion of other benefits such as economic and infrastructure benefits to balance the list of harms and benefits.
Unclear: Chairwoman Aaron Information Only00:13:13.519 - 8:42:04 AM; Chairwoman Aaron moved to discuss HB 240, which removes the penalty of forfeiture for non-payment of dog licenses. She mentioned that Representative Bixby had an amendment for the bill and that they planned to execute it that morning.
Unclear: Representative Bixby Information Only00:14:36.560 - 8:43:27 AM; Representative Bixby discussed the amendment for HB 240, explaining that it changes the word 'shall' to 'May' in the statute. This change would provide leeway for municipal officials when issuing a warrant for dog confiscation due to non-payment of licenses.
Unclear: Chairwoman Aaron Information Only00:18:52.320 - 8:47:43 AM; Chairwoman Aaron moved on to discuss HB 566, which requires permit applications for new landfills to contain a detailed plan for leachate management. She asked Representative King for an update on the bill.
Unclear: Representative King Information Only00:20:02.360 - 8:48:53 AM; Representative King stated that HB 566 would be discussed in the solid waste subcommittee along with HB 215, with a meeting scheduled for the next Tuesday morning.
Unclear: Representative Haskins Information Only00:20:02.360 - 8:48:53 AM; Representative Haskins mentioned hearing compelling testimony on HB 566 and expressed support for the bill.
Unclear: Representative Ger Information Only00:21:15.320 - 8:50:06 AM; Representative Ger updated the committee on HB 566, stating that amendments were being prepared based on discussions with Director Whims. He mentioned that the amendments would be ready for the subcommittee meeting.
Unclear: Chairwoman Aaron Information Only00:25:21.960 - 8:54:12 AM; Chairwoman Aaron moved on to discuss HB 179, related to hazardous waste accident fees. She asked for any questions or comments on the bill.
Unclear: Representative Bixby Information Only00:25:21.960 - 8:54:12 AM; Representative Bixby discussed the importance of HB 179, emphasizing the need to reimburse firefighting operations for damaged equipment due to hazardous waste accidents. He noted that the proposed mechanism in the bill did not work and was eager to see the amendment.
Unclear: Representative P Information Only00:27:29.200 - 8:56:20 AM; Representative P introduced an amendment to HB 179, changing it to a straight penalty of $1,000 per day after 90 days of non-payment, removing the interest component. The amendment aimed to provide a sufficient incentive for compliance.
Unclear: Representative Comto Information Only00:28:30.720 - 8:57:21 AM; Representative Comto raised concerns about the amendment to HB 179, particularly regarding the impact on homeowners and small farmers. He questioned the proportionality and lack of a cap on penalties.
Unclear: Representative Freeman Information Only00:34:59.480 - 9:03:50 AM; Representative Freeman supported HB 179, highlighting the burden on small fire departments to replace contaminated equipment. He emphasized the bill's aim to collect funds directly from companies responsible for hazardous material incidents.
Unclear: Representative Miner Information Only00:36:05.240 - 9:04:56 AM; Representative Miner asked about the definition of a spill that would require Hazmat involvement, specifically regarding the volume of petroleum or other hazardous materials.
Unclear: Representative Howard Information Only00:37:17.400 - 9:06:08 AM; Representative Howard inquired about the risk to fire department gear during incidents involving underground tanks compared to domestic situations, suggesting a possible exemption for domestic situations.
Unclear: Representative Bixby Information Only00:38:20.640 - 9:07:11 AM; Representative Bixby discussed the oil spill mitigation fund and asked if fire departments could access it to replace equipment. He suggested flexibility in the penalty structure to accommodate cases where insurance companies delay payments.
Unclear: Representative Kwa Information Only00:39:28.920 - 9:08:19 AM; Representative Kwa raised concerns about the impact of HB 179 on hobby farmers, especially those using pesticides. He emphasized the need to consider the consequences for agriculture in the state.
Unclear: Chairwoman Aaron Information Only00:55:47.240 - 9:24:38 AM; Chairwoman Aaron concluded the discussion on HB 179, stating that an amendment would be worked on and discussed the following week before executing the bill.

Aron, Judy(Chairman)(R)[A]2024	King, Seth(Clerk)(R)[A]2024	Comtois, Barbara(V Chairman)(R)[A]2024
Gruber, James(D)	Bixby, Peter(D)[CT]2024	Sofikitis, Catherine(D)[D-]2024
Freeman, Lisa(R)[B+]2018	Scully, Kevin(R)[A-]2018	Barbour, Liz(R)
Howard, Molly(D)[F]2024	Wheeler, Jonah(D)[D+]2024	Haskins, Linda(D)[CT]2024
Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2024	Kenny, Catherine(R)[B+]2024	Germana, Nicholas(D)[CT]2024
Miner, Laurence(R)