General Ag CT - HB6442 AN ACT CONCERNING EQUITABLE ACCESS TO BROADBAND. Primary Sponsor: REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR PURSUANT TO JOINT RULE 9 Summary: To implement the Governor's budget recommendations. Actions: March 19, 2021 • Filed with Legislative Commissioners' Office March 18, 2021 • Joint Favorable March 5, 2021 • Public Hearing 03/09

CT - HB6580 AN ACT CONCERNING AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS. Primary Sponsor: Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee Summary: To require The University of Connecticut to study the feasibility of establishing food and agricultural education programs. Actions: March 22, 2021 • Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis 03/29/21 10:00 AM March 12, 2021 • Filed with Legislative Commissioners' Office March 11, 2021 • Joint Favorable March 5, 2021 • Public Hearing 03/09 March 4, 2021 • Referred to Joint Committee on Higher Education and Employment Advancement

CT - HB6595 AN ACT CONCERNING LABOR MATTERS RELATED TO COVID-19, PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND OTHER STAFFING ISSUES. Primary Sponsor: Labor and Public Employees Committee Summary: To address labor matters related to COVID-19, personal protective equipment and other staffing issues. Actions: March 5, 2021 • Public Hearing 03/11 March 4, 2021 • Referred to Joint Committee on Labor and Public Employees

CT - HB6666 AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH'S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING VARIOUS REVISIONS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH STATUTES. Primary Sponsor: Public Health Committee Summary: To implement the recommendations of the Department of Public Health regarding various revisions to the public health statutes. Actions: March 23, 2021 • Referred to Joint Committee on Public Health

CT - SB14 AN ACT INCREASING THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR A FARM BUILDING. Primary Sponsor: Senator Saud Anwar (D) Summary: To increase the maximum amount of property tax exemption a municipality may opt to provide for a farm building.

CT - SB741 AN ACT EXTENDING FARMER TAX EXEMPTION PERMITS GRANTED TO CERTAIN START-UP FARMERS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. Primary Sponsor: Senator Christine Cohen (D) Summary: To require the Department of Revenue Services to extend a farmer tax exemption permit granted to certain start-up farmers and the time period to show proof of profitability. Actions: March 4, 2021 • Public Hearing 03/08

CT - SB747 AN ACT EXEMPTING FROM THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS TO THE STATE. Primary Sponsor: Senator Catherine A. Osten (D) Summary: To exempt from the personal income tax proceeds from the sale of the development rights of any agricultural land to the state.

MA - H91 for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to agricultural and horticultural lands Primary Sponsor: Representative Paul Schmid (D) Summary: By Mr. Schmid of Westport, a petition (accompanied by proposal for constitutional amendment, House, No. 91) of Paul A. Schmid, III and others for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to agricultural and horticultural lands. Revenue. Actions: March 15, 2021 • Senate concurred • Referred to the committee on Revenue

MA - HD265 An Act to enhance agricultural operations Primary Sponsor: Representative Natalie Blais (D)

MA - HD453 An Act to modernize certain provisions of the agricultural preservation restriction program

MA - HD596 An Act to upgrade hen welfare and establish uniform cage-free standards Primary Sponsor: Representative Daniel Cahill (D)

MA - HD622 An Act relative to expanding agricultural land Primary Sponsor: Representative Paul Schmid (D)

MA - HD627 An Act relative to agricultural crop and property destruction Primary Sponsor: Representative Paul Schmid (D)

MA - HD650 An Act relative to application deadlines for agricultural, horticultural, or recreational land Primary Sponsor: Representative Paul Schmid (D)

MA - HD1394 An Act to create a petition for a New Deal for Foresters in the Commonwealth

MA - HD1918 An Act providing for protections from chemical protections from pesticide chemical trespass in the Commonwealth

MA - HD2312 An Act establishing fairness for agricultural laborers

MA - HD2944 An Act supporting the commonwealth's farmers Primary Sponsor: Representative Natalie Blais (D)

MA - HD3006 An Act to protect pollinator habitat Primary Sponsor: Representative Mary Keefe (D)

MA - HD3316 An Act amending article 99 of the Massachusetts constitution Primary Sponsor: Representative Paul Schmid (D) Summary: By Mr. Schmid of Westport, a petition (accompanied by proposal for constitutional amendment, House, No. 91) of Paul A. Schmid, III and others for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to agricultural and horticultural lands. Revenue. Actions: March 15, 2021 • Senate concurred • Referred to the committee on Revenue

MA - HD3842 An Act promoting urban agriculture and horticulture Primary Sponsor: Representative Elizabeth Malia (D)

MA - HD3986 An Act creating the Massachusetts digital equity broadband adoption program Primary Sponsor: Representative Frank Moran (D)

MA - S36 An Act to upgrade hen welfare and establish uniform cage-free standards Primary Sponsor: Senator Jason Lewis (D) Summary: By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 36) of Jason M. Lewis, Jack Patrick Lewis, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Sheila C. Harrington and other members of the General Court for legislation to further regulate the prevention of cruelty to farm animals. Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. Actions: March 22, 2021 • House concurred March 18, 2021 • Referred to the committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture

MA - SD212 An Act to upgrade hen welfare and establish uniform cage-free standards Primary Sponsor: Senator Jason Lewis (D) Summary: By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 36) of Jason M. Lewis, Jack Patrick Lewis, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Sheila C. Harrington and other members of the General Court for legislation to further regulate the prevention of cruelty to farm animals. Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. Actions: March 22, 2021 • House concurred March 18, 2021 • Referred to the committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture

MA - SD238 An Act relative to large-scale solar energy installations on agricultural or recreational land of the commonwealth

MA - SD598 An Act to promote urban agriculture and horticulture

MA - SD940 An Act relative to anaerobic digestion

MA - SD1247 An Act relative to anaerobic digestion and agricultural energy

MA - SD1266 An Act encouraging the use of renewable energy on agricultural land

MA - SD1734 An Act relative to the separation of cranberry bogs from agricultural use for renewable energy purposes

MA - SD1843 An Act relative to exemptions from taxation of structures and buildings essential to the operation of agricultural and horticultural lands

MA - SD1852 An Act An Act Supporting the Commonwealth’s Farmers

MA - SD1895 An Act establishing fairness for agricultural workers

MA - SD2106 An Act providing a local option to allow more solar energy generation on farmlands

MA - SD2238 An Act to sustain natural and working lands carbon in communities

MA - SD2423 An Act creating the Massachusetts digital equity broadband adoption program

MA - SD2437 An Act supporting solar energy deployment in the Commonwealth

ME - LD204 An Act To Amend the Law Regarding the Interest Rate for State Loans under the Potato Marketing Improvement Fund Primary Sponsor: Harold STEWART Amendments: C-A (S-23) Emergency Actions: March 11, 2021 • Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence. • Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-23). • Committee Amendment "A" (S-23) READ and ADOPTED. • READ ONCE. • Report READ and ACCEPTED.

ME - LD519 An Act To Protect Children from Exposure to Toxic Chemicals Primary Sponsor: Representative Lori K. Gramlich (D)

ME - LD568 An Act To Establish a Working Farmland Access and Protection Program within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and a Working Farmland Access and Protection Fund within the Land for Maine's Future Program Primary Sponsor: Representative William D. Pluecker (I) Actions: February 22, 2021 • The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401. • Received by the Clerk of the House on February 22, 2021.

ME - LD933 An Act To Facilitate the Expansion of Broadband to Unserved Areas of the State Primary Sponsor: Representative Seth A. Berry (D) Actions: March 10, 2021 • The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY in concurrence • Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH. • The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY. • Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology suggested and ordered printed.

ME - LD1022 An Act To Make Agricultural Workers and Other Workers Employees under the Wage and Hour Laws Primary Sponsor: Representative Thom Harnett (D) Actions: March 10, 2021 • The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on LABOR AND HOUSING in concurrence • Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH. • The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on LABOR AND HOUSING. • Committee on Labor and Housing suggested and ordered printed.

NH - HB308 relative to broadband access to pole attachments. Primary Sponsor: Representative William Marsh (R)

NH - SB44 (New Title) establishing the New Hampshire workforce pathway program. Primary Sponsor: Senator Jay Kahn (D) Amendments: Amendment 2021-0783s Actions: March 17, 2021 • Introduced (in recess of) 02/25/2021 and referred to Education March 11, 2021 • Ought to Pass with Amendment 2021-0783s, RC 22Y-2N, MA; OT3rdg; 03/11/2021; SJ 7 • Sen. Giuda Floor Amendment # 2021-0783s, RC 24Y-0N, AA; 03/11/2021; SJ 7 March 3, 2021 • Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 03/11/2021; SC 14

NH - SB85 establishing a broadband matching grant initiative and fund. Primary Sponsor: Senator Jeb Bradley (R) Amendments: Amendment 2021-0449s Actions: March 16, 2021 • Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 03/25/2021; SC 16 March 4, 2021 • Ought to Pass with Amendment 2021-0449s, RC 24Y-0N, MA; Refer to Finance Rule 4-5; 03/04/2021; SJ 6 • Committee Amendment # 2021-0449s, RC 24Y-0N, AA; 03/04/2021; SJ 6

NH - SB148 adopting omnibus legislation relative to vocational and career education, environmental education, and emergency plans for sports injuries. Primary Sponsor: Senator Ruth Ward (R) Amendments: Amendment 2021-0764s Actions: March 18, 2021 • Ought to Pass with Amendment 2021-0764s, RC 23Y-1N, MA; OT3rdg; 03/18/2021; SJ 8 • Committee Amendment # 2021-0764s, RC 23Y-1N, AA; 03/18/2021; SJ 8 March 11, 2021 • Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2021-0764s, 03/18/2021; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 15

NJ - A4 "New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020"; provides for administration of programs and policies related to jobs, property development, food deserts, community partnerships, small and early stage businesses, State procurement, wind energy, and film production, and makes an appropriation. Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Eliana Pintor Marin (D)

NJ - A298 Allows commercial farms to hold 14 special occasion events per year. Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Vincent Mazzeo (D)

NJ - A1116 Provides for uniform regulation of small wireless facility deployment in this State. Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Carol A. Murphy (D)

NJ - A2703 Provides credits against corporation business and gross income taxes for qualified farmers that develop housing for their agricultural workforce. Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Vincent Mazzeo (D)

NJ - A2773 Allows certain preserved farms in certain counties to hold 14 special occasion events per year during three -year pilot program; imposes further event restrictions on residentially-exposed preserved farms. Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Vincent Mazzeo (D)

NJ - A3104 Requires certain retailers to provide notice of FAA safety guidelines for flying drones to consumers. Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember John F. McKeon (D)

NJ - A3939 Revises definition of seasonal employment in wage and hour law to exclude all farm labor. Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Eric Houghtaling (D)

NJ - A4149 Directs Dept. of Agriculture to purchase agricultural food products from NJ farmers impacted by coronavirus pandemic, and distribute products to school breakfast and lunch programs and food banks; appropriate $1 million. Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Antwan L. McClellan (R)

NJ - A4404 "Farm Worker Epidemic Health and Safety Act"; concerns public health and certain protections for farm workers. Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Annette Quijano (D)

NJ - A4505 Appropriates $5 million in federal funds to Department of Health for grants to farmers for purchase of protective health materials for farm workers. Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Annette Quijano (D)

NJ - A4549 The "Farm Labor Equality Act." Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Annette Quijano (D)

NJ - A4804 Modifies process for obtaining working certificates for minors. Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Joann Downey (D)

NJ - A4808 Establishes office in EDA to assist in provision and expansion of broadband Internet service in State to address inequities in accessing broadband service. Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Andrew Zwicker (D)

NJ - A5189 Establishes farmland preservation inheritance tax deduction program within Department of Agriculture. Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Adam J. Taliaferro (D)

NJ - A5356 Establishes "Rural Business Development Program" in EDA; appropriates $35 million to EDA from federal funds. Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Annette Quijano (D) Actions: February 22, 2021 • Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee

NJ - ACR160 Urges Congress to pass "Student Agriculture Protection Act of 2019." Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Ronald S. Dancer (R)

NJ - S533 Provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits to small business employers and farm employers for increases in certain mandatory employer contributions. Primary Sponsor: Senator Stephen M. Sweeney (D)

NJ - S972 Concerns skilled and trained workforce in work by contractors in certain industries. Primary Sponsor: Senator Fred H. Madden Jr. (D)

NJ - S1158 Provides tuition fee waiver apprenticeship courses. Primary Sponsor: Senator M. Teresa Ruiz (D)

NJ - S1458 Expands EDA small business loan program to include certain broadband telecommunications service providers. Primary Sponsor: Senator Michael L. Testa Jr. (R)

NJ - S2602 "Farm Worker Epidemic Health and Safety Act"; concerns public health and certain protections for farm workers. Primary Sponsor: Senator M. Teresa Ruiz (D)

NJ - S3086 Establishes office in EDA to assist in provision and expansion of broadband Internet service in State to address inequities in accessing broadband service. Primary Sponsor: Senator M. Teresa Ruiz (D)

NJ - S3273 Requires NJEDA to establish loan program to assist beginning farmers in financing capital purchases. Primary Sponsor: Senator Thomas H. Kean Jr. (R)

NJ - S3295 "New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020"; provides for administration of programs and policies related to jobs, property development, food deserts, community partnerships, small and early stage businesses, State procurement, wind energy, and film production, and makes an appropriation. Primary Sponsor: Senator M. Teresa Ruiz (D)

NJ - S3484 Increases amount of solar energy generation on lands eligible for farmland assessment under certain conditions; revises law concerning solar energy generation on preserved farmland; directs BPU to provide certain incentives to "dual-use" solar projects on unpreserved farmland. Primary Sponsor: Senator Bob Smith (D) Actions: February 23, 2021 • Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee

NY - A761 Establishes an essential workers' bill of rights Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Nily Rozic Summary: Establishes an essential workers' bill of rights; provides that all employers shall provide essential workers with personal protective equipment, inform such workers of exposure to any disease related to a state disaster emergency, and not retaliate for any report of an unsafe work environment; provides certain employers shall make hazard payments and cover the costs of any child care or health care needed by such essential workers for the duration of the state disaster emergency.

NY - A952 Directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets to work with the state's land grant university system to produce a report to provide recommendations on the state's farm and food supply Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Donna Lupardo Summary: Directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets, in coordination with the commissioner of economic development, to work with the state's land grant university system to produce a report to provide advice, guidance, and recommendations on improving the resiliency and self-reliance of the state's farm and food supply and the related supply chain logistics to address food shortages, food waste, and the inability to get New York farm goods to markets that occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the goal of creating permanent solutions beyond the state of emergency to reflect the changing wholesale, retail and consumer marketplace; makes related provisions.

NY - A3084 Relates to land used in agricultural production Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Aileen Gunther Summary: Relates to land used in agricultural production including field crops grown and consumed on a farm by animals on such farm. NY - A3822 Relates to the farm laborers wage board Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Chris Tague Summary: Amends provisions related to the farm laborers wage board, including how many times they must meet each year and additional considerations the wage board shall make when making a report to the governor and the legislature.

NY - A3886 Increases the amount of the farm workforce retention credit Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Donna Lupardo Summary: Increases the amount of the farm workforce retention credit from $600 to $1,200 per farm employee.

NY - A5306 Provides a real property tax exemption to agricultural lands that are used for certain purposes Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Joe Angelino

NY - A5309 Enacts the "New York farmer recruitment and retention act of 2022" and appropriates monies to implement certain provisions thereof Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Joe Angelino Summary: Enacts the "New York farmer recruitment and retention act"; directs the board of regents and the education department to investigate and study undergraduate agricultural programs with the goal of identifying programs which encourage entry into agricultural production; establishes agriculture producer scholarships for students who agree to be agriculture producers in the state for a certain period of time after graduation; establishes the producer's loan forgiveness program; directs the board of regents and the education department to establish and implement an outreach program to encourage elementary and secondary school students to enter the agricultural field; directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets to report to the governor and the legislature on reducing taxation on land used in agricultural production; appropriates funds therefor.

NY - A6327 Requires broadband service providers to offer low-income households a discount on their broadband service bill Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Amy Paulin Summary: Requires broadband service providers to offer low-income households a discount on their broadband service bill to a maximum standard rate of fifty dollars. Actions: March 15, 2021 • Referred To Corporations, Authorities And Commissions

NY - A6381 Relates to providing fresh produce to food deserts in the state Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Anna Kelles Summary: Establishes in the department of agriculture and markets a program to purchase fresh produce from farms located in the state and distribute such produce to areas determined by the commissioner of agriculture and markets to be food deserts and promotes opportunities for farm ownership among under-represented farmers, including farmers who are black, indigenous, or people of color. Actions: March 16, 2021 • Referred To Agriculture

NY - A6391 Establishes the NY food insecurity, farm resiliency and rural poverty initiative; repealer; appropriation Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Chris Tague Summary: Establishes the NY food insecurity, farm resiliency and rural poverty initiative to provide financial assistance in the form of matching grants, hiring assistance, purchasing assistance, tax credits, tax exemptions, and reimbursements. Actions: March 17, 2021 • Referred To Agriculture

NY - A6408 Includes urban farming within farm operations for purposes of agricultural districts Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn Actions: March 17, 2021 • Referred To Agriculture

NY - S2135 Relates to agricultural custom operators Primary Sponsor: Senator Michelle Hinchey Actions: March 4, 2021 • Referred To Agriculture • Delivered To Assembly Passed Senate

NY - S2249 Relates to setting the rate of credit per kilowatt hour for farm waste generating equipment customer-generators, which includes the anaerobic digestion of agricultural waste Primary Sponsor: Senator Pamela Helming Summary: Relates to setting the rate of credit per kilowatt hour for farm waste generating equipment customer-generators, which includes the anaerobic digestion of agricultural waste; sets a rate for anaerobic digestion of agricultural waste to at least 12 cents per kilowatt hour.

NY - S2290 Provides a tax credit for the purchase of on-farm anaerobic digesters or other farm-related equipment that is used in the process of turning farm waste into methane for commercial use Primary Sponsor: Senator Daphne Jordan

NY - S3502 Increases the amount of the farm workforce retention credit Primary Sponsor: Senator Michelle Hinchey Summary: Increases the amount of the farm workforce retention credit from $600 to $1,200 per farm employee.

NY - S4100 Relates to agricultural assessments on property which is converted for purposes of oil or gas exploration or solar development Primary Sponsor: Senator Kevin S. Parker Summary: Provides that property receiving an agricultural assessment which is converted for purposes of oil or gas exploration shall be subject to payments equaling five times the taxes saved in the last year in which the land benefited from an agricultural assessment; exempts property converted for solar development from such payments. NY - S4264 Relates to enacting the climate and community investment act Primary Sponsor: Senator Kevin S. Parker Summary: Enacts the climate and community investment act; prioritizes the allocation of public investments in disadvantaged communities; addresses climate change challenges through the expansion and growth of clean and renewable energy sources; adopts best value requirements for the solicitation, evaluation and award of renewable energy projects; establishes a community just transition program; establishes a climate pollution fee and a household and small business energy rebate; and creates the climate and community investment authority. Actions: March 22, 2021 • Print Number 4264a • Amend (t) And Recommit To Environmental Conservation

NY - S4582 Relates to allowing snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles to be registered as farm vehicles Primary Sponsor: Senator Joseph A. Griffo Summary: Allows snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles to be registered as farm vehicles upon approval by the commissioner.

NY - S4707 Relates to establishing a carbon farming tax credit for farmers Primary Sponsor: Senator Kevin S. Parker Summary: Establishes a tax credit for farmers who maximize carbon sequestration potential through a "carbon farming" land management strategy; directs DEC to develop regulations related to certifying the amount of carbon sequestered or emissions reduced. Actions: March 4, 2021 • Referred To Agriculture • Delivered To Assembly • Passed Senate March 3, 2021 • Advanced To Third Reading March 2, 2021 • 2nd Report Cal. March 1, 2021 • 1st Report Cal.462 February 23, 2021 • Reported And Committed To Finance

NY - S5153 Provides insurance corporations with a tax credit for investments made in rural business growth funds; establishes the New York agriculture and rural jobs fund Primary Sponsor: Senator Rachel May Summary: Relates to providing insurance corporations with a tax credit for investments made in rural business growth funds; establishes the New York agriculture and rural jobs fund. Actions: February 25, 2021 • Referred To Investigations And Government Operations

NY - S5181 Establishes a forestry stewardship and habitat conservation credit for personal income and business franchise taxes Primary Sponsor: Senator Dan Stec Actions: February 26, 2021 • Referred To Budget And Revenue

NY - S5481 Relates to preserving premium reimbursement eligibility for fairs and expositions which are unable to have events due to the outbreak of COVID-19 Primary Sponsor: Senator Peter Oberacker Summary: Preserves premium reimbursement eligibility for organizations which are unable to have fairs or expositions due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Actions: March 8, 2021 • Referred To Agriculture

PA - HB216 An Act restricting local government from certain regulation of agritourism. Primary Sponsor: Representative F. Todd Polinchock (R)

PA - HB714 An Act providing for protection of existing riparian buffers, for restoration of impaired riparian buffers, for exemptions, for municipal authority, for powers and duties of Department of Environmental Protection, for property inspections, for delegation to a municipality, for municipal action appeals, for penalties, civil action and liability for costs and for effect on other Commonwealth laws or regulations and municipal ordinances. Primary Sponsor: Representative Joe Webster (D) Actions: March 1, 2021 • Referred to ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY

PA - HB810 An Act amending the act of June 22, 1937 (P.L.1987, No.394), known as The Clean Streams Law, in scope and purpose, further providing for fences along streams. Primary Sponsor: Representative P. Michael Sturla (D) Actions: March 8, 2021 • Referred to ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY

PA - HB827 An Act amending Title 72 (Taxation and Fiscal Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, establishing microenterprise loan programs and abating real property assessment. Primary Sponsor: Representative Keith Gillespie (R) Actions: March 8, 2021 • Referred to URBAN AFFAIRS

PA - HB899 An Act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Agriculture Rapid Response Disaster Readiness Account, further providing for eligible disaster funding and for Agriculture Rapid Response Disaster Readiness Account. Primary Sponsor: Representative Liz Hanbidge (D) Actions: March 15, 2021 • Referred to AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

PA - HB956 An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, in emergency COVID-19 response, establishing the County Block Grant - Broadband Deployment and Development Program. Primary Sponsor: Representative Jason Ortitay (R) Actions: March 17, 2021 • Referred to CONSUMER AFFAIRS

PA - SB64 An Act amending the act of June 30, 1981 (P.L.128, No.43), known as the Agricultural Area Security Law, further providing for purchase of agricultural conservation easements, for Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Fund and for Land Trust Reimbursement Program. Primary Sponsor: Senator Scott Martin (R) Actions: February 26, 2021 • Referred to AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS February 23, 2021 • In the House • Remarks see Senate Journal Page .... • Third consideration and final passage (42-4) • Re-reported as committed

PA - SB251 An Act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, repealing provisions relating to fertilizer; providing for fertilizer; in soil and plant amendment, further providing for disposition of funds; in seed, further providing for disposition of funds; establishing the Agronomic Regulatory Account within the General Fund; imposing duties on the Department of Agriculture; and making conforming amendments. Primary Sponsor: Senator Gene Yaw (R) Actions: February 26, 2021 • Referred to AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

PA - SB465 An Act providing for the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program and imposing powers and duties on the State Conservation Commission. Primary Sponsor: Senator Gene Yaw (R) Actions: March 22, 2021 Referred to AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

RI - HB5148 AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE RHODE ISLAND BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (Establishes broadband coordinator and council.) Primary Sponsor: Representative Deborah Ruggiero Actions: February 23, 2021 • Committee recommended measure be held for further study

RI - SB468 AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY - THE AGRICULTURE BUREAU ACT (Establishes various programs for the increase of local agriculture including grants to residents to grow gardens and establish community cooperatives. Establishes ecosystem restoration program and broadens states power to take land.) Primary Sponsor: Senator Kendra Anderson Actions: March 4, 2021 • Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture March 11, 2021 • Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/17/2021) March 17, 2021 • Committee recommended measure be held for further study

RI - SB552 AN ACT FOOD AND DRUGS -- SANITATION IN FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS -- HOME FOOD MANUFACTURE ACT (Amends the current law that allows farmers to sell produce directly to consumers by directing the department of health to permit home food manufacture and sales direct to consumers.) Primary Sponsor: Senator Alana DiMario Actions: March 4, 2021 • Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs

VT - H88 An act relating to certification of agricultural use for purposes of the use value appraisal program Primary Sponsor: Representative David Durfee (D) Actions: March 10, 2021 • Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Agriculture March 9, 2021 • Rules suspended and bill messaged forthwith to the Senate as moved by Rep. McCoy of Poultney • Read Third time and Passed • Rules suspended and bill placed in all remaining stages of passage as moved by Rep. McCoy of Poultney • Third Reading Ordered • Report of Committee on Agriculture and Forestry agreed to. • Rep. Canfield of Fair Haven recommended for the committee on Ways and Means • Rep. Pearl of Danville reported for the committee on Agriculture and Forestry • Read Second Time February 25, 2021 • Referred to Committee on Ways and Means per Rule 35(a)

VT - H89 An act relating to limiting liability for agritourism Primary Sponsor: Representative Michael Yantachka (D) Actions: February 25, 2021 • Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary February 23, 2021 • Read Third time and Passed

VT - H360 An act relating to accelerated community broadband deployment Actions: March 23, 2021 • Rep. Sibilia of Dover reported for the committee on Energy and Technology • Read Second Time March 11, 2021 • Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Rule 35(a) February 26, 2021 • Referred to Committee on Ways and Means per Rule 35(a) • Committee Bill read first time

VT - H420 An act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects Actions: March 17, 2021 • Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Agriculture March 12, 2021 • Read Third time and Passed March 11, 2021 • Third Reading Ordered • Rep. O'Brien of Tunbridge reported for the committee on Agriculture and Forestry • Read Second Time March 9, 2021 • Committee bill read the first time and placed on Notice Calendar on March 10, 2021

VT - H434 An act relating to establishing the Agricultural Innovation Board Actions: March 19, 2021 • Read Third time and Passed • Amendment as offered by Rep. Norris of Shoreham agreed to March 18, 2021 • Third Reading Ordered • Rep. Toleno of Brattleboro recommended for the committee on Appropriations • Rep. Norris of Sheldon reported for the committee on Agriculture and Forestry • Read Second Time March 16, 2021 • Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Rule 35(a) • Committee Bill read first time

VT - S61 An act relating to the definition of agricultural land for the purposes of use value appraisals Primary Sponsor: Senator Robert Starr (D)

VT - S102 An act relating to the regulation of agricultural inputs for farming Actions: March 23, 2021 • Consideration postponed Wednesday, March 24, 2021 March 19, 2021 • Consideration postponed to Wednesday, March 24, 2021 on motion of Senator Starr • Favorable report by Committee on Finance • Favorable report by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy • New Business/Committee Bill for Second Reading March 18, 2021 • Favorable report by Committee on Finance • Favorable report by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy • Committee Bill for Second Reading • Entered on Notice Calendar March 16, 2021 • Referred to Committee on Finance per Senate Rule 31 • Favorable report by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy • Committee Bill for Second Reading • Entered on Notice Calendar February 26, 2021 • On motion of Senator Pearson, rules suspended bill was committed to the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy • Committee bill read first time & placed on Notice Calendar per Senate Rule 48