Committee rejects motion to reconsider backyard‑chickens bill (Senate Bill 1026); minutes approval carried

Representative Mendy moved to reconsider Senate Bill 1026, the backyard‑chickens measure, during the House Agricultural Affairs Committee meeting. The committee held a roll‑call vote on the motion to reconsider; the motion failed 5 to 9.

Representative Mendy (mover) asked that, if reconsidered, the bill be sent to the amending order, and sponsors indicated they were amenable to amendments. Committee members debated whether bringing the bill back without clarifying amendments or ensuring member availability was appropriate; some members said they preferred more time so those absent could participate.

Earlier in the meeting Representative Achilles moved to approve the minutes of the Feb. 26, 2025 committee meeting; the committee approved that motion.

Votes at a glance - Motion to approve minutes for Feb. 26, 2025 — mover: Representative Achilles — outcome: approved (voice vote recorded; no roll‑call tally provided in transcript). - Motion to reconsider Senate Bill 1026 — mover: Representative Mendy — outcome: failed, roll‑call 5 yes, 9 no.

Roll call on motion to reconsider (as read aloud in committee transcript) - Aye/Yes: Andres (aye); Cannon (yes); Ehlers (aye); Eiswinger (aye); Mendy (yes). - Nay/No: Raymond (no); McCann (no); Garner (no); Nelson (no); Pickett (no); Miller (nay); Diegert (no); Shirts (no); Mathias (no).

Why it matters: The motion to reconsider would have brought SB1026 back before the committee for possible amendment and further action. With the motion defeated, the committee did not revive the bill during this meeting.

Ending: The committee adjourned after the vote. No further committee actions on SB1026 were recorded in the transcript.