Video & Transcript Research : 'benchmark tests'
Page 113 of 419
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/10/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:04:29.200>
project <00:04:29.960>that <00:04:30.400>uh, <00:04:30.520>tested - funded pilot project that uh, tested funded pilot project that uh, tested master<00:04:31.560>
- and implement methods to expand test and implement methods to expand mattress<00:13:00.440>
and <00:47:43.600>- Educators test, and the test equipment and all of the consumable supplies are 100% funded through this
- > test
equipment Educators test and the test equipment Educators test and the - and implement methods to expand test and implement methods to expand mattress<00:13:00.440>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And then, um, a section on classification tests.
- And then, um, a section on classification tests.
- If there's a four-page document of the tests, DEED, DLI, and revenue, and they are all different.
- , at a four page document of the tests, at a four page document of the tests, deed,<01:45:07.520>
- What should the what a test looks like.
Summary:
The Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee met to discuss worker misclassification, beginning with approval of the March 4, 2026 minutes and a note that a late-posted bill would not be heard at this time. Chair Pinto opened the hearing by framing misclassification as timely and invited Lea Takapu of the Attorney General’s office to explain the issue. Takapu described misclassification as labeling workers as independent contractors when they are really employees, which can deprive workers of minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and other protections while also reducing tax revenue. She said the Attorney General’s office and the MEAP partnership have been working on the issue and cited estimates that Minnesota workers lose billions annually and the state loses hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars in revenue, while noting that legitimate independent contracting is not the target.
Members questioned how the committee could rely on estimates when the exact number of misclassified workers is unknown. Takapu responded that the figures were based on studies and complaint data, and that underground or undocumented work makes exact counts difficult. Chair Pinto noted the numbers were estimates and referenced a 2024 Legislative Auditor finding that Minnesota lacked an adequate, coordinated approach to proper worker classification, while saying progress had been made since then.
Several industry witnesses then testified in support of stronger enforcement. Kevin Pranis of LiUNA said misclassification remains rampant in parts of construction, especially drywall, stucco, thin stone, and broadband installation, and argued it is tax, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation fraud that harms law-abiding contractors and taxpayers. Matt Wollers of Braxton and Sons said his company loses bids to competitors that misclassify workers, creating a labor-cost advantage of 30% or more, and asked for meaningful enforcement rather than new legislation, including regular unannounced jobsite visits. Jesse Madison of Purple Tally Productions said misclassification is anti-competition and described examples from live events and entertainment, urging front-end checks on workers’ compensation, unemployment coverage, and W-2 versus 1099 status before work begins. The next testifier, Ben Ballou of the Minnesota Nurses Association, began his remarks as the transcript ended.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Electricity as Vehicle Fuel Working Group 10/15/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The first picture on the left shows our test equipment on a vehicle scale.
- The silver cart that you see contains 10,000 pounds of certified test weights.
- The first picture on the left shows our test equipment on a vehicle scale.
- The silver cart that you see contains 10,000 pounds of certified test weights.
- <00:26:29.120>
to samples through a battery of tests to samples through a battery of tests
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 21 Mar 9th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Who provides oversight on the medical testing, counseling, or care? Thank you for that question.
- This is where I was asking the question about the Miller test. The Miller test is defined here.
- So, then you would agree that the language that includes the Miller test, the three-prong test for what
- Now, if we had the Miller test in here, it wouldn't be a problem. But we don't.
- I move on the clerk's test is clear the house jann until Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Bills:
HR1036, HB2975, HB3026, HB3297, HB2981, HB2978, HB4144, HB1322, HB1818, HB3194, HB3767, HB3342, HB3344, HB4170, HB3287, HB3288, HB4454, HB3264, HB3266, HB3268, HB4095, HB4115, HB4316, HB3530, HB3428, HB4272, HB4273, HB4274, HB3405, HB3406, HB3467, HB3469, HB3931
Keywords:
poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture, water quality, pollution prevention, best management practices, kindergarten, military families, education policy, school districts, international military dependents, age eligibility, towing services, Oklahoma Wrecker and Towing Services Fund, Department of Labor, vehicle storage fees, consumer protection, nonconsensual towing, open meetings
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- bacteriological samples with approved on-site testing equipment.
- Use on-site testing equipment that is approved by the EPA to detect bacteriological material.
- Even though they have to buy the device to do the testing, they recoup the cost relatively quickly.
- If they want to pay for that and come in and test more, fine.
- These patients are being served, but they're not being served with product that is tested.
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, marijuana, rural opportunity, dispensary, economic development, licensing, social equity, unserved communities, Arizona, small modular reactors, energy regulation, environmental compatibility, utility construction, agricultural use
Summary:
The committee took up several appropriations and policy bills, beginning with SB 1488, which would provide $600,000 for a workforce development study on coal-impacted communities in northern Arizona, including areas affected by the closure of the Navajo Generating Station. The sponsor and supporters said the study is intended to help communities transition economically, diversify, and support new jobs; the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. SB 1523, appropriating $340,000 to the Navajo Nation for the Ganado waterline pipeline project, was also advanced after testimony that the project would bring clean drinking water to about 235 homes and that the remaining funding gap had been reduced to the requested amount; it passed 7-0 with one member not voting.
The committee then approved SB 1041, which would appropriate $500,000 to the Arizona Trail Fund. Supporters described the Arizona Trail as a statewide recreational and cultural asset that needs maintenance and continued support, and the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. SB 1445, which would allow smaller cities and towns to use approved on-site bacteriological testing equipment and limit how often ADEQ may require sampling, drew concern from one member about whether the language could be read as restricting sampling during discharge events, but supporters said it would save small towns money; it passed 5-3.
Members also advanced SB 1580, a $2.545 million appropriation for fire incident management software and hardware for fire and law enforcement agencies. Fire officials said the platform would improve accountability, information sharing, drone integration, and interoperability during incidents; the bill passed 5-3. SB 1363, which would create additional rural dispensary licensing opportunities for underserved areas, drew support from rural advocates and opposition from the dispensary industry over the number of licenses and transferability language; it passed 8-0. SB 1418, which would streamline siting for small modular nuclear reactors in certain counties, was supported by proponents who argued it would help Arizona meet future energy demand and opposed by counties and environmental groups concerned about local zoning, public review, and waste; it passed 5-3. Finally, SB 1419, a rooftop solar consumer-protection bill requiring added disclosures and inspections, was supported by county officials and some consumer advocates but opposed by solar industry representatives and environmental groups who said it could discourage rooftop solar and restrict speech; it passed 6-2. The committee then began hearing SB 1447, which would extend the groundwater withdrawal fee moratorium and related fund deadlines for Pinal County water projects, with supporters saying the extension is needed to continue well rehabilitation and infrastructure work after Colorado River and CAP-related cuts.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:17:37.120>
and through a couple years of testing and through a couple years of testing - So, that's not changing at all, and they'll just fail the test.
- So, that's not changing at all, and they'll just fail the test.
- , knowledge test, knowledge test, you<00:50:04.160>
know, <00:50:04.319>people <00:50 - Um and so we've test. I do both parts.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (04/09/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- I want him to take the test, too, whereas I would think he probably won't want to take the test because
- I want him to take the test, too, whereas I would think he probably won't want to take the test because
- I want him to take the test, too, whereas I would think he probably won't want to take the test because
- Well, because it applies to say in test?
- <02:14:14.480>
at agree to to volunteer take testing at agree to to volunteer take testing
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 23rd, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- But many agencies can't afford this testing.
- , how many tested over the legal THC limit..." "...the weight of substances tested, how many tested over
- the legal THC limit, the types of substances tested, the average cost per test, any resulting cases,
- weight of substance tested, how many tested over the legal THC limit, the types of substances tested,
- He said those personnel go through psychological testing, physical testing, academic farms, and investigations
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several public safety, criminal justice, and regulatory bills. HB 4995 would create a training and certification program allowing licensed physicians and certain EMS personnel assigned to tactical units to carry firearms during high-risk deployments, with supporters saying it would let tactical medical staff protect themselves while providing immediate care; the bill was left pending. HB 2609 would repeal the failure-to-appear-or-pay/OmniBase license-hold program, with the author and advocates arguing it creates compounding debt and unnecessary barriers to driving, while judges and municipal court representatives said the program is a voluntary, cost-effective tool that improves court appearances and reduces warrants; the bill was also left pending. HB 4879 would create a grant program to help local law enforcement pay for lab testing of suspected hemp/Delta-9 THC substances, and HB 5436 would let licensed auto recyclers buy certain untitled vehicles for scrap or parts to curb illegal sales, VIN cloning, and chop shops; both measures were left pending after brief testimony in support.
The committee also heard HB 1777, which would require a discrete designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for people required to register as sex offenders. The author and supporters argued the marker would help law enforcement and businesses quickly identify potentially dangerous offenders and prevent harm, while opponents called it a stigmatizing “scarlet letter” that would increase harassment, family harm, and reintegration barriers. The bill was left pending. HB 4155 would create a two-year Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force in the Governor’s Office to study family violence homicides, gather stakeholders, and recommend policy changes; the author, HHSC, the Texas Council on Family Violence, and a survivor testified in support, and the bill was left pending.
The committee also heard HB 4514, which would authorize DPS to use facial image verification, with consent and privacy safeguards, to help businesses confirm identities and combat fraud; supporters from the lumber and identity-verification industries said it would reduce theft and fraud, and the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 5139 would clarify that peace officers and jailers are justified in using less lethal force weapons when acting within training and official duties; law enforcement groups supported the measure as a way to encourage use of less lethal tools without fear of prosecution, and testimony was underway when the transcript ended.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Public Higher Education Study Committee (03/03/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- CCSNH began to pilot tests at National Community College.
- test transfer something something something something system<00:39:22.760>
E <00:39:23.040> - I think and I'm correct me if I tests I think and I'm correct me if I get<00:39:42.359>
these - but test is the transfer<00:39:49.160>
equivalency <00:39:50.160>and <00:39:50.440> - at National community to Pilot tests at National community College<00:39:58.000>
we're <00:39:
Summary:
The Public Higher Education Study Committee held an organizational meeting and received an update from the university and community college systems on implementation of recommendations from the governor’s higher education task force. The systems said the task force report contained about 40 recommendations, and they have focused first on operational items while continuing to work on larger policy issues, including better alignment of public higher education with workforce and economic development needs. The committee also discussed reporting requirements under the amended law and whether quarterly reports are required or whether annual updates are sufficient unless the committee requests more.
A major topic was expanding Early College and dual-enrollment opportunities. The chancellors reported strong growth in Early College participation, significant student and family savings, and state scholarship support that they described as producing a strong return on investment. They said the goal is to build clearer pathways so students can earn college credit, reduce debt, and stay in New Hampshire for postsecondary education. They also noted ongoing work to simplify admissions and transfer processes, including about 100 transfer pathways between the systems, direct-admit efforts for community college and university students, and continued development of transfer equivalency tools.
Members pressed the systems and the Department of Education on direct outreach to high school students, especially juniors, so students would know they are eligible for direct admission and other opportunities. The main obstacle discussed was access to student contact information, with officials saying the issue may involve contract limits with the College Board and possibly statutory constraints on sharing data. Department of Education staff said they are meeting with the systems and vendors to determine what changes are needed. Committee members urged faster action so students and families can receive letters or other notices about in-state options, affordability programs such as Granite Guarantee, and pathways to community college and university enrollment.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 13 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 4225, authorizing the town of Marblehead to establish a means-tested senior citizen property
- The House bill, relative to the establishment of a Milton means-tested property tax exemption.
- The House bill, authorizing the town of Marblehead to establish a means-tested senior citizen property
- An act relative to the establishment of a Milton means-tested property tax exemption.
- An act authorizing the town of Marblehead to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption
Summary:
The House took up several procedural orders from the Committee on Rules extending reporting deadlines for the Education, Mental Health/Substance Use/Recovery, and Revenue committees, and each order was adopted after suspension of the rules. The chamber also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several petitions to be referred, including measures on consumer-connected devices, a trail designation in Groton, beach and habitat management, genetic discrimination in insurance, and antitrust enforcement.
The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported a slate of bills for House consideration, including measures on Taunton water billing, public insurance adjusters, electronic filing for property valuation forms, tax payment interest rates, local property tax exemptions in Milton and Marblehead, a tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a Rentham deputy chief, and West Tisbury’s affordable housing trust fund. The House ordered these bills to a third reading after suspending Rule 7A.
The House then passed several engrossed bills to be enacted, including local measures on Boston police age waivers, Bridgewater town council stipends and town manager procedures, and a Cambridge employment and job training trust. Later, the House concurred in a Senate amendment to the Rockland charter bill, passed a Wellesley property tax deferral bill and a Harrell police civil service age-waiver bill to be engrossed, and adopted an order to meet again Wednesday at 11 a.m. before adjourning.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Consumer Protection - 02/25/2026
Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- So a few weeks ago, I had the emissions tested for my gas stove, and the test involved... ...the emissions
- tested for my gas stove, and the test involves like getting a baseline before the stove is turned on
- and then you have the stove on for half an hour and they test in the kitchen and the room upstairs,
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Consumer Protection met for its second meeting of 2026, with Chair Rachel May noting National Consumer Protection Week and mentioning upcoming consumer fraud outreach and new online fraud-reporting tools from the Attorney General. The committee considered eight bills focused on consumer issues, including junk fees, arbitration transparency, gas stove labeling, retailer biometric tracking notices, credit monitoring services, and youth sports recording rights.
Several bills were advanced with little or no opposition. S.363A on clear and conspicuous pricing for mandatory junk fees was reported to first reading. S.926 on arbitration organizations drew support for its transparency goals, but Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick raised concerns about confidentiality and a private right of action; it was still moved forward. S.1280B on gas stove health-risk labeling also advanced despite opposition from Senators Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Weber. S.2539A, requiring retailers to warn customers about electronic tracking and biometric data collection, was supported by Senator Myrie, who described it as a notice-only measure.
The committee also advanced S.3078 on credit monitoring services and S.2517, though the transcript of the discussion on S.2517 was largely garbled. Chair May’s S.8666, which would prevent youth sports operators from barring parents from taking in-person photos or recordings of their children, prompted concerns from Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick about privacy, liability, and recordings by other parents; the chair responded that the bill includes limits for safety, court orders, privacy protections, and restricted areas. The meeting concluded after the bills were moved and voted on, with several reported to first reading or to another committee.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- for the presence, if there's a positive, is this a one-and-done test or would it be your intent that
- there be continued testing to measure if those contaminants show up?
- c> groundwater,<00:36:11.280>
wells, further testing of groundwater, wells, further testing - <01:16:10.159>
of have it if they can meet this test of have it if they can meet this test - the requirements for aquifer tests. the requirements for aquifer tests.
Keywords:
boat storage structures, public waters, natural resources, rule amendments, watercraft canopy, PFAS, environmental regulation, manufacturers, public health, product safety, groundwater, water appropriation, water-use permit, water permit, aquifer test, aquifer, well construction, groundwater permit, Department of Natural Resources, DNR
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 2/12/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- My pregnancy test even came back negative.
- place with the loud free pregnancy test sign<00:19:11.080>
on <00:19:11.280>Robert sign - but an ultrasound and pregnancy test but an ultrasound and there<00:19:27.000>
my <00:19:27.240 - We meet all the patients' needs, including OB visits, testing and treatments, medications, ultrasounds
- of fire and I listen to you test of fire and I listen to you representativ<00:42:59.640>
Lesnar
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- remove the need for genetic testing remove the need for genetic testing persons<01:52:57.040>
- say today that it is impossible to test say today that it is impossible to test for<02:13:31.360
- suddenly going to need genetic testing. suddenly going to need genetic testing.
- Undescended testes.
- These are expensive genetic microarray tests. They're not simple karyotype XX and XY tests.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force Jun 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- prohibit the operation of needle exchanges and criminalize the possession of safe consumption and testing
- And it is illegal for somebody to possess a test kit to test for that.
- Yes, thank you for a test money. Great job.
- In Florida, coroners have been required to test for kratom in every autopsy since 2020.
- You've come a long way since 2017, 2018, before when a urine drug screen of a mother tested positive
Summary:
The meeting focused on Missouri’s substance use prevention and treatment system, with repeated emphasis on recovery support services, peer support, recovery housing, transportation, and harm reduction. Dan Haniken of Into Action described his own recovery from addiction and incarceration and argued that treatment alone is not enough; he urged greater investment in recovery housing, peer support, employment, and community-based supports that help people stay sober and avoid relapse. Members asked about funding sources, program capacity, referrals, treatment court, transportation, and how Into Action supports people on medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Haniken said the organization is funded through a mix of federal, state, county, city, foundation, and private donations, and that housing and transportation remain major barriers, especially because support is often funded for too short a period compared with the longer time people need to stabilize.
Matt Cushman of the Raytown Fire Protection District gave a strong endorsement of harm reduction, including naloxone distribution, syringe service programs, and broader decriminalization of harm reduction tools. He argued that stigma is a major barrier to care and that Missouri should expand access to clean needles, test strips, and other services, while also improving access to MAT in jails and communities. Committee members questioned the evidence base, the role of faith-based providers, and whether safe consumption sites should be pursued; Cushman said syringe exchange decriminalization should be the immediate priority, while safe consumption sites are a longer-term issue. He also described community paramedicine and mobile integrated health as valuable but funding-dependent, and said naloxone distribution is improving but still uneven, especially in rural and minority communities.
Representatives from Central Ozarks Medical Center and Four Rivers Community Health Center highlighted the importance of peer support specialists, community health workers, care coordinators, and wraparound services in rural health centers. COMC’s Morgan McClure and Monet Lehman described a jail reentry program in Pulaski County, with Lehman sharing her trauma and recovery story and explaining how she helps incarcerated people prepare for release with housing, employment, benefits, transportation, and treatment connections. Four Rivers’ Devon Polarys and Cassandra Trout said their CEO would change Missouri policy to allow FQHCs to receive reimbursement for peer support and community health worker services similar to CCBHCs, arguing that these roles are essential for addressing barriers like transportation, housing, food insecurity, and insurance. Members discussed confusion over reimbursement rules, the differences between FQHCs and CCBHCs, and the need for better funding and clearer policy for peer and community health worker services. No votes were taken; the discussion ended with a suggestion to bring in a subject matter expert on community health workers for a future session.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Legislative Commission on Cybersecurity 8/27/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I certainly am sorry, uh, Mayor Carter, that your city happened to be the test case for this.
- happened to be the test case for this. happened to be the test case for this.
- National Guard, I bring crisis tested National Guard, I bring crisis tested leadership<00:28:45.520
- Paul stands stronger with modernized defenses, tested coordination, and renewed partnerships.
- Paul stands stronger with modernized defenses, tested coordination, and renewed partnerships.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Communications and Conveyance
Transcript Highlights:
- Go Chronicle documented me conducting a speed test showing a West Oakland resident and foster mom, Miss
- times faster than in in any of our previous visits without any hardware upgrades or changes to our testing
- OU ran nearly half a million speed tests at over 15,000 locations across Oakland.
- We found that over 75% of internet connections we tested never reached the. the speed threshold to be
- Inclusion Alliance, one of our partners in CAID, has replicated these findings with over 15 million speed test
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Apr 2nd, 2025 at 09:00 am
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- and operating expenses related to the water and wastewater operator certification program to expand test
- So we need more testing opportunities, and we need a better test.
- We need more testing opportunities, and we need a better test, you know, or better preparation for taking
- the test.
Summary:
The committee met to consider three measures, beginning with Senate Bill 2016 for Job Service. Testimony described Job Service’s workforce, unemployment insurance, and labor market functions, its long-term reduction in FTEs and budget, and its reliance on federal funding that does not keep pace with inflation. The bill included funding for an additional FTE for the H-2A housing inspection program, continued support for the JP3 offender placement pilot, and one-time funding for IT and mainframe costs tied to a system modernization effort. The committee approved the bill 20-0, with Representative Swiontek named as carrier.
The committee then discussed Senate Bill 2305, which would allow family members to be paid as caregivers for certain young people with disabilities instead of only licensed outside providers. Members noted the specialized, 24-hour nature of the care, workforce shortages, waiting lists, and the potential to avoid more expensive institutional care. Questions focused on how the program would be structured, including certification requirements and whether it would remain a pilot or become part of the broader human services budget. The committee passed the bill 20-0, with Representative Roar as carrier and Representative Nelson available as backup.
Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2024 for the Department of Environmental Quality. The House change was limited to increased special-fund support for water and wastewater operator certification testing to expand availability, while the Senate version already included added FTEs for emerging contaminants and fuel inspection work. Members discussed federal funding uncertainty, including IIJA and ARPA-related concerns, but the department said its major projects, including the new laboratory, were not currently in jeopardy. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended 22-0, with Representative Berg as carrier.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate SessionReading and Referral of Bills Mar 17th, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1891 by Perry relating to test years used for rate-making purposes by certain water and sewer
- Senate Bill 1898 by Johnson relating to the discharge or use of certain firefighting funds for testing
- Senate Bill 1929 by Menendez and Bettencourt relating to water testing by the Texas Commission on Environmental
- Senate Bill 1937 by Hinojosa of Hidalgo relating to the testing of evidence containing biological materials
- by Parker relating to the health benefit plan coverage for cancer screening, imaging, and genetic testing
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight Dec 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll take those numbers, test them, test a sample... ...and then moving on.
- We'll take those numbers, test them, test a sample, First audit, we'll take those numbers, test them,
- test a sample, examine it, and we're not finding hardly anything anymore, which is a remarkable change
- However, any unsupported, imprudent, or unreasonable cost will be challenged, and we'll put them to the test
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight met to receive an overview from Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler on the work of his office. He described the office’s role in representing Florida utility customers in rate and service cases, including investor-owned electric, water, and wastewater matters, storm cost recovery, fuel clauses, storm protection plans, and specialized dockets. He emphasized the office’s use of depositions, expert witnesses, customer correspondence, and service-hearing testimony to challenge unsupported utility costs and seek “fair, just, reasonable, and affordable” outcomes for customers.
Trierweiler highlighted several current issues, including affordability, data centers, and the growing use of AI in reviewing large utility filings. He said the office has begun using affordability experts and data center witnesses, and that data center-related utility proposals raise concerns about energy demand, water use, and community impacts. He also expressed caution about AI and machine learning because of confidential utility information, while acknowledging that utilities, regulators, and his office are increasingly using such tools.
Members asked questions about how customer input is gathered, how profit is evaluated in rate cases, the role of settlement agreements, and whether the office is considering water consumption impacts from data centers. Trierweiler said customer feedback largely comes in through hearings, correspondence, and direct calls rather than office-led canvassing, and that his office seeks to limit imprudent costs while allowing utilities a fair return. He also explained that the office may file motions for reconsideration and appeals after PSC orders, and that it sometimes submits alternative settlement proposals even when approval is unlikely, to present a different option for the commission’s consideration. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after concluding its agenda.