Transcript Highlights:

• North Dakota has adopted the prior appropriation doctrine.
• Prior appropriation means first in time, first in right.
• Specific to water appropriation.
• The rights of a prior appropriator first off must not be unduly affected.
• The bedded salts are at the appropriate thickness.

Summary: The committee met in Grand Forks, approved the February 26 minutes by voice vote, and recessed for a tour of the Mincota Power Cooperative headquarters before returning for presentations on large energy consumers, especially data centers. The first presentations focused on how North Dakota should respond to rapid growth in energy-intensive projects, with speakers emphasizing the need for reliable transmission, local decision-making tools, and factual information for county and township officials who are being asked to weigh major projects with limited staff and technical support. The North Dakota Transmission Authority director said local governments are being asked to make high-impact decisions on pipelines, transmission lines, large agriculture, wind, solar, carbon dioxide pipelines, direct-air capture, and data centers, and urged development of simple statewide decision tools and support from the League of Cities and Association of Counties. The Department of Environmental Quality’s air division director said North Dakota’s air remains among the cleanest in the nation, but large data centers can create air-quality concerns because of diesel backup generation; he said the department is requiring air monitors at some facilities and expects grid power and, potentially, cleaner natural gas backup to reduce emissions. Members asked about emissions standards, misinformation, monitoring costs, and staffing succession at DEQ. The Department of Water Resources director said North Dakota’s water law is based on common ownership and prior appropriation, and that data centers generally use relatively small amounts of water, often in closed-loop systems. He said the Missouri River and groundwater supplies are ample for projected needs, that the department’s permitting process protects senior water rights, and that even a worst-case data center scenario would use a very small share of Missouri River flow. Members asked about downstream impacts and compared data center water use with fracking. Later, McLean County State’s Attorney Ladd Erickson urged the committee to study how other states regulate data centers, warned against litigation-driven delays and overly broad local ordinances, argued reclamation bonding should be handled at the state level if at all, and said data centers can bring jobs and tax base but should remain subject to local zoning. The committee ended the morning session for lunch and later heard an EERC update from CEO Charles Gorecki on the center’s 75 years of work in energy and environmental technologies, especially oil and gas development and related research.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, your Appropriations and Finance Committee has referred House Bill 153.
• Speaker, your Appropriations and Finance Committee has referred House Bill 253.
• Speaker, your Appropriations and Finance Committee has referred House Bill 255.
• Speaker, your Appropriations and Finance Committee has referred House Bill 287.
• Speaker, your Appropriations and Finance Committee has referred House Bill 371.

Bills: HB145, HB164, HR1, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB306, SB29, SB37, HB99, HB206, HB213, HB270, SB104, SB193, HB38, HB254, HB256, SB58, SB64, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM29, HM43, HM59, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB253

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation, subpoena power, public corruption, criminal activity, Zorro ranch, Santa Fe County

Transcript Highlights:

• Gov, so I think that's appropriate.
• Our department currently has 145 appropriated positions.
• Our current fiscal year appropriated budget is about $26.4 million.
• in blue, as well as an inflation-adjusted appropriation in green.
• When would that time be appropriate, sir?

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Joint Natural Resources and House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committees of Reference heard the Arizona Auditor General’s sunset review of the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. The audit found the board generally met some licensing requirements, but it did not timely investigate and resolve 49 of 159 complaints in fiscal year 2024, and it did not fully comply with conflict-of-interest disclosure and filing requirements. The Auditor General also identified weaknesses in continuing-education verification and other sunset-factor areas, and the board agreed to implement all 21 recommendations. Board staff said complaint volume has risen sharply since the pandemic, that the board’s process is slower because every case goes through an investigative committee and then the full board, and that it has already corrected some conflict-of-interest issues and is adding tools to improve continuing-education audits. The committee then heard testimony from the board’s executive director and from the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association. The executive director emphasized the board’s public-protection mission, described the shortage of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and said the board is working to improve efficiency through a new e-licensing system and staff training. Members asked about the shortage of large-animal veterinarians, complaint backlogs, and whether the board could do more to recruit rural practitioners; the board said it lacks direct recruiting authority but supports multiple licensure pathways and loan-assistance efforts. The veterinary association supported the board’s oversight and said it is also working on rural and large-animal workforce issues through partnerships and advocacy. The committee then voted to recommend continuing the board for eight years, until July 1, 2034. The committee next took up the Arizona State Land Department, beginning with the Auditor General’s presentation on the department’s sunset review and prior special audit. The audit found the department had not updated its required five-year disposition plan since 2011, had sold more than 48,000 acres without an active plan, had allowed agricultural rental rates to go unchanged since 2006 despite market increases, and had not consistently inspected mineral-related leases or properly managed reclamation bonds. The Auditor General said these issues created risks of lost revenue, reduced transparency, and public-safety hazards, and recommended 18 corrective actions in the main review plus 34 additional recommendations on other issues; the department agreed to most recommendations but declined to adopt a written policy for commissioner-initiated land sales. Commissioner Robin Sahid said the department is working through audit recommendations, has created a rules team, improved its customer portal, and is pursuing new policies on water use, transportation-basin leases, and disposition planning. Members questioned the department about agricultural leases, groundwater valuation, the Fondomonte leases and reimbursement for improvements, the canceled Coyotes land auction, backlog and processing times, and the use of consultants and administrative funds. The commissioner said the department had over 2,000 applications in queue when she arrived, that it has made progress reducing the backlog, and that it is conducting stakeholder outreach on water-efficiency standards and lease addenda. No final vote on the land department continuation was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Attendance is one of your public education reform fund appropriations.
• , and $8.6 million for the 2026-27 year via special appropriation.
• this year, and $8.6 million in special appropriations next year.
• , and $8.6 million for fiscal year 2026-2027 through a special appropriation.
• It may be possible to accomplish this with an existing appropriation within the PED.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation on strategic resource management in public education. LESC staff and PED officials argued that New Mexico has increased school funding, but local budgeting and planning remain fragmented and overly compliance-driven. They described long-term pressures including declining enrollment, rising special education costs, falling cash balances, changes in federal funding, and leadership turnover, and said schools need more intentional multi-year planning tied to student outcomes. They also outlined the many disconnected planning requirements schools must complete, compared New Mexico’s current approach with Ohio’s three-year budget forecasting model, and recommended continuing multi-year appropriations, adding $2.5 million for state grants in the unified application, and directing LESC, LFC, and PED to develop a long-term financial planning proposal. PED said it is working to reduce administrative burden through school accreditation, a unified application for federal and state funds, and internal alignment of guidance and coaching, with pilot schools reporting time savings and better alignment. Members raised concerns about four-day school weeks, the burden on small districts, the need for outcomes and return on investment, and whether the state should move toward a two-year or three-year planning cycle; staff clarified that the proposal was to streamline or eliminate redundant requirements, not add another layer. The committee then received an update on the Educator Fellows program. PED described it as a Grow Your Own pipeline that employs candidates as supplemental educational assistants while they work toward licensure, providing salary, benefits, paid leave, mentoring, and coursework support. Officials said the program helps address teacher shortages, improves student-to-teacher ratios, increases workforce diversity, and supports the Martinez-Yazzie action plan. They reported 370 current fellows across 86 LEAs and about 180 schools, with many fellows being people of color, first-generation college students, or second-career educators; roughly 85 are expected to become certified this year. A local HR director from Belen testified that the program has been especially valuable in small communities, where fellows are already rooted in the community and several have moved into teaching roles. Members asked about high school recruitment, tuition, retirement and benefits, the relationship to the Higher Education Department’s Grow Your Own scholarship, and the role of university partners. PED said fellows choose among accredited higher education partners, the program is separate from the scholarship but complementary, and the state is also building an apprenticeship model and seeking to expand the program to more LEAs, though some districts are on a waiting list because of funding and local match requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Budget Act of 2023 appropriated. $2.3 million through June 30th, 2026 to the now Governor's Office
• This request is to align the encumbrance period with the original appropriation.
• The last re-appropriation is the Women's Business. Center Enhancement Program.
• State trade expansion. re-appropriations or budget solutions.
• Instead, debating this policy should be brought before the appropriate policy committees.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. appropriation. Uh Scarfa, fiscal staff, appropriation.
• Column B shows the fund from where the appropriations are coming from.
• Column B shows the fund appropriations.
• community-based appropriation for the community-based appropriation for the community-based first
• <00:23:00.799> home state appropriations for first-time home state appropriations for first-time

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• focused Resources with appropriate focused Resources with appropriate responses<00:05:22.360>
• They need professional mental health care and an appropriate facility.
• They need professional mental health care and an appropriate facility.
• Mental health care and an appropriate facility.
• So there's blank appropriations throughout the bill.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:47.440> grant suicide this bill appropriates grant suicide this bill appropriates grant
• It's just how do we understand the extent of this problem so we can appropriately resource schools to
• It's just how do we understand the extent of this problem so we can appropriately resource schools to
• It's just how do we understand the extent of this problem so we can appropriately resource schools to
• $12 million in the bill appropriates $12 million in fiscal<00:46:50.520> year<00:46:50.680>

Bills: HF1354, HF1901, HF2124, HF2130, HF2260, HF2099, HF104, HF134, HF1769

Keywords: public safety, school safety, active shooter, active shooter drill, violence prevention, threat reporting, anonymous tip line, See It, Say It, Send It, Minnesota Fusion Center, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, officer-involved death, missing person, endangered missing person, criminal background check, national background check, FBI fingerprint check, adult entertainment license, massage license, correctional facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• followed by summation of Appropriations followed by summation of Appropriations and<00:03:11.799
• There was $400 million appropriated.
• There was $400 million appropriated.
• trunk Highway fund State appropriation trunk Highway fund State appropriation bonds<01:24:38.560
• <01:27:34.760> debt outstanding annual appropriation debt outstanding annual appropriation

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have to spend within the appropriation for the biennium.
• that you the state Grant appropriation that you the state Grant appropriation is<00:23:07.840>
• <00:24:39.600> for to spend within the appropriation for to spend within the appropriation
• funds from programs in that appropriation into State Grant.
• from programs in that appropriation into State Grant.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee received an informational presentation from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education on the State Grant program and governor-recommended changes, with some discussion of North Star Promise. Staff explained that State Grant is the state’s largest financial aid program, intended to promote college access and choice for students with the highest financial need, and that it works alongside Pell Grants. They reviewed program eligibility, award calculation, and participation rules, and noted that the program serves a large share of low- and middle-income students, including many dependent students, student parents, BIPOC students, and adult learners. They also described how awards and spending are distributed across public and private institutions and how the agency projects spending using enrollment, tuition, and FAFSA data. A major focus was the current fiscal-year deficit in State Grant. Staff said the program is experiencing a shortfall driven by higher-than-expected enrollment, more students with greater financial need, and major FAFSA formula changes that increased the number of applicants with zero or negative student aid index values. They said the office has already rationed awards where allowed and imposed a FAFSA deadline for spring awards, and does not expect to fund some awards. Officials explained that if the program projects a surplus, they typically adjust the living and miscellaneous expense allowance to spend down funds; if it projects a deficit, they can increase student and family responsibility to reduce award sizes, but the program must stay within its appropriation. Senator Duckworth asked several questions about whether unused funds could be transferred between State Grant and North Star Promise, and how the two programs are treated. Staff said State Grant funds revert to the general fund at the end of the biennium, while North Star Promise uses a special revenue account, and that transfers may be possible but would need clarification under current authority. They referenced a prior legislative transfer from North Star Promise funds to cover a shortfall in the Fostering Independence Grant and said they would follow up on the exact transfer authority. No votes or formal actions were taken during the presentation and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• care centers retain their ability to provide child care that is in a linguistic and culturally appropriate
• programs of the department, we're also saying that, when applicable, also refer them to the appropriate
• child care or limit any educational regulations... ...and culturally appropriate child care or limit
• So we didn't think it was necessary to extend the appropriation.
• I was ready to go through each special appropriation in House Bill..." "All right, Charles.

Bills: SB241, SB145

Keywords: child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level

Transcript Highlights:

• And in looking at this, of course, being chair of the Higher Education Appropriations Committee, that
• Yes, certainly I think as this moves forward, certainly when it comes to the Appropriations Committee
• But also, before you come to the committee, we cannot hear the bill without an appropriation.
• Yes, certainly I think as this moves forward, certainly when it comes to the Appropriations Committee
• But also, before you come to the committee, we cannot hear the bill without an appropriation.

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary held confirmation hearings for two State University System Board of Governors appointees, M. Carson Good and Speaker Paul Renner. Good described his background in Florida real estate, airport governance, and fundraising, and said he would focus on improving university performance, collaboration among institutions, and growing endowments while keeping in-state tuition stable. Renner emphasized his legislative experience with higher education, and said his priorities on the Board would be transparency, compliance with legislative direction, and reducing administrative bloat. Both nominees were recommended for confirmation on a single vote, with Senator Berman noting concern about the low number of women on the board. The committee then heard and passed SB 1726, a higher education transparency bill by Senator Calatayud. The bill would require Board of Governors members to comply with constitutional financial disclosure requirements, set term limits for State Board of Education and university board members, change rules for presidential searches and public records, and require more detailed textbook and syllabus information for students. A student advocate from Florida Student Power Network supported the bill as increasing student involvement and democratic accountability in higher education. Senator Harrell raised a concern about residency requirements for Board of Governors members, and the sponsor said that issue could be revisited later. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 1458 on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship funding. A delete-all amendment was adopted that required clearer funding splits between local education agencies and program providers, annual reporting, a standard DOE contract template, and a cap on administrative fees in certain cases. Supporters from industry groups said the changes would improve transparency and accountability without requesting additional funding. The committee then reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 584 on young adult housing support. An amendment removed a requirement that state agencies act as co-signers or guarantors on leases while preserving coordination for the federal Foster Youth to Independence program. Several former foster youth and advocates testified in support, describing housing instability and its impact on education, and urging broader access to campus housing and vouchers. The sponsor said the bill prioritizes housing and work-study for homeless and former foster youth, supports the FYI program, and directs a statewide study of housing barriers. The committee reported the bill favorably and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• DON'T LOOK LIKE JASON BRODER SO HE IS NOT HERE TODAY AND I WILL BE LEADING THE MEETING SO THE APPROPRIATIONS
• >> THE 5% IS 5% OF THE APPROPRIATION WHICH WAS 633 MILLION. >> SO OUR QUESTION IS HOW MUCH ARE WE PAYING
• >> 633 IS THE TOTAL OF ALL APPROPRIATIONS MEANING ALL THE CATEGORIES FOR THIS PROGRAM AWAY, THE PARTY
• TO DNS OR POTENTIALLY APPROPRIATED TO OTHER AGENCIES AND DESIGNATED AS DNS MANAGED SO WE GO BOWLING
• WHERE CAPITOL POLICE DEANS IT'S THE APPROPRIATE ACTION WITHOUT HAVING BEEN INSIDE THE BUILDING ITSELF

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you were in the Appropriations Committee yesterday, some of you voluntarily for all six hours.
• So if you look at the CS yesterday in appropriations, that was amended out of the language.
• Senator Bracey Davis. ...provision that was added yesterday in appropriations.
• Under what authority and appropriation was that website funded? Senator Avala. Thank you.
• And I will also say that the appropriations process is really meant to serve as a supplement.

Summary: The Senate took up Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F, a proposed constitutional amendment on property tax reform. The measure would increase the homestead exemption in stages, lower the assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and limit county and municipal ad valorem tax revenues to specified uses such as public safety, education, infrastructure, natural resources, debt service, employee benefits, and certain administrative costs. Supporters, led by Senator Avila, argued the proposal would provide meaningful property tax relief and push local governments to rein in spending, while opponents warned it would shift costs to fees, reduce local flexibility, and threaten funding for core services. Several amendments were offered and rejected. Senator Sharief proposed an income-based circuit breaker for property tax relief; Senator Smith offered a sunset clause; and Senator Berman proposed revising the ballot statement to better match the amended proposal and remove outdated references. Each amendment failed on recorded votes. During questioning and debate, senators pressed Avila on the ballot language, the effect on local services, whether the legislature could later restrict local spending by statute, and whether renters would benefit. Avila said the ballot language was not his and repeatedly stated he was presenting the governor’s proposal, while also saying local governments would need to prioritize budgets and that future legislatures could address implementation details. After the amendment votes, the joint resolution was read a third time and moved into final debate. Supporters said the proposal would give homeowners relief and force fiscal discipline at the local level. Opponents, including Senators Nathan, Bracey Davis, Smith, Polsky, and Errington, argued the measure was rushed, lacked a completed fiscal analysis or replacement revenue, and could harm police, fire, libraries, parks, housing, and other local services. They also criticized the ballot summary as misleading, especially regarding the staged homestead exemption increase. The transcript ends during debate, before any final vote on the joint resolution itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• you were in the Appropriations Committee yesterday, some of you voluntarily, for all six hours.
• So if you look at the CS yesterday in appropriations, that was amended out of the language.
• Provision that was added yesterday in appropriations. Senator Bracey Davis. Thank you, Mr.
• Under what authority and appropriation was that website funded?
• And I will also say that the appropriations process is really meant to serve as a supplement.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you were in the Appropriations Committee yesterday, some of you voluntarily, for all six hours.
• So if you look at the CS yesterday in appropriations, that was amended out of the language.
• Under what authority and appropriation was that website funded? Senator Avila. Thank you.
• Thank you for your performance and presentation yesterday before the Appropriations Committee.
• And I will also say that the appropriations process is really meant to serve as a supplement.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:08.200> Speaker,<00:20:08.480> this if uh if appropriate. Mr.
• Speaker, this if uh if appropriate. Mr.
• Committee on Appropriations and Revenue. Committee on Appropriations and Revenue.
• <01:09:29.440> and >> Members of the Appropriations and >> Members of the Appropriations
• :15:23.320> Bills Appropriations and Revenue, House Bills Appropriations and Revenue, House Bills

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The underlying bill had an appropriation of $390,750.
• be an ongoing appropriation and be in the base.
• six, line nine, is to the appropriation. six, line nine, is to the appropriation.
• appropriation of $390,750. appropriation of $390,750.
• It's an appropriate bill for the moment that we're in.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• However, I would note that total Proposition 98 appropriations for 2025 are approximately $118 billion
• The bill also appropriates $132 million... ...California Air Resources Board statutes.
• Culturally appropriate treatment and documentation.
• There is money that was appropriated in 2021 and 2022 that CARB is still rolling out.
• things and taken the appropriate steps.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on the final three-party budget agreement and related trailer bills, with the Department of Finance outlining the major budget bill and omnibus measures. Finance described a package built around balancing the state budget amid economic uncertainty, preserving core health and safety-net programs, and making significant ongoing reductions in some state programs. The budget bill included major items such as shifting $1 billion from the General Fund to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund for Cal Fire, funding universal transitional kindergarten, deferring some UC and CSU funding, supporting foster care and homelessness programs, providing Proposition 36 implementation funding, and achieving Medi-Cal savings through changes to benefits and eligibility. The committee also heard that votes on the budget bills were expected later in the week and the following Monday. Finance then walked through the trailer bills, including health, human services, early learning, education, resources, energy, transportation, labor, housing, tax, public safety, courts, general government, cannabis, and energy-related measures. Notable provisions included a Medi-Cal enrollment freeze for certain adults, new premiums and benefit changes for some immigrants, child care COLA changes, education funding for literacy, teacher support, universal meals, and community college student support, as well as resource and climate measures affecting Cal Fire staffing and energy permitting. The housing trailer bill drew the most discussion, with provisions on CEQA streamlining, a vehicle miles traveled mitigation banking program, a renters’ credit trigger, and a six-year moratorium on new residential building standards. Members also discussed a film tax credit expansion, cannabis enforcement funding, a tribal police pilot program, and changes to tax policy, including military retirement income exclusions and wildfire settlement payment exclusions. Committee members largely praised the staff and the budget process, but several raised concerns and asked detailed questions, especially about the housing trailer bill’s new wage standards, tribal consultation provisions, and possible effects on prevailing wage protections. Finance explained that the housing language was intended to set wage floors for market-rate projects receiving CEQA streamlining, with different county-based tiers and a notwithstanding clause preserving existing prevailing wage laws. Members also questioned the size and timing of funding for the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, Clean Cars for All, Proposition 36, and the film tax credit expansion. Other members highlighted support for public safety, veterans’ tax relief, child care providers, housing production, and higher education, while some expressed concern that the budget’s policy changes were being negotiated too quickly or without enough stakeholder input.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think our position is that's the appropriate place for it, but we're open to discussing alternatives
• is the appropriate share between shareholders<00:32:23.840> and<00:32:24.840> um<00:32
• Can you elaborate on why you believe that a rate case would be a more appropriate vehicle than what's
• Can you elaborate on why you believe that a rate case would be a more appropriate vehicle than what's
• <01:05:42.559> over 1320 which proposes to appropriate over 1320 which proposes to appropriate

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate hearing focused primarily on SB 1201, a wildfire measure that would create a wildfire recovery fund and allow securitization for electric utilities. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill, saying it would help protect customers, property owners, insurers, and the broader economy from future catastrophic wildfire liability while improving the utility’s credit profile and lowering financing costs. Support also came from DCCA Consumer Advocacy, the Attorney General’s office on written comments, Ulupono Initiative, Clearway Energy Group, IBEW Local 1260, Par Hawaii, KIUC, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Plus Power, and numerous organizations and individuals. Opponents or commenters raised concerns about the liability cap, victim compensation process, and fund structure, including the Hawaiʻi Association for Justice, the Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters, and the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council; Henry Curtis of Life of the Land supported the concept of a fund but questioned the catastrophe threshold and whether the fund would be empty without a prudency finding. Much of the discussion centered on whether the proposed fund would actually help restore Hawaiian Electric to investment grade, with senators comparing the proposal to California’s wildfire fund. Hawaiian Electric said the bill was only one part of a broader process, alongside physical risk reduction and settlement finalization, and argued that without the bill the utility would not regain investment grade. Senators also questioned the proposed $1 billion fund size, the fairness of ratepayer contributions versus shareholder contributions, and whether customers should pay for consulting and administrative costs; Hawaiian Electric said its proposed amendment would remove those consulting-related charges. The company also said the fund would accrue interest and, if unused, could be returned to customers, and that there would be replenishment and supplemental contribution mechanisms if the fund were exhausted. The Attorney General’s office said it still had further amendments to discuss, and the departments had not yet resolved where the fund should reside administratively, though Hawaiian Electric said it believed DCCA was the appropriate place but was open to alternatives. KIUC requested two amendments. No vote or final committee action was taken during the hearing, and the measure remained under discussion with questions and proposed amendments still outstanding.