Transcript Highlights:

• During Joe Biden's time in office, overall prices rose by over 20 percent, energy prices rose by over
• Afford a home, and for small businesses to be able to finance their operations.
• And given that cost, I'd like to ask you about the national debt and the cost of financing it.
• Treasuries needed to finance the debt to skyrocket.
• Here's what we do with the companies that can't get any financing.

Bills: SB257

Committee: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, give finance an opportunity to jump in and weigh in.
• Energy drives the world. We've already learned that green energy is failing.
• Green energy is not the way we go. We've already seen it in Europe.
• I agree, clean energy, but it's called nuclear.
• Finance on the fourth yeah on 27 we gave Finance on the fourth yeah on 27 we gave him<03:43:41.000><c

Summary: The committee met in a work session on revenue estimates and reviewed updated spreadsheet pages for several tax categories, using prior agreements and new testimony to refine FY 2025-2027 estimates. Early discussion covered insurance tax estimates, where members reviewed a letter from the insurance commissioner saying he was comfortable with the numbers provided; the committee accepted those estimates without opposition. Members also discussed utility property tax, with testimony about recent infrastructure buildout, tariffs, depreciation, and the difficulty of forecasting future growth. After debate over whether to use the average of high and low estimates or lean lower, the committee unanimously adopted the utility property tax numbers. The committee then turned to real estate transfer tax and communications tax. For real estate transfer tax, members cited county input, housing market conditions, interest rates, lumber costs, and uncertainty about future policy; they agreed to use the averages and adopted those estimates unanimously. For communications tax, members noted the decline in landline-based revenue and the shift to data services. After discussion of whether to use the low estimate or the average, the committee settled on the average with a small rounding-down adjustment when the figure ended in .5, and adopted the numbers unanimously. The chair also clarified that these estimates remain subject to change until the final resolution is adopted. The committee next accepted interest and dividends estimates as presented, with members noting the decline in that revenue source and the lack of additional information beyond the department’s analysis. Finally, the committee began discussing tobacco tax revenue, with members noting long-term declines in smoking, offsetting effects from out-of-state sales, and a suggestion to take a slightly conservative approach by reducing the average by 0.5. The transcript cuts off during that discussion, so no final vote on tobacco is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The energy transition is happening now.
• Why should you be excluded from all the other energy sources?
• We are having conversations with the Energy Commission and Mr.
• Blake Spare, do pass an amendment to energy utilities and communications.
• The motion is do pass as amended to Energy, Utilities and Communications.

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on environmental, climate, transparency, water affordability, recycling, and refinery transition issues. SB 1087 would modernize SB 375 regional climate and transportation planning by extending planning cycles, clarifying target-setting and review processes, and reducing time spent on modeling and CEQA-related work; it drew strong support from MPOs and environmental groups with some opposition from clean air, housing, and industry advocates concerned about VMT, housing impacts, and agency authority. SB 1239 would require CARB to update its standardized regulatory impact assessment when major regulations are materially changed; manufacturers and business groups supported the transparency measure, while the chair opposed it as adding delay and inefficiency to rulemaking. SB 1125 would create the framework for a statewide low-income water rate assistance program; it received broad support from utilities, environmental justice groups, local governments, and community members, and the committee advanced it on a 3-1 vote. SB 1180 would set rules for spending from the plastic pollution mitigation fund created by SB 54, with broad support from environmental justice and conservation groups and opposed-unless-amended positions from industry groups seeking tighter limits and more oversight; it advanced on a 3-0 vote. SB 1161 would require CARB to present household-level cost impacts of regulations in plain language, and it advanced on a 4-0 vote despite late opposition from environmental groups. SB 955, updating beverage container recycling and redemption requirements, passed 5-0, and SB 1259, requiring refineries to disclose cleanup liabilities and decommissioning information to aid long-term planning, drew strong support from environmental and local government witnesses but firm opposition from petroleum, labor, and business groups; the committee began discussion but the transcript cuts off before a final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The energy transition is happening now.
• Why should you be excluded from all the other energy sources?
• Why should you be excluded from all the other energy sources?
• We are having conversations with the Energy Commission and Mr.
• Blake Spear, do pass as amended to Energy, Utilities and Communications.

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:10.720><c> solar</c> local regulations on certain solar local regulations on certain solar energy
• 04:12.959><c> That</c><00:04:13.280><c> case</c><00:04:13.760><c> is</c><00:04:14.080><c> now</c> energy
• That case is now energy projects.
• </c><00:05:17.919><c> So,</c> regulation of solar energy projects.
• So, regulation of solar energy projects.

Committee: Joint Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• House Resolution by Representative Orgeron to recognize geothermal energy as a strategic opportunity
• House Resolution by Representative Orgeron to recognize geothermal energy as a strategic opportunity
• generation and energy storage resources.
• Representative Orgeron said the resolution reflects his ongoing effort to support all forms of energy
• Department bill for the Department of Conservation and Energy by Chairman Hensgens.

Bills: HR275 , HR276 , HR277 , HR278 , HR279 , HR280 , HR281 , HR282 , HR283 , HR284 , HCR112 , HCR113 , HR265 , HR266 , HR267 , HR268 , HR269 , HR270 , HR271 , HR272 , HR273 , HCR107 , HCR108 , HCR109 , HCR110 , HCR111 , SCR63 , SCR66 , SCR67 , SB414 , SB484 , SB513 , HR168 , HR174 , HR194 , HR216 , HR264 , HCR54 , HCR74 , HCR79 , HCR85 , HCR87 , HCR94 , HCR95 , HCR97 , HCR98 , HCR104 , SCR23 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR38 , HB75 , HB705 , SB54 , SB56 , SB72 , SB79 , SB97 , SB105 , SB123 , SB125 , SB129 , SB163 , SB171 , SB252 , SB287 , SB375 , SB386 , SB461 , SB466 , HR84 , HR188 , HR205 , HR3 , HR197 , HR243 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , SCR11 , SCR22 , SCR2 , SCR20 , SCR24 , SCR35 , HCR6 , HB301 , HB359 , HB657 , HB675 , HB680 , HB727 , HB39 , HB58 , HB112 , HB134 , HB155 , HB187 , HB287 , HB462 , HB782 , HB825 , HB846 , HB903 , HB904 , HB929 , HB941 , HB962 , HB1200 , HB4 , HB623 , HB944 , HB986 , HB1098 , HB1222 , SB45 , SB58 , SB71 , SB81 , SB92 , SB100 , SB109 , SB141 , SB156 , SB181 , SB203 , SB204 , SB205 , SB207 , SB213 , SB214 , SB216 , SB229 , SB257 , SB274 , SB290 , SB304 , SB374 , SB379 , SB396 , SB410 , SB425 , SB427 , SB429 , SB479 , SB522 , SB34 , SB164 , SB172 , SB198 , SB208 , SB232 , SB281 , SB286 , SB317 , SB322 , SB334 , SB380 , SB385 , SB409 , SB417 , SB421 , SB430 , SB439 , SB447 , SB458 , SB510 , HB842 , HB633 , HB1191 , HB625 , HB1255 , HB251 , HB582 , HB646 , HB819 , HB998 , HB1257 , SB197 , SB436 , SB78 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HB284 , HB302 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1240 , SB82 , SB89 , HB258 , SB149 , SB382 , SB441

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:33:48.240><c> of</c><00:33:48.360><c> the</c><00:33:48.440><c> state</c> we're managing the finances
• of the state we're managing the finances of the state of<00:33:48.760><c> Minnesota,</c><00:33:49.200
• </c> heating assistance, energy assistance. heating assistance, energy assistance.
• That awaits action in the Finance Committee. We should soon take that up when we return as well.
• That awaits action in the Finance Committee. We should soon take that up when we return as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• people during California's first decade of statehood, and then authorized $1.29 million in 1850 to finance
• Many must travel far from home to receive specialized treatment, disrupting their work, finances, and
• Under the plan proposed by the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 34 permits would be issued
• Under the plan proposed by the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 34 permits would be issued
• It goes much farther to making California's energy policy completely unaffordable and impractical to

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with a Native American prayer/song and a moment of silence for former staff member Eric Washington, then proceeded through a series of procedural motions, guest introductions, and floor ceremonies. Members also recognized Assemblymember Ward’s birthday and welcomed several guests, including family members, business and community leaders, firefighters, and students. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to the Native American Day ceremony and adoption of ACR 208 by Assemblymember Ramos, which recognized California Native American Day and the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference. Multiple caucus leaders spoke in support, emphasizing Native history, sovereignty, cultural preservation, missing and murdered Indigenous people, and the need to tell California’s history honestly. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 61 coauthors were added, followed by a ceremonial honoring of tribal elders and leaders. The Assembly also adopted several other resolutions and concurred in Senate amendments on multiple bills. These included ACR 126 designating the Captain Vida Anderson Memorial Highway, AB 1651 requiring disclosure of AI use in bar exam development, AB 2789 on mediation, AJR 27 urging federal disaster aid for Eaton and Palisades fire victims, and AB 2134 protecting local officials taking parental leave. Later, ACR 213 designated September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, HR 102 recognized Filipino American History Month, and ACR 230 proclaimed California Firefighter Appreciation Month and California Firefighters Memorial Day; all were adopted with broad support and many coauthors. The Senate file also began with SCR 136 on coastal protection and SJR 12 opposing offshore drilling, with debate reflecting strong environmental opposition and a dissenting view that the resolution was too absolute and could raise energy costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• people during California's first decade of statehood and then authorized $1.29 million in 1850 to finance
• Many must travel far from home to receive specialized treatment, disrupting their work, finances, and
• Under the plan proposed by the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 34 permits would be issued
• protect marine environments and coastal communities from disasters and to ensure the state's clean energy
• energy policy completely unaffordable and impractical to our residents, and that I cannot add my name

Transcript Highlights:

• President, House Bill 1566 comes from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
• It's an energy booster. It does some pain relief.
• In its natural state, it does enhance and gives you a little bit of boost energy.
• Given North Dakota is an agricultural, energy, and military powerhouse, it is a high-value target for
• President, your Finance and Tax will meet tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock. Mr.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then moved through a series of conference committee appointments and reconsideration motions. Senator Axtman successfully moved to reconsider House Bill 1160, which had previously failed, and the chamber later passed it. HB 1160 creates a statewide bell-to-bell policy restricting personal electronic devices during instructional time; supporters argued it would reduce distractions, improve mental health and academic outcomes, and help teachers, while opponents raised local control concerns. The bill passed 42-4. The Senate also passed several other measures, including HB 1247 on protecting student victims of sexual offenses, HB 1489 consolidating civil protection orders into one chapter, HB 1032 making municipal courts courts of record and updating related procedures, HB 1487 authorizing a Minot facility for the Highway Patrol and Bureau of Criminal Investigation with a line of credit and emergency clause, HB 1469 requiring annual online statements of interest for public officials, HB 1199 creating the Missing and Indigenous People Task Force and related MMIP initiatives, HB 1169 regulating paid veterans benefits claim assistance with consumer protections, HB 1209 directing a foreign adversary threat assessment, and HB 3018 as amended to study water, wetlands, and taxation of inundated lands. Most of these passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 1169 drew substantial debate over veterans’ service options and HB 1209 passed on a narrower 40-7 vote. The chamber rejected or declined several other measures. HB 1455, which would have required the Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications, failed 7-40 after concerns about an unfunded mandate and duplicative duties. HB 1259, which would have put North Dakota on year-round daylight saving time, was defeated 15-32 after debate over time zones, construction, recreation, and whether the issue should be left to future legislatures. HB 1555, dealing with statements of ownership for foreign organizations of concern, also failed 3-44. The Senate then moved to announcements and committee scheduling for later meetings and conference committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Authority, Chaffa, for both Finance Authority, Chaffa, for both federal<02:05:41.520><c> lowincome</
• </c> One key component to that contribution is the energy this solar project can provide.
• It will assist with stabilization of the electric grid and add another energy product to the state's
• Authority, Chaffa, and the Finance Authority, Chaffa, and the Colorado<02:19:18.880><c> Trust.
• </c><02:57:12.000><c> Committee</c> House Energy and Environment Committee House Energy and Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• Is looking as as the finance committee.
• He said it is a good bill for New Hampshire's energy policy and our energy future. Thank you.
• Call the finance committee &gt;&gt; All right.
• 23:27.279><c> on</c> that they were objecting on finance on that they were objecting on finance on the
• Finance committee discussion. Finance committee is<05:04:32.080><c> dismissed.</c>

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• We’ll have a selection committee and go through the finance cabinet, and we’ll select a firm to head
• </c><00:32:18.240><c> and</c><00:32:18.480><c> environment</c> in the envir energy and environment in
• the envir energy and environment cabinet<00:32:19.760><c> through</c><00:32:20.159><c> their</c><00:
• I'm the finance director of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet. Good afternoon.
• I'm the<00:35:15.119><c> finance</c><00:35:15.520><c> director</c><00:35:15.839><c> of</c><00:35:16.000

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the May 21 minutes, and welcomed a new executive branch member, Secretary Keith Jackson of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The board also received two informational items: agency responses to prior questions and amendments made to capital plans after the last meeting. It then heard the Commonwealth Office of Technology’s report on executive branch IT capital project scoring, which reviewed 16 IT requests totaling about $330.5 million. COOT said projects were ranked through an independent panel using standardized criteria focused on feasibility, statewide alignment, readiness, impact, and risk; the CIO recommended moving an enterprise application and artificial intelligence inventory system from rank 11 to rank 4 because of its enterprise-wide impact and connection to Senate Bill 4. The Department of Military Affairs presented its capital plan, describing 43 million in projects for the current period and 13 projects totaling $65 million for 2026–2028, with most funding coming from federal sources and restricted agency funds and no general fund request in the latter period. Its projects included maintenance pool adjustments, a statewide Army master plan, the Somerset readiness center, Shelbyville and Ashland armories, a future home for the Kentucky Army National Guard band, and other facility upgrades. Members asked about the Somerset project’s cost growth and federal delay; the department said the project remains in conceptual design, is awaiting federal MILCON action, and would require a state match of about $9.8 million against $29.6 million federal funding if it is approved. Members also asked about staffing levels, and the department said state employee and Title 32 numbers have been relatively steady, while technician positions have declined. The Department of Veterans Affairs outlined seven projects for 2026–2028, led by a Radcliff Veterans Center HVAC replacement that needs an estimated additional $16 million to finish phase two after phase one was already funded. Other requests included a maintenance pool increase, renovations and exterior upgrades at Eastern and Western Kentucky veterans facilities, a cooling tower replacement at Thompson Hood, and parking lot and lighting improvements. The department said some projects were already in the six-year plan and that the Radcliff phase two could be bid in June 2026 if funded. Members confirmed that a columbarium wall project at Grayson is federally funded. The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented its six-year capital plan, citing more than $3 billion in loan commitments since 1988 and over $5 billion in supported infrastructure projects. KIA requested $298.439 million in the first biennium, including $27.742 million in state match for federal clean water and drinking water revolving funds, $25 million for its state Infrastructure Revolving Fund, $185.697 million in federal capitalization grants, and $30 million in leverage bond authorization for each year of the two federally assisted loan programs. Members asked about drinking-water quality, and KIA said that function is handled by the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Water, not KIA. KIA also said its loan rates currently range from 0.5% to 2.25%, averaging just under 1%, and that its revolving loan programs have had no defaults. The Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet began its presentation at the end of the transcript, with staff identifying themselves, but no project details or board action from that presentation were included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 79: Do pass and thence referred to the Finance Committee.
• Senate Bill 79: Do pass and thence referred to the Finance Committee.
• Senate Bill 66: Do pass and thence referred to the Finance Committee.
• Send up finance, we're going to go in today at 2 o'clock.
• Send up finance, we're going to go in today at 2 o'clock.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, your ATHREF rating doesn't affect school district finance. I think in any way. Okay.
• Because we all agree the finance system is very complicated.
• So many communities need low-cost financing.
• It's going to affect our businesses, it's going to affect our energy production because water and energy
• Tremendous amount of short-term financing.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• We are scheduled to be at the State Board of Finance the week of December 18th.
• Get our folks in finance, some of you who are sitting on finance, maybe help work on that problem to
• I think there is positive energy from this committee for that.
• I would like the Finance Committee to advocate for all of that, but are there...
• HEFC and Senate Finance around budget requests for both PED and GSD.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Energy Commission is the state's policy agency.
• In 2008, roughly, before the energy crisis, we kind of peaked.
• And so the energy space then is a subportion of that.
• So if you are utilizing more energy...
• This makes them an outlier in the energy sector, since such requirements exist for most other energy

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Transcript Highlights:

• So, welcome everybody to again the February 23rd, 2025 Transportation Finance and Policy Committee hearing
• Simply because speed is energy. Energy causes damage. Damage results in injury and death.
• </c><00:46:54.160><c> Energy</c> Simply because speed is energy.
• Energy Simply because speed is energy. Energy causes<00:46:55.040><c> damage.
• As amended, be re-referred to the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee.

Bills: HF3429 , HF3418 , HF3431 , HF1597

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• You cannot collapse one energy system before the next one is built.
• The Energy Commission is the state's policy agency.
• In 2008, roughly, before the energy crisis, we kind of peaked.
• And so the energy space then is a subportion of that.
• This makes them an outlier in the energy sector, since such requirements exist for most other energy

Summary: The Senate Environmental Quality Committee held an informational hearing on the environmental impacts and policy considerations surrounding refinery closures. Chair Blakespear framed the hearing as part of California’s broader transition away from fossil fuels, emphasizing the need for proactive planning so communities, workers, and local governments are not caught off guard. Vice Chair Gunda argued that the state has long signaled a future away from oil, while also warning that closures can create supply instability, higher prices, and infrastructure stress if not managed carefully. Senators also raised concerns about consumer costs, supply reliability, the role of imports, and whether California’s climate policies are contributing to refinery disinvestment. The first panel included the California Energy Commission, CARB, and the State Water Resources Control Board. Gunda described California as being in a “mid-transition,” with gasoline demand gradually declining, zero-emission vehicle adoption rising, and refinery capacity shrinking through both conversions to renewable fuels and outright closures. He said the state needs a coordinated strategy that balances near-term supply stability with long-term decarbonization, and noted that refinery closures can shift liabilities onto pipelines, terminals, and potentially the state. CARB’s Matthew Boutill said the agency’s focus is reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases, and that state policies are already driving billions in annual investment in alternative fuels, EV infrastructure, and refinery conversions. Water Board representative Annalisa Kihara explained the cleanup authorities used at refinery sites, including investigation, remediation, and enforcement tools, and said decommissioning often reveals previously inaccessible contamination and may require new monitoring wells and additional site assessment. Committee members pressed the panel on whether the state has enough information to plan for land reuse and cleanup costs, whether current tools are adequate, and whether more legislative direction is needed. Gunda said there are still gaps in information and transparency, especially around liability and long-term community planning. Kihara said the Water Boards can require more data, cleanup, and timelines, but that refinery remediation is highly site-specific and can take tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. Senators Menjivar, Stern, and Hurtado questioned demand trends, the pace of refinery closures versus demand decline, the role of imports and the Jones Act, and whether California should consider options such as state ownership or broader ecosystem planning. The panel generally agreed that closures are likely to continue and that the state should plan proactively rather than reactively. A second panel presented recent research on refinery closures. Emily Grubert said closure costs and remediation obligations are often underestimated and that California should better define end-of-life obligations and financial assurance requirements. Tham Herschbach outlined five drivers of refinery closures: declining California crude production, falling in-state gasoline demand, the shift toward renewable diesel and other alternative fuels, global refinery consolidation, and the growing availability of imported gasoline. Anne Alexander focused on community impacts, using the Phillips 66 Los Angeles refinery closure as a case study, and said refinery sites are often heavily contaminated, cleanup can take a decade or more, and communities are often left without clear information because refineries have little end-of-life planning or financial assurance requirements. No votes or formal actions were taken at the informational hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• shoot it across a long of energy shoot it across a long distance<00:47:11.720><c> without</c><00:47:
• </c> centers including increased energy centers including increased energy demand<00:48:30.559><c> and
• </c> electricity could threaten clean energy electricity could threaten clean energy efforts<00:53:02.319
• Hogs impacting our grid they're energy Hogs impacting our grid they're also<01:03:02.319><c> water</
• I don't want to see investment in clean water and clean energy, safe and walkable infrastructure for

Committee: Senate Taxes