Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I think it uh well one question was, was your version was that the campaign spending commissions
• Uh, so uh my suggestion is we go with the HD1, which is the campaign spending commission amounts, but
• campaign spending commission amounts but campaign spending commission amounts but we<00:24:52.880><c>
• My memory is that the campaign spending commission does is they will um look at how much was was was
• to put together a table for commission to put together a table for us. us. us.

Bills: HB389 , HB469 , HB1510 , HB1573 , HB1705 , HB1858 , HB1875 , HB1946 , HB1961 , HB1962 , HB2001 , HB2093 , HB2096 , HB2097

Transcript Highlights:

• So the reason I'm bringing this for you today is I had a county commission.
• Of course, they serve at the discretion of the county commission.
• And so the county commission, you know, either they have a standalone rule or they get to a point like
• And so the county commission had to hire a lawyer.
• The lawyers get together, and they typically would select a three-man commission that they...

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Iman Buzian Saidi, and I'm with the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
• I'm the vice chair of the commission, one of the commissioners.
• I'm the new member of the commission.
• In the past life, I was the Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development. ...of the commission.
• Also, our commission is holding the Meeting the Moment series.

Summary: The Disability Employment Subcommittee met with SEED (the State Exchange on Employment and Disability) staff for a presentation on state disability employment policy options and possible collaboration with Massachusetts. After roll call, the committee approved prior meeting minutes and heard an inspirational quote from Jane Goodall emphasizing that every individual matters and can make a difference. Members then introduced themselves and described their roles in disability employment, accessibility, state government, and advocacy. SEED staff Katya Alpanis and Dina Klumkina explained that SEED provides technical assistance, research, peer-state examples, and policy resources to help states advance disability employment. They outlined seven policy areas, including career readiness and work-based learning, behavioral health and retention, stay-at-work/return-to-work supports, employer recruitment and accommodation tools, disability-owned business development, interagency coordination, and state-as-model-employer strategies. They shared examples from other states such as Kentucky, Virginia, Alaska, Washington, Minnesota, New Jersey, Illinois, Colorado, New York, and others. In response to questions, they clarified that PEAT has been refunded and is expected to return online, and that SEED’s role is policy support rather than implementation of accessibility requirements. Committee members discussed Massachusetts-specific interests, including digital accessibility, existing state efforts, and prior SEED engagement with Massachusetts agencies and legislators. Members raised concerns about upcoming Medicaid work requirements and the risk that people with disabilities could fall through the cracks, and asked whether SEED could help inform state policy responses. The group identified two likely project areas: a Massachusetts state-as-model-employer roadmap and a youth/young adult employment and volunteer pipeline, potentially linked to transition supports and civic engagement. SEED agreed to follow up with briefs and a questionnaire, and the committee planned an offline follow-up discussion to narrow priorities and develop a scope of work. No formal votes beyond approving the minutes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Alabama Securities Commission is our state regulatory group that our state regulatory group that
• Now, the Securities Commission did help me vet all this, and... ...the Securities Commission did help
• Chairman, to have Bo with the Securities Commission answer that? Yeah, sure.
• Bo Brown with the Alabama Securities Commission charges a yearly fee... ...the Commission charges a yearly
• . and expectations on county commissions to collect, administer, distribute, and then be accountable

Bills: HB61 , HB327 , HB253 , HB297

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: home school, career and technical education, public schools, K-12 education, enrollment policy, parental leave, state employees, adoption, employee benefits, aircraft tax, aviation tax, sales tax exemption, use tax exemption, lease tax, rental tax, commercial aircraft, air carrier, airline, aircraft parts, maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, we will begin with the Judicial Standards Commission. That is in your packet 210.
• With that, we're on the Judicial Standards Commission 210, the agency analyst.
• increased accessibility offered by the Commission's website, the number of complaints that the Commission
• And then we worked really closely with the Racing Commission on the Coggins for the racehorses.
• Frank Zubia, Director for the New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission.

Transcript Highlights:

• 51 years, and we represent the customer in utility matters primarily before the Public Service Commission
• Customer service hearings are where the commission goes out to the communities and they meet and they
• But we capture everything that we can ahead of time so we can focus the commission on the real meat of
• The Public Service Commission conducts a series of hearings and then they issue a final order.
• And I was encouraging staff to step into the space and say, look, I'm sorry, commission staff, but we

Summary: The joint committee met with a quorum present and first received an overview of its jurisdiction and duties related to appointing the Florida Public Counsel. Staff explained the committee’s authority under joint rules and state law, noted that the current Public Counsel’s term expires February 28, 2025, and that applications for the next four-year term were open with a February 6, 2025 deadline. The committee then heard an extensive update from Public Counsel Walt Truerweiler on the Office of Public Counsel’s work representing utility ratepayers before the Public Service Commission and in appeals. Truerweiler described the office’s caseload and priorities, including electric, gas, water, and wastewater rate cases; storm recovery dockets; cost-recovery clauses; rulemakings; and customer service hearings. He emphasized that the office seeks to challenge unsupported or imprudent costs, find value for customers, and use expert analysis and customer testimony to shape outcomes. He highlighted recent and ongoing matters, including major Duke, TECO, Sunshine water/wastewater, and hurricane recovery proceedings, and said the office had fully litigated four of its last five rate cases, while also achieving a major settlement in Duke that reduced a requested increase and imposed cost controls on solar projects. Members praised the office’s work and asked about the benefits of settlements, staffing and compensation, and how the office decides when to fully intervene versus provide guidance or monitor a case. Truerweiler said settlements can create predictability, reduce uncertainty and expense, and produce tangible value for both customers and utilities. He also acknowledged recruitment challenges, including lower pay than comparable agencies and difficulty attracting attorneys who do not want in-person litigation work. The committee took no substantive action beyond receiving the presentations, and adjourned after a motion was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as such, the Tax Commission is where that program is administered.
• But if they happened to turn 19 by the end of the year, the Tax Commission says they... ...happened to
• turn 19 by the end of the year, the Tax Commission says they don't get it because it was at the end
• The Tax Commission thought that it had to be all bought from one vendor.
• But there was some concern from the Tax Commission that they could... ...out of.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, that is the Mississippi Public University Governance Study Commission.
• </c> University Governance Study Commission.
• University Governance Study Commission. what<00:03:26.159><c> the</c><00:03:26.400><c> primary</c><00
• <00:03:44.959><c> commission</c><00:03:46.080><c> and</c><00:03:46.720><c> um</c><00:03:46.799><c> it
• </c><00:03:47.040><c> looks</c><00:03:47.280><c> at</c> commission commission and um it looks at commission

Committee: Joint Universities and Colleges

Transcript Highlights:

• Carrie Stillman, the executive director of the Commission on Ethics.
• Actually, the Commission on Ethics. Madam Director, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• This is a recommendation of the Florida Commission on Ethics this year.
• And if the Commission finds that an employee has adverse personnel action has occurred.
• I am here before you on behalf of the Florida Commission on Ethics.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several election- and ethics-related bills, along with a block of gubernatorial confirmations. Senate Bill 572, by Senator Harrell, updated ethics statutes so the definition of “relative” would include foster parents and foster children; the Commission on Ethics supported the change as a recommendation, and the bill passed unanimously. Senate Bill 414, by Senator Bracey Davis, would have allowed campaign funds to be used for campaign-related child care expenses, but the sponsor said it lacked the votes to advance and temporarily postponed it. The committee also heard Senate Bill 500, by Senator Avila, which would provide FDLE protective security details for major-party nominees for governor, lieutenant governor, and cabinet offices through the election and transition period. Senators raised questions about definitions, current protections, and public disclosure of travel information; despite some opposition over taxpayer funding, the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 620, by Senator Mayfield, required candidates to disclose any non-U.S. citizenship when qualifying for office; testimony from a dual citizen criticized the bill as unnecessary and stigmatizing, while supporters framed it as transparency. The bill also passed favorably. Chair Gates then presented CS for SB 92, creating whistleblower-style protections for public employees who file ethics complaints based on firsthand knowledge, including remedies for retaliation; the Commission on Ethics supported it and it passed favorably. The committee also approved a slate of gubernatorial appointments en bloc. Finally, Senate Bill 564, by Senator Yarborough, would allow registered or pre-registered high school students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours; testimony from a supervisor of elections and advocacy groups supported the civics benefit, a senator asked about how it would interact with existing community service requirements, and the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have to publish a notice, have a zoning commission hearing.
• That commission has to give a recommendation to the city council.
• The Historic Commission here in Austin decided that they think the building's historic and initiated
• The site in question got unanimous approval from both Historic Landmark Commission and Planning Commission
• The fact that you need a supermajority at both Historic Landmark Commission, Planning Commission, and

Bills: SB2215 , SB2639

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: zoning, municipality, municipal immunity, governmental immunity, local government, Chapter 211, Texas Local Government Code, land use, declaratory relief, injunctive relief, mandamus, attorney's fees, court costs, property rights, home rule city, code enforcement, planning and zoning, land development, municipal ordinance, historic landmark

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2215, which would clarify that property owners may challenge municipal zoning ordinances that are adopted without following Chapter 211 procedures, and would expressly waive municipal sovereign immunity for declaratory, injunctive, and mandamus actions in those cases. The bill sponsor and witnesses argued it would simply enforce existing notice, hearing, and due process requirements and give landowners a practical remedy when cities fail to comply. Testimony in support came from attorneys and a landowner describing alleged zoning actions in Selma that they said occurred without proper notice or hearings and caused significant financial harm. After questions, the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2639, which would add disclosure and compensation requirements for local historic designations, including compensation based on the greater of repair/restoration costs or the difference in appraised value with and without the designation. The bill author said it was intended to address situations where historic designation delays or blocks redevelopment and to ensure property owners are fairly compensated. A property owner testified in support, describing an Austin case in which a demolition permit led to historic designation and what he said was a costly forced rehabilitation. Opponents, including a preservation advocate and an East Austin resident, argued the current process is already rigorous, rare, and balanced, and that the bill would undermine cities’ ability to preserve historic places and community heritage. During closing on SB 2639, the chair raised a concern that Section 3B appeared to apply retroactively to pending cases, which he said could be unconstitutional under the Texas Constitution’s prohibition on retroactive laws. The committee did not resolve that issue during the hearing, and the bill was left pending. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But most of it's related to those disciplinary mechanics, how that commission operates, the formation
• And there's a pretty legitimate concern that the commission rules could supersede state law.
• They just, you know, also the commission makeup is very heavy on physician assistants.
• You know, making up that commission, the delegate would be a PA.
• On physician assistants, you know, making up that commission, the delegate would be a PA.

Committee: House Professional Registration and Licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill proposes changes to the duties of the Medical Examiners Commission and the appointments of
• the authority to appoint district medical examiners from the governor to the Medical Examiners Commission
• This bill proposes changes to the duties of the Medical Examiners Commission and the appointments of
• It clarifies that the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission must act independently of any
• Commission staff will attempt notification via certified mail and, if possible, email.

Bills: S0032 , S0210 , S0432 , S0504 , S0506 , S0524 , S0676

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum present and considered several bills. The committee heard and approved SB 504, allowing local governments to adopt standardized policies for code enforcement officers to use body cameras, and SB 506, which creates a related public records exemption for certain body camera recordings, including protections for minors and private information. Senator Smith raised questions about notice to property owners and use limitations, and Senator Osgood asked whether cameras must be on at all times; the sponsor said he would follow up on specifics. Both bills had support from local government and code enforcement groups and were reported favorably after adoption of an amendment to SB 504 clarifying training and familiarity with camera rules. The committee also approved CS/SB 32, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person, and SB 210, the companion public records exemption for petitions involving that injunction. Senator Sharif said the bills fill a gap for victims who do not qualify under existing injunction categories, and supporters waived in favor. SB 676, by Senator Arrington, was also reported favorably; it creates a graduated penalty structure for contributing to the delinquency of a minor when the underlying conduct involves certain animal cruelty offenses, and increases penalties for fighting or baiting animals. Senator Osgood spoke in support, tying the bill to protecting children and animals, and several law enforcement and animal welfare groups waived in support. The committee further approved SB 432, which adds certain concentrated 7-OH to Schedule I, exempts FDA-approved veterinary xylazine products, creates a first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum for certain candy-like xylazine products, and establishes trafficking penalties for xylazine. Senator Osgood spoke at length in support, emphasizing overdose risks and the impact on people with substance use disorder. Finally, the committee passed SB 524, which revises duties and appointments related to the Medical Examiners Commission and district medical examiners, clarifies responsibilities within Chapter 943, and changes notification and curriculum approval provisions for criminal justice standards. All measures were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• This will be the budget hearing presentation for the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, which graciously
• So the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission was founded in 1999. We regulate professional boxing.
• Also, there is a National Association of Boxing Commissions, and Heather and I both are on the board
• The Association of Boxing Commissions will help pay for people to...
• The Association of Boxing Commissions will help pay for people to So that is one of my goals.

Summary: The committee heard a budget presentation from the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, which regulates professional boxing, MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and newer combat sports such as slap fighting and bare-knuckle fighting. The director apologized for missing an earlier appearance and explained that the agency now operates as its own standalone agency rather than under the Health Department. She described the commission’s safety role, including licensing participants, requiring blood testing, and sending inspectors to events, while promoters pay for doctors, ambulances, referees, judges, and other event personnel. The commission said its main accomplishments included securing its own agency number, updating outdated statutory language, adding authority to regulate slap fighting and bare-knuckle events, and moving to credit-card payments. Major challenges discussed were staffing and modernization: the agency has only two full-time employees, 36 temporary inspectors, and still relies on Excel as its database. The director said the commission needs a new licensing system, training for officials, and more outreach to attract larger promotions. She noted that in fiscal year 2025 the commission licensed 1,287 participants, oversaw about 40 combat events plus weekly wrestling events, and reported combined event sales of more than $3.1 million. Members asked about event operations, referee certification, charitable-event fees, and how the commission could grow combat sports in Oklahoma. The director said the agency is seeking a recurring $500,000 annual appropriation, plus a $300,000 supplemental, to cover new standalone-agency costs, hire an additional employee, and begin purchasing licensing software. She explained that the supplemental would help fund immediate expenses and allow the agency to hire a current temp worker. The chair encouraged the agency to coordinate earlier with committee leadership next session and closed the meeting after a brief discussion of “chess boxing.”

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, this bill was requested by the Baldwin County Commission.
• Uh, basically the only change that this is doing is saying that the county commission may appoint, versus
• Uh, basically the only change that this is doing is saying that the county commission may appoint, versus
• My only question when you say the county commission did all four of them contact you, or talking to the
• did all four of them contact commission did all four of them contact you<00:01:58.880><c> or</c><00:

Bills: HB606 , HB606

Committee: House Baldwin County Legislation

Keywords: HB606, Alabama, Department of Transportation, DOT, public highways, utility relocation, right-of-way, state right-of-way, road construction, bridge, tunnel, toll road, interstate highway, defense highway, utility facilities, broadband, telecommunications, cable, electricity, gas

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> electric electricity the commission electric electricity the commission shall shall shall classify
• </c> Utilities Commission Utilities Commission so<01:06:43.640><c> I</c><01:06:43.760><c> would</c><01
• </c> Utility Commission Utility Commission uh<01:32:27.040><c> approves</c><01:32:28.040><c> the</c><
• </c><01:37:00.280><c> could</c> the Public Utilities Commission could the Public Utilities Commission
• </c> for the public to come to a a commission for the public to come to a a commission meeting<02:13:

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> spending commission. Good morning. spending commission. Good morning.
• </c> Nizumintow Campaign Spending Commission. Nizumintow Campaign Spending Commission.
• </c><00:26:26.159><c> um</c> know, respectfully, the commission um know, respectfully, the commission
• Um this is a Spending Commission.
• </c><00:47:19.280><c> on</c> Sheney for Hawaii State Commission on Sheney for Hawaii State Commission

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on HB 126, which would change civil asset forfeiture law. The Attorney General’s Office, Honolulu Police Department, and county prosecutors opposed the bill’s proposed SD1, arguing that requiring a criminal conviction and changing how forfeiture proceeds are distributed would weaken or effectively end the tool, create fiscal and law enforcement problems, and make it harder to address organized crime or cases where an owner cannot be identified. The Public Defender’s Office, Community Alliance on Prisons, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters argued the measure would improve transparency and accountability, protect property rights, and reduce abuses that disproportionately affect low-income people. The chair questioned law enforcement about fairness, storage of seized property, and access to counsel, and the discussion focused heavily on whether forfeiture should depend on a conviction. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 280, which would make the Community Outreach Court permanent and appropriate funds for it as a division of the First Circuit district court. The Department of the Attorney General and Judiciary supported the concept and described the court’s success in helping people resolve cases, clear license stoppers, recall bench warrants, and access services, but suggested amendments to remove the Attorney General from the bill’s definition and funding mechanism. The Public Defender, Department of Human Services, mental health and substance use advocates, neighborhood and community groups, and others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing its benefits for people facing housing instability, behavioral health issues, and transportation barriers. No opposition was voiced, and no vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 370, which would increase partial public campaign financing for elective offices. The Campaign Spending Commission supported the original bill and asked the committee to restore the original percentage amounts, keep the proposed funding increases, and reinstate funding for two additional full-time staff positions. Supporters said the public financing system has not kept pace with inflation and needs modernization to be viable; a few testifiers opposed the measure. The committee reported 30 in support, two opposed, and one comment, and then moved on without a vote. Finally, HB 371 was heard, a campaign contribution bill that would bar state and county contractors, grantees, and certain related persons from contributing during the contract period. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is intended to address pay-to-play concerns and false-name contributions, while the State Procurement Office raised concerns about the burden of requiring agencies to provide contract information for all contracts regardless of dollar value. The testimony ended with the commission saying it was working with procurement and the Attorney General on implementation details; no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Adaptation Commission. I'm the climate Adaptation Commission.
• </c> &gt;&gt; I think my um view how the commission &gt;&gt; I think my um view how the commission can
• </c> mandated by statute for the commission mandated by statute for the commission to<00:27:39.520><c
• </c> commission itself in place. commission itself in place.
• </c> le the climate commission le the climate commission &gt;&gt; we<00:37:42.079><c> have</c><00:37:

Bills: SB2606 , SB3253 , SB237 , SB3252 , SB1178 , SB2322 , SB2019 , SB3043 , SB3014 , SB2972 , SB1190 , SB2488

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several measures related to wildlife, conservation, shoreline adaptation, and climate governance. On SB 2606, which would establish the Freshwater State Recreational Area Wildlife Sanctuary Corporation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said it had concerns about employee eligibility and was not yet prepared to comment further on the bill’s ramifications. After testimony ended, a senator asked DLNR to follow up with more detail, and the department said it would relay the questions to leadership and respond later. No vote was taken on the measure during the excerpt. On SB 3253, which would create the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity to work with DLNR, the department said it supported the bill. In discussion, DLNR said Hawaii has not done anything like this before, described a similar model in New Zealand, and estimated that developing such a sanctuary could cost millions of dollars. Members also discussed whether the concept would fit with existing efforts such as Hakalau, and DLNR said the bill could apply to private or state lands depending on the site. No action was taken. The most extensive discussion was on SB 237, which would expand state and county authority to develop adaptation pathways for relocating infrastructure away from sea level rise and coastal flooding areas. DLNR supported the bill, saying it prioritizes public trust resources over economic development or private property. The Kahana Bay Steering Committee and the Shoreline Preservation Coalition opposed the measure, arguing it was too focused on managed retreat and should include a broader range of shoreline responses, such as erosion mitigation, groins, sand nourishment, and other interim protections. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it appreciated the bill’s intent but wanted broader language that would allow more tools in the toolbox. Members debated whether retreat is inevitable, whether different shorelines require different approaches, and whether the bill should be more flexible. No vote was taken. The final measure discussed was SB 3252, which would amend the powers and duties of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, create a coordinator position, and appropriate funds. The commission’s coordinator testified in support, while OPSD opposed the bill, saying it would remove the two cabinet-level co-chair positions, raise accountability concerns, and duplicate some of OPSD’s functions. In questioning, members debated whether the current commission structure has been effective, who would appoint or confirm the coordinator, and whether the bill would improve transparency and implementation. OPSD said it supported more statewide interdepartmental funding for climate planning and staffing, but had concerns about the proposed governance changes. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madeline Cavalary with the Coastal Commission.
• So I'll just leave the Coastal Commission positions at that.
• I don't think I have any follow-up on the Coastal Commission.
• And so, so I'll just leave the Coastal Commission positions at that.
• I don't think I have any follow-up Coastal Commission.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was a commissioner on the Asian American Pacific Islander Commission, state commission.
• I'll turn it over to the Commission on the State of Hate.
• I am Professor Brian Levin, chair of the California Commission on the State of Hate.
• We and the commission are here for you, and we're having a meeting tomorrow.
• I left out our incredible partners in the local human relations commissions as well.

Summary: The Assembly Human Services Committee held an informational hearing with members of the API Legislative Caucus on California’s Stop the Hate Program and broader efforts to address hate incidents. Opening remarks emphasized the rise in hate during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of culturally and linguistically competent services, and the program’s role in serving not only AAPI communities but also Latino, Black, Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and other impacted communities. Legislators and presenters repeatedly highlighted the value of trusted community-based organizations (CBOs) in reaching people who may not report to law enforcement or seek traditional services. The first panel included the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, the Department of Social Services (CDSS), and the Commission on the State of Hate. They described the program’s origins in the state’s equity budget, its funding structure, and its service model: direct victim services, prevention, and intervention. CDSS said 180 organizations statewide have participated, with grantees selected based on experience, capacity, and service to priority populations. The Commission on the State of Hate reported that hate remains widespread and underreported, citing survey data showing about 3.1 million Californians experienced at least one hate act in a year and that many victims need mental health, legal, and other supports beyond police response. Members asked about best practices, youth impacts, administrative costs, and the role of regional leads; CDSS said it would provide more detail on funding distribution and that the final evaluation is still in progress. The second panel featured grantees from Jewish Family Service San Diego, Inland Chinese American Association, Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants, and Equality California. They gave examples of how Stop the Hate funding supported culturally specific response teams, counseling, language-access services, self-defense and safety workshops, youth and elder programming, legal navigation, and reporting tools. Several speakers said the program helped build trust, reduce isolation, and connect people to services they otherwise would not use. Legislators pressed the panel on lessons learned, whether the model should be reauthorized, and what would be lost if funding ends. Panelists emphasized that the program’s flexibility, regional convenings, and support for small, trusted organizations were key strengths, while also noting the need for more direct funding to frontline providers and more data on what interventions work best.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the commission will open a docket.
• </c> and the commission and the commission how<00:25:30.159><c> to</c><00:25:30.960><c> uh</c><00:25:
• </c> all of that, but the commission all of that, but the commission previously<02:05:16.159><c> said
• </c><02:10:43.199><c> the</c> recently in this commission the recently in this commission the commission
• </c> commission has not found that balance. commission has not found that balance.

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational briefing on the Public Utilities Commission’s performance-based regulation (PBR) framework and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ whistleblower complaint process. Chair Jared Kohole opened the meeting, noted it was informational only with no public testimony, and explained that members would hear presentations and then have an opportunity for questions. The committee heard first from Ulupono Initiative, which provided background on why utilities are regulated, how Hawaii’s cost-of-service model and rate cases work, and why PBR was adopted to shift utility incentives away from a capital-investment bias and toward performance, efficiency, cost control, and policy goals such as renewable energy and reliability. Ulupono described Hawaii’s PBR structure as a five-year multi-year rate plan with annual revenue adjustments, a customer dividend, a Z factor for extraordinary exogenous events, and an exceptional project recovery mechanism for large projects. It also outlined performance incentive mechanisms tied to renewable portfolio standard progress, interconnection speed, reliability, and shared savings. The presentation said the current docket is evaluating a possible hybrid approach that would combine forward-looking forecasting with historical results, and Ulupono advocated for stronger incentives, arguing the current rewards are too small relative to utility revenues and should be more meaningful to better align utility behavior with legislative intent. The PUC then presented its own overview, emphasizing that the PBR docket is open and active and that the briefing was limited to the record to avoid ex parte concerns. The commission described the development of PBR in Hawaii through multiple phases beginning in 2018: an initial collaborative phase to set goals, a formal contested-case phase that produced the initial framework, later phases adding scorecards, reported metrics, and additional performance incentive mechanisms, and subsequent refinements including sunset of some mechanisms and adjustments after the August 2023 Maui wildfires. The PUC said the framework is intended to be customer-centric, administratively efficient, and protective of utility financial integrity, and that current work includes evaluating how to balance forward-looking and historical test-year approaches within the rebasing process. No votes or formal actions were taken at the briefing.