Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas women are shaping industry and building upon Louisiana's rich energy history to pave the
• , and provides for the unification of energy-related programs under the Louisiana State University Energy
• under the Louisiana State University Energy Institute.
• Melo, we said out of the Minnesota, gross pass, 30. House Bill 193 by Rep.
• This is just, again, cleaning up some of the language within the bill.

Bills: HR46 , HR47 , HR48 , HR49 , HR50 , HR51 , HR52 , HR53 , HR54 , HR55 , HR56 , HR57 , HCR31 , HB20 , HB21 , HB166 , HB494 , HB710 , HB795 , HB985 , HB986 , HB987 , HB988 , HB989 , HB990 , HB991 , HB992 , HB993 , HB994 , HB995 , HB996 , HB997 , HB998 , HR42 , HR43 , HR44 , HR45 , HCR22 , HCR23 , HCR24 , HCR25 , HCR26 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR29 , HCR30 , SCR13 , HB894 , HB983 , HB984 , SB19 , SB23 , SB26 , SB30 , SB39 , SB45 , SB46 , SB50 , SB51 , SB55 , SB69 , SB71 , SB73 , SB84 , SB85 , SB89 , SB96 , SB98 , SB101 , SB110 , SB148 , SB150 , SB160 , SB164 , SB303 , SB340 , HB28 , HB36 , HB50 , HB52 , HB56 , HB62 , HB68 , HB92 , HB110 , HB117 , HB119 , HB124 , HB140 , HB147 , HB160 , HB171 , HB174 , HB182 , HB193 , HB196 , HB198 , HB203 , HB228 , HB234 , HB237 , HB260 , HB268 , HB271 , HB285 , HB289 , HB316 , HB351 , HB393 , HB400 , HB413 , HB446 , HB469 , HB486 , HB534 , HB551 , HB552 , HB574 , HB576 , HB634 , HB649 , HB677 , HB735 , HB739 , HB779 , HB784 , HB796 , HB807 , HB842 , HB850 , HB919 , HB474 , HB487 , HB503 , HB606 , HB633 , HB707 , HB720 , HB728 , HB733 , HB846 , HB852 , HB856 , HB868 , HB875 , HB129 , HB130 , HB287 , HB489 , HB545 , HB553 , HB555 , HB570 , HB854 , HB952 , HB221 , HB148 , HB331 , HB149 , HB901

Keywords: HR 46, House Resolution 46, water well drillers, water wells, well drilling, driller licensure, licensing requirements, Department of Conservation and Energy, R.S. 38:3098.1, LAC 46.LXXXIX.507, professional references, two years drilling experience, workforce development, barriers to entry, water infrastructure, natural resources, groundwater, public health, state water resources, occupational licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• We inject life back into the economy, something a robot can never do.
• We inject life back into the economy, something a robot can never do.
• Tackling climate change requires public investment in decarbonization and clean technologies.
• Access to housing jobs is critical to building a dynamic inclusive economy.
• We feel that Senate Bill 6016 is another to building a dynamic, inclusive economy.

Bills: SB5903 , SB6037 , SB5983 , SB5995 , SB6016 , SB6066

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: cemetery districts, elections, local governance, public policy, administrative procedures, fire protection, districts, emergency services, funding, legislation, tax exemption, land transfer, governmental entity, property tax, current use classification, zero emission, cargo handling, port district, environmental impact, grant allocation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:12.000><c> stipen</c> questions about uh SEIU Minnesota stipen questions about uh SEIU Minnesota
• We are getting investments from these companies to Minnesota. Minnesota is not an island, folks.
• Bank Stadium dollars to be built in greater Minnesota. I want some built in greater Minnesota.
• Not only that, but the exposure Minnesota<02:44:44.399><c> gets</c> Minnesota gets Minnesota gets um<
• The benefits to Minnesota crop.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, 81% of a top computer's energy use is in making it, and only 19% in using it.
• tech economy are already very well positioned.
• I'm Jason Ryan, Executive Vice President at CenterPoint Energy.
• I'm speaking on behalf of CenterPoint Energy on the bill.
• A lot of it is energy being produced in... Permian.

Bills: HB 106 , HB144 , HB145 , HB252 , HB1732 , HB2221 , HB2467 , HB2468 , HB2517 , HB2518 , HB2963 , HB3016 , HB3689 , HB3960 , HB4386 , HB4490 , HB4751 , HB5247 , HJR175 , HB2213 , HB106 , HB144 , HB145 , HB252

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Our economy is diverse and resilient, powered by clean, reliable renewable energy.
• > and</c><01:36:56.560><c> resilient,</c> Our economy is diverse and resilient, Our economy is diverse
• by clean, re reliable renewable energy.<01:37:01.679><c> Our</c><01:37:02.000><c> workers</c><01:37:
• 02.560><c> receive</c><01:37:03.360><c> good</c> energy.
• Our workers receive good energy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Melissa Hortman was the 61st Speaker of the House of the great state of Minnesota.
• He was bold, he spoke with energy, and he challenged the comfortable beliefs of both the left and the
• May we have a moment of silence for the families of the mentioned individuals: Minnesota Speaker Melissa
• federal government, at least not now, what the federal government's Doing now is saying, hey, we need to clean

Transcript Highlights:

• You're going to hear from in Minnesota.
• HOAs in Minnesota.
• Minnesota. Minnesota.
• </c> associations than are here in Minnesota. associations than are here in Minnesota.
• </c><01:15:32.960><c> real</c> 70% of all people have Minnesota real 70% of all people have Minnesota

Transcript Highlights:

• American energy initiative.
• energy production.
• </c> let's export all our jobs our economy let's export all our jobs our economy our<00:28:25.360><c>
• I know the importance of clean air and clean water.
• I know the importance of clean air and clean water.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if it's not just ag, we don't have clean and reliable drinking water where I'm from.
• and renewable energy cultivation.
• Corksova will bring her energy to that conversation.
• We also want to urge the legislature to clean up the sequel provisions of SB 131.
• Our chance to clean up is going to get harder and harder, as Kim said.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on the September budget package, which included SB 105 and a series of trailer bills covering health, human services, education, resources, child care, transportation, labor, public safety, housing, revenue, background checks, collective bargaining, and a special election. The Department of Finance described the package as largely technical and clarifying, but also responsive to state and federal changes, especially H.R. 1. Key items included roughly $3.3 billion in Proposition 4 climate and environmental spending, $540 million in discretionary greenhouse gas reduction funds, and major responses to H.R. 1 such as CalFresh error-rate mitigation, food bank support, and Medicaid-related changes. Other notable provisions included vaccine policy flexibility, an Abortion Access Fund, a gender-affirming care program, community college basic-needs and aid changes, CEQA and coastal permit exemptions tied to the 2028 Olympics, invasive mussel prevention funding, a civic media program, labor and pension-related provisions, and special election administration changes. Members raised questions and concerns about several parts of the package. There was support for climate, water, transit, offshore wind, food security, and health investments, but also significant criticism of the lack of cleanup language for SB 131 and its advanced manufacturing exemptions, with multiple members saying promised fixes had not materialized and expressing concerns about tribal consultation, labor standards, and environmental protections. Members also questioned the scale and timing of some Proposition 4 allocations, including fairground upgrades, regional conveyance, and a UC Davis alternative protein research center. The Department of Finance said some programs would roll out over time and that certain funding levels reflected current implementation capacity. The hearing also featured discussion of Bay Area transit financing, with Finance saying SB 105 directs the department and CalSTA to examine loan or other financing options rather than immediately providing loans. Members and public commenters also discussed the state’s response to H.R. 1, with advocates supporting food bank, health care, and immunization provisions while warning of ongoing harm to immigrants, foster youth, and other vulnerable groups. Public testimony broadly supported the health, food, water, offshore wind, and golden mussel provisions, while many speakers echoed legislative concerns about SB 131 and urged cleanup action in the next session. No votes were taken because the hearing was informational only, though the chair noted votes on the bills were expected later that night or the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We knew it was going to take a lot of energy, and yet we didn't meet the deadline.
• It is always more expensive to clean up trash than it is to prevent it from entering the waste stream
• Economy, encourage sustainable practices in the fashion and textile industries, and reduce the burden
• We could share pictures with you, but it's a very clean operation.
• A true circular economy can be met, and ratepayers aren't burdened with the cost of doing that.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with needed energy payment assistance. with needed energy payment assistance.
• </c> energy type and household income. energy type and household income.
• </c> A high energy burden household where the energy cost exceeds 15% or more of their gross household
• </c> energy efficiency. energy efficiency.
• </c> due to more localized energy costs? due to more localized energy costs? Right. Right. Right.

Summary: The committee first took up a public hearing and presentation on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Shannon Hall of the Department for Community Based Services and Rick Baker of Community Action Kentucky explained that LIHEAP is a 100% federally funded block grant that helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, avoid utility disconnects, and support weatherization. They outlined the program’s components, eligibility limits, seasonal application periods, and recent participation figures, including tens of thousands of households served through the summer cooling, fall subsidy, winter crisis, and spring subsidy components. They also described weatherization priorities, the partnership with Kentucky Housing Corporation, and the role of Community Action agencies in administering the program statewide. Members asked about Assurance 16, the balance between need and available funding, summer cooling assistance, weatherization measurement, renter versus homeowner participation, and whether federal changes could affect LIHEAP. Hall and Baker said Assurance 16 supports energy-burden reduction through education, case management, and conservation strategies; that funding has generally been sufficient in recent years but crisis funds have sometimes been exhausted quickly in the past; and that summer assistance is primarily electric utility support. They also said weatherization uses return-on-investment testing and that Kentucky still has a large backlog of homes needing service. On federal funding, they said the recently passed federal bill did not directly cut LIHEAP, but future appropriations could still affect it, and any major reduction could leave a gap the state might need to consider filling. The committee approved the minutes and later approved the LIHEAP finding of fact; no members of the public signed up to testify. After concluding LIHEAP, the committee heard a presentation from Heather Jeff of The Nature Conservancy on conservation opportunities in Kentucky. She described the organization’s voluntary land-protection work and highlighted the Cumberland Forest project, a conservation easement on about 55,000 acres in Bell, Knox, and Leslie counties supported in part by a $3.875 million state appropriation. She also reported on mine-land reforestation, elk habitat work, and the rapid allocation of a $2 million appropriation for the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund. Jeff emphasized the economic value of conservation for tourism, hunting and fishing, agriculture, forestry, bourbon, and flood protection, and said the group is finalizing a Kentucky conservation needs assessment and related feasibility research.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the Minnesota Kids Code. the Minnesota Kids Code.
• We didn't clean up the playground.
• </c> We didn't clean up the playground. We didn't clean up the playground.
• </c> state of Minnesota. state of Minnesota.
• Minnesota. Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• We help ensure the future of clean transportation.
• That is the foundation of the economy that we need.
• That's a huge part of our economy.
• That's a huge part of our, of our economy.
• And as the economy gets worse, we know those are the people who get pushed out of the economy more.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration heard presentations from Go-Biz and the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation on the Governor’s budget proposals. Go-Biz described California Jobs First, the state’s 10-year economic development strategy, and emphasized support for small businesses, workforce development, and targeted investment in sectors such as ag tech, life sciences, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. Members raised concerns about federal policy changes, tariffs, tourism, housing, child care, and whether state incentives are truly additive; Go-Biz responded that it tracks federal actions closely, works with chambers and advocates, and uses programs like California Competes to target jobs that would not otherwise come to California. The committee then reviewed the proposal to restore the California Competes grant program with $60 million. Go-Biz said the grant would help businesses that cannot use the nonrefundable tax credit, and explained the program’s five-year contracts, milestone-based awards, and recapture provisions. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the grant could be effective but recommended stronger oversight and clearer eligibility criteria, while also noting the 30% cap in trailer bill language may be too restrictive given the smaller funding level. Public testimony supported the grant and suggested considering refundability or transferability for the tax credit to broaden access for smaller and startup businesses. Members also heard the CHIPS-related proposal for $25 million to support Natcast’s semiconductor design and collaboration facility in Sunnyvale. Go-Biz and public witnesses argued the state investment would help secure a major federal research facility, retain engineering talent, and leverage billions in broader investment, while the LAO recommended rejecting the item because of its dependence on uncertain federal funding and the state’s budget condition. The committee also considered a $17 million continuation of CA RISE, which supports employment social enterprises; Go-Biz and several grantees cited strong job placement and workforce outcomes, while the LAO recommended rejection absent a more rigorous evaluation, noting prior LA RISE evidence did not show long-term employment gains. Finally, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented budget requests for IT security and rent increases, and a trailer bill to raise fees across several programs. DFPI said decades-old fee schedules, inflation, and new regulatory responsibilities have created a structural deficit and warned the department could face insolvency without adjustments. The LAO recommended approving the fee increases only on a three-year limited-term basis and asked for more detailed revenue plans for programs not covered by the proposal, so the Legislature can assess actual collections and market impacts before making the changes permanent.

Transcript Highlights:

• As Florida's economy, energy demands, and population continue to grow, we need to recognize energy solutions
• Florida currently uses seven times more energy than it actually produces, causing us to rely heavily
• energy that is incentivized to be provided.
• We have to make sure we have the energy to be sufficient, self-sufficient in the state.
• So I appreciate the effort to clean this up.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee heard several transportation and infrastructure bills. HB 1239, Energy Infrastructure Investment, would let the Public Service Commission create a mechanism for utilities to recover costs for renewable natural gas infrastructure; supporters said it could diversify energy supply and help agriculture, while members raised concerns about consumer rates and asked whether savings from RIN credits should be passed to customers. The bill drew supportive public testimony and was reported favorably after debate, with members noting the PSC would set costs and that the sponsor was open to further discussion on consumer protections. The committee then took up HB 313, which exempts Purple Heart recipients from paying Florida tolls. With no questions or opposition, it passed unanimously. The committee also considered HB 567, a broad transportation omnibus/strike-all bill covering EV tax revenue for roads, airport and MPO changes, workforce funding, traffic signal modernization, speed limits, and a pilot to streamline airport permitting. A major amendment added utility right-of-way notice, response, and incentive/penalty provisions, and another amendment authorized local governments to set age and ID rules for e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices after testimony about a fatal crash. The bill was reported favorably after extensive debate and public testimony from transportation and utility stakeholders. HB 112, dealing with municipal sewer collection systems, would allow cities to use sewer revenues to expand wastewater infrastructure. Sponsors said it was aimed at helping cities like Hollywood reduce septic use and improve water quality; testimony supported the measure as a way to unlock funding for sewer expansion, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also approved HB 7009, preserving public records and meeting exemptions for 911 and public safety radio communications systems and expanding them to next-generation 911. Finally, PCS for HB 1397, a large transportation package addressing airport, seaport, spaceport, and workforce issues, was amended and passed 14-1 after questions about federal testing notifications, removal of certain business preference language, and a provision redirecting some transit funds to highway projects if not timely used.

Transcript Highlights:

• That will hurt our companies and our state's economy.
• Energy costs are lower, easier for them to transport, taxes are lower.
• </c> working with waaw papers on their energy working with waaw papers on their energy policies<03:45
• Electric cars, renewable energies, everything is being more and more electrified.
• Electric cars, renewable energies, everything is being more and more electrified.

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> started my career in northern Minnesota started my career in northern Minnesota in<00:24:03.280>
• And so this is now time to start cleaning out that forest again and bringing back the cleaning lady.
• And so this is now time to start cleaning out that forest again and bringing back the cleaning lady.
• Many of them were cleaning amendments to clean up and streamline the bill.
• Many of them were cleaning amendments to clean up and streamline the bill.

Bills: HB0078 , HB0087 , SF0070 , SF0068 , SF0017 , SF0043

Committee: Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota. Minnesota.
• Minnesota. Minnesota.
• Minnesota.
• 17.120><c> Minnesota</c><04:41:17.520><c> are</c> Minnesota, children in Minnesota are Minnesota, children
• </c> here in Minnesota. here in Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Sophia Ficoe, policy advocate with the Coalition for Clean Air.
• And there's no doubt that this is a clean bill. This is the right thing to really do.
• Bill McGovern with the Coalition for Clean Air in opposition.
• Bring comments into ARB clean truck checks. This is a simple bill about low-use vehicles.
• According to ARB, less than 1% of trucks fail the clean air check.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• On a $400 Dominion bill, ratepayers are charged $9.54 for clean energy projects, $19.95 for the renewable
• energy portfolio, and $29.20 for the offshore wind farm.
• An astounding 15% of their bill is a direct result of the Virginia Clean Economy Act mandates. Mr.
• Speaker, Virginia's flawed energy policy is making the Commonwealth energy dependent on other states
• while making our citizens energy poor.

Transcript Highlights:

• ...that don't have access to farms to where our food is being grown and the future of our state's economy
• We inject life back into the economy, something a robot can never do.
• We inject life back into the economy, something a robot can never do.
• Tackling climate change requires public investment in decarbonization and clean technologies.
• Access to housing and jobs is critical to building a dynamic, inclusive economy.

Summary: The Senate Local Government and State Parks Committee heard several bills focused on local government finance, land use, and public safety. SB 5903 would deem a cemetery district commissioner elected if only one qualified candidate files, with sponsor Senator Cortez saying it would save ballot-printing costs and local resources; there was no testimony in opposition. SB 6037 would create or modify a voter-approved option for cities and towns to form a single-city fire protection district, adjust levy and notice rules, allow administrative service contracts with the city, and clarify commissioner elections; Senator Cortez and multiple city and fire officials said it would give communities more flexible, locally controlled funding tools for fire service, while committee members asked about how it would work and the fiscal impact. SB 5983 would exempt certain current-use land transferred to a government entity for right-of-way from rollback taxes when the transfer is tied to development conditions and stays within a 20% acreage limit; Senator Leas described it as helping a family farm avoid an unfair tax bill, and there was no testimony on the bill. The committee also heard SB 5995, which would remove the 2031 sunset on the prohibition against using port funds to buy fully automated marine container cargo handling equipment. The sponsor and labor witnesses argued the bill protects jobs, keeps public dollars from underwriting automation, and still allows zero-emission, human-operated equipment; port and labor representatives testified in strong support, while the sign-in sheet showed substantial public interest both for and against. SB 6016 would change how urban growth area swaps treat critical aquifer recharge areas, making the rules for annual and periodic updates more consistent and allowing swaps if they do not increase net CARA acreage within the UGA; the sponsor, Commerce, housing, business, and development interests said it was a technical fix that supports housing and consistency, while one witness warned it could weaken groundwater protections and create litigation risk. Finally, the committee heard SB 6066, which would let counties, cities, towns, or WSDOT designate “accident risk zones” on roads with repeated crashes, require a public hearing and engineering review, double certain traffic penalties in the zone, and dedicate half the extra revenue to safety improvements before dissolving the zone. Supporters from cities, counties, and Pasco said it could help address dangerous intersections and fund fixes, though several witnesses raised liability and implementation concerns and asked for further stakeholder work. No votes were taken in the transcript; the chair closed each hearing after testimony and sign-in counts were noted.