Transcript Highlights:

• Momentum for advanced nuclear is building in red and blue states alike.
• Advanced nuclear also... ...the ground is shifting, and New Jersey has followed suit.
• Advanced nuclear also creates thousands of well-paid permanent jobs in construction, engineering, and
• technologies in nuclear power.
• We don't need an expensive state study to know that nuclear waste problems remain unsolved, that nuclear

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on clean energy, electrification, and grid planning. AB 1813 (Ward) would revise California’s community renewable energy program to better support community solar and storage, especially for renters and low-income customers, by tying credits to avoided costs and requiring at least 51% low-income participation. Supporters said the current CPUC program is unworkable and has stalled development; utilities raised concerns about cost shifts, CCA impacts, and the bill’s late substantive amendments. The bill was discussed but no vote was recorded in the excerpt. AB 2313 (Berman) would create a gas service line replacement alternative program allowing customers facing planned gas line replacement to instead choose electrification and receive an incentive. Supporters argued it would reduce long-term gas infrastructure costs and give customers more choice, while opponents warned it could divert money from safety-related gas replacement work, create affordability issues, and conflict with the recently approved SB 1221 pilot. Committee members pressed the author on safety, funding sources, and renter impacts; the author said the bill includes emergency replacement exemptions and is intended to lower costs for remaining ratepayers. AB 1975 (Schultz) would require the CPUC to develop a grid utilization metric and consider expanded grid management programs to better use existing distribution infrastructure and reduce the need for costly upgrades. Supporters said better utilization could save ratepayers billions and help integrate batteries and flexible load; utilities generally opposed rigid utilization targets but were open to further discussion. The committee passed AB 1975 on a 7-0 vote to Appropriations. AB 2612, on plug-in photovoltaic systems, passed 9-0 to Appropriations after supporters said it would expand access to low-cost solar and utilities requested clarification that they would participate in the standards process. AB 1849 (Pappin) would direct CARB to study the need for decarbonized gaseous fuels in hard-to-electrify sectors and for grid reliability. Supporters framed it as a technology-neutral assessment for sectors like industrial heat and backup power; opponents argued it was biased toward a preferred fuel pathway and duplicated existing state studies. After a lengthy exchange over the lack of a statutory definition for “decarbonized gaseous fuels,” the bill passed 10-0 to Appropriations. AB 2088 (Pappin) would authorize investor-owned utilities to own and operate thermal energy networks, with safeguards for safety, workforce, and ratepayers. Supporters described TENs as efficient, low-emission heating and cooling systems that can use geothermal energy or waste heat; the bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Brandon Garcia, on behalf of Advanced Energy United.
• Momentum for advanced nuclear is building in red and blue states alike.
• Advanced nuclear also creates thousands of well-paid permanent jobs in construction, engineering, and
• technologies in nuclear power.
• We don't need an expensive state study to know that nuclear waste problems remain unsolved, that nuclear

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Development Authority. do not have current nuclear generation do not have current nuclear generation
• </c><00:31:42.960><c> uh</c><00:31:43.519><c> site</c> creates a nuclear ready uh site creates a nuclear
• </c> substantial investment in nuclear. substantial investment in nuclear.
• And so the project in early nuclear.
• So, um I nuclear energy really is."

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:10 SB 11 Discussion 00:01:20 SB 11 Vote 00:05:00 SB 41 Discussion 00:5:43 SB 41 Vote 00:15:03 SB 59 Discussion 00:20:30 SB 59 Vote 00:28:15 SB 57 Discussion 00:29:40 SB 57 Vote 00:40:00 SB 125 Discussion 00:42:43 SB 125 Vote 00:50:53 SB 191 Discussion 00:53:19 SB 191 Vote 00:59:38, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 11, a proposal to create a matching-grant program for neighborhood storm shelters in rural Kentucky. Sponsor Steve Meredith and supporters from the Kentucky League of Cities and the City of Morgantown said the idea was to use FEMA-style funding to help residents who live far from community shelters, noting that in some rural counties it can take 30 to 45 minutes to reach a shelter during severe weather. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill 11-0, with no nay votes. The committee then considered Senate Bill 41, which would require a ballot referendum whenever a taxing entity raises property taxes more than 4 percent, rather than relying on the current petition process. Sponsor Gary Boswell said the bill would give taxpayers more direct control and argued that local governments should simply avoid raising taxes above the threshold. Superintendents from Rockcastle and Casey counties opposed the bill, saying it would weaken local control, add election costs, delay budgets, and make it harder for school districts to keep up with inflation, insurance, transportation, and construction costs. After debate, the committee passed the bill 7-3 with favorable expression. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 59, which would add criminal penalties to KRS 65.013, the law barring public funds from being used to advocate for or against ballot questions. Sponsor Steve Rawlings said the measure was prompted by reports of school officials using public resources to oppose a 2024 ballot issue and argued the law needs real enforcement to protect taxpayers and election integrity. Members raised concerns about First Amendment issues and the bill’s gray areas, especially for public employees speaking on their own time; Rawlings said the substitute removed volunteer references, allowed balanced issue debates, and clarified that employees acting on their own time and resources would not be prohibited. The committee passed the bill 8-3 with favorable expression. The committee also began hearing Senate Bill 57, as substituted, from Senator Danny Carroll. The bill would create a nuclear-ready site readiness pilot program under the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority, with up to three projects receiving up to $25 million each to help cover early site permitting and related licensing costs. Carroll, along with witnesses from the UK Center for Applied Energy Research and the Public Service Commission, said the goal is to build a nuclear energy ecosystem in Kentucky, with safeguards including surety bonds, deadlines, and cost-recovery provisions. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• nuclear industry looking to design, manufacture, deploy, and operate advanced nuclear... to you today
• </c><00:23:14.520><c> nuclear</c><00:23:15.000><c> industry</c> Pioneer in the advanced nuclear industry
• Pioneer in the advanced nuclear industry looking<00:23:16.440><c> to</c><00:23:17.000><c> design</c>
• He said the foundation of this transformation may lie in adopting advanced nuclear energy technologies
• </c> lots have been written about Advanced lots have been written about Advanced nuclear<00:30:24.480

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• study the feasibility of using advanced nuclear power technologies in the state.
• Thank you. nuclear energy working group to study nuclear energy working group to study the<00:13:55.519
• the feasibility of using advanced the feasibility of using advanced nuclear<00:13:57.279><c> power</
• </c><00:15:27.199><c> waste</c> worsen the challenges of nuclear waste worsen the challenges of nuclear
• </c> that are viable. if if nuclear energy that are viable. if if nuclear energy turns<00:28:38.399><

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met on April 16, 2025, and heard three resolutions. STR 57 SD1 urged Congress to create a national reinsurance program to address insurance impacts from catastrophic natural disasters; there was no public testimony, and the committee later recommended passage without amendment. STR 198 SD1 encouraged Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to pursue subrogation claims against polluters to reduce insurance costs for residents; again, there was no public testimony, and the committee recommended passage without amendment. The committee spent most of its hearing on STR 136 SD1/HD1, which would create a Hawaii State Energy Office nuclear energy working group to study advanced nuclear power technologies. The Public Utilities Commission and State Energy Office provided written testimony and answered questions. Testimony from 350 Hawaii, Energy Justice Network, and an individual witness opposed the measure, arguing nuclear power and small modular reactors are too expensive, unproven, slow to deploy, create unresolved safety and waste issues, and do not align with Hawaii’s renewable energy goals. Opponents also criticized the measure’s amendment process, saying it replaced the original contents without adequate public notice. During decision-making, the committee adopted the recommendation to pass STR 57 SD1 unamended and STR 198 SD1 unamended. For STR 136 SD1/HD1, the committee adopted a recommendation to pass the measure with amendments, including changing it to a one-year working group with an interim report in 2026 and a final report before the 2027 Legislature. The motion passed with one recorded no vote and some excused members, and the meeting adjourned afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• of responsibly developed conventional and advanced nuclear technologies, hydroelectric, geothermal,
• developed conventional and advanced nuclear... ...supports the advancement of responsibly developed
• conventional and advanced nuclear technology, hydroelectric generation, geothermal, and natural gas generation
• of responsibly developed conventional and advanced nuclear technologies; and on line 23, strike the
• Line 21: support the advancement of responsibly developed conventional and advanced nuclear technology

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Monday, March 2, by voice vote. It then considered RS 33585, a resolution on Idaho energy policy that emphasized energy sovereignty, reliable and dispatchable baseload generation, protection of the Snake River Plain Aquifer, and support for hydroelectric, nuclear, geothermal, and natural gas generation. Members discussed the phrase “responsibly developed natural gas”; after debate, the committee unanimously adopted an amended substitute that moved “responsibly developed” to modify all listed energy sources and struck the phrase from the natural gas line. Next, the committee took up RS 33601, which proposed a task force to study sex torsion, its impact on victims, prevention, and response. Representative Boyle objected to the term “task force” because it is not in committee rules, and Representative Green agreed to change it to “interim committee.” The committee then approved the motion to introduce the resolution with that change and send it to second reading. The committee also considered RS 33587, a proposal to add kratom-related substances to Schedule I. Representative Pohanka cited law enforcement concerns and deaths in his district, while Representative Scott argued kratom is used by some people to get off opioids and urged limiting the bill to synthetic forms. The committee rejected Scott’s substitute amendment 12-1, then approved the original motion to introduce the resolution, with Scott recorded as voting no. Finally, House Bill 638, which would restore Idaho’s presidential primary to March and include a $50,000 ballot-access fee to offset costs, was heard with testimony from Secretary of State Phil McGrane and others; the committee sent the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with Representative Scott voting no. The committee also held RS 3347 subject to the call of the chair and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• China has been expanding its nuclear arsenals.
• a strategic doctrine that embraces nuclear first use.
• As General Brunson said, North Korea's development of advanced nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles
• North Korea continues to expand its nuclear weapons arsenal, correct? Yes, sir.
• We use nuclear weapons every single day because they deter and it's by...

Committee: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. military strategy, China military drills, Taiwan, Philippines, North Korea, defense budget, military modernization

Summary: The meeting focused on significant strategic discussions regarding the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and its military posture in the region. Admiral Paparo and General Brunson were commended for their services, with the Chair noting an alarming shift in the balance of power towards China. Key topics included China's aggressive military drills near Taiwan, the increasing coercion against the Philippines, and the need for the U.S. to reaffirm its commitments to its allies in the region. Concerns were raised regarding China's military modernization and its implications for U.S. forces, alongside discussions on North Korea's threats and its burgeoning nuclear capabilities. The committee emphasized the urgent need for military and defense appropriations to counteract these growing security challenges.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the last appropriation is going to the PUC, and this is $300,000 for the advanced nuclear study
• </c> for the advanced nuclear study. for the advanced nuclear study.
• ,</c><00:15:44.800><c> which</c> advanced nuclear to be studied, which advanced nuclear to be studied
• waste disposal, not only only nuclear waste disposal, not only advanced<00:15:55.800><c> nuclear,</c
• nuclear, but where we might go advanced nuclear, but where we might go for<00:15:58.360><c> usage</c

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Bills: HB2013 , HB2026 , HB2056 , HB2098 , HB2113 , HB2156 , HB2158 , HCM2011 , HCR2057

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: air pollution, wildfires, environmental standards, public health, Arizona Revised Statutes, assured water supply, groundwater, commingling, commingled water, water supply, Arizona Department of Water Resources, ADWR, active management area, AMA, subdivision plat, development approval, water rights, municipal provider, private water company, certificate of assured water supply

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to advanced energy, there's going to be a lot of new winners and losers in the next three
• What's key of this is we do support the science and technology roadmap that includes quantum, advanced
• By focusing on high-growth sectors like quantum computing and advanced energy, compete in the global
• Nuclear energy, because that's the cleanest and safest energy in the world right now.
• historical nuclear energy sources.

Bills: SB151 , HB8 , SB177

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: corporate income tax, franchise tax, gross receipts tax, tax credit, tax deduction, controlled foreign corporation, CFC, bonus depreciation, interest expense, apportionment, unitary group, high-wage jobs tax credit, local journalism, news media, newspaper printer, physician incentive, health care workforce, affordable housing, multifamily housing, construction materials

Bills: SB151 , HB8 , SB177

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: corporate income tax, franchise tax, gross receipts tax, tax credit, tax deduction, controlled foreign corporation, CFC, bonus depreciation, interest expense, apportionment, unitary group, high-wage jobs tax credit, local journalism, news media, newspaper printer, physician incentive, health care workforce, affordable housing, multifamily housing, construction materials

Transcript Highlights:

• let's talk about the big investments we're going to make in quantum and this defense sector and this advanced

Bills: SB151 , HB8 , SB177

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: corporate income tax, franchise tax, gross receipts tax, tax credit, tax deduction, controlled foreign corporation, CFC, bonus depreciation, interest expense, apportionment, unitary group, high-wage jobs tax credit, local journalism, news media, newspaper printer, physician incentive, health care workforce, affordable housing, multifamily housing, construction materials

Transcript Highlights:

• Idaho Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force, which was created through Executive Order 2025-06.
• We also have done a lot in the nuclear space this year.
• We had our first meeting last week with that task force, and we have produced an advanced nuclear strategic
• We had our first meeting last week with that task force, and we have produced an advanced nuclear strategic
• We often say 'spent nuclear fuel.'

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed the Department of Juvenile Corrections budget. Legislative Services analyst Noah Peterson outlined the agency’s funding sources, staffing, recent expenditure patterns, and several FY 2026 and FY 2027 budget requests, including substance use disorder treatment, youth assessment center funding, replacement items, IT upgrades, and a clinician services transfer from the Department of Health and Welfare. Members asked about the governor’s holdback, public works projects, vehicle replacements, and staffing. Director Ashley Dowell said the department’s census has declined due to strong county partnerships, prevention and diversion efforts, and youth assessment centers, and she explained that a staffing analysis found the agency understaffed by 12 positions, with six vacancies converted to direct care roles. She also described the holdback impacts as coming from contract reductions, internal efficiencies, travel and training cuts, and substance use disorder funding adjustments. The committee adjourned after the department discussion. The committee then reviewed the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources budget. Peterson described the office’s mostly federal funding, small staff, dedicated funds, prior energy resilience appropriations, and FY 2027 requests for personnel realignment, Idaho Orchestrating Nuclear (ION) support, and home energy rebates. Administrator Callie Younger said the office is focused on energy resilience, permitting coordination, hydropower relicensing, geothermal and mining projects, and a growing nuclear policy portfolio. She highlighted the new nuclear task force, the office’s request for information to industry, and work on a federal request related to a nuclear lifecycle campus. Members asked about nuclear development, spent fuel, modular reactors, permitting efficiency, and whether the office might merge with the Office of Species Conservation. Younger said the office is exploring a merger because of overlapping permitting functions and could reduce positions and save some general funds, while also improving its ability to handle nuclear and mining work. The chair closed by noting the committee’s alignment with several governor’s office recommendations and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> a nuclear reactor? a nuclear reactor?
• So, um, I'll be nuclear.
• So, um, I, you know, with the interest that the state has in exploring, um, advanced nuclear and some
• </c><01:23:53.840><c> nuclear</c><01:23:54.320><c> and</c> has in exploring um advanced nuclear and has
• in exploring um advanced nuclear and some<01:23:54.719><c> of</c><01:23:54.800><c> the</c><01:23:54.960

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, members, this is the nuclear.
• The substitute of House Bill 14 by Representative Cody Harris seeks to advance the development of a nuclear
• It creates the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office within the governor's office.
• It also establishes the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund.
• chain or nuclear technology in the state of Texas.

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> future uh and often times uh nuclear future uh and often times uh nuclear gets<00:32:44.039><c>
• I've served on the nuclear in CSL's nuclear for the last three years, and the technological advances
• I've served on the nuclear in CSL's nuclear for the last three years, and the technological advances
• I've served on the nuclear in CSL's nuclear for the last three years, and the technological advances
• I've served on the nuclear in CSL's nuclear for the last three years, and the technological advances

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:04 HB 387 Discussion 01:06 HB 387 Roll Call Vote 28:30 HCR 22 Discussion 29:26 HCR 22 Roll Call Vote 31:09 HB 519 Discussion 35:36 HB 519 Roll Call Vote 38:37, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 387, which would amend MSD governance and spending rules in Louisville. The sponsor said the bill was intended to add oversight and accountability in response to large MSD rate increases, though the original rate-approval provision had been removed because of concerns about contracts and bond ratings in Oldham and Bullitt counties. MSD Executive Director Tony Parrott testified that MSD is a public utility serving more than 800,000 people through wastewater, stormwater, and flood protection services, and argued that most rate pressure comes from federal and state mandates tied to a consent decree and other orders. He said MSD already provides annual notice and bond approvals through Metro Council, offers customer assistance programs, and needs flexibility for advertising, public notices, recruitment, and compliance. Members discussed stormwater funding, aging infrastructure, flood control, and the bill’s limits on advertising and other expenditures. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed on a roll call vote. The committee then considered House Concurrent Resolution 22, as substituted, which expressed support for exploring nuclear energy and included language noting Kentucky’s ability to use nuclear waste, uranium tailings, and spent fuel in ways described by the sponsor as cleaner. Supporters said Kentucky faces an energy shortage and that nuclear, including small modular reactors, should be part of the state’s future energy mix. Some members said they would support the resolution but wanted a feasibility study or noted that it does not carry the force of law. The resolution passed. Finally, the committee began House Bill 519, sponsored by Representative Fugate, which would prevent utility companies from passing demolition costs for retired coal-fired or fossil-fuel plants on to ratepayers. The sponsor cited sharply rising electricity bills in eastern Kentucky, the decline in coal employment, and the burden of demolition costs from the Big Sandy plant being placed on customers. He argued that utilities should absorb those costs rather than shifting them to ratepayers. The bill was introduced with a motion and second, and the committee was preparing to hear further questions and testimony when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• to supply nuclear energy operations, and extending is developed specifically to supply nuclear energy
• However, HALEU will be needed for many advanced nuclear power reactor fuels, including more than half
• facility that will produce nuclear fuel to support the development and deployment of expensive nuclear
• facility that will produce nuclear fuel to support the development and deployment of expensive nuclear
• workers at greater risk by severely weakening health and safety protections at nuclear physical. nuclear

Summary: The committee took up executive action on the capital budget, Proposed Substitute Senate Bill 6003, and several policy bills. Staff described amendments to the capital budget that shifted funding among behavioral health, local/community projects, irrigation projects, and juvenile rehabilitation capacity, plus a technical fix to the water pollution control revolving program. The committee adopted Senator Dozier’s budget-neutral amendment and a technical amendment, then advanced the amended capital budget to the Rules Committee. It also moved House Bills 2441, 2124, 2471, 2133, 2610, and 2338 forward with due-pass recommendations, and advanced Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251 on Climate Commitment Act accounts to the Transportation Committee after adopting two amendments and withdrawing three others. A major public hearing focused on Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, which would terminate and restate LEOFF Plan 1 in 2029, transfer surplus assets, and direct portions to the Climate Commitment Account and the pension funding stabilization account. Staff said the plan is currently about 160% funded and explained the bill’s IRS-review process, statute of limitations, and estimated implementation costs. Testimony was sharply divided: some retirees, firefighters, counties, and cities opposed the bill as an improper use of pension assets and urged benefit enhancements or protection of local medical obligations, while others supported using the surplus for broader public purposes. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 2179 on PERS coverage for certain port workers, with ports and the Washington Public Ports Association supporting clarification for railroad employees covered by the federal railroad retirement system. House Bill 1069, allowing Department of Corrections employees to bargain over supplemental retirement benefits, drew support from Teamsters and corrections workers, while House Bill 2091, expanding employee-information sharing with bargaining representatives, drew union support and privacy objections from Washington Policy Center. Finally, Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1210 on targeted urban area tax preferences drew support from labor, local governments, and project proponents, and opposition from contractor groups and environmental advocates over project labor agreement requirements and nuclear-related concerns; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408 on community preservation and development authorities and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1974 on land bank authorities for affordable housing were also heard, with both receiving supportive testimony from community and housing advocates.

Transcript Highlights:

• She adds that modern hydroelectric facilities use advanced technologies to safely generate significant
• Technologies to safely use Advanced Technologies to safely generate<00:05:03.440><c> significant</c>
• </c> suggest it's much like the nuclear suggest it's much like the nuclear moratorium<00:10:45.160><c
• There are no plants or any nuclear discussions or plants because we can't right now in Minnesota.
• at building nuclear because we have a moratorium.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> things. uh end the moratorium on nuclear things. uh end the moratorium on nuclear energy<00:10:40.079
• c> cash</c> tax on nuclear energy and nuclear cash tax on nuclear energy and nuclear cash storage<00:
• </c><00:13:29.279><c> energy,</c> bounds when it comes to nuclear energy, bounds when it comes to nuclear
• fuel at Prairie Island spent nuclear fuel at Prairie Island nuclear<00:26:42.960><c> power</c><00:26
• </c><00:31:34.320><c> Um</c> nuclear moratorum. That was all good. Um nuclear moratorum.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of Iran's nuclear program?
• member of the Security Council, encourage the UN to take actions to curb the advancements of Iran's nuclear
• For that entire time, Iran was deterred from making significant advances on their nuclear program.
• In November, the regime approved a new law calling for major nuclear advances.
• We now face the very real possibility of an Iranian nuclear arsenal.

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee