Transcript Highlights:

• have a presentation by Andrew Rush, President and CEO of Starcatcher Industries, on orbital energy grids
• And we have a power grid. And in space, it's really no different.
• our telecommunications infrastructure are big dishes and antennas, but there is not really a power grid
• And modern satellites really can't keep up with that exponential increase in power demand.
• And that's where this missing piece of a power grid in space comes into play.

Summary: The committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and heard a series of presentations focused on Florida’s space and aerospace industry. Blue Origin’s Anna Spencer described the company’s Florida operations at Rocket Park, including New Glenn manufacturing and launch activities, Blue Moon lunar lander work, workforce development, and recent booster recovery and launch milestones. Amazon’s Beth Cooley presented an update on Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper), outlining the satellite broadband network, customer terminals, dark skies mitigation efforts, Florida facilities and jobs, and launch plans; members asked about RV/mobile applications, satellite counts, and the role of fiber, but no action was taken. Starcatcher Industries CEO Andrew Rush then described his company’s effort to create an orbital energy grid that beams power to satellites to extend mission life and increase available power, citing demonstrations in Jacksonville and Cape Canaveral and plans for a first satellite launch next year. Space Florida CEO Rob Long gave a strategic update on the state’s aerospace sector, citing billions in private investment, hundreds of projects in the pipeline, the leverage of state spaceport funding, workforce and university programs, and the need for additional tools and infrastructure to keep Florida competitive. He emphasized growth in launch activity, manufacturing, research, and military support infrastructure, and said Space Florida would bring forward legislative proposals. Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro delivered the strongest policy message of the meeting, warning that KSC’s aging infrastructure and relatively smaller NASA budget share could cause Florida to lose aerospace leadership to states like Texas unless the state strengthens its partnership, research investment, and infrastructure support. Members questioned her about federal restrictions on commercial investment in common-use infrastructure, the need for more state-federal alignment, and how Florida can preserve its role as the launch capital of the world. After the presentations and questions, Senator Burgess moved to adjourn, there was no objection, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• When the grid goes down, these things turn off. So, you unplug it from the grid, it shuts down.
• the grid goes down, these things turn<01:18:34.239> off.
• It may just take a grid, it shuts down.
• Most of the off-grid solar the volts.
• These devices reduce grid electricity.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But I would defer to my testifier on what the longevity might be for modern equipment.
• Hawkins, thank you for modern equipment. Hawkins, thank you for the<00:16:04.079> question.
• One, it promotes modern-day division that does not naturally exist.
• electric grid. electric grid.
• And yet, one of these modern wind turbines standing next to it dwarfs it in size.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ASC works to raise awareness of the need to maintain and modernize the nation's infrastructure.
• state legislative sessions have highlighted infrastructure gaps, whether it's energy in the power grids
• The interconnection queues for new generation sources are waiting to connect to the grid, are growing
• Outdated sewer lines designed before a modern, modern understanding of more extreme participation events
• Third, we must continue reviewing and modernizing engineering standards that incorporate innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, will these changes affect everything with respect to grid modernization?
• have submittals to the PRC with respect to upgrading their grid and power supply.
• And, Chair and Representative, with all due respect, this is not related to grid modernization at all

Transcript Highlights:

• critical part of modern school safety. critical part of modern school safety.
• train using modern emergency response frameworks frameworks frameworks that<01:10:03.400> focus
• evidence-based practices already modern evidence-based practices already being<01:12:03.160> used
• Title I paras are not allowed to use the grid, and so they're limited to just that test or having an
• paras are not allowed to use the grid paras are not allowed to use the grid and<01:20:56.720>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1588 responds by modernizing California's sideshow laws.
• Local governments built their grids and land use patterns decades ago, well before map apps, and have
• Local governments built their grids and land use patterns decades ago, well before map apps, and have
• Local governments built their grids and land use patterns decades ago, well before map apps, and have
• In short, this bill will modernize our approach to crash data collection and storage.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Above all, the bill seeks to modernize CPA licensure in Florida, strengthening the profession and securing
• They represent an effort by the state to encourage resiliency and hardening of our grid infrastructure
• How many PSC members do you think have gone using the grid system to identify any work that's been done
• standard activity the legislature's empowered the commission to do is to ensure the safety of the grid
• Grids don't work on the invisible lines of a municipal boundary. I learned very early on.

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up four bills. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated glitch bill to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to special-interest litigation, while preserving consumer protections. A representative from the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 364 on public accountancy, which was described as a modernization and efficiency measure to expand CPA licensure pathways without lowering standards. An amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection. Jason Harrell of FICPA waived in support, while one speaker appeared to discuss a utility issue unrelated to the bill. CS for SB 364 was reported favorably. Chair Bradley’s SB 200 on utilities addressed utility-scale solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. The bill would authorize counties to adopt solar decommissioning ordinances, direct DEP to develop best practices, and require the PSC to consider whether storm protection plan benefits exceed costs. County and AARP representatives waived in support, and the Small County Coalition spoke favorably, saying the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development. SB 200 was considered favorably. The committee also heard SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, a strike-all bill focused on PSC reform and utility affordability. The amendment would add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order support, tighten intervention standards, set return-on-equity and review criteria, require consideration of executive compensation and affordability, and direct the PSC to weigh risk from storm and cost-recovery mechanisms. PSC staff answered extensive questions about utility hardening, storm recovery, and rate-setting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and affordability, while others urged stronger enforceable affordability standards and restoration of the return-on-equity cap. Despite concerns, the bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 126.

Transcript Highlights:

• grid services.
• equipment, grid services?
• that's connected to the grid, to grid security as far as a marked husband that's connected to the grid
• nefarious conduit off the grid generation. ...would pose to the grid.
• or import into our grid.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ASCE works to raise awareness of the need to maintain and modernize the nation's infrastructure using
• state legislative sessions have highlighted infrastructure gaps, whether it's energy in the power grids
• The interconnection and the queues for new generation sources are waiting to connect to the grid are
• Outdated sewer lines, designed before a modern... of more extreme participation events have resulted
• Third, we must continue reviewing and modernizing engineering standards that incorporate innovation,

Keywords: Texas, Infrastructure Report Card, ASCE, population growth, climate change, investment, public safety, engineering standards

Summary: The meeting focused on the release of the 2025 Texas Infrastructure Report Card, highlighting key findings and recommendations for improving infrastructure across various sectors in the state. Julie Jones, Vice President of ASCE Texas, opened the session by introducing key speakers, including Dr. Art Wood and committee co-chairs Griselda Gonzalez and Austin Mazzarelli. Throughout the discussion, the report's grades were revealed, showing the state's infrastructure received an overall grade of 'C'—adequate but requiring significant attention and investment. Emphasis was placed on the rising challenges posed by climate change and increased population growth, underscoring the need for strategic investments in infrastructure to support Texas' economic growth and public safety.

Transcript Highlights:

• We would like to testify for S2325, an act relative to grid battery storage innovation study.
• We would like to testify for S2325 an act relative to grid battery storage innovation study.
• Extreme weather and more communities left vulnerable when the grid fails.
• changing conditions, including peak demand, severe weather, and grid instability.
• The grid, then we're doomed. So don't doom us, please.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on offshore wind, battery storage, solar, nuclear study proposals, and a bill to redefine clean energy. Several Barnstable-area legislators and witnesses raised concerns about offshore wind transmission infrastructure near neighborhoods, beaches, and drinking water supplies, and supported bills to create a special commission and increase local input and oversight. In contrast, environmental, consumer, labor, and clean energy groups strongly backed offshore wind expansion bills, arguing that offshore wind lowers long-term costs, improves winter reliability, reduces fossil fuel dependence, supports jobs and local supply chains, and should include wildlife protections, labor standards, and community benefits. Some witnesses and committee members noted that parts of the offshore wind legislation overlap with the Governor’s energy affordability bill, and asked for clarification on which provisions were new versus duplicative. The committee also heard testimony on battery storage and solar legislation. Two student witnesses and several industry representatives supported a bill to study grid battery storage, saying storage can reduce outages, lower peak prices, and improve grid resilience during extreme weather. Witnesses from solar and storage companies supported a broader clean energy transition bill that would expand storage procurement, create a retail-style storage program for distributed batteries, set a 10-gigawatt solar target by 2035, and streamline siting and interconnection. Committee members pressed witnesses on whether these provisions were already included in the Governor’s affordability bill and asked for a section-by-section breakdown of what was new. One witness also urged allowing developers to bond interconnection payments to reduce financing costs. Another major topic was a bill defining clean energy, especially whether existing pumped-storage hydropower should qualify for subsidies or be excluded. Supporters of the bill argued that existing pumped storage should not receive additional ratepayer subsidies because it is already built, can have environmental impacts on rivers and ecosystems, and could cost ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Opponents said pumped storage is an important reliability resource and should remain eligible. The committee also heard testimony on nuclear-energy study bills: some witnesses supported creating a commission to examine nuclear power as a reliable, carbon-free option, while others opposed nuclear study bills and argued that nuclear is costly, unsafe, and inconsistent with the state’s clean energy goals. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It will reduce the stress on our grids. It will save money for Texas families.
• For... to create a more efficient, reliable, secure grid system.
• We promised them we were going to fix our grid.
• Necessary to ensure the reliability or adequacy of an electric power grid in this state.
• That makes our grid more resilient and reliable at a time when we have AI and data centers that...

Bills: HB2293, HB2694, HB2999, HB3694, HB3254, HB4662, HB5629, HB5632, HB5675, HB5664, HB5671, HB5680, HB5682, HB5693, HB4158, HB5695, HB4669, HB5696, HB5698, HB5677, HB5699, HB5694, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR89, HCR111, HCR142, HR868, SB682, SB1351, SB1895, SB1931, SB2141, SB3044, SCR1, SCR6, SCR37, SB458, SB482, SB927, SB984, SB651, SB1620, SB2124, SB2448, SB841, SB843, SB402, SB2662, SB2053, SB2332, SB2112, SB745, SB1247, SB1789, HB75, HB5354, HB4683, HB4847, HB1449, HB3833, HB265, HB1845, HB 108, HB1960, HB1955, HB2512, HB2581, HB2803, HB1738, HB636, HB2638, HB2655, HB871, HB 1107, HB1765, HB1822, HB3679, HB4099, HB3732, HB3171, HB3749, HB2814, HB3977, HB4204, HB4207, HB4449, HB1820, HB1876, HB1939, HB1347, HB2593, HB2136, HB2658, HB2757, HB2080, HB3063, HB3006, HB2844, HB3241, HB3680, HB3169, HB2078, HB2507, HB4559, HB3405, HB475, HB3463, HB3441, HB3520, HB3178, HB158, HB2060, HB4991, HB1991, HB5596, HB2014, HB2731, HB2417, HB2399, HB2301, HB3335, HB3234, HB3320, HB4848, HB4748, HB4769, HB4795, HB2086, HB2234, HB4916, HB5624, HB4505, HB5093, HB5302, HB5402, HB5606, HB4630, HB4924, HB3339, HB3793, HB3631, HB4882, HB5509, HB5499, HB5520, SB1177, SB1559, SB746, SB434, SB1383, SB1214, SB1079, SB3031, SB2141, SB2185, SB1895, SB1241, SB901, SB1883, SB552, HB 1249, HJR218, HB5623, SB687, SB1332, SB458, SB482, SB927, SB984, SB651, SB1620, SB2124, SB2448, SB841, SB843, SB402, SB2662, SB2053, SB2332, SB2112, SB745, SB1247, SB1789, HCR76, HCR127, HCR9, HCR40, HCR118, HR559, HCR59, HCR135, HCR141, HCR46, HCR109, HCR10, SB3037

Keywords: Sweeny Hospital District, board of directors, local governance, elections, healthcare administration, Brazoria Drainage District, commissioners, vacancies, resignation, hydrogen vehicles, weight limitations, transportation, environmental impact, clean energy, deep fake, intimate depictions, consent, digital media, criminal penalties, State Board of Education

Transcript Highlights:

• design to ensuring a reliable grid.
• I really like grids; I'm kind of a grid nerd.
• Since you're a self-professed grid nerd, I have a couple of grid nerd type questions for you.
• We are studying grid reliability.
• Vehicle-to-grid can help us achieve reductions in both transportation and power grid sectors.

Bills: HB1951, HB2715, HB3092, HB3237, HB3278, HB3511, HB3592, HB3675, HB3778, HB3782, HB3826, HB3970, HB4016, HB4049, HB4341, HB4344, HB4406, HB4427

Keywords: collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• These rules are going to help continue to safeguard groundwater and surface water while adopting modern
• doing this, we're also a reliable partner in meeting the energy demands for our state's electricity grid
• . grid.
• Because record production is being accomplished with nowhere near record grid counts.
• At the peak of activity in modern times, late 2014, we had well over 300,000 direct employees in the

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The 2012 building codes are over a decade old and do not reflect modern safety advances.
• Go to more modern codes because the 2018 codes and above have requirements for flooding and hurricanes
• They both are important steps in modernizing building code standards in our state.
• Modernizing the code will lead to reduced disaster repair costs, lower insurance premiums, and overall
• By modernizing the minimum state standard and acceptable residential and commercial building codes in

Bills: HB407, HB871, HB882, HB2011, HB3572, HB3578, HB4038, HB4866, HB4897, HB4978, HB5380, HB5555, HB5668, HB5670, HB5674, HB5676, HB5679, HB5688, SB673

Keywords: solar energy, residential construction, building code, municipal regulations, energy compliance, building codes, interconnection, education, funding, teacher support, student resources, school infrastructure, municipal requirements, environmental sustainability, municipalities, construction, agricultural operation, International Code Council, county regulations, construction fees

Transcript Highlights:

• of the grid to support two-way energy flows, and the fact that in an energy system all the components
• and it ignores the 21st electric grid and it ignores the 21st century<00:25:52.279> Trend<00:
• <00:25:57.640> of<00:25:57.760> the<00:25:57.919> grid<00:25:58.360> to
• c> resources modernization of the grid to resources modernization of the grid to support<00:25:58.919
• commission and moves the grid commission and moves the grid modernization<00:46:24.000> advisory

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• these units during peak times for hours at a time will also further strain California's electrical grid
• a situation, not only from the practicality of the owner, but of the, you know, the demand on our grid
• And, you know, we obviously talk a lot about the demand on our grids during certain times.
• And, and, you know, we obviously talk a lot about the demand on our grids during certain times.
• And I would just, uh, obviously talk a lot about the demand on our grids during certain times.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development heard a long agenda focused mainly on housing production, higher education facilities, homelessness, and permitting reform. Early items included AB 6, which would direct HCD to convene a working group on allowing three- to ten-unit “missing middle” housing to be built under the Residential Code rather than the Building Code; AB 48, a higher education bond proposal that would fund campus repairs, modernization, disaster recovery, and student/employee housing; and AB 76, which would clarify a Chula Vista university innovation district exemption so the project can include academic buildings and housing without conflicting with surplus land rules. Supporters emphasized affordability, cost savings, student housing needs, and access to education, while members raised questions about implementation, affordability requirements, and project scope. The committee later took votes on these items, with AB 6, AB 48, and AB 76 all moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Members also heard AB 595, which would create a state homeownership tax credit pilot to support affordable for-sale housing. The author and supporters argued that California’s homeownership rate is at historic lows and that the bill would help close racial wealth gaps by financing homes working families can buy. The committee approved AB 595 and sent it to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including several other housing-related bills, was also approved unanimously. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to AB 1165, the California Housing Justice Act of 2025, which would require ongoing state investment and a financing plan to address homelessness and housing affordability. The author and witnesses described the scale of homelessness, the limits of one-time funding, and the need for sustained, accountable funding streams. After testimony from housing advocates and people with lived experience, the committee passed AB 1165 on a 10-0 vote to Appropriations. Finally, the committee heard AB 609, a CEQA reform bill that would create a simplified exemption for qualifying infill housing projects in already developed areas. Supporters framed it as a targeted way to reduce delays and costs for housing near jobs and transit, while opponents from environmental justice, labor, and tribal groups warned it could reduce public participation, weaken protections for disadvantaged communities, and create consultation concerns for tribal cultural resources. The author said the bill would not change zoning or affordability tools and would continue to work with opponents on amendments. The bill was moved forward after extensive discussion, with members noting ongoing negotiations on tribal consultation and labor concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• source of carbon-free baseload generation that can help meet our growing power needs while supporting grid
• She adds that modern hydroelectric facilities use advanced technologies to safely generate significant
• part of our clean energy<00:04:57.160> portfolio<00:04:58.160> today<00:04:58.600> modern
• energy portfolio today modern energy portfolio today modern hydroelectric<00:04:59.759> facilities
• She says the expanded capacity would support grid reliability by providing dispatchable generation that

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, I'll focus on wildfire electric grid security.
• This program focuses on wildfire electric grid security.
• The first is mitigating electric grid ignited wildfires.
• On the grid, there are faults.
• Even just to our grid, are very important.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:33.120> energy need for reliable modernized energy need for reliable modernized energy
• Um, HR1 build out the clean energy grid.
• And even with electrons to the grid.
• Um the other thing I will the grid.
• Um it's across the Midwest grid region.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all