Transcript Highlights:

• So you can deny the patient statement.
• The contrary to the patient's statement.
• So I know I have a statement and I did make my statement. I'm sorry.
• So you the one that makes statements.
• statement and I did make my statement. statement and I did make my statement.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The gentleman who spoke earlier made a statement that the Second Amendment is always being infringed
• The gentleman who spoke earlier made a statement that the Second Amendment is always being infringed
• The gentleman who spoke earlier made a statement that the Second Amendment is always being infringed
• upon. made a statement that the Second Amendment is always being infringed upon.
• And the AG's..." "...statements from witnesses.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Kunesh, do you have any closing statements? Senator Westrom. [snorts] Well, Mr.
• Senator Kunesh, do you have any closing statements? Nope.
• Senator Kunesh, do you have any closing statements? Nope.
• Senator Kunesh, do you have any closing statements? Nope.
• statements?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• which certain judicial proceedings involving environmental assessments and environmental impact statements
• which certain judicial proceedings involving environmental assessments and environmental impact statements
• which certain judicial proceedings involving environmental assessments and environmental impact statements
• assessments and environmental assessments and environmental<00:01:12.159> impact<00:01:12.560> statements
• <00:01:12.960> on environmental impact statements on environmental impact statements on actions

Bills: HB1979

Keywords: environmental review, affordable housing, clean energy, judicial proceedings, public participation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays. Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement. The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced. The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it was not just him that weighed in on this; several of the justices made similar statements.
• It was not just him that weighed in on this; several of the justices made similar statements.
• Um, and, um, I just want to I'll just go through some of my closing statements here.
• ><00:58:49.040> of<00:58:49.119> my<00:58:49.280> closing<00:58:49.680> statements
• through some of my closing statements through some of my closing statements here.<00:58:50.799><

Bills: HF3676, HF2959, HF3233

Keywords: Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1622, a bill to be entitled an act relating to penalties for late-filed disclosures or statements
• And I know that money can't solve it, but I know that we are making a statement."
• "And I know that money can't solve it, but I know that we are making a statement here in the Florida
• And I think the comments are simply summed up in the best statement that I can say.
• The best statement that I can say: a president should be a president for all of us.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and a series of gallery introductions recognizing visitors, local officials, students, and public safety personnel. The chamber first took up a report from the Ethics and Elections Committee on 42 executive appointments; after Senator Gaetz explained that the committee had reviewed the appointees’ qualifications and suitability, the Senate adopted the report and confirmed the appointments by a 36-0 vote. The Senate then moved through a long special-order calendar focused largely on open-government sunset reviews and other policy bills. It passed measures to continue or consolidate public records and meeting exemptions for aquaculture records, agency-held trade secrets, and cybersecurity information, with one technical amendment adopted on the cybersecurity bill. The chamber also approved bills extending the statute of limitations for failure to report child abuse, strengthening regulation of commercial driving schools, requiring human trafficking education for nursing graduates, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person, and making the related public-records exemption. Additional bills passed included a nature-based coastal resiliency measure with an amendment restricting dredge-and-fill in Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, a chiropractic trust-funds bill, specialty license plates, a one-time waiver of late financial disclosure fines, public school personnel compensation changes, the annual Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services “Farm Bill,” homestead exemption clarification for long-term leaseholders, disability-presumption clarifications for first responders, reinsurance intermediary manager changes, patriotic displays in public schools, ADS-B fee restrictions, autism-related law enforcement training and a Blue Envelope program, campus safety policy transparency at public colleges and universities, and veterinary prescription disclosure. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including local vessel restrictions, temporary certificates for practice, and domestic animals. The Senate also debated and passed a bill allowing licensed insurance agents to market health care sharing ministries, despite concerns raised by Senator Polsky about consumer confusion, commissions, and the sale of non-insurance products; supporters argued it restored free speech, religious liberty, and consumer choice. The chamber approved the bill 32-5 after debate. Most other measures passed with strong bipartisan support, often by unanimous or near-unanimous votes, and several companion House bills were substituted in place of Senate bills before final passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have some statements since I can't speak today.
• Because I will say, you know, part of your opposition statement was that there was a financial issue.
• Well, we're going to go ahead and we'll have you do a closing statement unless there are any other Well
• , we're going to go ahead and we'll have you do a closing statement unless there are any other questions
• With AB 647, we're making a clear statement: every community has a role to play in solving this crisis

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1157, the Affordable Rent Act, which would lower California’s annual rent cap, remove the single-family home exemption, and eliminate the sunset on existing tenant protections. The author and supporters argued that renters are facing severe affordability pressures, especially in single-family rentals, and that stronger statewide rent stabilization is needed to prevent displacement and homelessness. Opponents, including apartment, building, and property-owner groups, said the bill would discourage housing production, harm small landlords, and override a deal they said was intended to be temporary while the state focused on building more housing. Public testimony on AB 1157 was extensive, with many renters, tenant advocates, labor groups, and community organizations speaking in support, while many landlords, business groups, and property-owner representatives spoke in opposition. Committee members were split: some praised the bill as a necessary response to the rent crisis, while others warned it could reduce investment and worsen the housing shortage. The committee ultimately voted 7-5 to pass AB 1157 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The committee then approved the consent calendar, including AB 413, AB 1152, and AB 1275, on a 9-0 vote. It also heard ACA 3, which would require the University of California to make available a limited number of down payment loans for eligible long-term support staff who are first-time homebuyers. Supporters said the measure would help lower-wage UC workers afford homeownership and improve retention, while UC and other opponents argued the proposal was duplicative of existing state programs, unnecessary, and potentially harmful to UC finances. The discussion focused on financing mechanics and the relationship to CalHFA, but no final vote on ACA 3 was included in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I just wanted to clear up my statement if you're seeing something different in Nashua, Manchester,
• So I just wanted to clear up my statement if you're seeing something different in Nashua, Manchester,
• So I just wanted to clear up my statement if you're seeing something different in Nashua, Manchester,
• So I just wanted to clear up my statement if you're seeing something different in Nashua, Manchester,
• We're not here to make statements about what we think about what they're saying. Okay.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on HB 660, which would require historic horse racing facilities to pay 10% of HHR winnings to host communities as mitigation. Representative Om said the amendment was intended to leave charities and the state whole while funding local costs tied to large gaming facilities. Supporters argued the measure would address future municipal expenses, while opponents said host towns have not reported current problems and that the bill would single out one industry. Members questioned the 10% rate, whether the proposal was retroactive, and whether it would apply to existing facilities; the sponsor said it would apply to facilities already in place or later added. The hearing was then closed without any vote recorded in the transcript. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 658-FN, which raises reimbursement caps and adjusts fees for the Oil Discharge and Disposal Cleanup Fund and the Oil Pollution Control Fund. Representative Malloy introduced the bill, and Representative Aly explained the funds as a state-backed insurance mechanism for oil spill cleanup and prevention, including replacement of leaking home heating oil tanks for low-income homeowners. Bob Scully of the Energy Marketers Association supported the bill, saying the fee structure helps fund remediation and tank replacement, though costs are ultimately passed on to consumers. Department of Environmental Services officials Robert Bishop and Jennifer Marts described the bill as extending the fee collection for 10 years, changing reporting dates, increasing the cap for low-income tank replacement, and rebalancing fees based on an actuarial review. DES testified that the actuarial study found the fund needed to remain solvent and that home heating oil releases are the largest category of new releases, with the fuel oil fee otherwise needing to rise by more than 200% to cover projected costs. The board instead proposed a smaller increase and adjusted other fees accordingly, while maintaining a reserve to cover the first days of a major coastal spill before federal funds become available. Members asked about the basis for the fee changes, the role of the actuarial review, and the statutory language governing who pays the fees. The transcript ends during this hearing, with no final committee action or vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, that's quite a statement. I uh my birthday is May 30th.
• That fear can create some concern that those statements that survivors make could...
• making a an kind of a local statement. making a an kind of a local statement.
• And so from their statement it seems to be like Maine foots that bill.
• <04:59:38.560> it And so that from their statement it And so that from their statement it

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They assumed $300,000 on the surplus statement for the sale of that.
• There's assumption of $5 million on the surplus statement for the sale of that.
• They assumed $300,000 on the surplus statement for the sale of that.
• <01:20:00.560> for $300,000 on the surplus statement for $300,000 on the surplus statement
• surplus statement for the sale of that. surplus statement for the sale of that.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't, you know, it's more of a statement than a question, but I... Thoughts on that?
• I don't, you know, it's more of a statement than a question, but I would like to know what you're...
• It is critical to look at the whole system of care, and I couldn't agree more with that statement.
• Chairman, Representative's statement, we will obligate all $199 million.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on major health-related projects and programs. CHI St. Alexius representatives reported progress on behavioral health buildouts in Bismarck, Williston, and Grand Forks, including demolition and construction milestones, staffing plans, and timelines. The Bismarck project remains on track for completion in June 2027 with about $346,500 spent to date. Williston reported construction underway, a $750,000 unbudgeted air handler replacement, active recruitment for psychiatrists and other staff, and a projected substantial completion in early 2027. Grand Forks reported about 30% completion, weather-tight status expected in August, and continued staffing ramp-up as the facility expands from its current 24-bed operation. The Department of Health and Human Services then reviewed a set of technical line-item transfers, emphasizing that they were administrative corrections with no net change in funding. The department also walked through the Salaries and Wages Block Grant and FTE counts, noting overall staffing remained within appropriated limits and that behavioral health staffing had increased. Members asked about vacancies, consultant use, and the mix of in-state versus out-of-state expertise for the Rural Health Transformation Program. HHS said it had posted 12 funding opportunities, received 422 applications, obligated $8.4 million so far, hired 26 people, and was preparing additional grant rounds and a CMS budget submission. The department said the program is structured around workforce, prevention/healthy living, care closer to home, and technology/data, with ongoing stakeholder engagement and community forums. The committee also heard on the certified community behavioral health clinic implementation plan, SNAP payment error rates, and the state laboratory project. HHS said CCBHC certification is being implemented in four regions—Williston, Minot/North Central, Fargo/Southeast, and Dickinson/Badlands—with care coordination expanding and baseline data still being collected. On SNAP, the department reported a 2025 payment error rate of 9.89%, acknowledged cost impacts under HR1, and said it is using training, system changes, and pre-authorization quality checks to reduce errors toward a 6% target over the next 6 to 12 months. Finally, Public Health reported the state laboratory reached substantial completion on June 12, with total costs at $69.95 million of the $70 million budget, though a service elevator issue will require a new lift to be added using contingency funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a statement of value. Invest in us, not just as workers, but as people.
• frightened, meek, emotionally compromised teenager who never understood the implication of her statements
• We're also dismayed at public statements that are justifying these changes.
• The statements blame immigrants for increasing costs, and we should be very clear: we shouldn't scapegoat

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting foster youth, child welfare oversight, homelessness services, juvenile justice, social work licensure, and human services workforce supports. Committee co-chairs Senator Robyn Kennedy and Representative Jay Livingstone opened the hybrid hearing by outlining testimony procedures and accessibility measures. Several members and legislators participated throughout the day, and many witnesses were invited to submit additional written testimony after speaking. A major portion of the hearing focused on House 227/Senate 105, which would protect federal benefits owed to children in foster care. Supporters, including advocates from Hopewell, the Disability Law Center, CPCS, the Children’s Law Center, More Than Words, Friends of Children, and youth witness Onyx Rosario, said DCF had already ended the practice of taking most Social Security and SSI benefits and now conserves them in accounts for youth, but argued the policy should be codified to prevent future reversals. Witnesses described how conserved benefits help with basic needs, housing, education, transportation, and transition to adulthood, and several noted the bill also adds financial literacy and transparency requirements. Senator Joan Comerford and others said the change would protect vulnerable youth, especially children of color, LGBTQ youth, and youth with disabilities. The committee also heard testimony on House 225, which would expand the grandparents-raising-grandchildren commission by adding appointments and helping with quorum and representation. The committee also took testimony on Senate 136, which would improve emergency housing assistance for families experiencing homelessness by easing documentation requirements, allowing use of existing state data to verify eligibility, requiring notice before benefit reductions, and creating an ombudsperson. Senator Adam Gomez and other supporters said the bill would reduce barriers for families in crisis. On House 262/Senate 148, an omnibus child welfare bill, witnesses supported provisions on data reporting, education coordination, and Office of the Child Advocate reforms, while CPCS raised concerns about expanded access to sensitive records and the OCA’s role in certain proceedings. The Office of the Child Advocate supported codifying current practices and also backed child fatality review changes in House 234/Senate 133. The committee additionally heard support for Senate 108, which would require attorneys and audio/video recording during juvenile custodial interrogations, and for House 247/Senate 116, which would update the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board to add supported lived-experience seats. Finally, the committee heard competing testimony on Senate 135, a bill to ensure parity in social work licensure. SEIU Local 509 and supporters argued the current exam requirement disproportionately harms Black, Latino, multilingual, and multicultural applicants and worsens workforce shortages, while the Association of Social Work Boards opposed the bill, saying the exam is a necessary public-protection measure and that removing it would conflict with interstate compact efforts. The hearing also included testimony in support of a loan repayment program for human service workers, with providers and workers describing low wages, high student debt, and the need to retain staff in essential services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as a member of the Graduate Student Council's External Affairs Board, I also submitted a statement
• We sent out a statement in support of the vehicles. I don't know. She was also only 24 years old.
• We send out a statement in support of the vehicles. I don't know.
• For vulnerable road users, we sent out a statement in support of the federal police bills to this committee

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 46 bills covering bicycle and pedestrian safety, autonomous and specialty vehicles, street design, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate co-chair Brendan Crighton opened the hearing, noted that Senate Bill 2347 was postponed at the sponsor’s request, and explained the hearing procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing. A major portion of testimony focused on autonomous vehicles. Labor representatives from the AFL-CIO, Teamsters, Machinists, and app-based driver organizations opposed bills that would authorize fully autonomous vehicles, arguing they could displace workers, weaken bargaining power, increase congestion, and create safety and data-privacy risks. Waymo and Chamber of Progress supported legislation creating a framework for autonomous vehicles, saying the technology has strong safety results and could improve mobility and economic opportunity, but they opposed provisions requiring a human operator in the vehicle. Transportation and environmental advocates urged stronger oversight, local control, crash-data reporting, and privacy protections before deployment. Several bills on pedestrian and bicycle safety drew support from advocates and affected residents. Testimony backed measures to improve crosswalk timing for slower pedestrians, raise penalties for crosswalk violations, expand truck sideguard and safety-device requirements, and improve roadway marking reflectivity. AARP, MassBike, and other advocates emphasized the need to protect older adults, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, while some speakers opposed bills expanding e-bike access to sidewalks and natural-surface trails, citing safety concerns. The committee also heard strong support for the Blue Envelope program for drivers with autism and developmental disabilities, with testimony from the Arc of Massachusetts, the Developmental Disabilities Council, families, and individuals describing how the program can reduce misunderstandings during traffic stops and crashes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the story there is that the tax collection portion of our mission statement is very well supported
• Moving to page four, I now want to talk about the second part of our mission statement, which is relative
• I think there's a discussion every two years for the last 50 years. >> True [snorts] statement. >> Um
• I just want to highlight the mission statement.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also think the statement that it will be the wild west and not a good use of our time is a choice.
• I<00:35:55.280> also<00:35:55.640> think<00:35:56.600> the<00:35:56.720> statement
• /c><00:35:57.360> that<00:35:57.520> it<00:35:57.640> will I also think the statement
• that it will I also think the statement that it will be<00:35:57.840> the<00:35:58.000> wild

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House debated Representative Hicks’ motion to place Senate File 3210 first on the calendar for the next day. Hicks said the bill, which concerns disability accommodations, had been on the general register since March 9 and had passed the Senate 46-18. Supporters argued it would strengthen the process for requesting accommodations and should be heard on the floor without further delay. Representative Niska opposed the motion, arguing the bill was poorly drafted, had not received enough committee work, and could create ambiguity in the Minnesota Human Rights Act. He focused on the bill’s use of “may” in describing failure to engage in the accommodation process and questioned how the proposal would affect existing law in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education. Hicks responded that the bill addresses the process for reasonable accommodations, not the underlying accommodation standards, and said disability advocates and the Department of Human Rights supported the language. Several members spoke in favor of calendaring the bill, emphasizing that it was bipartisan, had already moved through committee, and was important to people with disabilities. Some supporters described the accommodation process as difficult and said the bill would help ensure good-faith engagement between employers and individuals seeking accommodations. The exchange ended with the motion still under debate, with members indicating the bill would likely be taken up on the floor the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think you've kind of provided your closing statement. Yeah, absolutely.
• I think you've kind of provided your closing statement. Yeah, absolutely.
• So that's my statement on that, and I ask that you reject this bill.
• So, and that's my statement on that. And I asked that you would reject this bill.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We actually write a statement of deficiencies. It's called a 2567.
• Deficiencies, we actually write a statement of deficiencies. It's called a 2567.
• is a deficient practice while we're on site at our investigation, we do write a 2567, which is a statement
• A statement of deficiencies is sent to the facility, and then they have 10 days to write their plan of

Summary: The Select Committee on Older LGBTQ Californians held an inaugural hearing focused on the health care and support landscape for older LGBTQ Californians, including people aging with HIV and transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex seniors. Opening remarks emphasized the long history of discrimination faced by older LGBTQ adults, the growth of the aging LGBTQ population, and the need to translate existing state commitments into concrete services. Senators highlighted concerns about nursing home vulnerability, the aging of people living with HIV, and the impact of federal actions and Medicaid cuts on California’s safety net. The first panel featured Justice in Aging, CalHHS, the Department of Aging, and the Aging and HIV Institute. Testimony described widespread inequities, including discrimination, social isolation, economic insecurity, and gaps in culturally competent care. State officials outlined the Master Plan for Aging, the first statewide survey of LGBTQIA older adults, gender-affirming care protections in Medi-Cal, and efforts to improve coordination across departments. Advocates argued the state has been too slow to respond to federal threats and that services are often hard to find or fragmented. Committee members pressed the departments on how survey findings are being turned into action, how rural and underserved communities are being reached, and whether more formal stakeholder coordination or “no wrong door” access systems are needed. The second panel focused on seniors living with HIV. A long-term survivor gave emotional testimony about the “survivorship penalty,” loss of benefits, housing insecurity, and the need for legal and navigation support, housing assistance, and protection from outdated disability standards. The Department of Aging reported on implementation of SB 258, which added HIV status to the definition of greatest social need for area agencies on aging; it said 20 of 33 area plans now identify HIV as a target population and many include specific strategies, such as LGBTQIA mental health connections programs. The Office of AIDS described Project Cornerstone, Ryan White, ADAP, HOPWA, the Medi-Cal waiver, and PrEP-AP, noting these programs serve thousands of older clients and rely on whole-person case management. Case management testimony underscored persistent needs for medication subsidies, transportation, food, and housing. Committee members questioned how ADAP rebate funds might be used, how SB 258 is enforced across local agencies, and how to reduce administrative barriers and auto-connect eligible people to benefits. The final panel began with the Department of Social Services outlining protections for TGI seniors in licensed care facilities, including SB 219’s nondiscrimination requirements and related provider notices and resident rights materials. The hearing remained focused on identifying service gaps, improving coordination across aging, health, and social service systems, and ensuring state programs better reflect the lived experience of older LGBTQ Californians.

Transcript Highlights:

• that's being updated, but one thing that I think is confusing: if you go and look at the committee statement
• The substance of the amendments is included in the committee statement, but the full information about
• I also want to make sure, because it's not clear on the committee statement, perhaps for technical reasons
• I also want to make sure, because it's not clear on the committee statement, perhaps for technical reasons

Bills: LB878, LB958, LB958A, LB762, LB1187, LB966, LB929, LB962, LB1209, LB937A, LB962A, LB1050, LB1050A, LB965, LB1022, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB745, LB749, LB778, LR293, LR296, LR422, LR495, LR496, LR497, LR498, LR499, LR500, LR501, LR502, LR503, LR504

Keywords: paid parental leave, state employees, workplace benefits, family support, economic impact, Medicaid, Medical Assistance Act, home and community-based services waiver, HCBS waiver, waiver participant, assessment tool, clinical interviewing, service tier, retroactive coverage, doula, doula reimbursement, maternal health, prenatal care, pregnancy, birth outcomes

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh but I have reached out to Epic and and and have been said it's okay to read this statement.
• have been been said it's okay to read have been been said it's okay to read this<00:43:22.480> statement
• that<00:43:24.920> Epic<00:43:25.240> is<00:43:25.400> already this statement
• Um that Epic is already this statement.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:25 HB 667 Discussion 01:21 HB 667 Roll Call Vote 03:56 HB 677 Discussion 05:01 HB 677 Roll Call Vote 11:51 HB 535 Discussion 13:33 HB 535 Roll Call Vote 34:46 HJR 77 Discussion 38:33 HJR 77 Roll Call Vote 44:23, 958, all

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 667, described by the sponsor as a cleanup measure to a 2024 solid waste law. Testimony said the bill would clarify issues involving indirect access to protected information, contractors and consultants, Open Records Act interactions, and remedies when protected material is obtained. The committee voted 13-0 to pass the bill favorably and recommended it for passage on the House floor. The committee then took up House Bill 677, which would establish Kentucky’s legal and regulatory framework for carbon dioxide geological sequestration and help the state seek EPA primacy over Class VI injection wells. Supporters said the bill was the product of 18 months of work among industry, landowner, environmental, and cabinet stakeholders, and argued it would promote economic development, protect landowners, and support carbon-capture investment and related infrastructure, especially in Western Kentucky. An amendment was adopted by voice vote, and the bill then passed favorably with committee amendment attached. Finally, the committee discussed House Bill 535 as amended by a committee substitute. The bill would authorize securitization for certain investor-owned utilities with out-of-state assets, including Kentucky Power, to refinance assets such as the Mitchell plant and certain regulatory assets, with a two-year rate freeze and PSC review for net savings. Sponsors and supporters framed it as an affordability and jobs measure that could finance new natural gas generation at Big Sandy, create several hundred construction jobs, and support long-term economic development in Eastern Kentucky. Members raised concerns about utility fees, PSC discretion, and transparency; sponsors said the proposal would not be approved without overall savings and that applications would also be reviewed by the legislature, the Attorney General, and EPIC. The committee adopted the committee substitute and then passed House Bill 535 favorably, with several members explaining their votes and some noting continued reservations for floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Wouldn't that be an accurate statement? Yeah, that is.
• Wouldn't that be an accurate statement? Yeah, that is.
• Wouldn't that be an accurate statement? Yeah, that is.
• Wouldn't that be an accurate statement? Yeah, that is.

Keywords: 916, all