Transcript Highlights:

• In other words, you can cool your home, heat your water, and cook your food, but you do so with less
• including electric heat pump water heaters.
• including electric heat pump water heaters.
• Santa Barbara Unified replaced aging gas water heaters with heat pumps through SoCal-REN.
• Santa Barbara Unified replaced aging gas water heaters with heat pumps through SoCal-REN.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held a hearing on how California Public Utilities Commission energy efficiency programs are budgeted, evaluated, and measured for cost-effectiveness. The chair framed the issue as not whether energy efficiency works, but how to ensure ratepayer-funded programs continue to deliver value as the portfolio has shifted from simple measures like lighting to more complex retrofits, electrification, workforce, and equity programs. CPUC staff outlined the statutory framework, the four-year budget cycle, recent spending of about $795 million in 2025, and the use of total system benefit (TSB) and the total resource cost (TRC) test, noting that some programs are exempt from cost-effectiveness requirements at the individual program level but not at the resource acquisition portfolio level. Utility, regional network, implementer, and advocacy witnesses offered differing views on the current metrics. PG&E described its portfolio as cost-effective overall and argued that cost-effectiveness should remain at the portfolio level to allow innovation and multi-year program flexibility. SoCalREN and the Energy Coalition emphasized the value of local government delivery, equity-focused programs, and the need to credit programs for broader benefits such as workforce development, market transformation, and electrification. The Public Advocates Office argued that ratepayer-funded programs should produce benefits greater than costs and raised concerns about the growing share of budgets going to programs that have not met cost-effectiveness thresholds. Several witnesses said the current math is too complicated and that different program types may need different metrics. Committee members repeatedly pressed witnesses on the complexity of the TRC and TSB calculations, the treatment of participant costs, and whether the state should use a simpler or more transparent framework. CPUC staff said the relevant issues are already being addressed in two open proceedings, with one budget application proceeding expected to conclude in roughly the second or third quarter of next year and a broader policy rulemaking ongoing. No votes were taken and no formal action was reported; the hearing functioned as an informational discussion and policy review.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're investments in the air that we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat.
• Clean water standards are under attack at the federal level.
• The rollback of water quality controls has severe public health impacts.
• But Massachusetts continues to take action to guarantee clean water.
• We are investing in infrastructure from roads to water systems.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with routine business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and adoption of three congratulatory resolutions honoring Eagle Scouts Charles Goodman, Jack Goodwin, and Liam LaCrooy. Members also adopted a House-Senate concurrence on House 4359, a Milford alcohol-license bill, after amending it to repeal Chapter 289 of the Acts of 2022 and set an effective date. The chamber then passed Senate 2596, establishing maintenance of private roads in Gloucester, and engrossed House 4887. The House also observed moments of silence for former Lynn City Councilor Richard Rick Ford, Louise M. Pedroso, and Mildred “Millie” Cox, and welcomed several guests, including students, civic visitors, and British Minister of State Stephen Doughty. The bulk of the session focused on budget amendments related to housing and emergency assistance. Amendment 1579, which would have tightened HomeBASE eligibility by requiring citizenship-status inquiries, was debated at length and defeated 26-130. Amendment 1582, which would have barred Housing and Livable Communities from conditioning grants on MBTA Communities Act compliance, was also rejected 27-126. Amendment 1583, which would have limited right-to-shelter eligibility to U.S. citizens with six months’ Massachusetts residency, was defeated 26-122. Supporters argued these changes would reduce costs and prioritize taxpayers; opponents said they would exclude lawful residents and undermine existing housing and shelter reforms. The House then adopted Consolidated Amendment F, covering energy, environmental affairs, and housing, by a vote of 154-0. Speakers highlighted major funding for rental vouchers, emergency shelter, HomeBASE, public housing, clean water, climate and agricultural programs, and food assistance. The chamber also considered and defeated Amendment 1218 on creating a data center commission, Amendment 1234 on eliminating certain energy surcharges, and several education-related amendments from Ms. Sullivan-Almeida: changes to special education reimbursement thresholds and rates, and a proposal to make regional school transportation funding mandatory rather than subject to appropriation. Those education amendments were all rejected after roll-call votes. Amendment 1580 on ending vocational school lottery admissions was withdrawn by its sponsor before a vote. The transcript ends as debate continues on Amendment 1308, which would increase a budget line item, but no final action on that amendment is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kylie Wright with the Association of California Water Agencies, respectfully opposed unless amended in
• , which is a good thing, a bad thing, but it... ...assess everything that is in our waters, which is
• There's nobody from CalEPA or the Regional Water Quality Board or the L.A.
• And so this bill would at least purport to say, no, you don't have to comply with the Regional Water
• Your water system is going to be $27 million for, you know, the City of Dixon and it's 8,000 people,

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills. AB 2002 would clarify and extend the REAP 1.0 regional housing planning grant program, with the author and regional planning groups arguing it provides needed technical assistance for housing elements and RHNA compliance; the California Building Industry Association opposed unless amended over concerns about local constraints. The committee discussed accepted amendments on regulations, suballocation to subregions, and spending deadlines, and then passed the bill on a do pass as amended motion to Senate Appropriations. AB 1684 would prohibit HOAs from restricting homeowners’ ability to install or replace cooling systems, with supporters citing heat safety and opponents focusing on building integrity, electrical capacity, permits, and common-area placement; the committee adopted amendments on licensed electrical contractors, disclosure, and permit requirements, and passed the bill to Senate Judiciary. AB 1710 would extend SB 330-style vesting protections to state and regional agencies so housing projects are not subject to later regulatory changes, with supporters emphasizing predictability and opponents warning it could conflict with later state, regional, and federal requirements, especially for water and environmental rules; the bill was passed as amended to Senate Local Government. The committee also heard AB 2263, which would authorize the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to provide employee housing on its land with a preference for VTA workers while keeping units open to the public and compliant with fair housing law. VTA said the bill would help employees facing long commutes and high housing costs, and the committee discussed financing through transit-oriented development partnerships and existing land holdings; the bill was passed as amended to Senate Appropriations. AB 2270 would require the state tax credit committee to account for rural realities when scoring farmworker housing projects for low-income housing tax credits; supporters said current amenity-based scoring disadvantages rural farmworker developments, and the bill was passed as amended to Senate Appropriations. Later, AB 2118 would refine AB 2011 by limiting local objective standards that can block mixed-use and affordable housing projects, with supporters saying cities still use loopholes to delay projects; the committee discussed possible state mandate reimbursement issues and passed the bill to Local Government. Finally, AB 2050 would require HOA reserve funding based on reserve studies, add notice and safeguards for reserve transfers, and phase in funding over six years; supporters argued it would prevent large special assessments and protect homeowners, while opponents said enforcement remains weak and the bill could still burden owners. The committee did not take a final recorded vote on AB 2050 in the portion provided, but members discussed the need for stronger enforcement and the balance between reserve funding and affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• to portable water supply and waste<00:04:50.360><c> water</c><00:04:50.560><c> system</c><00:04:51.240
• ><c> connections,</c><00:04:52.400><c> and</c> waste water system connections, and waste water system
• Next up is Senate Bill 223, which is an act relating to water quality of the waters of Vermont.
• quality of the act relating to water quality of the waters<00:21:31.240><c> of</c><00:21:31.400><c>
• Member from waters of Vermont. Member from Middlebury.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Each soil and water conservation district is a political subdivision of the state.
• and Water Conservation... ...conservation.
• and Water Conservation Board.
• This is, again, soil and water conservation.
• We have folks who are soil and water experts who are doing resource management.

Committee: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum, adopted the prior meeting minutes, and heard a series of agriculture-related bills, most of them sponsored by Representative Domain or Chairwoman Butler. The first major bill, HB 121, would expand the Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s authority over imported seafood by allowing its inspectors, in addition to the Department of Health, to seize and destroy adulterated seafood already under stop order. Representative Domain and Commissioner Strain framed the bill as a seafood-safety and anti-fraud measure aimed at protecting Louisiana shrimpers from tainted imports and bad actors. Members asked about cost, testing rates, countries of origin, and whether the bill would affect imported shrimp prices; the commissioner said it would not raise consumer prices and that Louisiana’s testing is focused at retail rather than ports. HB 121 was reported favorably with no objections. The committee then considered HB 725, which requires restaurants/retailers to retain invoices from imported seafood vendors for six months. After a technical amendment changing the bill’s one-liner from “restaurants” to “retailers,” the bill was explained as a recordkeeping tool to help auditors verify country-of-origin and labeling compliance without costly product testing. It was reported favorably with amendments. The committee also heard a bill reducing the required number of annual meetings for the Agriculture Finance Authority from four to two; Commissioner Strain said the change would streamline operations when there is no business to conduct, and it was reported favorably. Next, the committee took up HB 344 and HB 370 dealing with the Grain and Cotton Indemnity Fund. HB 344 raises the fund’s balance thresholds for suspending and restarting assessments, while HB 370 increases the assessment rate on agricultural commodities to replenish the fund more quickly. Commissioner Strain described recent large losses from grain broker bankruptcies, including Hansen-Mueller, and explained that the fund has been paying farmers but needs a larger balance to handle future defaults. Members discussed the risks posed by brokers, the adequacy of bonding, and the need to protect farmers and rural communities; both bills were reported favorably. The committee also advanced HB 367, aligning Structural Pest Control Commission hearing notices with the Administrative Procedure Act, and HB 847, which modernizes Soil and Water Conservation district supervisor elections by shifting administration to the Secretary of State and updating petition and ballot procedures after a crowded, ballot-short election. Finally, HB 505 streamlined certification and renewal rules for commercial applicators, pesticide salespersons, and agricultural consultants, including a technical amendment to keep unexpended pesticide-fund money in the fund; it too was reported favorably with amendments. After the bills, Commissioner Strain gave a lengthy update on the state of agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture. He highlighted continued pressure on shrimp from low-cost imports, currency shifts, and inadequate domestic marketing and cold storage, as well as ongoing seafood labeling enforcement and testing. He also discussed feral swine damage, drought and wildfire concerns, fertilizer and diesel cost increases, crop acreage trends, and export efforts for rice and timber, including Louisiana wood pellets used in the United Kingdom. LSU Ag Center Dean Matt Lee followed with a presentation on the center’s research and extension work, emphasizing its statewide network, high research ranking, and the economic return from agricultural science, especially in sugarcane variety development. He said LSU Ag Center research has helped Louisiana maintain strong sugar production and supports producers across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have tremendous impact on water consumption, on utility... ...This impact on water consumption,
• Water consumption is amazing. You know, they take up time. You do have protections in this bill.
• For example, the Fountain Blue can build a huge water park in the next five years? Senator McLean.
• It's a promise to protect our drinking water, reduce flood risk, preserve farmland, and safeguard the
• It's a promise to protect our drinking water, reduce flood risk, preserve farmland, and safeguard the

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several member introductions and recognitions, then moved to messages from the House and special order business. The chamber first took up House amendments to Senate Bill 628 on transportation facility designations, CS for CS for HB 1389 on affordable housing/Live Local, and CS for CS for HB 1451 on utility services. Senators asked about the naming of roadways, the Live Local changes for religious institution property and the removal of accessory dwelling unit language, and utility surcharge phase-out and reporting dates. All three measures were concurred in and passed, with votes of 31-4 on SB 628, 35-0 on HB 1389, and 30-6 on HB 1451. The Senate then considered the education package, substituting CS for CS for HB 1279 for CS for CS for SB 7038. An amendment combining provisions from several education bills was adopted, and the bill passed 36-1. The chamber also took up CS for CS for SB 484 on data centers, where the House amendment removed the Senate’s NDA prohibition, kept a 12-month limit on public-records confidentiality, added a PSC tariff filing deadline, and required an OPAGA study. Senators debated transparency, local notice, and ratepayer protections; supporters emphasized that data center energy and infrastructure costs could not be shifted to other ratepayers. The House amendment was concurred in and the bill passed 31-6. After a recess, the Senate returned to the land use and development regulations bill, substituting CS for CS for CS for HB 399 for SB 208. A proposed amendment to remove language affecting a Miami Beach Fontainebleau Hotel water park project failed, while other amendments were adopted, including a sunset provision and changes related to compost-processing facilities. The chamber then adopted an amendment preserving Miami-Dade’s urban development boundary supermajority requirement and related protections, with support framed around water, flood risk, farmland, and the Everglades. Finally, the Senate began debate on a broader amendment by Senator Martin creating a process for rural boundary property owners to seek removal or compensation without litigation; the discussion focused on property rights, county liability, and whether the proposal would affect Orange and Seminole counties, but the transcript ends before final action on that amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are water funds that we'll go through later in the packet. Let's stop right there.
• So, for people that don't know, that water rights settlement couldn't control the water in New Mexico
• Aquifer characterization and integration of state water data. And I think, Mr.
• And then $100 million to the Water Project Fund.
• the Water Trust Board to move those shovel-ready projects a little more quickly.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the second subcommittee is a subcommittee on Minnesota water policy.
• </c> is a subcommittee on Minnesota water is a subcommittee on Minnesota water policy.<00:18:05.600><
• </c><00:20:45.280><c> Discussion</c><00:20:45.679><c> to</c> Minnesota water policy.
• Discussion to Minnesota water policy. Discussion to the<00:20:46.000><c> motion.
• </c> Minnesota water policy is adopted. Minnesota water policy is adopted.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• If a camp is far away from any water, floodplain is by nature irrelevant.
• We think the Texas Water Development Board would be a good stopgap, uh, before them.
• , that spread the water, that sink the water, and all of that means when the next flood comes down, instead
• You have people trying to, uh, stop these low water crossings.
• We saw pallets of water.

Bills: HB1 , HB 2 , HB18 , HB19 , HB20

Committee: House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Keywords: youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license

Transcript Highlights:

• The biennial request for a West Texas Water resilience Center is $4 million and it's dedicated to the
• region-wide water.
• When we have something like a main water main that goes down, main water pipe that goes down, that's
• We support wildlife services through water conservation programs.
• We focus on the state's natural resources to include water to maximize our maximize our efficiency.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:

• The biennial request for a West Texas Water Resilience Center is $4 million and it's dedicated to the
• region-wide water crisis. resources that produce food, fuel, and fiber for our state and nation. and
• When we have something like a main water main that goes down, main water pipe that goes down, that's
• Some of these commodities include cattle. cotton, water, as well as food, nutrition, and human health
• In this area, we focus on the state's natural resources to include. water to maximize our efficiency.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:53:07.920><c> Um,</c> of them have water and sewer. Um, of them have water and sewer.
• </c> water and sewer. water and sewer.
• We have water would benefit from this. We have water sewer. sewer. sewer.
• No. >> Waters Evans of Charlotte? No. >> Waters Evans of Charlotte?
• </c> &gt;&gt; Waters Evans of Charlotte. &gt;&gt; Waters Evans of Charlotte. &gt;&gt; Yes.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:43:18.520><c> strips</c> muddies the statutory waters, strips muddies the statutory waters,
• Senator Waters. Is there any discussion? Senator Waters.
• </c><00:50:53.960><c> and</c> from um coast in coastal waters and from um coast in coastal waters and
• Senator Waters? >> Uh, thank you, Madam President.
• This would platforms on public waters.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in our amendment, in conversing with Senator Kessel and the State Water Commission, Governor... .
• ..with Senator Kessel and the State Water Commission governor's office.
• why we have this bill is because we actually did have that in last session, but they circumvented Water
• But I think we also understand the need to not include life cycle analysis for the municipal water supply
• give us some more data there, along with the proposed study language, and really allow the interim water

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The conference committee on House Bill 1218 met to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, which concerns environmental assessment requirements and cost-share analysis for drainage projects. Members discussed revised language that would keep the existing $1 million threshold in place for assessment drain projects, maintain the moratorium on environmental assessments for those projects, and add study language to examine thresholds for when environmental assessments should be required. The House side explained that the goal was to prevent the threshold from being lowered again, while also allowing the interim study to gather more data on agricultural benefit valuation and cost-benefit analysis. Senator Engett asked why additional study time was needed if more than 50 environmental assessments had already been completed. In response, members explained that the current tool has gaps in how agricultural land benefits are valued, which can affect cost-share calculations, and that the study period would help improve the analysis. They also noted that the bill would not affect municipal water supply or flood control projects, with the main issue being assessment drains in agricultural land. No votes were taken. The committee agreed the revised language should be put into proper legislative form, and the chair indicated the committee could reconvene later that morning, possibly at 11:00 a.m., before adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• . waters. waters.
• under periods of high water.
• </c> going to hear above water? going to hear above water?
• >> It's above water. It's what leaks from the water up was. And as I say, I have no clue.
• They just pump gallons of water.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council met on May 27, 2026, approved the January 7 minutes and the day’s agenda, and reported no conflicts of interest. The executive director gave staff updates, including introductions of new staff member Cara Castanza and DNR liaison Jason Co., both of whom were welcomed by the council. Members were also informed about three minor easement/conveyance matters in the packet, including a small Bowser easement impact with about $1,600 returned to the Outdoor Heritage Fund, a Minnesota Land Trust easement request involving a DNR trout stream easement, and an access easement revision in Itasca County. The council also noted several upcoming dedication events and a June field tour in southeast Minnesota beginning in Winona on June 16, with visits to Whitewater WMA, bluff prairie and stream sites, and a river segment if a boat is secured. A major agenda item was a legislative session recap on the Outdoor Heritage Fund portion of Senate File 2077, the omnibus Outdoor Heritage Fund, Legacy, and Lands bill. Staff reported that all council recommendations were incorporated into the bill, which passed both chambers on May 17 and was expected to be signed by the governor. The fiscal year 2027 Outdoor Heritage Fund recommendations covered 53 programs totaling about $188.9 million, with the February forecast increasing the appropriation slightly so the final total was about $191.16 million; eligible programs were proportionately increased. Staff also highlighted a few changes made during the legislative process, including adjustments to the Roso Lake rehabilitation phase three project, the conservation partners legacy grant language, and statutory provisions affecting the council. The recap also covered policy changes in the bill: a public member term limit of eight years, with a short vacancy exception and transition rules for current members; a revised executive director hiring process allowing the Legislative Coordinating Commission to provide support while preserving the council’s final hiring authority and permitting closed meetings for candidate discussions; and an extension of the Upper Mississippi River invasive carp deterrent design deadline to June 30, 2027. Members discussed the Roso Lake amendment at length, with Senator Lang and Representative Burkel explaining that the added delay and injunction-related language were intended to address local concerns and preserve the council’s process while litigation proceeds. The meeting ended without any additional formal action beyond receiving the updates and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• storage, not since the State Water Project.
• </c><06:04:15.558><c> cascading</c> fulam dam and you had water cascading fulam dam and you had water
• </c> punish you if you use too much water punish you if you use too much water when<06:05:00.958><c>
• </c> artificial scarcity on its water artificial scarcity on its water supply<06:05:47.440><c> at</c>
• </c> hydrants that are not working that water hydrants that are not working that water isn't<06:07:16.958

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, January 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't want to pollute the water. We didn't want our citizens not to have potable water.
• We don't want to pollute the water. We didn't want our citizens not to have potable water.
• We don't want to pollute the water. We didn't want our citizens not to have potable water.
• We don't want to pollute the water. We didn't want our citizens not to have potable water.
• </c> take a big drink of water. take a big drink of water.

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, he is actually the head of our water and maintenance department in our little small town of Pots
• Constantly working, doing things, whether it be on water or just anything and everything that keeps a
• head</c><00:03:24.720><c> of</c><00:03:24.879><c> our</c><00:03:25.840><c> um</c><00:03:26.080><c> water
• </c><00:03:26.319><c> and</c> actually the head of our um water and actually the head of our um water
• <00:03:40.239><c> or</c><00:03:41.280><c> um</c> water or um water or um just<00:03:44.000><c> just</

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division B

Keywords: Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 24 March, 2026; 9:00 A.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• are exhorted to fast and pray unto Almighty God for abundant moisture to replenish our state's vital water
• supplies, that our mountains may be crowned with snow and our rivers flow with life-giving waters.'
• are exhorted to fast and pray unto Almighty God for abundant moisture to replenish our state's vital water
• supplies that our mountains may be crowned with snow and our rivers flow with life-giving waters.
• , to revise provisions regarding applications to appropriate water, and to revise provisions regarding

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then handled routine business including journal approval, communications about substitute senators, and committee reports. Several bills were printed and referred to committees, enrolled measures were signed or filed, and House bills and memorials received from the House were assigned to the appropriate committees or reading calendars. The chamber also agreed to move Senate Bill 1294 to the 14th order for possible amendment and to hold Senate Bill 1264 on the calendar until March 4. The main floor action was on House Concurrent Resolution 28, which urged Idahoans to observe a day of fasting and prayer on March 1, 2006, in response to drought concerns, water supply needs, and political violence. Senator Den Hartog explained the resolution as a call for unity and prayer for moisture and common ground; the Senate adopted it by voice vote and returned it to the House. The Senate also advanced Senate Bill 1257, a child protection bill that would limit in-person visitation in cases of substantiated sexual or serious physical abuse unless a court finds visitation is in the child’s best interest and sets written conditions, and would clarify termination provisions when a parent is likely to remain incarcerated for a substantial part of the child’s minority. Senator Wintrow presented the bill as a way to strengthen child safety, permanency, and judicial discretion, citing a case example involving severe abuse and arguing that the measure puts decisions in the hands of the court rather than a bureaucrat. Senator Shippee initially raised due process concerns and the lack of a clear timeline for court review, but later said his concerns had been addressed and he would support the bill. Senators Nichols and Foreman spoke in favor, emphasizing clearer standards and the need to protect vulnerable children. The Senate passed Senate Bill 1257 by roll call vote, 24-6, with paired votes noted, and transmitted it to the House. In miscellaneous business, senators announced a page’s birthday, a state dance championship for Declo, and an invitation for senators and families to attend Topgolf. Leadership also warned that additional afternoon floor sessions would likely be scheduled the following week to move Senate bills. The Senate then adjourned until 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Julia Hall with the Association of California Water Agencies.
• Chair and members, Beth Olaso, on behalf of Water Reuse California, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, and
• Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley Advocacy Fund, want to echo the comments of my colleague,
• Beth Olaso, on behalf of Water Reuse California, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, and Water Blueprint
• With this exemption, Proposition 4 funding will be treated like other past water and climate bonds.

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 988, house, all