Transcript Highlights:

• And in all this is held in the public and what's the the surcharge INS the commission holds that will
• Give you a sense since 2005 of the various storm restoration surcharge amounts as well as the dollar
• Restoration cost and surcharges just so I'm understanding the calculation.
• is directly learned from a lien and that is transmission switch hardening and distribution storm surcharge
• This surcharges may compound or pancake on a customer's bills.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, with the $20 surcharge, it's really hard for us to verify what the value of the miles are or what
• And so it creates an unfair and inconsistent tax system with the $20 surcharge.
• So, you know, they will come forward and say that, but with the $20 surcharge it's really hard for us
• And so it creates an unfair and inconsistent tax system with the $20 surcharge.
• And so it creates an unfair and inconsistent tax system with the $20 surcharge.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Committee on Tourism and Committee on Water and Land heard HB 504, which would raise the transient accommodations tax by imposing a $20 nightly charge on stays booked with points, miles, or other rewards-program benefits, with revenues dedicated to DLNR for natural resource protection, management, and restoration. Supporters said Hawaiʻi faces major environmental funding shortfalls and that visitors should help pay for the lands and waters they enjoy. Testimony in support came from DLNR, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Care for Now Coalition, Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force, Hawaiʻi Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Kuaʻulu, Mālama Puka, Resources Legacy Fund, and others, many citing visitor polling showing strong support for an environmental stewardship fee and the need for a dedicated funding source and community grants. Opposition or caution focused mainly on implementation and the tax structure. The Department of Taxation said the surcharge would create administrative difficulties because it would be hard to verify the value of points, miles, and similar bookings, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi said it supported the policy goal but not the funding source, warning that tourists have limited budgets and may choose other destinations. Some members also raised concerns about the $20 rate and administrative complexity, while others said the concept was creative but needed refinement. After discussion, the chair recommended passing HB 504 as HD1 with amendments, including noting DoTax’s concerns and changing the effective date for the surcharge to January 1, 2027. Both committees adopted the recommendation and passed the bill with amendments; one member in Water and Land voted with reservations, and several members were excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• It authorizes the court to impose an additional surcharge on the penalty assessment up to $50,000 if
• Fifth, it requires payment of the CVPA and any additional surcharge imposed as a condition to the suspension
• from $250 to $500 in the case of a misdemeanor, it authorizes the court to impose an additional surcharge
• Fourth, it provides that the CVPA and the additional surcharge may not be reduced, waived, or converted
• Five, it requires payment of the CVPA and any additional surcharge imposed as a condition to the suspension

Bills: HB1591, HB2146, HB2220, HB2430, HB2526, HB2641, HB2648

Keywords: domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, survivor protections, legal remedies, defendants, sexual exploitation, minors, child safety, law enforcement, victim support, criminal justice training commission, CJTC, law enforcement training, peace officer certification, decertification, corrections officer certification, tribal police certification, police accountability, police oversight

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met in executive session to act on several bills previously heard. On House Bill 1591, the committee considered a substitute that would provide sentencing alternatives, resentencing, and record vacation relief for defendants who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking, with tighter eligibility standards and reporting requirements. Members discussed concerns about the scope of the relief and whether the abuse must be closely connected to the offense, but the substitute was approved and reported out 7-2 with a do pass recommendation. The committee also adopted Amendment 348 to House Bill 2146, which clarifies the offense of sexual exploitation of a minor to cover situations where a person causes a minor to view sexually explicit conduct knowing the minor’s viewing will be photographed or part of a live performance. The bill was then reported out unanimously. House Bill 2220, dealing with Criminal Justice Training Commission oversight and certification hearings, advanced on a substitute that removed a higher burden of proof, adjusted hearing panel membership, and directed rulemaking; it passed 7-2 after debate over whether the changes were a rollback of prior reforms. House Bill 2430, concerning the crime victim penalty assessment, was amended to increase assessment amounts, add a possible surcharge for defendants with substantial financial resources, tighten indigency exemptions, and preserve an indigent exception removed in the underlying bill. Supporters said the bill was needed to restore funding for victim services after prior budget cuts, and it passed unanimously. House Bill 2526, on prostitution, advanced on a substitute that renamed the offense, increased penalties for repeat buyers, directed most fee revenue to survivor-led organizations, and added an emergency clause; Amendment 275 was adopted to require law enforcement referrals to services before arrest in the first two investigative detentions and to add protections for people reporting other crimes. The bill passed 5-4 after substantial disagreement over whether the measure would help survivors or effectively decriminalize prostitution. Finally, House Bill 2648, addressing state and local law enforcement interactions with federal immigration enforcement, was amended to require body camera and dash camera activation during certain encounters, reporting to agencies, and indemnification protections for officers. Supporters framed the bill as clarifying duties and protecting civil rights, while opponents argued it could interfere with law enforcement and federal cooperation. The committee reported the bill out 6-3. House Bill 2641 was deferred, and the committee adjourned after completing action on the listed House bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also expands our advanced computing surcharge under the B&O tax for businesses that qualify for the
• ACS surcharge.
• This would have really significant impacts on the advanced computing surcharge.
• This would have really significant impacts on the advanced computing surcharge.
• But it's important that we understand that the advanced computing surcharge was primarily directed at

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB6044, SB6132, SB5109, SB5877, SB6258, HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Transcript Highlights:

• If there is no catastrophic event, there is no surcharge.
• An example: three years after Harvey, we would have had a surcharge for three years.
• It actually will say exactly what you are paying as a surcharge and where you're paying it.
• The surcharge can be spread over up to three years. years to repay it.
• The surcharge is 1.6% of a premium, but the term of that depends on how much is borrowed.

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

Keywords: HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund, production safety, leasehold operations, electric utility, distribution poles, inspection

Transcript Highlights:

• provide proof of all forms of income prior to sentencing, and the court may impose an additional surcharge
• The court is advised to impose the surcharge proportionate to the severity of the offense and the harm
• The court must require payment of any penalty assessment and surcharge imposed as a condition to the
• And then this concept of a surcharge, I think... ...having to provide documentary proof.
• And then this concept of a surcharge, I think there's been a lot of interest, at least on my side of

Bills: HB2146, HB2349, HB2430, HB2457, HB2510, HB2532

Keywords: sexual exploitation, minors, human trafficking, child safety, law enforcement, victim support, sexually violent predator, SVP, civil commitment, community notification, release notification, conditional release, unconditional discharge, escape notification, victim notification, witness notification, prosecuting attorney, Department of Social and Health Services, DSHS, Department of Corrections

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on several public safety bills. House Bill 2146 would expand the sexual exploitation of a minor statute to cover causing a minor to view sexually explicit conduct when that conduct is photographed or performed live. The prime sponsor, Olympia police, and Pierce County prosecutors described cases involving adults masturbating in front of children and said current law often leaves only misdemeanor charges such as indecent exposure or communication with a minor for immoral purposes. They argued the bill would better address grooming behavior, allow felony-level investigation and forensic interviews, and provide stronger sentencing and no-contact consequences. No vote was taken. House Bill 2349 would expand notice requirements for sexually violent predator releases, conditional releases, address changes, discharges, and escapes to include local elected officials such as legislators, county leaders, and city officials. The sponsor said the bill would codify and standardize a practice that had been occurring inconsistently and would help officials respond to community questions with accurate information. Cities and DSHS supported the bill with technical amendments, while defense attorneys opposed it, warning that broader notice could undermine law enforcement’s role, fuel public pressure against releases, and create constitutional and safety concerns. The hearing was left open. The committee also heard House Bills 2430 and 2457 together on the crime victim penalty assessment. HB 2430 would restore the assessment for certain offenses, while HB 2457 would increase the assessment and add a surcharge for defendants with substantial financial resources. Sponsors and victim advocates said the 2023 changes left victim services underfunded and caused severe staffing cuts, while prosecutors said the bills would help restore constitutionally required victim services. Defense and legal aid groups opposed both bills, arguing they would reimpose burdensome fees on people who cannot pay and worsen reentry barriers. The chair directed the two sponsors to work together on a single proposal before executive action. House Bill 2532 would make it a gross misdemeanor to sell or distribute nitrous oxide devices or canisters, while exempting medical, dental, food, industrial, and automotive uses. The sponsor and supporters, including tribal representatives, the Attorney General’s office, public health officials, and the Washington Poison Center, described rising misuse, youth-targeted marketing, serious injuries, and deaths, and said the bill would reduce access and protect public health. A veterinary group asked for clarification on animal care uses. The hearing was held open. Finally, House Bill 2510 would require DOC supervision for people convicted of stalking who are sentenced to community custody. The sponsor said stalking is a serious crime against persons and that supervision is needed to hold offenders accountable and protect victims; the hearing began but no action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• With the B&O surcharge from last year, was that applied to aerospace manufacturing?
• With the B&O surcharge from last year, was that applied to aerospace manufacturing?
• House Bill 2713 imposes a business and occupation tax surcharge on the operators of private detention
• , 2026, in addition to all other taxes imposed under Washington's B&O tax, persons must pay a 1% surcharge

Bills: HB2730, HB2713

Keywords: aerospace, tax preferences, effectiveness, economic impact, state revenue, private detention facilities, business tax, occupation tax, financial impact, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With the B&O surcharge from last year, was that applied to aerospace manufacturing?
• House Bill 2713 imposes a business and occupation tax surcharge on the operators of private detention
• House Bill 2713 imposes a business and occupation tax surcharge on the operators of private detention
• , 2026, in addition to all other taxes imposed under Washington's B&O tax, persons must pay a 1% surcharge

Summary: The House Finance Committee held public hearings on two bills. HB 2730 would clarify how JLARC evaluates the effectiveness of existing aerospace tax preferences by requiring a rolling five-year comparison of Washington aerospace employment with other states and asking JLARC to consider broader aerospace-sector changes and economic conditions. The prime sponsor and labor testifiers said the bill would add needed clarity and accountability for major tax investments supporting aerospace jobs. A committee question raised whether JLARC would be directed to make recommendations for improving the incentive, and staff and the sponsor said the bill does not specifically require that. HB 2713 would impose a 1% B&O tax surcharge, beginning July 1, 2026, on operators of private detention facilities with more than $1 million in annual Washington gross receipts. The sponsor said the bill is intended to respond to harms associated with private detention and to help fund services and legal support for affected families and communities. A remote testifier urged a much higher surtax on GEO Group, which operates the Northwest Detention Center, while county representatives testified that the bill as written could unintentionally apply to Martin Hall, a juvenile facility in Spokane County that is publicly governed and operated day-to-day by a nonprofit contractor. They asked for an exemption for Martin Hall, and the sponsor said that inclusion of nonprofits was not intended and that she would work with them on amendments. No votes were taken on either bill. The committee closed testimony on HB 2730 and HB 2713 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a $100 fine and a $75 surcharge, so the owner would be out $175 for that.
• It's a $100 fine and a $75 surcharge, so the owner would be out $175 for that.
• It's a $100 fine and a $75 surcharge, so the owner would be out $175 for that.
• It's a $100 fine and a $75 surcharge, so the owner would be out $175 for that.
• It's a $100 fine and a $75 surcharge, so the owner would be out $175 for that.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , which I know Senator Warnick and some other committee members serve on, as well as the actual surcharges
• , which I know Senator Warnick and some other committee members serve on, as well as the actual surcharges
• The second source of revenue is what we call an advanced computing surcharge, and that's applied to businesses
• multiplier on gross income, and then they can pay up to $75 million a year into WIA through this extra surcharge
• from the intent section of House Bill 2158, which created WIA and, of course, the college grants, surcharges

Summary: The Joint Higher Education Committee met for a work session on higher education accounting practices and financial transparency. OFM Deputy Director Sarah Rupp explained how state accounting rules and higher education reporting differ, including what data is captured in AFRS today and what will move into Workday, with universities generally reporting summary-level fund data, mandatory codes, and most balance sheet and income statement activity, but not transaction-level detail or vendor payment information. Representatives from the University of Washington and Washington State University described the complexity of their own accounting systems, the many entities and business lines they must track for audits and compliance, and the need to reconcile university-level accrual accounting with state reporting requirements. The committee also heard from the Education Research and Data Center on the public four-year finance dashboard created under Senate Bill 5512; ERDC said the dashboard is based on publicly available data, is best used to examine institutions individually rather than compare them directly, and will be updated with additional metrics in 2025 and 2026. The committee then received a presentation from the Washington Student Achievement Council on the Workforce Education Investment Account (WIA). Joel Anderson reviewed WIA’s creation under House Bill 2158, its revenue sources, and its intended uses for higher education, financial aid, and workforce development. He said recent legislation significantly increased WIA revenues and that, in the 2025–27 budget, the account is being used in new ways, including to replace general fund support for University of Washington operations and to fund a larger share of the Washington College Grant and some faculty compensation costs. Anderson said roughly 98% of current WIA appropriations go to higher education, but the share used to supplant other higher education funding has grown, and he estimated about 60% to 70% of current spending still aligns with the account’s original intent. He also described a new effort to track WIA appropriations across biennia in more detail and noted the WIA Oversight Board’s role in recommending uses of the account and monitoring outcomes. No votes were taken; the committee ended by moving into executive session for staffing issues and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• albuterol, insert language requiring that if its medical services must be initiated, such as calling 911
• for just a moment that on your energy bill, you just found out that there's going to be a monthly surcharge
• They cannot compel a religious health care provider to pay this surcharge every month to this account

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6170, SB6176, SB6182, SB6335, SB5647, SB6047, HB2367, HB2606, SB6129, SB6228, SB6231, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law

Summary: The Senate opened with ceremonial items, then moved through gubernatorial appointments and a series of floor votes. It confirmed Acacia E. Ingram to the Evergreen State College Board of Trustees, Ashland J. Tibbet and David S. Frockt to the Western Washington University Board of Trustees, and Christine Rolfes to the Olympic College Board of Trustees. Members spoke in support of the appointees’ public service and ties to higher education. The chamber also heard a personal privilege statement honoring a Colfax basketball coach who died of pancreatic cancer, followed by a caucus break. The Senate then considered several bills, passing measures on derelict vessels (SHB 2199), radiologic technologist supervision (HB 2113), nitrous oxide retail sales (ESHB 2532), ambulance transport fund alignment (HB 2531), EMT recertification (HB 2540), affordable housing on religious property (2SHB 1859), factory-built housing standards (SHB 2151), social housing public development authorities (EHB 1687), the Washington Voting Rights Act and voter suppression claims (ESSHB 1750), privacy and data protection reporting and AI use (HB 2606), military family school stability (ESHB 2534), coal-fired utility treatment (HB 2367), and school access to albuterol (SHB 2360). Most passed on strong bipartisan roll calls, though the voting-rights bill and coal-utility bill drew the most debate and partisan division. Several bills were amended on the floor. The Senate adopted changes to the nitrous oxide bill, the factory-built housing bill, the social housing bill, the albuterol bill, and the 3D-printer/firearm-manufacturing bill (ESHB 2320), while rejecting some proposed amendments on the voting-rights and 3D-printer bills. Debate centered on whether the voting-rights bill set too low a threshold for lawsuits and whether the coal-utility bill gave improper treatment to coal generation; supporters framed both as needed protections or transition measures, while opponents warned about litigation and policy overreach. The chamber also discussed tribal consultation in energy siting (SHB 2496), ultimately passing it after a close vote, and later returned to the 3D-printer bill, which advanced after amendments narrowed exemptions for gunsmiths and dealers and clarified the bill’s focus on digital files used to manufacture firearms.

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides language that reduces the 50% surcharge to 25%.
• The bill does eliminate current law authority for extraterritorial surcharges.
• Just to address a couple of points on the water surcharge that was mentioned and just to kind of go back
• And right now a municipality can charge up to a 50% surcharge on those beyond their municipal boundary
• So what this does is it reduces that surcharge to 25%. So that is more than fair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Utilities could cover the cost of the annual contribution through a surcharge on their customers.
• The other $10.5 billion was paid on a yearly basis with the $2 to $3 a month surcharge.
• part to the fact that after a major event, the council will be forced to significantly increase surcharges
• House Bill 2275 authorizes both a one-time utility contribution and an ongoing wildfire surcharge on
• House Bill 2275 authorizes both a one-time utility contribution and an ongoing wildfire surcharge on

Bills: HB2275, HB2238

Keywords: wildfire prevention, Washington wildfire council, fire safety, environmental protection, state regulations, HB 2238, HB2238, statewide food security, food security strategy, hunger, food insecurity, food access, food assistance, anti-hunger, nutrition education, food system literacy, agricultural viability, supply chain resilience, Washington Department of Agriculture, food policy forum

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2275, which would create a Wildfire Prevention and Protection Fund and a 15-member council to administer it. Committee staff explained that investor-owned utilities would be required to participate, consumer-owned utilities could opt in, and utilities would pay annual contributions and potentially a one-time startup payment; the fund would compensate certain wildfire damage claims tied to utility negligence and support wildfire mitigation planning and related work. Representative Reeves, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to address wildfire liability, improve transparency for ratepayers, and create a more comprehensive statewide approach to wildfire prevention and response. Testimony was mixed. Supporters included the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Department of Natural Resources, wildfire survivors, and several advocates who said the bill could help victims recover, stabilize wildfire response funding, and support mitigation. Several witnesses described personal losses from the Gray Fire and said a dedicated fund could have helped with recovery. Opponents and those testifying “other” or “con” included utilities, utility associations, business groups, and ratepayer advocates, who raised concerns about retroactive liability dating back to July 1, 2021, unclear fund solvency, potential rate increases, equity among customer classes, and the risk that the fund could be swept for other state purposes. Some witnesses argued the bill should be paired with broader liability reform and stronger mitigation requirements, while others pointed to California’s wildfire fund as a model or cautionary example. After public testimony, the committee read the record of sign-ins as 30 pro, 774 con, and 2 other, and then concluded the hearing on HB 2275. The committee then moved to executive session on House Bill 2238, which directs the Department of Agriculture to develop a statewide food security strategy and adds food security coordination and food system performance monitoring duties. Staff briefed five amendments, four of which were adopted: one requiring consideration of regulatory cost metrics and periodic competitiveness reporting, one directing the department to recommend legislative actions to improve food affordability, one adding people with lived experience of food insecurity and BIPOC small farmers to consultation requirements and emphasizing root causes of hunger, and one adding fuel and labor cost metrics. A fifth amendment, which would have required a consultant study of agricultural labor collective bargaining legislation, failed on a 5-6 roll call vote. The committee then moved the substitute bill forward with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And once Once the surcharge ends, the commission will hold a hearing to determine the actual appropriate
• And these tables give you a sense since 2005 of the various storm restoration surcharge amounts as well
• You can go back a couple of slides on the storm restoration costs and surcharges.
• So they're taking the amount of accounts that they have and then surcharging the 1,000 kilowatt hour
• The surcharges may compound or pancake on the customer's bills.

Summary: The committee met to hear invited presentations on storm recovery and storm protection from the Florida Public Service Commission, Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy, Tampa Electric, Chesapeake Utilities, and the Office of Public Counsel. The PSC reviewed the history of storm restoration financing and utility hardening efforts after major storms such as Hurricane Andrew, the 2004-05 hurricane seasons, Irma, and Michael, explaining storm reserve funds, storm recovery bonds, and the current three-year storm protection plan process. The commission’s role in approving plans and later reviewing prudence of actual costs was emphasized, along with the types of work included in the plans such as vegetation management, pole replacement, undergrounding, feeder hardening, and substation flood protection. The utilities described their own storm-hardening investments and recent storm performance. FPL said it has spent about $4.9 billion on storm protection and recovery-related efforts, highlighted improved restoration times during Helene and Milton, and said it is expanding undergrounding, feeder hardening, and smart-grid technology. Duke Energy reported more than 40,000 hardened poles and structures since 2021, major gains from self-healing grid technology, and faster restoration during recent storms. Tampa Electric described a roughly $200 million annual storm protection effort, including vegetation management, undergrounding, substation hardening, and new storm surge protections, and Chesapeake Utilities discussed its smaller-scale hardening program, vegetation work, pole replacement, and rapid restoration after Helene in Nassau County. Committee members asked about how utilities prioritize neighborhoods for lateral hardening, whether maps of planned projects could be shared, how much each utility has spent on undergrounding and hardening, and how reliability comparisons are normalized against the national average. Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler argued that storm recovery and hardening costs fall too heavily on investor-owned utility customers, said the current framework lacks a meaningful cost-benefit or prudence check at the planning stage, and urged broader sharing of storm costs because the benefits extend to the whole state. Senators also discussed whether the commission can review the reasonableness of approved programs and whether future reports or recommendations from Public Counsel would be helpful. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're in HMO, you're paying a 1% premium tax and a 6% surcharge.
• If you're in HMO, you're paying a 1% premium tax and a 6% surcharge.
• If you're in HMO, you're paying a 1% premium tax and a 6% surcharge.
• If you're in HMO, you're paying a 1% premium tax and a 6% surcharge.
• If you're in HMO, you're paying a 1% premium tax and a 6% surcharge.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, also there were people in favor of keeping the EV surcharge charge.
• So the surcharge is sort of the proxy for not charging people what they're charging at home, and the
• So the surcharge is sort of the proxy for not charging people what they're charging at home, and the
• So the surcharge is sort of the proxy for not charging people what they're charging at home, and the
• So the surcharge is sort of the proxy for not charging people what they're charging at home, and the

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The working group approved the prior meeting minutes with one correction to reflect Laura Ziggler’s attendance. Staff then outlined the report due February 13, 2026, which must summarize the group’s activities and include findings and recommendations adopted by the group; the report will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. The chair emphasized that the group’s charge is broad and includes analyzing electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, developing policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding, and reviewing other states’ laws and policies. Discussion focused heavily on how to replace declining gas tax revenue as more vehicles become electric. The chair framed the issue as a fairness and implementation challenge, noting that EVs are a growing share of the fleet and that the group should consider both policy and funding, not just one or the other. Members and guests raised several ideas already submitted, including a road user charge, changes to the EV charging tax, ending or modifying the EV surcharge, broadening the tax to publicly owned charging stations, reducing the charging level threshold to level 2, ending sales tax on electricity, addressing off-road use, and expanding the definition of auto parts to include charging equipment. Representative Elkins argued that charging based on electricity used at home is impractical for most vehicles, that public charging is already much more expensive than home charging, and that the current sales tax plus surcharge amounts to double taxation for public-charging users. He said a mileage-based user charge modeled on Utah’s approach is workable, could be phased in, and could preserve privacy by allowing a voluntary or alternative method for home charging estimates. Senator Howe responded that home electricity use can be estimated similarly to mileage deductions on taxes and said the state should tax all electricity used as fuel, regardless of charger level, if it can be identified. Other speakers echoed that all road users should pay a fair share and that the main challenge is implementation. Tony Kis of Quick Trip asked that a late letter be included in the record and urged clarification of the sales, use, excise tax, and collection rules to avoid double taxation and reduce administrative burden, noting the current monthly collection date and suggesting the group should streamline collection methods. No final policy decisions or votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It could be funded through a $7 monthly surcharge instead of the $8.50.
• So the $7 surcharge on the right-hand side is comparable to the $8.50 on the left-hand side.
• It could be funded through a $7 month surcharge instead of the $8.50.
• So the $7 surcharge on the right-hand side is comparable to the $8.50 on the left-hand side.
• The non-bypassable surcharges, though, go from 2035 to 2045. There's another 10 years.

Summary: The hearing focused on the SB 254 Natural Catastrophe Resiliency Study and its recommendations for addressing California’s wildfire risk, utility liability, and the financing of catastrophic losses. Committee members and presenters discussed the history of the wildfire fund created after the 2018 fire crisis and PG&E bankruptcy, the role of the California Earthquake Authority as fund administrator, and the report’s three broad policy pathways: continuing mitigation investments, more equitably allocating catastrophe costs, and considering expanded state involvement in catastrophe financing. Presenters emphasized that the report was intended as a neutral, stakeholder-informed analysis rather than an advocacy document, and that the status quo is not working well for survivors, ratepayers, insurers, or utilities. CEA, CPUC, and the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety each described their contributions and recommendations. CEA outlined options such as risk-tolerance standards for utilities, preserving safety certificate accountability, tying executive compensation more directly to safety, confidential near-miss reporting, liability reforms, and a fast-pay facility for survivors. CPUC stressed that wildfire mitigation and liability costs are a major driver of electricity affordability problems, and said the state should broaden how wildfire recovery and mitigation are funded beyond ratepayers alone. Energy Safety highlighted its wildfire mitigation plan oversight and recommended stronger safety reporting and stronger safety weighting in utility executive compensation. The modeling portion of the report estimated that a more durable wildfire fund could require about $36 billion in capitalization, with lower initial capital needs if risk transfer or liability reforms are used, but potentially higher ongoing premium or assessment costs. The report also examined state-backed insurer or backstop models, post-event funding mechanisms, and targeted community wildfire mitigation, which could reduce overall funding needs. Members raised concerns about the cost burden on ratepayers, the financial stability of utilities, the fairness of asking communities outside high-risk areas to pay, the role of local governments and home hardening, and whether broader climate-related liability or insurance reforms should be considered. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with plans for further committee hearings and stakeholder discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Questioner: What's a GRT tax surcharge? Senator Gounardes: Through you, Mr.
• Questioner: How about the temporary New York State surcharge?
• >> HOW ABOUT THE TEMPORARY NEW YORK STATE SURCHARGE?
• Questioner: Would that be the same for SBC and RPS surcharges, for RDM surcharges, for incremental state
• THE FOR-HIRE VEHICLE SURCHARGES.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, then approved the prior day’s Journal and moved into motions, resolutions, and budget-related business. Senator Gianaris called up Senate Print 5898A for reconsideration; the Senate voted 59 ayes to restore the bill to the third reading calendar. Several amendments were also received on third-reading bills, and the Finance Committee was called into session while the chamber proceeded with resolutions. The Senate adopted Resolution J.2106 recognizing Second Chance Month and the mental health impacts of incarceration, with Senator Brisport speaking in support and a guest from the community recognized in the chamber. The body also adopted Resolution J.1492 designating May 27, 2026, as Taiwan Heritage Day, with remarks from Senators Sepúlveda, Stavisky, and Liu highlighting Taiwanese contributions to New York and expressing support for Taiwan amid current geopolitical tensions. The Finance Committee then reported several budget bills, including Senate Prints 9003D, 9004D, 9007C, and 9009C, which were moved to third reading. The remainder of the session focused on the supplemental and controversial budget calendars, especially tax and spending provisions. Senators debated the “Protecting Our Wallets” energy rebate, with supporters describing it as a one-time check for eligible taxpayers and critics arguing it was too small and not tied directly to utility bills; the chamber accepted the message of necessity and laid the bills aside. Members also debated extensions and changes to tax provisions affecting corporations, alternative fuel exemptions, Broadway and theatrical production tax credits, charitable deductions for certain 501(c)(3)s, nicotine pouch taxes, a new New York City pied-à-terre tax, and a standardbred horse-racing testing fee. Several senators criticized the budget as raising costs or favoring certain industries, while supporters defended the measures as revenue-raising, affordability, or public-health policies. No final votes on the controversial budget bills are shown in the excerpt beyond procedural rulings, adoption of the resolution calendar, and acceptance of committee reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Madam Speaker. these surcharges have changed over the these surcharges have changed over the
• ,</c><01:27:31.280><c> the</c> the rate rider, the surcharges, the the rate rider, the surcharges, the
• It starts a empower surcharge.
• First of all, the Empower surcharge will show up on that transparency report.
• , electrical universal surcharge.

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some states have rolled out programs like delivery surcharge calls.
• , and everything except food, medicine, and other essential items, we’re going to tack on a surcharge
• EV surcharge, right? And so the U.S.
• Department of Transportation was looking at a nationally imposed electric vehicle surcharge that would
• And so right now, there is no state surcharge and there is no federal.