Transcript Highlights:

• We will go ahead and begin today's hearing of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy.
• to... ...direct some of the credits that are earned by the utilities to support zero-emission medium
• Through the LCFS, the electric utilities have provided over 700,000 rebates to EV buyers, pre-owned EV
• One hundred percent of the credits utilities earn from the LCFS go back to programs.
• Zero credits go to the utilities' bottom line or other purposes.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held its annual oversight hearing on the transportation fuels sector, focused on California’s fuel transition, the announced refinery closures by Phillips 66 and Valero, and the potential effects on supply, prices, and the broader fuel system. Committee leadership said the state needs a system-wide transition plan rather than a piecemeal approach, and state witnesses from CARB, the CEC, and DPMO described the fuel market as a complex, interconnected ecosystem involving crude production, refining, storage, imports, and delivery. They emphasized that declining gasoline demand from EV adoption is occurring alongside shrinking in-state refining capacity, which could increase volatility and price spikes if not managed carefully. CARB Chair Liane Randolph reviewed the state’s climate and air-quality programs, including AB 32, SB 32, the 2022 scoping plan, the low-carbon fuel standard, and vehicle emissions rules. She said these policies have reduced emissions substantially but that California still faces major ozone and PM2.5 problems, especially in disadvantaged communities. Randolph also said federal actions challenging California waivers could complicate the state’s clean-air efforts, and she noted that while liquid fuels will still be needed in some sectors, the state must continue reducing fossil fuel dependence while protecting public health. CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda and DPMO Director Ty Milder presented data on gasoline demand, refinery throughput, crude imports, and price differentials. Gunda said the Legislature’s special-session laws gave the agencies transparency and planning tools, and that the CEC is developing a fuels transition plan while evaluating whether any regulatory tools should be used. Milder previewed DPMO findings that Californians have paid a long-running “mystery gasoline surcharge” averaging 41 cents per gallon since 2015, with higher margins concentrated in branded gasoline and among vertically integrated firms. He said the data show a concentrated market with some refiners doing well and others struggling, and that DPMO will continue investigating price behavior, competition, and supply risks. Members pressed the witnesses on whether state regulations contributed to refinery exits or higher prices, and on whether the agencies had adequately analyzed consumer costs. Witnesses said they had not yet implemented the new permissive tools from SB X1-2 and AB X2-1 because they were still assessing risks and benefits, and they stressed that refinery closures and capital decisions are driven by broader market conditions as well as regulation. No vote was taken; the hearing was informational, with the committee seeking updates and urging the agencies to develop a practical transition strategy that balances affordability, reliability, climate goals, and worker/community protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• Utilization is a fraction of what was originally projected.
• This model is being utilized now in other states, and we are.
• Utilization is a fraction of what was originally projected.
• Utilization or further more intensive institutionalized treatments.
• Food, gasoline, and utilities.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Andrea Abregel with the California Municipal Utilities Association in support. Good afternoon.
• Chair and members, Debbie Michael, on behalf of East Bay Municipal Utility District, in support; also
• The motion is do pass as amended to the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee. Connolly: Aye.
• The motion is do pass as amended to the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee.
• The motion is do pass through the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee. Connolly: Aye.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SCR 24 utilizes a 1.5% apparent prevalence rate.
• Why not utilize all of the soundest mitigation measures available in an attempt to keep the apparent
• SCR-24 utilizes a 1.5% apparent prevalence rate.
• SCR 24 utilizes a 1.5% apparent prevalence rate to trigger mitigation measures.
• Why not utilize all of the soundest mitigation measures available in an attempt to keep the apparent

Summary: The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission met on April 17, 2026, with a quorum present, adopted the agenda and prior minutes, and then focused primarily on chronic wasting disease (CWD) management in light of a new positive deer detection in Washington Parish. Staff explained that the March 11 declaration of emergency expanded the CWD control area into portions of Washington and surrounding parishes, including parts of Morehouse, Union, Lincoln, and Jackson, and that the emergency rule remains in effect for 180 days unless rescinded earlier. The commission also discussed the task force’s report and recommendations, but the chair indicated those recommendations would be tabled pending legislative action on Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 (SCR 24)."} 0}

Transcript Highlights:

• analytics: we're looking at things like how to get physicians answers quicker and more efficiently, utilizing
• What if we could utilize algorithms based on instruments that we're already using to test your specimens
• bunch of blood and, with those biometrics in that secure electronic health record, we're able to utilize
• So the cytology platform that we utilize is actually called Whole Logic, and it's the only platform that
• at things like pharmacogenetics, those are definitely areas that we have been exploring already utilizing

Bills: SB1786

Keywords: artificial intelligence, content verification, provenance data, transparency, digital content, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• generation of workers, anchor the next generation of companies, and make sure that the first time a utility
• But I think that is the next question: can we utilize? Are not yet.
• But I think that is the next question: can we utilize a percentage of this future tax revenue to reinvest
• , about the ramifications of certain industries and their impact on our air, on our water, and on utility
• focus on pulse plasma fusion—the Z machine that Sandia developed, which folks like Pacific Fusion utilize

Bills: SB151, HB8, SB177

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Can we utilize these beautiful homes that were built for our veterans?
• So this is something. that our residents utilize daily.
• We've improved and turned it into a coffee bar, so the table that you see there is now being utilized
• Doors are utilized by housekeeping, so housekeeping keeps certain supplies in there that are needed for
• You’re right, we have that National Nuclear Museum outside, and the public can utilize it.

Transcript Highlights:

• allowed to exceed that except for increases in caseload, additional coverage consistent with 1959 utilization
• Except for increases in caseload, additional coverage consistent with 1959 utilization rates and reduction
• We budget based on not the number of people eligible for it, but on the projected utilization.
• Section 31, the department will review the amount, duration, coverage, utilization rates, medical necessity
• So there are other uses that the other property could be utilized for.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1012, the Department of Health and Human Services budget. Senator Dever walked through the amended budget, highlighting a roughly $5.85 billion all-funds total, major one-time items for IT, child care, housing, behavioral health, juvenile justice, rural EMS, and supportive housing, along with funding for Medicaid expansion, CCBHCs, opioid settlement uses, and several studies and reporting requirements. Members discussed the provider inflation increase, with Senator Mathern urging a 2%/2% rate instead of 2%/1.5%, but the committee adopted the subcommittee amendment and then passed the amended bill 15-0 with a do-pass recommendation. Senator Dever was named as carrier. The committee then considered House Bill 1540, a school choice/education savings account-style bill. Senator Shibley explained the subcommittee amendments, including clarifying the Bank of North Dakota as administrator, adding a means test at 400% of the federal poverty guideline, and adjusting the fiscal note to about $21.7 million for the second year. In debate, members raised concerns about the bank being assigned duties outside its normal role, the lack of DPI involvement, and whether the means test should be tiered rather than a hard cutoff. The committee rejected a do-not-pass motion 5-10-1, then approved a do-pass motion on the amended bill 9-6-1, with Senator Wobama noted as the likely carrier. The meeting ended with the chair announcing the committee would adjourn and reconvene the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota Statute 222.37, which is attached in my notes, allows certain utilities to install infrastructure
• One of the things that we have to deal with is the public right-of-way, just as other utilities like
• to get easements parallel and adjacent to the road right-of-ways, a 30-foot easement, where other utilities
• Parks, or the head of transportation, the head of utilities, and they are having many different roles
• Louis County, and Representative Roehrig's bill dealing with statutory cities and the Public Utility

Transcript Highlights:

• Another area that we're able to do was to was to utilize create revenue grant funding.
• transparency and accountability as well as being able to understand where you're you, sources are being utilized
• deportation, the different agencies. >> You have you have DP and they have grants and things that you can utilize
• your study so that we could this mask Lee keeping in figure out whether or not we could actually utilize
• nrcs and what these cost share programs to ensure that these best management practices are being utilized

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They still have to make the decisions on utilization and, yeah, it's about who uses what at what cost
• They still have to make the decisions on utilization and, yeah, it's about who uses what at what cost
• They still have to make the decisions on utilization and, yeah, it's about who uses what at what cost
• Are you going to require them to accept the same utilization as everyone else down in Rochester from
• , how do we have better utilization, how do we have better utilization, right?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• State Penitentiary utility State Penitentiary utility infrastructure,<00:48:35.280> the<00
• Uh, and I think it would behoove of us in the Commonwealth to utilize this type of program because, uh
• Uh, and I think it would behoove of us in the Commonwealth to utilize this type of program because, uh
• Uh, and I think it would behoove of us in the Commonwealth to utilize this type of program because, uh
• Uh, and I think it would behoove of us in the Commonwealth to utilize this type of program because, uh

Bills: HB60

Keywords: geoengineering, weather modification, environmental safety, atmospheric pollutants, criminal pollution, Meeting Start: 00:00:02 Roll Call: 00:00:08 26 RS HB 60 - AN ACT relating to geoengineering: 00:01:35 Department of Corrections Update: 00:32:59 Kentucky Parole Board Update: 01:19:21, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That level is utilized by us to make sure that products that make it to our market are done in a safe
• <01:09:39.759> by is utilized by is utilized by that<01:09:42.159> system<01:09:42.880
• by us to make sure level uh is utilized by us to make sure that<01:10:01.040> products<01:10:
• Um, right now you have to utilize for direct shipping, you must utilize a licensed carrier to get your
• direct shipping, you have to utilize for direct shipping, you must<01:18:48.480> utilize<01:18

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an act relating to utilization controls for non-opioid analgesics in the Medicaid program.
• is an act relating to utilization is an act relating to utilization controls<00:03:29.000> for
• The only border state that continues to utilize the term supervision is Ohio, while all others utilize
• Supervision laws add cost and delay the hiring of and the utilization of a PA.
• PAs within their on how to utilize PAs within their interprofessional<00:19:04.520> team.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee opened its sixth and final interim meeting with roll call, quorum confirmation, approval of the prior minutes, and a brief change in agenda order to preserve quorum and accommodate presenters’ schedules. Members then moved through several proposed health-related items with limited discussion, and the chair noted the committee would reconvene in January for further conversation. The first substantive item was a proposal relating to utilization controls for non-opioid analgesics in Medicaid. Senator Gerald Neal and Tara Hyde of People Advocating Recovery argued that pain parity is needed so patients can access non-opioid options without prior authorization or step therapy barriers, especially in acute pain situations and for people in recovery. Senator Berg supported the concept and suggested expanding the approach to other prescriptions by allowing physicians to explain why step therapy is inappropriate at the time of prescribing; another member cautioned against unintended cost increases if non-opioid drugs are used as add-ons to opioids. The committee then heard a proposal on physician assistants from Senator Scott and Andrew Rutherford of the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants. They described a shift from a supervisory to a collaborative practice model, with practice scope set at the practice level, limited Schedule II prescribing authority under guardrails, and permission for PAs to perform driver’s license vision testing. Supporters said the changes would improve rural access, reduce administrative burden, and align Kentucky with neighboring states; a question from Representative Bratcher focused on experience requirements and how the proposal compares with nurse practitioner rules. No vote was taken. Finally, Representative Nancy Tate, Adia Wuchner, and Representative Jason Nemes introduced a 2026 proposal aimed at “protecting vulnerable people.” They described a broad package focused on abortion pill trafficking, marketing to minors, commercial surrogacy, assisted suicide, and organ procurement safeguards, arguing that current law leaves gaps and that additional criminal and civil penalties are needed. The presentation was informational only, with no action taken before the meeting ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Looking at better utilization of existing tank assets to used for storage and blending of AAF.
• Looking at better utilization of existing tank assets to used for storage and blending of AAF.
• Looking at better utilization of existing tank assets to used for storage and blending of AAF.
• Looking at better utilization of existing tank assets to used for storage and blending of AAF.
• utilize those aircraft in our state. utilize those aircraft in our state.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force approved the October 14, 2025 meeting minutes and then heard a presentation from Austin Kaylor of WSP on alternative aviation fuels. Kaylor described an ongoing feasibility study focused on Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and the other four commercial airports in Kentucky, with an eye toward both near-term use of alternative aviation fuel in existing supply chains and longer-term in-state production using local feedstocks. He said Kentucky’s current jet fuel use at the five airports is about 609 million gallons annually and could approach 1 billion gallons by 2050, and he outlined potential feedstocks such as soybeans, corn, and waste oils, along with existing logistics assets like river terminals, trucking, rail, and some pipelines. He also discussed federal and state policy support, including renewable fuel credits and the recent 45Z tax credit extension, and said the study suggests significant economic-development potential if Kentucky can leverage existing infrastructure and incentives. Members asked about the cost of sustainable aviation fuel, whether taxpayers would be subsidizing it, and whether food crops would be diverted from food use. Kaylor responded that the market is increasingly using second-generation and waste-based feedstocks, that federal incentives can cover much of the price differential, and that SAF is a direct substitute for conventional jet fuel with some efficiency benefits. He said demand comes from both U.S. and foreign carriers, including major U.S. airlines that have made emissions-reduction commitments. Members also raised the possibility of locating production in Appalachia to create jobs closer to feedstock sources; Kaylor said that approach has worked in other states and could fit Kentucky’s logistics network. The committee then heard from Leif Elder of the Utah Department of Transportation, who introduced himself and said he would discuss advanced air mobility legislation in Utah. The transcript cuts off before his substantive presentation, and no further votes or actions were recorded after the question-and-answer discussion on alternative aviation fuels.

Transcript Highlights:

• Works, I mean affordable housing is obviously the big challenge here, but by virtue of utilizing some
• and all of roads electrical utilities and all of that.<00:57:24.079> Uh<00:57:24.319> if
• Revolving loan funds for workforce housing, we would absolutely utilize that.
• We would absolutely<01:31:40.880> utilize<01:31:41.199> that.
• <01:31:41.520> Workforce absolutely utilize that. Workforce absolutely utilize that.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:07 Roll Call 00:00:14 Discussion of Pro-Growth Housing Policies 00:02:01 Discussion of Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit 01:11:13 Adjournment 01:40:27, 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Housing Task Force met and heard first from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, which presented findings from a housing study done with the Home Builders Association. The chamber said housing is now a major economic-development issue, citing survey results that 90% of community leaders said their region could not absorb a major job announcement and 66% said housing is holding back Kentucky’s economy. The chamber described Kentucky’s housing shortage, rising home prices, declining permits since 2008, and the need for more production to support growth. It urged policy changes including zoning and land-use reform, tax incentives, regional approaches, and especially a residential infrastructure fund modeled on Indiana’s low-interest loan program to help communities finance roads and other infrastructure needed for new housing. Members asked about the severity of the problem, workforce shortages in permitting and construction, the loan interest rate, repayment, and whether Kentucky could replicate Indiana’s results; the witness said the issue is a crisis and that the program would be a revolving public-private partnership, likely around 3% interest, with implementation details still to be worked out. The Kentucky Bankers Association then testified that the housing gap is especially acute for households at 80% of area median income and below, which it said represents about 70% of Kentucky’s housing need. It emphasized that the shortage affects both urban and rural counties and pointed to examples such as Rowan County, where workers at major employers must commute long distances because local housing is unavailable or unaffordable. The bankers said high interest rates remain a major barrier and proposed a $20 million bank commitment for a revolving fund tied to tax credits to finance new housing, not refinances. They cited Hope of the Midwest as an example of a successful tax-credit housing model with a long track record and no defaults, and said the proposal would leverage public-private partnerships to create new units. Committee members questioned how the proposed fund would compare with industrial revenue bonds and whether it could be structured like Kentucky’s tobacco settlement fund, with seed money, a review board, scoring criteria, and possible population thresholds to ensure smaller communities benefit. The bankers said the proposal would be another tool for cities and counties, specifically tied to residential infrastructure, and that larger cities should not be able to capture all of the resources. No formal votes or actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, when the legislation was drafted several years ago, um, the funding is utilized to secure critical
• Direct deposit is one option that students can use to utilize the funds, but there are others as well
• can use to utilize the funds but<00:43:05.599> there<00:43:05.680> are<00:43:05.920>
• For much of its staff units, it utilizes the state's contract; the two largest are ASE and MAPE, which
• <01:41:40.560> identified we have utilized identified we have utilized identified $465,000

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• What expansion of services were utilized with this new funding?
• What expansion of services were utilized with this new funding?
• What expansion of services were utilized with this new funding?
• What expansion of services were utilized with this new funding?
• What expansion of services were utilized with this new funding?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Operating costs, like fuel and utilities and legal services.
• them, and we're utilizing health.
• them, and we're utilizing health.
• to utilize them and we're utilizing to utilize them and we're utilizing health<01:19:55.120>
• this because they don't have utilizing this because they don't have those<01:20:15.520> providers

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met for a Health and Finance Policy hearing, began with member and staff introductions, and noted that Representative Keeler was participating as a non-voting member. The chair outlined committee rules on decorum and then introduced the day’s first agency presentation from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), with Commissioner Cunningham appearing to present the department’s budget priorities. Commissioner Cunningham described MDH’s broad public health role and emphasized that public health is underfunded relative to health care, with significant reliance on federal dollars. The department’s main budget request was for infectious disease prevention and response to offset anticipated federal funding losses. MDH also outlined several fee increases tied to public water systems, wells, licensing and certification, assisted living and health care facilities, HMO regulation, food/pools/lodging inspections, radioactive materials, X-ray equipment, and asbestos abatement. The commissioner said these changes were needed because costs, workload, and regulatory complexity have increased, while many fees have not been updated in years. MDH also presented budget-neutral proposals, including continuing the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Advisory Committee, converting the Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force into a standing advisory committee, restoring some local and tribal public health cannabis and substance misuse prevention grants, creating direct American Indian Health Special Emphasis Grants, reauthorizing the State Trauma Advisory Council, and extending firefighter PFAS biomonitoring work. The department also requested an operations adjustment for rising employee, insurance, fuel, utility, and legal costs, and referenced additional Clean Water Legacy Fund proposals. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided. Representative Bierman then offered supportive comments, praising MDH’s work and backing the funding and fee proposals, especially the restoration of local public health prevention grants.

Transcript Highlights:

• statewide energy management, utility statewide energy management, utility procurement,<01:04:22.560
• > utility<01:04:23.000> efficiency,<01:04:23.680> and procurement, utility efficiency
• , and procurement, utility efficiency, and sustainability<01:04:24.680> efficiencies<01:04:25.880
• We<01:13:08.320> utilize<01:13:09.280> e-communication<01:13:10.160> system<01:13
• :10.560> to We utilize e-communication system to We utilize e-communication system to manage<01

Keywords: 958, all