Video & Transcript : 'nonemitting generation' :
Page 200 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't know if you have just one general quick comment about that.
- It was inefficient because you'd complete a full general education credential program, and then you'd
- that really privilege inclusion in general education classrooms.
- We will consider the general...
- So that would be my first comment generally.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Regulating Artificial Intelligence / Legislation to Stop Dangerous Deepfakes Mar 16th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- one of the entities that can benefit the most from certain types of artificial intelligence, like generative
- And then talking about also the AI that has already been in place, that doesn't necessarily generate
- AI is where it actually what generative AI is where it actually you're<00:02:10.399><c> using</c><00
- </c><00:02:23.280><c> things</c> it doesn't necessarily generate things it doesn't necessarily generate
- </c><00:26:18.240><c> what</c> pharmaceutical that is more general what pharmaceutical that is more general
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> general fund. general fund. to<03:46:00.080><c> cover</c><03:46:00.319><c> the</c><03:46:00.560>
- </c> moving the funds from SIPA to general moving the funds from SIPA to general fund?
- </c><04:02:44.800><c> funds</c> So, governor spent some general funds So, governor spent some general
- </c> up general fund dollars in the B11. up general fund dollars in the B11.
- >> General<04:03:35.359><c> funds.</c> >> General funds. >> General funds.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (03/03/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- if it can be Licensing and as a general if it can be generalized<03:39:20.080><c> if</c><03:39:20.199
- </c><04:27:22.760><c> funds</c> but not doing it through General funds but not doing it through General
- <04:48:23.760><c> um</c> general um general um agency<04:48:27.000><c> you</c><04:48:27.080><c> know<
- </c> enforcement which is where the general enforcement which is where the general funds<05:02:30.000
- </c> we had that certainty of that general we had that certainty of that general fund<05:19:46.600><c
Summary:
The committee heard a presentation from the University System of New Hampshire chancellor on the system’s budget, enrollment, finances, workforce role, and response to federal policy changes. The chancellor said the governor’s recommended budget would reduce university system funding by about $16.5 million over the biennium, or roughly 8.3%, and asked that state funding be held at the governor’s level. She described planned cost reductions already underway, including lower headcount, reduced benefits and retirement contributions, property sales, and lease reductions, and said the system expects to remove about $20 million from its cost structure in fiscal year 2026.
A large portion of the discussion focused on enrollment and finances. The chancellor said fall 2024 enrollment was about 23,000, with New Hampshire enrollment increasing for the first time since 2013, and noted that the system remains a major workforce pipeline, with about 3,000 graduates entering the state workforce each year. She explained that net tuition has fallen over time because of declining enrollment and increased financial aid, while research grants and contracts have grown significantly. She also walked through endowment funding, explaining that payouts are based on a 12-quarter rolling average and are intentionally smoothed to reduce volatility; members asked for follow-up information on payout comparisons, administrative salaries, headcounts, and compensation per student.
Members questioned the university about the relationship between state support, tuition, endowments, and research spending. The chancellor said the system has used state capital support to leverage major investments, including the UNH Life Sciences building, Plymouth’s Hyde Hall, and the Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, and described partnerships with businesses such as Lonza and regional manufacturers. She also explained a long-running New Hampshire 529-related revenue stream that has built endowment support for scholarships, and said the system’s endowment now totals about $988 million. In response to questions about possible cuts, she said the system is considering academic program sharing, consolidation of specialties, online delivery, AI-assisted administrative efficiencies, and footprint reductions, but declined to name specific programs.
The committee also discussed DEI-related issues and federal grants. The chancellor said the system is reviewing executive orders and a U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague letter, and that general counsel is working through websites, programs, and more than 1,200 federal grants to ensure compliance. She said the system spends about $3 million on what it calls DEI-related offices and services, but emphasized that these services include disability support, veteran support, Title IX, ADA, and employment-law compliance, and that the system does not have race-based programs, separate housing, or separate graduation ceremonies. She reported that the system had received stop-work orders on four federal grants totaling about $700,000 and warned that reductions in federal direct or indirect costs could affect research, jobs, and innovation.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Apr 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And then we'll move on to page 48, general government.
- Page 49, general government. This is RLD.
- The Office of the Child Advocate, who makes more than an attorney general and has no teeth.
- So generally, we have done several different rate increases.
- We work very closely with the Office of Inspector General.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 22nd, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, we are going to move on to general order now. We're going to skip around a little bit.
- Members, we're going to move back on to general order.
- Number four, generally accepted associated operating costs.
- President, is regarding that item number four, generally accepted associated operating costs.
- Generally accepted associated operating costs are. That seems very vague and very broad.
Bills:
HB3834, HB3940, HB4346, HB2947, HB3257, HB3264, HB4326, HB4421, HB3944, HB3979, HB4118, SCR22, SB169, HB1047, HB2123, HB2650, HB3260, HB3403, SR41, HB3649, HB3742, HB3831, HB3996, HB4321, HB4339
Keywords:
HB3834, Oklahoma Breakthrough Therapy Act, ibogaine, ibogaine-based therapeutics, ibogaine analogs, clinical trials, FDA approval, breakthrough therapy designation, opioid use disorder, substance use disorder, traumatic brain injury, mental health, neurological disorders, drug development, public-private partnership, State Department of Health, intellectual property, revolving fund, research funding, medical licensing
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, and recognized several guests and groups in the gallery, including the Ponca City High School Poe High Steppers, the Edmond Democratic Women, family members of senators, a Grace Reform Baptist Church co-op group, and Oklahoma 4-H participants. The chamber also honored the Red Oak Lady Eagles state championship basketball team with a citation and remarks celebrating their first school basketball title and strong season.
The Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 22, supporting the Lights Out Oklahoma campaign to reduce bird mortality during migration by encouraging reduced exterior lighting in peak migration months. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 41, proclaiming April 22, 2026, as the 27th annual 4-H Day at the Capitol, with testimony from 4-H representatives emphasizing youth leadership, civic engagement, and workforce readiness.
Several bills passed, including House Bill 169 (house amendments adopted and the bill passed as an emergency measure), House Bill 2123 on the Arkansas River bridge, House Bill 2650 on summary administration estate thresholds, House Bill 3260 on funeral director continuing education approvals, House Bill 3403 on a DEQ/OSU sewage sludge pilot study, House Bill 3649 on the Mental Health Department real property trust, House Bill 3742 on criminal discovery, House Bill 3831 on a Task Force One revolving fund, House Bill 3996 on indigent defense experts in capital cases, House Bill 4321 on limits on retroactive building rule application, and House Bill 4339 on summary administration notice timing. House Bill 1047, which would have authorized a tribal sports betting framework and related revenue distributions, drew extensive debate over gambling addiction, revenue, tribal compacts, geofencing, and NIL funding, but failed 21-27; Senator Coleman gave notice of intent to reconsider. The Senate then announced an Appropriations Committee meeting and adjourned until the next scheduled session.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 43 Apr 20th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Through your generous support, we have taken the journey of hope to your distance.
- Patience, generous listening, and adventurous civility.
- Representative Boer now moves Senate Bill 1439 be advanced in general order.
- I hope for generations more to be there. ...since statehood.
- I hope for generations more to be there. But the reality is, Mr.
Keywords:
Oklahoma City, terrorism, Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, memorial, remembrance, first responders, community support, child abuse, reporting requirements, sexual misconduct, law enforcement, school personnel, confidentiality, student safety, fossil fuels, liability protection, climate change, energy independence, oil and gas
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several special recognitions tied to the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. The chamber honored the 138th Fighter Wing Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department as Veterans of the Week, and also recognized Dr. Camissa Stewart as Doctor of the Day and Tammy Powell as Nurse of the Day for their roles in the 1995 bombing response. A lengthy floor presentation followed, featuring remarks from legislators, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, memorial museum leaders, Justice Stephen Taylor, and Pastor Ronnie Fields, all focused on remembrance, the Oklahoma standard, the victims and survivors, and the importance of hope, civility, and the rule of law.
On legislation, Senate Bill 1733 was presented and debated. The bill requires school personnel who have reason to believe a student is a victim of child sexual abuse or sexual misconduct to report it to law enforcement within 24 hours. Supporters said it clarifies and strengthens reporting requirements to protect children, while opponents warned it could trigger harmful public accusations and undermine trust in educators and administrators. The House passed the bill 92-1, and the emergency clause also passed 92-1.
The House also considered Senate Bill 1439, an oil and gas measure intended to bar speculative climate-related lawsuits and limit liability to actual violations and provable harm. Supporters argued it would prevent frivolous litigation, protect the state’s energy economy, and keep costs down for consumers; opponents said it would create a special legal carve-out for industry and shift costs to taxpayers and families. The bill passed 74-16. In addition, Senate Bill 2184 was assigned to Rules, and H.J.R. 1078 and H.J.R. 1079 were withdrawn from Rules and sent to appropriations and budget committees. The House adjourned after announcements and introductions.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Apr 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The funding sources include no General Fund, as I mentioned.
- The funding sources include no general fund, as I mentioned.
- General Fund in 2027-28 and ongoing to support workload at EMSA for human resources, enforcement, and
- Just as a little background context, generally we have favorable budget variances each year, somewhere
- Just as a little background context, generally we have favorable budget variances each year, somewhere
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health heard updates on five health-related budget items. First, members reviewed state support for distressed hospitals and health facilities. The California Health Facilities Financing Authority and HCAI described the Distressed Hospital Loan Program as a lifeline for 16 hospitals, many of which remain financially strained and are expected to seek loan forgiveness rather than repayment. Speakers cited reduced contract labor, new service lines, strategic partnerships, and the reopening of Madera Hospital as signs of progress, but also warned that federal policy changes under H.R. 1 will likely increase uncompensated care and pressure emergency departments. Public commenters from hospital, dental, and consumer groups supported additional funding, including a request to refresh the program with another $300 million.
The committee then heard HCAI’s update on the California Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded at $233.6 million for California. HCAI said the program will focus on rural care models, workforce development, and health technology, with grants to be rolled out on a fast timeline and all funds obligated by October 30, 2026. Members raised concerns about rural provider capacity to apply for grants, and HCAI said it will use a third-party administrator, a technical assistance center, webinars, and other supports to help applicants. HCAI also presented its budget request for the health care payments database, seeking ongoing non-General Fund support to continue operations and expand data, including pharmacy benefit manager data.
The Emergency Medical Services Authority presented three budget change proposals: funding to replace disaster medical services fleet vehicles, funding for IT security work, and additional positions for HR, enforcement, and legal workload. A member also raised concern that EMSA has not yet completed the annual ambulance rate reporting required by AB 716, and EMSA said it remains committed to the requirement but lost prior funding through later budget reductions. Covered California reported that it is still finalizing its own budget, but expects a lower operating budget due to efforts to reduce baseline costs and align spending with actual expenditures; it also projected enrollment declines tied to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, H.R. 1, and federal rule changes, while noting that revenues may still rise because premiums are expected to increase. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined budget proposals tied to menopause coverage and education, PBM licensure and enforcement under AB 116 and SB 41, credentialing reforms under AB 1041, and prior authorization reporting under SB 306. Public testimony generally supported the menopause and PBM proposals, while also urging clearer language and attention to Medi-Cal parity. The hearing concluded after public comment, including additional advocacy for sickle cell services and rural health workforce funding.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities And Communications Committee Apr 7th, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- So on the generation side and on the storage side, no.
- County and generation capacity. You know, if we can squeeze every dollar out of new...
- Adam Hadefi, here on behalf of Generic Power Systems and DecoB Smart Thermostats, in strong support.
- It isn't something that comes out of the general fund to subsidize them. Actually, I don't know.
- It is not a general fund issue. Thank you very much. Okay.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- This resolution says imported energy must supplement our in-state generation, not replace it.
- This resolution says imported energy must supplement our in-state generation, not replace it.
- We also have world. state generation, not replace it.
- This bill does not impact the general fund. Costs are absorbed by the corporations.
- ...and just a general sense of where they are located in the state of Idaho. Mr. Frulman?
Summary:
The Senate State Affairs Committee began by introducing several RSs, then heard and advanced a series of gubernatorial reappointments, including Skip Smeiser to the Idaho Lottery Commission, Jerry Aldapie to the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board, and Nikaela Black Abrams to the Idaho State Racing Commission. The committee also heard Bud Tracy’s reappointment to the State Building Authority, with Tracy briefly describing his interest in continuing to serve, though that appointment was held for a later vote.
Members then considered election-related legislation. Senate Bill 1398 would restore and align Idaho’s presidential primary with the state primary in May; the Secretary of State, county clerks, and the League of Women Voters supported it, citing higher turnout, easier participation than caucuses, and cost savings. House Bill 872 would eliminate the separate ballot page for constitutional amendments and initiatives, with supporters saying it would save money and reduce confusion, while the League of Women Voters opposed it as making direct democracy less distinct. House Bill 831 would require schools used as polling places to be free of instructional activity on election day and allow districts time to adjust schedules; clerks, the Secretary of State, and the League supported it as improving voter access and student safety. All three bills were sent to the floor with due-pass recommendations.
The committee also advanced House Concurrent Resolution 32, which affirms Idaho energy sovereignty and prioritizes in-state dispatchable generation and property rights; the sponsor said it supports reliable, affordable energy and limits impacts from transmission projects, and it passed with a due-pass recommendation. House Bill 893, a codifier cleanup bill, also passed unanimously. House Bill 817, which updates tobacco retail laws to better accommodate premium cigar retailers and adult-only cigar events while keeping youth protections in place, drew support from a small business owner and industry representatives and was sent to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. Finally, Senate Bill 1397 would bring private wastewater corporations with more than 100 service connections under Public Utilities Commission rate regulation; supporters said it would protect customers from unregulated monopolies, and the bill advanced with a due-pass recommendation.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/19/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Eisenhower, Generals William Sherman, John J.
- And I want to remind everyone here, including the cadets, every generation has challenges.
- Who call the Empire State home represent the next generation of Army officers.
- WHO CALL THE EMPIRE STATE HOME, REPRESENT THE NEXT GENERATION OF ARMY OFFICERS.
- And General George Washington specifically said, 'The most...
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Major Brittany Wooten, then took up Senate Resolution No. 1749 designating March 19, 2026, as West Point Day in New York State. Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Senator Skoufis, Minority Leader Ortt, and several other senators spoke in support of West Point, its cadets, and the academy’s history and role in national service. Colonel Daniel R. Stuewe, commander of U.S. Army Garrison West Point, also addressed the chamber, emphasizing the long-standing partnership between West Point and New York and the academy’s mission to develop leaders of character. The resolution was adopted, and the West Point Day observance included recognition of cadets and academy staff.
The Senate then moved through a calendar of bills, passing measures including amendments to the Public Health Law, Election Law, Executive Law, Penal Law, Elder Law, Real Property Tax Law, General Municipal Law, and Public Authorities Law. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote or debate. Senator Mayer spoke in support of a bill establishing Fred Korematsu Day, framing it as a reminder of the injustice of Japanese American internment and the need to defend civil rights. Senator Ryan supported a bill streamlining the senior citizen property tax exemption process, calling it a way to reduce burdens on older residents. Senator Helming opposed a local government planning mandate as an unfunded mandate, while Senators Walczyk and Martins criticized a housing-related reporting bill as burdensome and ineffective.
The most debated item was Calendar 457, a housing-data and reporting bill sponsored by Senator May. Supporters argued it would improve transparency and help the state understand zoning and housing capacity, while opponents said it imposed new reporting burdens on municipalities and could penalize poorer communities by threatening CDBG funding. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and ultimately passed by a vote of 37-23. The Senate then adjourned until the next legislative day.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- So, you know, but fundamentally, I think Senate General Order is trying to...
- I think general orders would be... ...here. I see there's problems in this bill.
- I think general orders would be a great opportunity if we even would have time.
- And I don't think it's a simple rewrite in general orders, unfortunately.
- And we've reviewed it with the Attorney General and his chief of staff.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from March 11, 2026, then heard House Bill 803 on execution procedures. Sponsor Bruce Skaug said the bill extends confidentiality protections for people involved in firing squads to match those already used for lethal injection, mainly to prevent doxxing, while preserving inmates’ constitutional and court-challenge rights. After questions about the current death-row inmate and the firing squad’s priority over lethal injection, the bill drew some opposition over transparency and reduced APA review, but it passed on a roll call vote and was sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation.
The committee then took up House Bill 857, which would give both parents equal access to records about their minor child, including medical, educational, child care, law enforcement, and court records, unless a court order limits access with written findings that restriction is needed to prevent substantial harm to the child. Testimony split sharply: supporters said it would clarify parental rights and improve access, while opponents warned it could expose victims of domestic violence, reduce privacy protections, and burden courts. After discussion about definitions, redaction of addresses, and existing law, the bill was moved to general orders unanimously.
House Bill 859 followed, proposing a process to restore parenting time when restrictions based on abuse allegations are later found unsubstantiated, and requiring courts to order make-up time and report willful interference to prosecutors. Family law attorneys, court counsel, and others testified that the bill would limit judicial discretion, increase costs and delays, create neutrality concerns for judges, and duplicate existing remedies under family law rules; supporters argued it would deter false allegations and restore lost time. The committee rejected a motion to hold the bill and instead sent it to general orders by a 7-5 vote. Finally, the committee quickly advanced Senate Bill 1308 as a cleanup measure, and Senate Bill 1293, which clarifies that crime victims compensation is not a public benefit and should not be affected by last session’s public-benefits law; both were sent to the floor with do pass recommendations.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- So with that sort of general overview, Mr.
- They're generalizing from 1976 to current.
- They're generalizing from 1976 to current.
- They're generalizing from 1976 to current.
- And he's a generous man. Well, what happened?
Summary:
The House Business Committee first approved several sets of meeting minutes, then heard House Bill 707, which would create a simple administrative land-division process for properly permitted accessory dwelling units when a lender requires parcel separation for financing. Sponsor Rep. Josh Wheeler said the bill was intended to remove a financing barrier without increasing density or enabling serial lot splits, and members confirmed it would be optional for cities and counties. The committee voted unanimously to send HB 707 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
The committee then took up House Bill 800 on manufactured housing. Rep. Jordan Redman said the bill, based on interim housing recommendations, would allow manufactured duplexes to be treated as multifamily homes and would clarify that single-section and multi-section manufactured homes could be placed on appropriate lots, while removing earlier language on covenants and preserving local control. Testimony included strong support from the manufactured housing industry and the Pacific Legal Foundation, concerns about durability and neighborhood impacts, and opposition from one witness who urged the committee to consider 3D-printed homes instead. After debate, the committee approved HB 800 on a roll call vote of 11 ayes, 6 nays, and 1 absent/excused, sending it to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 649, which would cap payday and title loan rates and fees at 30% or 10% above prime, whichever is higher. The sponsor and supportive witnesses argued the bill was needed to curb predatory lending and debt traps, while industry testimony warned that rate caps would eliminate legal credit options and push borrowers toward illegal offshore lenders. Members debated whether the bill would actually affect the intended lenders, whether the current fee structure already fit within the cap, and whether the proposal would drive the industry out of business. The original do-pass motion was withdrawn, and the committee instead voted to send HB 649 to general orders for further work.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And then we meet Edward Bates, who would go on to be the Attorney General.
- Let us work tirelessly to make sure that that bounty remains for future generations.
- Let us work tirelessly to make sure that that bounty remains for future generations.
- Repealing Section 21-121, Idaho Code, relating to penalties general and special.
- House Bill 750 was moved from the third reading calendar to general orders by unanimous consent.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the March 4, 2026 journal, and received notice of a substitute appointment for Legislative District 32. Much of the day was devoted to Idaho Day ceremonies, including prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, a performance of the national anthem, and remarks honoring Idaho history and former Representative Lyndon Bateman, who was remembered as the founder of Idaho Day and a longtime advocate for cursive, history, and civic education. Guest speakers included historian Justin Vipperman, who spoke about liberty, self-government, and Idaho’s frontier development, and former Attorney General David Leroy, who praised Bateman’s public service and legacy. Members also shared personal tributes before the chamber considered a memorial resolution in Bateman’s honor.
The House suspended the rules by a two-thirds vote and adopted House Concurrent Resolution 31, recognizing and commending the lifetime achievements of Lyndon Bateman. The resolution passed 68-0 with two absent and excused, and was sent to the Senate. The chamber also received and referred several Senate messages and committee reports, including bills and resolutions on transportation, agriculture, commerce, state affairs, resources, and other topics. New measures were introduced on issues such as minors and library protections, tax exemptions, stable coins, parental rights and child custody, county fair boards, vehicle license plates, honey industry regulation, and Idaho Digital Learning Academy governance.
Several bills and resolutions were placed on the second reading calendar, including measures on elections, environmental quality, hazardous waste, transportation, vehicle titles, industrial hemp, Medicaid managed care, Medicare, and appropriations. House Bill 750 was moved to general orders, and the remaining third-reading bills were held one legislative day. The House also announced committee schedule changes, upcoming events tied to Idaho Day and other advocacy groups, and a reminder about project submissions. The chamber adjourned until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm general aviation. I own a small business.
- I don't generate that much revenue, but there's a lot of me's at different airports.
- There are across the state—there's a pamphlet that we have as general aviation that's a goal.
- I don't generate that much revenue, but there's a lot of me's at different airports.
- Just a little bit of background: tolling in Washington State generally is generating about $300 million
Keywords:
luxury aircraft tax, tax reduction, economic impact, business aviation, state revenue, HB2410, commercial truck safety, commercial vehicle safety, trucking industry, truck driver training, driver education, highway safety, traffic safety commission, Washington State, commercial motor vehicles, vehicle registration fee, IRP fee, state patrol highway account, safety enforcement fee, public-private partnership
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Jan 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm general aviation. I own a small business.
- I'm general aviation. I own a small business.
- I don't generate that much revenue, but there's a lot of me's at different airports.
- There are, across the state, there's a pamphlet that we have as general aviation that's a goal.
- Just a little bit of background: tolling in Washington State generally is generating about $300 million
Summary:
The committee first held a public hearing on House Bill 2410, which would establish a commercial truck safety and education council, increase the commercial vehicle safety enforcement fee from $16 to $32, and direct the new revenue to a dedicated account for truck safety and training programs. Committee staff outlined the bill’s CDL and training requirements, council structure, confidentiality provisions, and fiscal impacts. The prime sponsor said the bill was intended to improve truck safety through industry-led education and noted that a substitute was expected because details still needed work. Testimony from the Washington Trucking Associations, insurers, the Association of Washington Business, and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission was generally supportive of the safety goals, though the commission said operational details and agency roles still needed clarification. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing.
The committee then heard House Bill 2347, which would repeal the recently enacted luxury aircraft tax on non-commercial aircraft valued above $500,000. Staff explained that the tax is scheduled to take effect April 1 and that repeal would reduce revenue to the Sustainable Aviation Fuel account. Representative Dent, the sponsor, argued the tax is harming business aviation, emergency services, wildfire response, agricultural operations, and rural access, and said aircraft and related jobs were already leaving the state. Most public testimony came from aviation businesses, airport operators, industry associations, and related employers, all urging repeal and warning of aircraft departures, lost hangar tenants, reduced fuel sales, and job losses. One witness from the Port of Seattle supported addressing the tax’s impact but urged working toward a narrower fix rather than full repeal so sustainable aviation fuel funding would remain stable.
After closing the hearing on HB 2347, the committee received a work session on tolling technology. Transportation Commission staff presented the results of a pilot using a smartphone app to support toll collection, explaining that the current tolling system remains accurate but that new technologies could reduce costs and improve flexibility over time. The pilot found high accuracy when the app was paired to a vehicle by Bluetooth, lower accuracy without pairing, strong customer satisfaction, and some privacy concerns. The commission recommended keeping the current system in place for now, conducting a more fully operational smartphone-based pilot in the near term, and eventually developing a broader technology marketplace for future tolling systems. Members asked about the role of tags versus apps, video tolling accuracy, and the timeline for replacing existing tolling methods. The meeting ended with adjournment for caucus.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 28th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Environment, Energy & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- The number of credits generated depends in part on the alternative jet fuel's production pathway, which
- So on the no-cost allowances, these are really a generous public subsidy that provided the EITEs the
- Ecology generally supports this bill's approach to developing an effective long-term decarbonization
- The generation station near me was found in violation of the Clean Air Act when I was a teenager.
- The generation station near me was found in violation of the Clean Air Act when I was a teenager.
Keywords:
Washington climate policy, greenhouse gas, GHG emissions, cap-and-invest, carbon market, emissions trading, allowances, covered entity, coal-fired power plant, coal plant, electric utility, electric generating facility, fossil fuels, natural gas, imported electricity, emissions leakage, air pollution, renewable energy transition, industrial emissions, railroad emissions
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The number of credits generated depends in part on the alternative jet fuel's production pathway, which
- So on the no-cost allowances, these are really a generous public subsidy that provided the EITs the time
- Ecology generally supports this bill's approach to developing an effective long-term decarbonization
- that's necessary for a viable industrial sector. ...alongside utility-scale clean generation that's
- The generation station near me was found in violation of the Clean Air Act when I was a teenager.
Summary:
The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee heard three bills. SB 6246 would direct Ecology to develop recommendations for how no-cost allowances for emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities (EITEs) should work from 2035 to 2050, and would require EITEs to submit facility-specific emissions data and periodic decarbonization plans as a condition of receiving allowances. Supporters said the bill preserves the Climate Commitment Act’s goals while giving the Legislature and Ecology better information to prevent emissions and job leakage and to plan for industrial decarbonization. Opponents argued the bill adds costly reporting and planning burdens, could threaten competitiveness, and in some cases could lead to allowance withholding; Ecology said it generally supports the approach but wants some streamlining and noted implementation costs are not in the governor’s budget.
SB 5932 would provide certainty for sustainable aviation fuel development by changing how Ecology applies electricity carbon intensity in the Clean Fuels Program and by setting an earlier trigger for aviation fuel tax incentives. The sponsor and 12, a Moses Lake SAF developer, said the bill would give investors and producers needed certainty for expansion and help Washington remain competitive. Ecology and Climate Solutions opposed parts of the bill, saying it would weaken incentives for new renewable electricity generation, limit Ecology’s technical discretion, and reduce the Clean Fuels Program’s effectiveness, though Ecology said it supports decarbonizing aviation and is willing to work on the issue through rulemaking. Some testimony also supported the tax certainty portion while objecting to the Clean Fuels Program changes, and one witness asked for clarification on local participation in the incentive.
SB 6172 would end remaining state tax and regulatory exemptions for the coal-fired TransAlta plant after its scheduled closure date. The sponsor said Washington should remove special treatment now that the state has phased out coal, while supporters said the bill reinforces the state’s clean energy transition and protects public health and climate goals. A few witnesses raised concerns about possible costs to utilities and ratepayers if the plant were ever required to run in an emergency, and asked for language to protect against that. The hearing concluded with the committee closing public testimony on all three bills; no votes were taken in the transcript.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Jun 3rd, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The attorney General and um. Water. Experts working on this in executive session.
- About the project generally, about the tax implications that we um changed, and generally what that project
- Orange is going to be federal funds, green, other transfers, and then red is the general fund.
- That would, that goes back to the general. OK, I get it.
- It's the next generation Water summit bringing together.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I do have a resource from TCEQ; I believe it's Mary, the General Counsel. Yeah, there she is.
- Does anyone wish to speak with Mary, the General Counsel? General Counsel of TCEQ. I'm sorry, Mr.
- General running, more questions? Okay, members, any other questions? Questions?
- To the process used to generate that treated product. I'm worried.
- Generally, House Bill 4042 would simply remove the term "natural" from the definition.
Bills:
SB3074, HB49, HB2440, HB3556, HB3619, HB3866, HB4042, HB4112, HB4271, HB4413, HB4426, HB5033, HB49
Keywords:
SB 3074, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Water Code, permit applications, environmental permitting, administrative record, ex parte communications, legislative communications, governor, lieutenant governor, state legislators, district projects, public records, recusal, conflict of interest, substantial interest, agency transparency, environmental regulation, permit renewal