Transcript Highlights:

• to supply nuclear energy operations, and extending is developed specifically to supply nuclear energy
• of the small modular nuclear reactor designs in development.
• facility that will produce nuclear fuel to support the development and deployment of expensive nuclear
• facility that will produce nuclear fuel to support the development and deployment of expensive nuclear
• workers at greater risk by severely weakening health and safety protections at nuclear physical. nuclear

Summary: The committee took up executive action on the capital budget, Proposed Substitute Senate Bill 6003, and several policy bills. Staff described amendments to the capital budget that shifted funding among behavioral health, local/community projects, irrigation projects, and juvenile rehabilitation capacity, plus a technical fix to the water pollution control revolving program. The committee adopted Senator Dozier’s budget-neutral amendment and a technical amendment, then advanced the amended capital budget to the Rules Committee. It also moved House Bills 2441, 2124, 2471, 2133, 2610, and 2338 forward with due-pass recommendations, and advanced Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251 on Climate Commitment Act accounts to the Transportation Committee after adopting two amendments and withdrawing three others. A major public hearing focused on Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, which would terminate and restate LEOFF Plan 1 in 2029, transfer surplus assets, and direct portions to the Climate Commitment Account and the pension funding stabilization account. Staff said the plan is currently about 160% funded and explained the bill’s IRS-review process, statute of limitations, and estimated implementation costs. Testimony was sharply divided: some retirees, firefighters, counties, and cities opposed the bill as an improper use of pension assets and urged benefit enhancements or protection of local medical obligations, while others supported using the surplus for broader public purposes. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 2179 on PERS coverage for certain port workers, with ports and the Washington Public Ports Association supporting clarification for railroad employees covered by the federal railroad retirement system. House Bill 1069, allowing Department of Corrections employees to bargain over supplemental retirement benefits, drew support from Teamsters and corrections workers, while House Bill 2091, expanding employee-information sharing with bargaining representatives, drew union support and privacy objections from Washington Policy Center. Finally, Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1210 on targeted urban area tax preferences drew support from labor, local governments, and project proponents, and opposition from contractor groups and environmental advocates over project labor agreement requirements and nuclear-related concerns; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408 on community preservation and development authorities and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1974 on land bank authorities for affordable housing were also heard, with both receiving supportive testimony from community and housing advocates.

Transcript Highlights:

• The nuclear...
• I've worked on nuclear power plant safety and waste issues since 1979, so I know a little something about
• nuclear power.
• And the resolution to what to do with the nuclear waste has still not been resolved and has been a public
• We need more nuclear power.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their academic journey reduces wasted time and credits and ultimately lowers the overall cost of completing
• Current law permits state agencies to conduct studies and training related to radiation control and waste
• management, but it does not address workforce development in the growing fields of nuclear energy and
• But as the nuclear energy expands, Texas faces a shortage of skilled professionals in health physics,
• I appreciate it, and I'm glad there's no questions because physics and nuclear energy are a little bit

Transcript Highlights:

• Nuclear energy, because that's the cleanest and safest energy in the world right now.
• Does fusion produce waste? Mr.
• waste like what would be in fusion, excuse me, with fission or other historical nuclear energy sources
• But there's not nuclear waste like what would be in fusion, excuse me, with fission or some of the other
• historical nuclear energy sources.

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:

• The Arizona Geological Survey would conduct a study on materials pertaining to nuclear energy. Mr.
• waste.
• waste.
• Thorium fuel produces both more energy and less radioactive waste than uranium.
• His daughter is a nuclear submarine officer, female, which is unusual besides nuclear, which is way up

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met on January 28 and heard several bills, beginning with introductions of members and staff. The committee first considered HB 2056, which would appropriate $100,000 to the Arizona Department of Water Resources for a feasibility study of brackish groundwater desalination sites. Sponsor Rep. Gail Griffin argued the state should explore use of large brackish groundwater reserves amid Colorado River concerns, while one speaker opposed the bill on aquifer-protection grounds. The committee voted 11-6-1 to give HB 2056 a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2798, as amended, which appropriates $100,000 to the Arizona Geological Survey to compile data on materials relevant to nuclear energy, including thorium and other non-uranium fuels. Rep. Carbone and others framed the bill as an economic development and national security measure, while opponents questioned whether Arizona has meaningful deposits and whether the state should fund the research. The University of Arizona testified that the Geological Survey could do the work. The committee adopted the Livingston amendment and then approved the bill 11-5-1. Next, the committee considered HB 2303, which codifies investment standards for the State Treasurer, emphasizing safety and principal preservation and prohibiting speculative investments and insider misuse. The Treasurer’s Office supported the bill, saying it reflects existing policy and ethics rules, though members asked for clearer definitions of “speculative” and how the bill would interact with other statutes. The committee passed HB 2303 15-0 with two members present and one not voting. HB 2344, which directs the Treasurer to manage the local government investment pool internally and allows a third-party contract only for emergency backup, also passed after questions about local control and whether the bill was necessary; the vote was 12-2-3 with one not voting. The committee later heard HB 2759, a $500,000 appropriation to the Department of Veterans’ Services to partner with an educational institution in Yavapai County for veterans programs. Retired Navy SEAL Chief Richard Rodriguez testified about Embry-Riddle’s veteran population and emergency assistance needs for housing, travel, and equipment, while opponents objected to using state funds for a private institution and argued veterans services should be broader and statewide. The bill received a due pass recommendation 11-6-1. The committee also approved HB 2207, which funds the prison Braille transcription program at $300,000 and was described as a successful rehabilitation and service program, and HB 2224, as amended to $1 million, which funds the Double Up Food Bucks produce incentive program through SNAP; supporters said it helps families, farmers, and local economies, and the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's why today, I am proud to announce that Missouri, and this administration, is all in on nuclear
• And that's why today, I am proud to announce that Missouri, and this administration is all in on nuclear
• And this administration is all in on nuclear.
• Nuclear is a safe, reliable, and clean energy source that can and will power Missouri's economic future
• Before this address, I signed an executive order establishing the Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House convened for the joint session to hear Governor Mike Kehoe’s State of the State address. Before the address, members voted to suspend House Rule 123 so the Senate and Governor could enter; the motion passed 154 yeas with 3 present. A quorum was established, the colors were presented, and the governor was escorted into the chamber along with statewide officials, judges, cabinet members, and other guests. In his address, Governor Kehoe focused on budget discipline, government efficiency, tax reform, energy, public safety, agriculture, and education. He announced executive orders creating a Missouri Great efficiency initiative, an advanced nuclear energy task force, and a statewide school accountability A-through-F grade card, and said he wants Missouri to phase out the individual income tax through a joint resolution for voter approval. He also urged action on nuclear energy, AI use in state government, open enrollment, school choice, and changes to juvenile justice, sentencing transparency, drone law enforcement authority, and public safety measures tied to the FIFA World Cup. The governor highlighted funding and support for programs including Missouri Works, Prosperity’s workforce model, Operation Relentless Pursuit, Missouri Blue Shield, first responder scholarships, Mo Scholars, FFA, and rural health and agriculture initiatives. He also praised law enforcement, disaster responders, and several Missourians recognized in the chamber for service during storms, tornadoes, and other emergencies. The address ended with a call for bipartisan cooperation and a stronger, safer, more competitive Missouri. After the governor departed, the joint session was dissolved. The House then moved to announcements, including committee meetings, and adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's what this bill is tailored toward. solid waste plans, 146 and 151 deal with solid waste plans
• That's a waste of our tax dollars. The US has done a tremendous amount of work.
• </c> nuclear energy. nuclear energy.
• </c><00:49:12.080><c> energy,</c> listen to any podcast on nuclear energy, listen to any podcast on nuclear
• reactors that can supply the of nuclear reactors that can supply the power<00:51:07.440><c> needed</

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 02:38 SB 178 Discussion 03:36 SB 178 Roll Call Vote 43:10 SCR 66 Discussion 47:55 SCR 66 Roll Call Vote 53:48, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that was originally $531,000 for making progress toward the national recycling goal and food loss and waste
• This ratification is for the nuclear planning and response program, which was moved in July 2025 to the
• This is a new contract for radiation testing and analysis at Nuclear 1.
• This is a new contract for radiation testing and analysis at Nuclear 1.
• This is a new contract for radiation testing and analysis at Nuclear 1.

Summary: The committee heard a series of appropriation requests and contract reviews across multiple sections. In Section B, members approved temporary appropriations for the Court of Appeals, Commerce/Aeronautics, and Insurance-related payments and refunds. Section C ARPA requests from DHS were approved to return unused federal funds. Section D infrastructure-related appropriations, including wildfire preparedness, broadband BEAD funding, forestry support, recycling, and oil and gas sample preservation, were approved after questions about broadband audit controls and performance safeguards. Section E DHS reallocations were approved, including large transfers within Medical Services from hospital medical to private and public nursing home lines, along with smaller transfers for children and family services, developmental disabilities, and youth services; members asked about the source and purpose of the medical services transfer. Sections F and G were reviewed, covering cash fund requests, federal grants, and miscellaneous grants, including community college storm repairs, corrections commissary and maintenance, 911 enhancements, maternal health, disability determinations, state police equipment, digital newspaper archiving, and CDL data improvements. In Section H, the committee reviewed pay plan appropriations and performance fund transfers tied to the new Class and Comp pay plan. Section I reviewed three methods of finance for UA Little Rock, UAMS, and the University of Arkansas system. In Section J, the committee reviewed discretionary grants, including a $1.4 million HIV services grant and nine tobacco prevention subgrants through UAPB. Members questioned the effectiveness, metrics, and addresses of some tobacco-cessation arts-based grantees, especially Arts Absolutely Inc.; after discussion, Representative Kavanaugh moved to expunge the vote on J2 and refer it back for review at a later ALC meeting, and that motion passed. J3, a Department of Energy and Environment grant for propane safety training and e-waste recycling services, was then reviewed. The committee also reviewed contracts in Section K. K-1 ratified emergency management nuclear planning work performed during a transition between agencies. K-2 construction contracts included architectural and engineering services for corrections, National Park College signage, a Razorback Road parking facility, and UAMS cyclotron installation. K-3 intergovernmental contracts covered health, education, autism waiver, stroke, newborn screening, Medicaid evidence review, and radiation testing services. K-4 out-of-state contracts included staffing, IT, tobacco prevention, audit, marketing, planetarium, recruitment, and janitorial services; Senator Irvin noted one contract appeared to belong in the out-of-state list rather than intergovernmental. K-5 in-state contracts covered staffing, cleaning, re-entry and treatment services, foster care and disability services, hearing officers, asbestos abatement, campus IT support, and janitorial work. The meeting ended after a brief personal update from Senator Irvin about tornado damage in Stone County and thanks to members for their concern, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I read through that, and there was not a single mention of nuclear power.
• </c><00:14:20.079><c> power</c> million subsidizing nuclear power million subsidizing nuclear power activity
• And I read through that, and there was not a single mention of nuclear power.
• I'm interested in for nuclear.
• We're not going to see nuclear for a decade. Solar energy.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Several of us have traveled internationally to look at different types of nuclear energy and nuclear
• I'm not saying that, you know, California is ready to build a nuclear power plant today. I would.
• That California is ready to build a nuclear power plant today, I would. Yeah, yeah.
• John McHale, on behalf of Waste Management.
• John McHale on behalf of Waste Management here in support of Mr. Rakeshraw's confirmation.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Several of us have traveled internationally to look at different types of nuclear energy and nuclear
• I'm not saying that, you know, California is ready to build a nuclear power plant today. I would.
• That California is ready to build a nuclear power plant today, I would. Yeah, yeah.
• John McHale, on behalf of Waste Management.
• John McHale on behalf of Waste Management here in support of Mr. Rakeshraw's confirmation.

Summary: The committee first established quorum and then approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Indira Cameron Banks to the Civil Rights Council, Sonar Loma Lee to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and two University of California College of the Law, San Francisco Board of Directors appointees, along with reference of bills to two committees and floor acknowledgments. All of those items passed by voice or roll-call votes, mostly unanimously, with the Civil Rights Council appointment approved 3-2. The main portion of the meeting focused on the Air Resources Board appointments of Linda Hopkins and Patricia Lock Dawson. Both nominees emphasized climate action, public engagement, and balancing environmental protection with economic realities. Members questioned them extensively about cap-and-trade/cap-and-invest, leakage and job losses, agricultural impacts, warehouse and truck traffic burdens, emergency vehicle and wildfire evacuation needs, low-carbon fuel standards, gas appliance rules, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and the need for socioeconomic analysis and better communication with affected communities. Public commenters from labor, environmental, local government, and industry groups spoke in support of both nominees. The committee approved Hopkins 4-0 with one member not voting, and Lock Dawson 5-0, sending both nominations to the full Senate. The committee then heard Andrew Rakestraw’s appointment as chair of the Board of Environmental Safety/DTSC oversight board. He described his background in climate and regulatory negotiations and said he would focus on transparency, accountability, fiscal stability, and listening to both regulated entities and disproportionately burdened communities. Senators asked about DTSC reform, the Moss Landing battery fire, community engagement in places like Hinkley/Herupah Valley, fee-setting and the generation-and-handling fee, the Environmental Justice Advisory Council, the Exide cleanup, and the hazardous waste management plan. After supportive public testimony, the committee approved his appointment 3-0, with one member not voting, and sent it to the full Senate for confirmation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• energy and nuclear technology that's emerging.
• I'm not saying that, you know, California is ready to build a nuclear power plant today. I would.
• That California is ready to build a nuclear power plant today, I would. Yeah, yeah.
• John McHale, on behalf of Waste Management.
• John McHale on behalf of Waste Management here in support of Mr. Rakeshraw's confirmation.

Summary: The committee first established quorum and then approved several Governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Indira Cameron Banks to the Civil Rights Council, Sonar Loma Lee to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and C. Don Clay and Joshua Pertula to the UC College of the Law, San Francisco Board of Directors. It also approved references to bills in two committees and floor acknowledgments, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The main substantive hearing was on the appointments of Linda Hopkins and Patricia Locke Dawson to the Air Resources Board. Both nominees emphasized climate action, public engagement, and balancing environmental protection with economic impacts. Senators pressed them on cap-and-trade, leakage and job loss, agricultural costs, warehouse and truck traffic impacts, emergency vehicle and school bus electrification, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and the need for socioeconomic analysis and better communication with affected communities. Public commenters largely supported both nominees. The committee advanced Hopkins 4-0 and Lock Dawson 5-0 to the full Senate. The committee then heard Andrew Rakestra’s appointment as chair of the Board of Environmental Safety. He described his background in climate diplomacy and regulatory work and said he would focus on transparency, accountability, fiscal stability, and responsiveness to both regulated entities and disproportionately burdened communities. Senators questioned him about DTSC reform, community engagement in places like Moss Landing and the Exide cleanup, the hazardous waste management plan, fee-setting, and the Environmental Justice Advisory Council. After supportive public testimony, the committee approved his nomination to the Senate floor on a 3-0 vote, with two members not voting or abstaining. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Several of us have traveled internationally to look at different types of nuclear energy and nuclear
• I'm not saying that, you know, California is ready to build a nuclear power plant today.
• “That California is ready to build a nuclear power plant today, I would. Yeah, yeah.
• John McHale, on behalf of Waste Management.
• John McHale, on behalf of Waste Management, here in support of Mr. Rakeshraw's confirmation.

Summary: The committee first established quorum and then approved several governor’s appointments and procedural items, including appointments to the Civil Rights Council, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, UC College of the Law, San Francisco Board of Directors, bill referrals, and floor acknowledgments. Most of these items passed unanimously, while the Civil Rights Council appointment of Indira Cameron Banks passed 3-2. The bulk of the meeting focused on confirmations to the California Air Resources Board. Supervisor Linda Hopkins and Mayor Patricia Locke Dawson, both nominated to CARB, described their backgrounds and emphasized balancing climate and air-quality goals with economic impacts, community engagement, and practical implementation. Senators raised concerns about cap-and-trade costs, leakage, warehouse and truck traffic impacts, agricultural burdens, emergency vehicle and fleet electrification challenges, natural gas appliance rules, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and the need for socioeconomic analysis. Both nominees said they favored open-door engagement, listening to affected communities, and using data and technology-neutral approaches. Public commenters largely supported both nominees, and the committee voted to advance Hopkins 4-0 and Locke Dawson 5-0 to the full Senate. The committee also heard the appointment of Andrew Rakestraw as chair of the Board of Environmental Safety. Rakestraw, who previously worked in U.S. climate and legal roles, said he would focus on transparency, accountability, fiscal stability, and community responsiveness at DTSC. Senators questioned him about DTSC reform, community engagement in places like the Hinkley/Herupah Valley and Exide cleanup areas, fee-setting and fiscal stability, the hazardous waste management plan, and coordination with the Environmental Justice Advisory Council. He said the board should go beyond brief public comment periods, engage communities directly, and ensure community concerns are reflected in outcomes. Supporters from environmental justice and waste-management groups testified in favor, no opposition was offered, and the committee moved his nomination forward to the Senate floor, with one member abstaining.

Transcript Highlights:

• that was originally $531,000 for making progress toward the national recycling goal and food loss and waste
• that was originally $531,000 for making progress toward the national recycling goal and food loss and waste
• Some other fees associated with the processing of the e-waste for recycling.
• This is a new contract for radiation testing and analysis at Nuclear One.
• I've seen an analysis at Nuclear One.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill creates the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office and the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development
• As nuclear becomes an option...
• The Nuclear Energy Office would develop a strategic plan to support nuclear technologies and generation
• some of the waste for medical isotopes and other things, some of the nuclear, this new version of the
• of the nuclear office.

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to suspend Senate Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 8:00 p.m. that day, also allowing the Secretary to make the calendar available as soon as practicable. The chamber then took up and passed several House bills, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 2128, relating to a study of rural firefighting and technical rescue capabilities, passed unanimously. HB 4157, on liability protections for commercial spaceflight and exploration, passed 28-3. HB 2240, concerning certain void marriages, passed after adoption of a Birdwell amendment extending filing deadlines to 90 days for certain active-duty service members and Foreign Service officers. HB 367, on verification of excused absences for students with severe or life-threatening illnesses, passed unanimously after clarifying school district forms and TEA model forms. HB 1506, expanding expedited handgun license eligibility to certain retired county court judges, passed 29-2. HB 4449, on alcohol sales in annexed municipal areas, passed 29-2. HB 3812, on health plan prior authorization requirements, passed 30-1. The Senate also announced a long list of bills and resolutions signed in the presence of the Senate. A major portion of the meeting centered on HB 521, a voting-related bill on curbside voting for voters with disabilities. Senator Paxton described it as an anti-misuse measure requiring a signed eligibility form for curbside voting, creating a 20-foot electioneering buffer, limiting election officer assistance in marking ballots unless a second officer is present, and adding reporting requirements for people who assist seven or more curbside voters. Senators Miles, Menendez, Johnson, Campbell, Cook, and others questioned whether the bill would burden disabled voters, create a de facto registry of volunteers, and impose a harsh Class A misdemeanor penalty for failing to complete the form. Paxton said the bill was intended to protect legitimate curbside voters and curb abuse, and the chamber adopted Paxton Floor Amendment No. 1 after a recorded vote. Zaffirini’s Floor Amendment No. 2, allowing an escorting voter to receive his or her own ballot at the curbside or entrance, was adopted. Menendez’s Floor Amendment No. 3 to reduce the penalty failed. The bill was then passed to third reading on a 20-11 vote, with a motion by Senator Miles to have the exchanges reduced to writing and placed in the journal adopted. The Senate also passed HB 3000, creating a grant program for rural ambulance service providers, after a comptroller-related amendment; HB 5616, establishing the Texas Presidential Library Promotion Program and funding for traveling exhibits, after narrowing the bill to mobile exhibits only; HB 4211, addressing certain residential property interests controlled by entities, which passed 30-1; HB 1178, creating temporary educator certificates for out-of-state certified educators and military spouses, which passed unanimously; HB 2243, creating the Texas Commission on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention, which passed after debate over the need to streamline education mandates; and HB 42, increasing and reallocating the constitutional Higher Education Fund appropriation by 50% to $1.18 billion, which passed 31-0. Finally, HB 2512, a Fort Worth-specific bill limiting ETJ release for land subject to active development agreements, passed after debate over broader ETJ and de-annexation policy, with a local-only clarifying amendment adopted and a proposed broader amendment withdrawn. The meeting ended with the Senate beginning consideration of HB 3372, which would bar school district administrators from receiving financial benefits tied to outside consulting or contracting with education entities, though the transcript cuts off during questions on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you stated nuclear isn’t clean energy due to its waste. Um, it’s also finite and not renewable.
• So, and um, I think it’s a very small problem, nuclear waste. I mean, like the Cabb?
• nuclear power plant, some of that waste, you know, we’re going to have to find some way to wait, you
• So, and um, I think it’s a very small problem, nuclear waste. I mean, like the Cabb?
• nuclear power plant, some of that waste, you know, we’re going to have to find some way to wait, you

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• MI2 has begun to develop a business model to collect and redirect aluminum, steel cans, electric waste
• We also want to work<00:29:46.080><c> with</c><00:29:46.320><c> waste</c><00:29:46.799><c> collection
• </c><00:29:47.200><c> efforts</c><00:29:47.760><c> to</c> work with waste collection efforts to work
• with waste collection efforts to get<00:29:48.240><c> metals</c><00:29:48.640><c> out</c><00:29:48.799
• Keeping our coal-fired plants firing while, by the way, we're working on this nuclear commission.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:22 Forging the Future: Kentucky's National Leadership in Metals Manufacturing 00:01:33 Improvements to Kentucky’s Incentive Programs 00:52:05, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its third interim meeting, approved the prior meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from the Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) on Kentucky’s metals industry. Speakers described metals manufacturing and recycling as a major economic backbone for the Commonwealth, including steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper operations, with broad impacts across production, fabrication, supply chains, and related businesses. They emphasized that the industry supports high-paying jobs, significant capital investment in Kentucky, and is aligned with broader efforts to expand U.S. manufacturing. A central theme was workforce development. MI2 leaders said the industry faces a persistent talent gap and that current education programs do not always produce the skills needed for modern metals jobs. They argued for stronger exposure and awareness, more direct industry involvement, and a dedicated metals career pathway through high schools, area technology centers, career and technical centers, and KCTCS. They also described pilot efforts in Logan, Warren, and Carroll counties that would introduce students to metals careers in middle school, move them into credits and pathways in high school, and connect them to internships, apprenticeships, and postsecondary training. Recycling and supply-chain security were the other major topics. Testimony stressed that recycled inputs are far cheaper than raw ore extraction and that recycling is increasingly important to competitiveness, environmental performance, and keeping materials from leaving the U.S. Speakers also raised concerns about China’s large steel and aluminum capacity and said unfair trade and global market manipulation make it harder for Kentucky producers to compete. Committee members and presenters framed MI2 as a collaborative effort among industry, state government, and academia to strengthen workforce pipelines, recycling, and long-term industry growth. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The example of that would be the nuclear power plant in Callaway.
• The setback for spraying hog waste is only 50 feet, and for those of you who are familiar with the way
• If we're saying by law that it's 50 feet for spray and hog waste, 300 feet for ponds full of it, then
• And as the country's focus returns to dependable baseload energy sources such as nuclear.
• I know that. coal or nuclear or gas? I apologize. I do not have that in front of me.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2383, Representative Simmons’s bill addressing theft of copper and other infrastructure-related property. After a brief executive session and no further discussion, the committee voted the bill do pass by a roll call of 17 ayes, 1 no, and 1 present. The committee then heard House Bill 2711, sponsored by Representative Deal, which would lower the assessed valuation of broadband communications equipment from 33.5% to 12% for new broadband equipment placed in service after August 28, 2026, with a proposed sunset period discussed as part of a substitute. Representative Deal and several industry witnesses, including AT&T, Verizon, Missouri Cable Association, Missouri Broadband Providers Association, Missouri Chamber, and electric co-ops, argued the measure would improve Missouri’s competitiveness, encourage private investment, and help expand broadband in rural and underserved areas. Opponents, including county assessors, argued the bill would reduce local tax revenue, create unequal treatment, and could become a precedent for other industries. Committee members questioned whether the bill would apply only to new builds or also to upgrades and existing infrastructure, and whether the tax relief would actually drive expansion into rural areas. The committee then began hearing House Bills 2402 and 2816, which deal with solar energy siting and taxation. The sponsors described the bills as setting local assessment rules for solar projects, establishing a per-megawatt valuation, requiring larger setbacks from homes, schools, and churches, and limiting the amount of tillable land that can be used for solar in a county, while also addressing Chapter 100 agreements and decommissioning concerns. Supporters, including Missouri Farm Bureau and county officials, said the bills would provide needed guardrails, local control, and more consistent taxation. Opponents and affected landowners said existing solar projects have caused glare, dust, noise, and property value concerns, while some developers said they wanted clearer statewide rules and consistency for future projects. The committee did not take final action on the solar bills before going into recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're sick and tired of wasting Spending.
• Musk, let's talk about the waste.
• I trust nobody here wants to see waste.
• Talk about a waste of taxpayer dollars.
• Time is wasting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're talking about hazardous waste disposal.
• For non-hazardous waste disposal. Mr. Chair, Ms.
• From the RCRA process, we deal with managing waste and waste releases, so as far as...
• That is dealing with the waste part of it.
• Chair, there's a group called Nuclear Care Partners.