Video & Transcript Research : 'Texas Utilities Code'

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CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session May 19th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • These are merely code words, meaning that These are merely code words, meaning that workers must belong
  • Inspectors inspect the same work under the same construction code.
  • What is happening with their water utility?
  • penalties for utilities that fail to provide timely hookups.
  • This is where we're going to put our utility poles when we expand.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • Up at Dartmouth, they gave me a sheet of paper that just said fetal anomaly with a code, and that was
  • and that was my counseling I got a code and that was my counseling I got it<01:28:41.080> in<
  • Hope the story of Pome Trot in Texas Hope the story of Pome Trot in Texas where<01:42:40.800>
  • <04:41:56.958> within but you can create certain codes within but you can create certain codes
  • able to utilize that directly it's a able to utilize that directly it's a very<05:02:57.718> difficult
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 662, which would require public schools to include discussion of abortion procedures and show specified videos in health education classes. The prime sponsor argued the bill would ensure students receive medically accurate, age-appropriate, and nonpolitical information about abortion, saying the topic is important for informed decision-making and should be taught consistently statewide. He said the videos were intended for grades 9-12, that parents could opt out, and that the requirement was meant to supplement, not sway, students’ views. He also acknowledged the bill could be seen as limiting local control over curriculum and said the intent was to prevent the topic from being missed due to scheduling disruptions. Committee members questioned the sponsor about local control, the need for a video mandate, the source of his statistics, whether the bill could be biased or inflammatory, and whether the requirement should apply every year in high school. The sponsor said the videos were only a starting point, could be replaced by others, and were meant to be informational. He also said the bill was not intended to influence students’ decisions about abortion. Several supporters testified in favor, including representatives of New Hampshire Right to Life and others who said students should be told the “truth” about abortion and its consequences. They emphasized graphic or emotionally difficult aspects of abortion and argued that young people need this information to make informed choices. Opponents and skeptical witnesses raised concerns about prescribing curriculum, eroding local control, and the appropriateness of the material for younger high school students. The New Hampshire School Administrators Association said the bill was overly prescriptive, that health education standards are already set by the State Board of Education, and that the topics in the bill are not part of the current standards. That witness recommended the committee consider retaining the bill for further work or making it less prescriptive. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, March 27, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by the gentleman from Texas, Mr.
  • Speaker, I now yield one and a half minutes to the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Meny. Thank you, Mr.
  • I'm here today representing the people of Houston, Texas, asking House Republicans to take up, to put
  • I'm calling on my colleagues in Texas.
  • >> Gentleman from Texas is recognized for three minutes.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Committee on Housing (01/21/2025)

Housing

Transcript Highlights:
  • That would make it even harder for voucher holders to utilize their voucher in New Hampshire.
  • <01:01:25.400> their for voucher holders to utilize their for voucher holders to utilize their
  • Many of the apartments these days, the tenants are responsible for all utilities except for possibly
  • Many of the apartments these days, the tenants are responsible for all utilities except for possibly
  • tenants are responsible for all utility tenants are responsible for all utility except<03:21:29.279
Keywords: 1189, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/16/26

Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, so will lower your utility bill.
  • reducing the amount of utility-scale reducing the amount of utility-scale generation<00:12:44.640
  • Folks, this is National Electrical Code. Folks, this is National Electrical Code.
  • What is utilization equipment?
  • What is utilization equipment?
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development - 02/25/2026

Housing, Construction, and Community Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill was reported to Codes in 2024 and 2025 by this committee.
  • We'll once again be looking for a motion to report to Codes.
  • And if they're not paying for the utilities, it is $20.86.
  • Water expenses, utility costs, electricity, I understand. Water? The...
  • Water expenses, utility costs, electricity, I understand.
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Housing, Construction, and Community Development Committee met on February 25 and took up a series of housing-related bills, many of which had previously passed the Senate or been reported by the committee in prior sessions. Measures advanced included bills on NYCHA utility accountability, a small rental housing development initiative, uniform waiting list priorities for domestic violence survivors, protections for dependent children named in eviction papers, expansion of veterans’ housing preferences, inclusion of illegal conversions in the definition of harassment, repeal of obsolete rent formula language, inspection of major capital improvement rent increases and rent stabilization extensions, a community land trust acquisition fund, and an affordable independent senior housing assistance program. Most were reported to finance, Codes, or the floor, typically with some minority negative or “without recommendation” votes noted. The committee then returned to Senate Bill 6718B, sponsored by Senator Jackson, which would eliminate certain surcharges landlords may charge when tenants install appliances in rent-regulated housing. A guest speaker, Mr. Umberto Lopez, argued the bill would further squeeze landlords, especially small property owners, and warned that rising costs and regulation could lead to more units being taken off the market or “warehoused.” Committee members asked about the bill’s practical effect, including whether tenants could install appliances only with landlord approval and how current surcharge amounts are calculated for air conditioners, washers, dryers, and dishwashers. The chair explained that the bill would remove the ability to charge those existing fees, which are intended to cover wear and tear and utility-related costs. After the discussion, the committee voted to report S6718B, with minority negative votes recorded. The chair also noted an upcoming housing budget hearing later that day and repeatedly emphasized time limits during the meeting.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Transportation Apr 1st, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's just as BA one utility relocation. You are recognized.
  • This is a utility we let relocation.
  • I'm streamline utility road relocation for public road and rail corridor projects ensure utility owners
  • Most utilities pay franchise fee. 3 1% common number may be as much as 5.
  • I think this is the utilities utilities in that would like to it. I can do it after it after it.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Ways and Means (02/12/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • That section is Section 117 of the Internal Revenue Code.
  • <00:34:23.320> in under Section 117 of the code in under Section 117 of the code in addition
  • <00:48:49.920> the this specific case the IRS code the this specific case the IRS code the
  • > that Internal Revenue code says that Internal Revenue code says that scholarship<00:48:53.000
  • having voice in what is federal tax code having voice in what is federal tax code in<00:50:48.440
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 402, a bill to repeal a provision in RSA 194-F:2 stating that Education Freedom Account (EFA) funds “shall not constitute taxable income” to the parent or student. The bill sponsor argued the current language is misleading because the state cannot determine federal tax liability, and said the bill would simply remove inaccurate tax advice from state law. He cited IRS guidance and prior federal legislation, including a Ted Cruz proposal, to suggest some EFA uses may be taxable under federal law, while others may not, and said the bill could be amended if needed to avoid confusion. Testimony was sharply divided. Py Campbell opposed the bill, arguing it would unfairly single out EFA students and could amount to a tax on education funds, including for self-employed families, and recommended it be voted inexpedient to legislate. Stephen Matthew French, a tax preparer, also opposed the bill, saying IRS Publication 970 already makes clear that scholarship-type payments used for tuition and related expenses are not taxable, and that the bill addresses a problem that does not exist. He warned that adding tax reporting requirements could create administrative costs for families and the program administrator. Bill Ardinger, a tax attorney, supported the repeal of the statutory language, saying the state should not place potentially incorrect tax advice into law. He explained that under federal tax law, only certain scholarship-like uses are exempt, while many EFA-eligible expenses may not be, especially for families using the program for homeschooling or other nontraditional expenses. He said the current statute could mislead families into thinking all EFA payments are tax-free and could expose the state to future legal problems. The hearing ended after questions from committee members; no vote or final action was taken in the transcript.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:06:31.600> the interested in is how we utilize the interested in is how we utilize the
  • the system up to safety code. the system up to safety code. um<00:31:34.399> improve<00:31
  • <00:31:57.760> and those facilities up to code and those facilities up to code and improving
  • utilize their funding for other projects. appropriations for parks for utility appropriations for parks
  • We said we would utilize some of our funding so that they could utilize their funding for other projects
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee heard testimony from the Energy and Environment Cabinet on the state-owned dam repair program and Kentucky’s electric grid resilience program. On dams, Commissioner Tony Hatton explained the legal definition and hazard classifications for Kentucky dams, noting there are 975 regulated dams statewide, including 76 state-owned dams, and that hazard ratings are based on potential loss of life or property damage if a dam fails. He described the cabinet’s screening criteria, including inundation mapping, engineering condition, and compliance status, and said the cabinet uses a design-bid-build procurement process to manage public funds responsibly. Hatton outlined current and planned dam projects funded from the prior biennium, including Willisburg Lake in Washington County, where work will address hydraulic capacity, unstable downstream slopes, and likely require a coffer dam, flood wall, auxiliary spillway, and raw water line replacement. He also said Big Bone Lake State Park Dam will be decommissioned, Clemens Lake Dam at Morehead State University is in design for a major rehabilitation, and additional projects include Marion County Sportsman’s Dam, Chenoa Lake Creek/Canning Creek Dam, and a rehabilitation study for the Mud River at Lake Malone. The cabinet also requested $500,000 for routine repairs and maintenance. Members questioned cost estimates, inflation, and whether it would be better to fund design separately; cabinet officials said estimates are current best engineering estimates, costs have generally stayed within about 10%, and the current funding flow requires all funds to be available before bidding. The committee then received a status update on the electric grid resilience program, a five-year federal formula grant under Section 40101(d) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Officials said Kentucky has received years one through three of funding, which has been allocated to state park facilities and municipal electric utilities, while years four and five have not yet been received and would go to distribution cooperatives and remaining municipal utilities. Projects discussed included upgrades at Ken Lake State Park and Kentucky Dam Village, plus municipal projects in Owensboro, Princeton, Williamstown, and Hopkinsville. The cabinet said the selected projects focus on hardening infrastructure, replacing poles, wires, conductors, and transformers, improving vegetation management, and adding or upgrading outage management systems. Officials reported that all projects are under contract and moving into subcontracting and construction, while the Department of Parks is finalizing an agreement with Western Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative for the park-related work.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary Mar 4th, 2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • I hear a code blue being called on the intercom. Something told me it's my father. And it was.
  • Another doctor would come into the room with the chaplain and tell me that your father coded and he's
  • Our neighbors to the north in Georgia and Alabama, Texas, New York, Connecticut—all of those states—the
Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard three bills. SB 514, by Senator Harrell, clarified that medical quality review committees used by managing entities are treated like other medical review committees for purposes of civil liability and public records protections. The committee adopted a Harrell amendment removing the word “malpractice” from the title, heard support from the Florida Hospital Association, Florida Association of Managing Entities, and Florida Smart Justice Alliance, and then voted 11-0 to report the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 734, by Senator Yarborough, which would repeal the current wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The bill drew extensive testimony from families describing deaths they said were caused by medical negligence and from supporters including AARP and the Florida Justice Association, while opponents from the health care, insurance, and business sectors argued it would raise malpractice premiums, increase litigation, worsen physician shortages, and reduce access to care. After debate, the committee voted 9-2 to report the bill favorably. Finally, SB 538, by Senator Bradley, was presented as the state courts legislative package. It updates court operations by clarifying duty judge requirements, removing a location limit on duty hearings, repealing a cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and allowing alternative judicial authentication of oaths and acknowledgments when a court seal is unavailable. The bill received supportive waiver forms from the Florida Bar ADR section and several judges, and was reported favorably on an 11-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Banning cryptocurrency kiosks 2/26/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Smith, in recovering funds that have utilized those options as opposed to a kiosk?
  • Smith, in recovering funds that have utilized those options as opposed to a kiosk?
  • Arizona, Montana, Idaho, Texas. Like has already been mentioned, I think, by Mr.
  • Arizona, Montana, Idaho, Texas. Like has already been mentioned, I think, by Mr.
  • Arizona, Montana, Idaho, Texas. Like has already been mentioned, I think, by Mr.
Keywords: 1183, house
Summary: The committee heard House File 3642, as amended by the DE1, which would prohibit virtual currency kiosks in Minnesota. The author, Chair Kaggel, said the bill is intended to stop scammers from using crypto kiosks to defraud vulnerable people, especially older adults, because the transactions are often irreversible and hard to trace. Representative Perryman spoke in support, describing local fraud cases and saying the issue had come to her attention through St. Cloud residents and police. The bill was laid over for further work with the Department of Commerce and other interested members. Testimony from law enforcement and advocates strongly supported the ban. A St. Cloud police sergeant said the problem is statewide and described a case in which a 78-year-old woman lost $80,000 after being directed to a kiosk. A Woodbury detective said current safeguards, including warnings, limits, and refund provisions, have not stopped weekly victimization and that scammers coach victims to bypass protections. An AARP Minnesota volunteer said kiosks are a preferred vehicle for scammers because they move stolen funds quickly and are especially harmful to older adults, and he noted that the 2024 consumer protections have not been enough. The Department of Commerce also supported the bill, saying crypto kiosks are a growing fraud vector and citing 120 complaints over three years, nearly $1 million in reported losses, and 70 cases with $540,000 in losses already in 2025. The department said many victims do not report losses, so the true amount is likely higher. In contrast, Coinflip’s general counsel opposed a ban and argued that fraud should be addressed through stronger regulation, refunds, blockchain analytics, and customer-service requirements rather than prohibiting a legal product. He said scams would continue through other channels if kiosks were banned. In discussion, members asked about the number of kiosks, how long they have been operating in Minnesota, and the scale of losses; the department said there are about 350 licensed kiosks operated by 8 to 10 operators, though the total number may be higher.
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 18th, 2026

ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so as manufacturers picked up more of the costs of the drugs and people were utilizing more drugs
  • And so as manufacturers picked up more of the costs of the drugs and people were utilizing more drugs
  • Kirsten: ...more and more drugs were being utilized, because you didn't have that big donut hole.
  • Kirsten: ...more and more drugs were being utilized, because you didn't have that big donut hole.
  • Are based on physician diagnoses coding.
Summary: The committee received an update from Grant Wallace on the state employee Medicare Advantage group plan and the ongoing rebid with UnitedHealthcare. Wallace said the agency is exploring “decoupling” the medical and pharmacy portions of the plan, and that preliminary estimates suggested potential savings of about $100 to $200 per participant per month. He said the final CMS rate-setting process would conclude in April, with a revised contract amendment likely to come before the committee in May or June after review by the EBD Advisory Commission and State Board of Finance. He also clarified that the plan covers post-65 teacher and state employee retirees, including retirees from state agencies and K-12 public schools. Representatives from Segal Consulting then gave a broader presentation on Medicare Advantage and Part D market trends, reviewing Arkansas’s prior decision to adopt a Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan and the savings generated since the 2023 RFP. They explained that the Inflation Reduction Act significantly changed Part D financing by shifting more federal support into a direct subsidy tied to risk scores, which makes accurate risk adjustment more important and creates a larger difference between Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans and standalone Part D plans. They said this has led to a growing divergence in funding, especially for standalone Part D, and is the main reason decoupling medical and pharmacy coverage is being considered. Committee members asked about how the risk-score changes affect costs and members. Segal said the new structure has reduced member out-of-pocket costs, with the annual cap now at $2,000 and many members reaching it after roughly $600 to $800 in spending, but that the plan absorbs more of the cost. They also said the market appears to be adjusting through annual bids, and that a decoupled structure could allow the state to capture more favorable funding on the Part D side. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after being told to expect further information once the April rate notice and renewal proposal are available.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary (02/11/2026)

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • are actually committing crimes that are on our books right now, crimes that are within the criminal code
  • that are within the criminal code. that are within the criminal code.
  • So, there's a case where a Texas woman ordered abortion pills from a New York doctor.
  • One was violating the Texas abortion law, but the other one was practicing without a license.
  • So we have the issue you're bringing up with the doctor in New York never went to Texas at all.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Health Committee Jul 15th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • to the Business and Professions Code.
  • Furthermore, there are valid concerns that transferring code provisions from the Health and Safety Code
  • and Insurance Code to the Business and Professions Code could inadvertently create harmful roadblocks
  • Code.
  • Health and Safety Code.
Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on health care access, oversight, and affordability. The first major item was SB 306 by Senator Becker, a prior authorization reform bill. Becker and supporters, including the California Medical Association and California Hospital Association, argued that prior authorization delays care, adds administrative burden, and can lead to serious patient harm. The bill was substantially amended late in the process to have DMHC and CDI identify services and drugs to exempt from prior authorization based on utilization data, with safeguards for fraud, waste, abuse, and patient safety. Health plans and insurers opposed the measure as written, saying prior authorization remains an important utilization-management tool and raising concerns about the 90% threshold, drug inclusion, and how modifications are counted. The committee also heard SB 35 by Senator Umberg, which would let cities or counties inspect unlicensed sober living homes if DHCS does not act promptly on complaints. Supporters said the bill would address weak enforcement and protect residents, while one behavioral health directors group opposed it unless amended. Members generally supported the measure, citing problems with unlicensed facilities and the need for local enforcement backup. The committee then heard SB 62, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark if approved by the federal government. Senator Wiener said the package would add hearing aids, durable medical equipment, and infertility treatment including IVF, acknowledging that premiums could rise but arguing the benefits were worth it. Health Access California and other advocates supported the bill, while the California Family Council opposed it. The committee also took up SB 596 by Senator Menjivar, which would tighten the rules for hospitals claiming an on-call list as a defense to nurse staffing ratio penalties. Supporters, including nurses and SEIU, said hospitals have used vague or ineffective on-call practices to avoid accountability and that the bill would improve enforcement and patient safety. Hospital groups opposed it, arguing that staffing is highly dynamic, that hospitals need flexibility to manage acuity and emergencies, and that the bill could increase costs and interfere with collective bargaining arrangements. Finally, the committee heard SB 40 by Senator Wiener, the Insulin Affordability Act, which would cap insulin copays at $35 for a 30-day supply and restrict step therapy unless a plan covers at least one insulin in each drug type. Supporters, including physicians, diabetes advocates, nurses, students, and patient groups, said insulin is life-saving and too often unaffordable, forcing patients to ration or choose between medication and basic needs. There was no formal opposition testimony, though one member questioned why insulin remains so expensive. The committee also began discussion of SB 363, but the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full presentation or any action on the measures. No votes are recorded in the portion provided, and several bills were noted as consent items earlier in the hearing.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Education Policy and Administration (02/11/2026)

Education Policy and Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:23:10.880> uh hasn't been a widely utilized uh hasn't been a widely utilized uh mechanism
  • I was just looking at the code of ethics and the code of conduct, which come from the rules, and they
  • I was just looking at the code question.
  • > which of ethics and the code of conduct which of ethics and the code of conduct which come<03
  • <05:46:45.920> grant bill insurance we can utilize grant bill insurance we can utilize grant
Keywords: 1189, house, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate - Rules Feb 3rd, 2025

Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas Tech University and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Southern
  • Do we know, Madam Chair, where around the state has no water system that could utilize it so that we
  • I saw where you graduated from Texas Tech; I've got family that goes there now.
VA

Virginia 2026 Regular Session

March 09, 2026 - Regular Session

Virginia House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It seeks to amend and reenact portions of the Code of Virginia relating to sex offenses, prohibiting
  • Over on page five, we come to Senate Bill 326, which seeks to amend and reenact sections of the Code
  • The legislation amends the Code of Virginia relating to cyberstalking penalties.
  • Legislation to amend the code of Virginia relating to cyber-stalking penalty.
  • Legislation to amend and reenact sections of the Code of Virginia relating to the Marcus Alert System
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs Jan 23rd, 2025

House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Rarely is that cap utilized.
  • So, water utilities that have underlying rate payers will obviously have some small loan component, but
  • The second way that we are choosing to utilize that money is facilitating planning for small systems.
  • We also have some authorities for the Texas Exempt bonds and some tax credits through the IRS or the
  • We also get some private funds, mostly from Some of the utility companies for weatherization or energy
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 20, 2025 - 02:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • But for now, first up, we are going to take House Bill 1173, Florida Trust Code, by Representative Duggan
  • House Bill 1173, Florida Trust Code, by Representative Duggan. Representative, you're recognized.
  • The bill clarifies a provision of the Florida Trust Code based on some recent case law.
  • Specifically, they failed to follow applicable Florida law, administrative codes, and DCF operating policy
  • There was a wrongful death case in Galveston County, Texas, because a woman's friends allegedly helped
Summary: The subcommittee considered a long agenda of civil justice and claims measures. HB 1173, relating to the Florida Trust Code, was presented as a clarification of standing in trust litigation after recent case law; after questions about who may sue, an amendment was adopted clarifying that an expressly named charity retains standing, and the bill passed 14-2. HB 1437, on attorney’s fees in motor vehicle PIP disputes, drew testimony from insurers and reform groups opposing a return to fee-driven litigation and from medical groups supporting fee recovery for prevailing parties; it passed 17-0. CS/HB 147, addressing prohibited debt-collection communications during nighttime and early morning hours, was described as a clarification of an outdated statute in light of modern communications, with support from business groups and no opposition in the vote; it passed 18-0. The committee then heard several claims bills against the Department of Children and Families. HB 6511, for relief of L.P., described severe injuries to a child after DCF allegedly failed to act on warning signs; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill passed 18-0. HB 6515, for relief of Michael Barnett, involved DCF’s alleged failure to investigate domestic violence that preceded the killing of three children and injury of a fourth; members asked about the settlement amount and the case’s circumstances, and the bill also passed 18-0. HB 1517, expanding wrongful death law to allow parents of an unborn child to recover for the child’s death, generated the most extensive debate. The sponsor said it aligns civil law with existing criminal definitions and excludes claims against mothers and providers of lawful medical care, including IVF; opponents warned it could be used to target reproductive care, support networks, and domestic violence survivors, while supporters framed it as a justice measure for families. An amendment clarifying damages rules for minors and unborn children was adopted, and the bill passed 13-4. Finally, HB 947, on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, sought to allow broader evidence at trial and to change “shall” to “may”; supporters said it would improve fairness and transparency, while opponents argued it would weaken post-2023 tort reforms and reintroduce inflated medical damages. The amendment was adopted and the bill was then taken up with additional opposition testimony.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Tue Mar 31, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • engineer at the Public Utilities engineer at the Public Utilities Commission.<00:04:15.800> I'm
  • I have one for Public Utilities I have one for Public Utilities Commission.<00:04:47.000> You
  • You said replace the Public Utility Commission with the Public Utilities Commission.
  • landlord-tenant code. landlord-tenant code.
  • to enforce their rights under the code. to enforce their rights under the code.
Summary: The committee first heard HCR 168 and HR 158, which would create a temporary working group to study utility capacity, coastline infrastructure lifespan, and the costs of needed expansions. Public Utilities Commission staff said the commission was not the right entity to direct all of the work because it lacks authority over many affected agencies. Members discussed whether the study should be limited to a coastal area or broadened to the whole island, and in decision-making the committee amended the measure to focus on the County of Honolulu, correct references to the Public Utilities Commission, and revise the working group membership to include the PUC chair, legislative designees, and directors or designees from DLNR, DOT, HIEMA, and DCCA Consumer Advocacy. The committee then passed both resolutions with amendments; the vote was adopted unanimously, with some members excused. The committee next considered HCR 145 and HR 137, which would convene a working group on climate change impacts on insurance availability and affordability. The Insurance Division stood on its written comments, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission supported the intent, and the Attorney General opposed the measure, warning that a working group could create discoverable materials that might complicate the state’s climate litigation and noting a technical ambiguity in the reference to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund administrator. After questions about discovery and the lawsuit, the committee amended the resolutions to replace the administrator reference with the chair of the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund Board of Directors, remove the Attorney General as convener while keeping the office as a member, and have the working group share findings and recommendations with the House CPC and Senate CPN committees instead of issuing a report. The committee passed the measures with amendments, with Rep. Martin voting with reservations. In the later agenda, the committee heard SB 2607, SD 1 on landscape architect licensure. The Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects supported the bill, explaining it modernizes licensure requirements to align with national standards and clarifies the profession’s design-focused role. The bill was discussed as distinguishing landscape architecture from groundskeeping and from civil engineering drainage work. No opposition was heard. The committee also heard SB 2031, SD 2 on consumer protection and price transparency for live ticket events and short-term lodging. The Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill, saying it largely mirrors an FTC rule requiring all-in pricing and would give the state enforcement authority and remedies. The Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill as drafted and sought a limited exemption for credit card issuers relying on third-party hotel information, while the Hawaii Hotel Alliance supported the measure but asked for language deeming compliance with the federal rule sufficient for short-term lodging. Committee members questioned whether those proposed exemptions would conflict with federal law or weaken state enforcement, and the discussion focused on preemption, liability, and the value of state remedies such as restitution.