Transcript Highlights:

• Help us to listen with open hearts, to speak with integrity, and to act with courage.
• </c> rule of law, and maintain the integrity rule of law, and maintain the integrity of<01:10:49.040>
• And my advice to the body is to maintain consistency, maintain integrity, not to be partisan, not to
• ,<01:39:24.480><c> not</c><01:39:24.800><c> to</c><01:39:25.040><c> be</c> integrity, not to be integrity
• <01:42:06.320><c> body</c><01:42:06.719><c> to</c> have integrity for this body to have integrity for

Transcript Highlights:

• of the water use priority integrity of the water use priority system,<00:47:33.600><c> and</c><00:47
• off-highway recreational vehicle trail development that may traverse tribal lands and our ceded territories
• lands and ceded territories where tribal lands and ceded territories where tribal members<01:24:30.840
• 25:04.840><c> ceded</c> traverse tribal lands and our ceded traverse tribal lands and our ceded territories
• . territories. territories.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in uncharted territory. We don't have examples. We don't have case law.
• We are in uncharted territory.<00:41:03.839><c> We</c><00:41:04.079><c> don't</c><00:41:04.319><c> have
• </c><00:41:05.359><c> We</c> territory. We don't have examples. We territory.
• We host integrated water planning workshops to break down silos because true sustainability requires
• Meccl said earlier is we're in uncharted territory, you know.

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• That's an all-time record for California through the CPUC's integrated resource planning process, which
• For instance, the integrated resource planning process is a proceeding that is left open because every
• So the integrated resources plan process is a process that is managed by the PUC, but it involves input
• But now the CEC has exempted PG&E territory from this expansion at their meeting tomorrow.
• It's minus PG&E territory.

Summary: The hearing was an informational budget session on energy agency proposals, with no votes taken. Early discussion focused on Proposition 4 climate bond implementation, including funding for demand-side grid support, offshore wind development, and transmission financing. The Department of Finance said the budget includes allocations for demand-side grid support and offshore wind, but not yet for the $325 million transmission financing piece pending a required study. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to consider whether to wait on offshore wind funding, whether to keep shifting funds into demand-side grid support, and how to direct future transmission financing. Members also raised concerns about local technical assistance for offshore wind, Salton Sea priorities, and the need for more information before final decisions. The California Energy Commission and CPUC then reviewed the broader energy package. The CEC highlighted the demand-side grid support program’s growth, distributed energy backup assets, long-duration storage, hydrogen grants, and the SIRP clean energy reliability program. CPUC testimony emphasized affordability, wildfire mitigation costs, rooftop solar cost shifts, and efforts to reduce rates while maintaining reliability and clean energy goals. Members questioned CPUC staffing, delays in proceedings, coordination with the CEC and CAISO, and the impact of rate increases on customers. The agencies also discussed the AB 3264 transmission financing study, with CPUC saying work on the study had already begun and was on track for the July 1 deadline. Several trailer bill and implementation items were also discussed. The committee reviewed a proposal to extend the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program surcharge, with members split over whether it should be handled in budget trailer bill language or policy legislation; the administration said the surcharge supports a critical program serving about three-quarters of a million Californians. The committee also heard a CPUC data-sharing proposal to allow nondisclosure agreements for transmission and reliability data, which members generally supported as a technical fix. DWR explained a proposal to clarify language for the Electricity Supply Strategic Reliability Reserve so it can potentially sell three gas-fired units it owns, and the CEC presented a federal transmission grant proposal tied to grid-enhancing technologies and ratepayer cost recovery. Finally, the committee discussed California Lifeline and possible broadband pilot reforms in light of uncertainty around federal Universal Service Fund support, with CPUC saying it is exploring a statewide standalone broadband option for eligible customers.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill helps ensure continuity of essential services while protecting the integrity of lawful collective
• No two animal species are the same, and each has a unique behavioral pattern, territory, and comfort
• No two animal species are the same, and each has a unique behavioral pattern, territories and comfort
• This bill would prohibit military personnel from another state, territory, or district who are not operating
• personally brings to her work: guiding values that I share, a resolve to get things done well and with integrity

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. After routine procedural announcements and motions, members moved through a long concurrence and third-reading file, with many bills passing on largely bipartisan or unanimous votes. Early actions included rejecting a motion to strike SB 958 from the file, concurring in AJR 9 on national parks, and approving AB 1647 on juvenile transfer hearings, AB 1656 on human trafficking, AB 1660 on probate procedures, AB 1875 on marriage cooling-off period procedures, AB 1892 on common interest developments, AB 1908 on civil actions and urgency, AB 1954 on business reservations, AB 1957 on post-foreclosure home acquisition, AB 1977 on notaries public, AB 2001 and AB 2052 on criminal procedure, AB 2107 on pupil instruction, AB 2263 on housing, AB 2346 and AB 2595 on e-bike/vehicle issues, AB 1562 on elections, AB 2180 on local government finance, and AB 2624 on privacy protections for immigration support service providers. AB 2624 drew the most extensive debate, with supporters saying it expands Safe at Home protections for workers facing doxxing and threats, and opponents arguing it could chill speech and journalism; it ultimately passed 49-13 and was immediately transmitted to the Governor. The Assembly also adopted H.R. 134 designating November as California’s First-Generation College Celebration Month after supportive remarks about access to higher education and first-generation students. On the Senate side, the Assembly concurred in or passed measures including SB 932 on transparency in civil proceedings, SB 1400 on health authorities, SB 1154 on community college best-value procurement, SB 1264 on probate and child support notice, SB 599 on atmospheric river forecasting, SB 692 on emergency abatement of abandoned vehicles, SB 1263 on contractor accountability, and SB 1371 on solid waste service during labor disputes; SB 1371 prompted opposition over labor leverage and potential cost impacts but passed 41-14. Other notable Senate bills approved included SB 401 on emergency extensions for political reform filings, SB 945 on CPR/AED training in schools, SB 977 requiring healthier children’s meals at chain restaurants, SB 1192 on protections against abusive litigation by domestic violence abusers, SB 1194 on immigration legal services, SB 872 on water, SB 925 on a fusion energy roadmap, SB 934 strengthening conversion therapy protections, SB 1030 repealing the CalWORKs “man-in-the-house” rule, SB 1056 on protective orders for adult sexual assault materials, SB 1069 streamlining CARB approval for aftermarket auto parts, and SB 1135 creating a statewide wildlife coexistence program. The session ended with several items passed or retained on file and multiple procedural announcements, including guest permissions and adjournment-memory requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• I first want to just stop and thank you all for your integrity, your values, and your commitment to public
• the city of cambridge's chief climate officer i first want to just stop and thank you all for your integrity
• On top of that, there is a regional cap across Eversource's service territory.
• for small projects, and requires utilities to allow for the establishment of microgrids in their territories
• It extends the sales tax exemption for... ...microgrids in their territories, extends the sales tax exemption

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The hearing focused broadly on solar policy and several related bills, especially S. 2269, S. 2270, H. 3520, H. 3521, and related measures on distributed energy resources, municipal solar caps, permitting reform, and tax credits. Testimony from the Air Force supported S. 2232, which would exempt federal military installations from renewable energy production caps and net metering limits to support energy resilience at bases like Hanscom. Most other witnesses argued that Massachusetts needs to speed up rooftop, municipal, and community solar deployment to address high electricity prices, federal tax credit rollbacks, grid reliability, and climate goals. A major theme was streamlining permitting through automated or “smart” solar permitting, including a statewide platform managed by DOER. Permit Power, SEIA, Vote Solar, 350 Mass, and others said current local permitting is fragmented and costly, and that instant permitting could reduce soft costs and speed installations. Several witnesses also urged changes to interconnection rules, including flexible interconnection, remote inspections, and faster utility approval timelines. Some speakers raised concerns about small towns lacking staff to meet short deadlines and suggested a state-hosted platform to reduce the burden on municipalities. Another major topic was lifting caps on solar deployment. Municipal officials from Lexington and Cambridge said the 10-megawatt municipal cap and regional caps are blocking shovel-ready projects and should be removed, including for behind-the-meter municipal solar and MBTA-community housing. Other witnesses described additional limits on project size, net metering, and residential tax credits, and called for making the state residential solar credit refundable and larger. Several speakers also supported virtual power plants, distributed energy resource targets, solar canopies, microgrids, and expanded access for affordable housing, tenants, and low- and moderate-income customers. No votes were taken. Committee members asked questions about permitting timelines, grid modernization, the rationale for caps, balcony solar, and interconnection delays, and witnesses said they would follow up with additional information where needed. The hearing ended with broad support from industry, municipal, environmental, and advocacy groups for advancing the solar and distributed energy bills, while some witnesses opposed provisions they viewed as overly restrictive, such as mandatory SMART participation for all solar projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• medical records, EMRs, to be physically stored within the United States or in the United States. territories
• regulation by certain political subdivisions of the installation of roofing. materials containing integrated
• Integrating limited state law enforcement authority to certain federal special agents to criminal justice
• State Affairs Senate Bill 2962 by Campbell relaying the authority of a municipality to remove territory
• Senate Bill 2965 by Creighton relating to territory in an emergency services district that is next by

Bills: SJR12 , SJR81 , SCR39 , SB22 , SB32 , SB241 , SB393 , SB414 , SB458 , SB464 , SB568 , SB583 , SB609 , SB660 , SB693 , SB731 , SB732 , SB746 , SB783 , SB785 , SB897 , SB993 , SB996 , SB1008 , SB1029 , SB1035 , SB1036 , SB1120 , SB1122 , SB1147 , SB1163 , SB1188 , SB1197 , SB1209 , SB1227 , SB1245 , SB1267 , SB1307 , SB1321 , SB1332 , SB1386 , SB1394 , SB1396 , SB1470 , SB1494 , SB1537 , SB1596 , SB1598 , SB1610 , SB1664 , SB1814 , SB1822 , SB1841 , SB1948 , SB2065 , SB2155 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SJR12 , SJR36 , SJR81 , SJR50 , SJR4 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB504 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB241 , SB304 , SB1023 , SB204 , SB609 , SB670 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB1215 , SB1302 , SB583 , SB673 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB955 , SB957 , SB1120 , SB541 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB53 , SB1352 , SB785 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB414 , SB1062 , SB711 , SB746 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB1567 , SB310 , SB311 , SB505 , SB1209 , SB1210 , SB1470 , SB264 , SB1029 , SB1358 , SB1364 , SB1569 , SB1376 , SB1228 , SB519 , SB1350 , SB462 , SB827 , SB1585 , SB1396 , SB1484 , SB1273 , SB927 , SB1227 , SB1229 , SB1353 , SB1464 , SB1709 , SB1729 , SB1733 , SB1744 , SB1772 , SB1841 , SB1147 , SB1008 , SB2016 , SB1173 , SB1163 , SB996 , SB568 , SB1370 , SB1321 , SB1101 , SB860 , SB993 , SB693 , SB1610 , SB1537 , SB1332 , SB1307 , SB963 , SB493 , SB984 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB455 , SB522 , SB1057 , SB1239 , SB1254 , SB1255 , SB1259 , SB1341 , SB1664 , SB1877 , SB464 , SB1277 , SB32 , SB732 , SB660 , SB731 , SB921 , SB268 , SB1822 , SB1188 , SB1589 , SB397 , SB1058 , SB1036 , SB1267 , SB2112 , SB1930 , SB532 , SB1035 , SB2155 , SB508 , SB292 , SB291 , SB901 , SB1333 , SB1436 , SB1494 , SB964 , SB779 , SB1378 , SB2312 , SB1719 , SB1386 , SB287 , SB2143 , SB1245 , SB261 , SB1247 , SB1948 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SB1882 , SB1197 , SB1814 , SB618 , SB38 , SB393 , SB2065 , SB1371 , SB1394 , SB1365 , SB2243 , SB2226 , SB2039 , SB1919 , SB1895 , SB1598 , SB1493 , SB1810 , SB1791 , SB1706 , SB1644 , SB1238 , SB783 , SB458 , SB22 , SB651 , SB897 , SB1809 , SB1080 , SB745 , SB826 , SB989 , SB1320 , SB1437 , SB2320 , SB2289 , SB1171 , SB664 , SB1637 , SB2064 , SB868 , SJR40 , SJR27 , SCR38 , SCR37 , SB1079 , SB1243 , SB1504 , SB1851 , SB1879 , SB2237 , SB1257 , SB2034 , SB1522 , SB883 , SB249 , SB1318 , SB1151 , SB596 , SB1191 , SB226 , SB570 , SB870 , SB991 , SB60 , SB365 , SB1067 , SB1786 , SB326 , SB1401 , SB1592 , SB1728 , SB1265 , SB586 , SB529 , SB217 , SB209 , SB1923 , SB1559 , SB1839 , SB387 , SB1874 , SB1872 , SB1873 , SB1921 , SB1883 , SB1677 , SB95 , SB1620 , SB1838 , SB2024 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB2166 , SB871 , SB510 , SB33 , SB2420 , SB1860 , SB1541 , SB1316 , SB1314 , SB1313 , SB1426 , SB1398 , SB1869 , SB1750 , SB1871 , SB36 , SB855 , SB1233 , SB760 , SB2425 , SB2037 , SB1758 , SB1759 , SB2365 , SB1924 , SB762 , SB1271 , SB1818 , SB605 , SB1405 , SB1762 , SB1968 , SB1977 , SB2077 , SB2148 , SB2321 , SB1967 , SB1662 , SB1663 , SB2124 , SB2204

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, tax exemption, ad valorem, tangible personal property, income production, border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on educational reforms, particularly in special education funding. Notably, Senator Bettencourt laid out the transformative impacts of Senate Bill 568, which aims to lift a historical cap on special education funding that affected approximately 775,000 students. The discussions included plans for an intensity-based funding model that could ensure fair distribution of resources depending on individual needs, thereby enhancing educational support for diverse learning requirements. Senators acknowledged past failures in the special education framework, emphasizing the necessity of moving towards a system that is transparent and focused on delivering adequate services.

Transcript Highlights:

• , without proper understanding of the geography, the history, and the actual ownership of those territories
• Geography, the history, and the actual ownership of those territories. Follow-up?
• For the sake of fairness, academic integrity, and respect for all communities, I urge you to vote no

Bills: S7020 , S0308 , S0692 , S0474 , S0572 , S1106 , S1650 , S0350 , S1442 , S7032

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Keywords: open government, sunset review, aquaculture, public records, exemption, Florida Museum of Black History, cultural heritage, education, Board of Directors, local governance, cybersecurity, data breach, data privacy, information security, local government, county, municipality, vendor contracts, third-party service provider, liability shield

Transcript Highlights:

• I saw up close how he poured his significant intellect, his integrity, and his energy into serving our
• </c><03:43:37.439><c> vision,</c><03:43:38.479><c> humor,</c><03:43:39.680><c> and</c> rooted in integrity
• , vision, humor, and rooted in integrity, vision, humor, and love<03:43:40.160><c> of</c><03:43:40.399
• will mean a lot to our community who recognizes his decades of dedicated, passionate service with integrity
• Madam Speaker, engagement with State, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement is essential to

Bills: HB8897 , HB3106 , HR1398 , HB8738 , HB3535 , HB7574 , HB8535 , HB8168 , HB9388 , HB9391 , HB8874 , HB9328 , HB8770 , HB7809 , HB6332

Keywords: FEC, Federal Election Commission, campaign finance, electioneering communications, political committees, electronic filing, e-filing, disclosure reports, campaign reporting, disbursements, checkless payments, payment methods, administrative reform, election law, FECA, 52 U.S.C. 30104, 52 U.S.C. 30102, campaign administration, political spending, Department of Homeland Security

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> interpreted as an extr territorial interpreted as an extr territorial regulation<00:26:06.200><c
• By supporting this bill, you uphold the integrity of interstate commerce, ensure continued access to
• By supporting this bill, you uphold the integrity of interstate commerce, ensure continued access to
• </c><00:28:09.480><c> of</c> bill you uphold the Integrity of bill you uphold the Integrity of interstate
• </c> our utilities um to create integrated our utilities um to create integrated resource resource resource

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• He said the other capped license type is one of three vertically integrated license types.
• license types: micro, meso, and the statutory caps for the meso vertically integrated one.
• He said the other capped license type is one of three vertically integrated license types.
• He said the other capped license type is one of three vertically integrated license types.
• </c><01:09:17.400><c> license</c> of those vertically integrated license of those vertically integrated

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• governor's proposal to address fraud in our public programming systems by strengthening program integrity
• </c> program integrity. program integrity.
• The end you have a conference process, and that is totally unknown territory.
• The health plan company is a community integrated service network, but as the discussion goes further
• It's a community<01:52:14.400><c> integrated</c><01:52:15.040><c> service</c> community integrated service

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Bills: SB5223 , SB5831 , SB5928 , SB6183 , SB6071 , SB5995 , SB5966 , SB5841 , SB5840 , SB6061 , SB6058 , SB5931 , SB5944 , SB5520 , SB6011 , SB6087 , SB6076 , SB5916 , SB6016 , SB5936 , SB6137 , SB5956 , SB6025 , SB6009 , SB5833 , SB6161 , SB6188 , SB5890 , SB5917 , SB5820 , SB5973 , SJM8015 , SB5816 , SB6136 , SB6091 , SB6024 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB5536 , SB5834 , SB5837 , SB5872 , SB5879 , SB5899 , SB5925 , SB6019 , SB6148 , SB6184 , SB6190 , SB6237 , SB6086 , SB5574 , SB5873 , SB5992 , SB5924 , SB6134 , SB6263 , SB5395 , SB6282 , SB5905 , SB6302 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6226 , SB6096 , SB5970 , SB6269

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment, SB 6183, HIV, antiviral drugs, antiretroviral therapy, AIDS

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:39.360><c> in</c> This committee has been integral in This committee has been integral in
• Again, we rely on the security and integrity of a system that we have.
• Again, we rely on the security and integrity of a system that we have.
• </c> best practices, and program integrity best practices, and program integrity review<01:28:49.400>
• we're sort of in in uncharted territory we're sort of in in uncharted territory a<01:35:06.440><c> bit

Bills: HF1338

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We doubled down on program integrity.
• We doubled down on program integrity.
• , same type of population, and there's systems right next door with each other, same rural territory,
• I just want to go into one more territory quickly.
• The ABCC plays an integral role in the economic vitality and public safety of plays an integral role

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Water and Power, is an integrated part of the city.
• I would say maybe within the IOU territories, it's about 11 million homes.
• If inverse condemnation reform cannot be achieved, we believe that an integrated three-pillar solution
• And so the reason I'm a little frustrated is because there's a solution somewhere, but... territory and
• Nearly our entire service territory is in a high-risk fire zone.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• And with that, the Treasurer thought it important again to continue that integrity so that the Arizona
• And so I think that there could be better integration of both of those kinds of reporting.
• I am now the Territory Government Relations Director for the Southwestern Mountain Territory.
• Thank you for the Southwestern Mountain Territory. Congratulations. Thank you.
• Thank you for the Southwestern Mountain Territory. Congratulations. Thank you.

Committee: House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

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:

• But all 50 states and territories ban SBRs unless you have a tax stamp.
• Many of you have seen me here before testifying on election integrity bills. and I'll be here for the
• one thing, they teach me a lot of things. to be the canary in the cave when it comes to election integrity

Bills: SB108 , SB318 , SB507 , SB511 , SB533 , SB1026 , SB1386 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Gabe lived his life no differently than he did his job, treating those around him with fairness and integrity
• has followed in his father's footsteps, not only in business but in his commitment to honesty and integrity
• Ukraine's President Vladimir Zelensky has stated a negotiated peace will require an exchange of territory
• </c><06:27:40.718><c> of</c><06:27:40.878><c> the</c><06:27:41.040><c> legislative</c> of the Integrity
• of the legislative of the Integrity of the legislative process<06:27:42.440><c> he's</c><06:27:42.760

Bills: HR77

Keywords: Fred Korematsu, civil liberties, constitutional rights, Japanese internment, historical education, national reflection, personal justice

Transcript Highlights:

• Our territory covers 12% of the United States footprint.
• And then we integrate public input into the zoning decisions.
• The integrity of our agricultural heritage, that needs to continue.
• Again, we're going to talk about integration with oil and gas infrastructure.
• And then finally, just a more assessment on utility-scale feasibility, pricing, grid integration.

Summary: The Energy Development and Transmission Committee met in interim session and approved the November 6 minutes. Chair Novak outlined the committee’s study agenda, including large energy users such as data centers, geothermal, landowner relations, wind and solar, and other energy topics across the state. The meeting was framed as informational only, with no bills or formal legislative action taken beyond the minutes approval. Testimony focused first on landowner relations. Oliver County Commissioner Dave Berger described the county’s energy history and local support for coal and related development. North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue emphasized proactive, face-to-face communication with landowners, respect for property rights, and the need for developers to be transparent about tradeoffs; he also discussed insurance and liability concerns tied to easements. Committee members asked about eminent domain, local versus state authority, and how communities can better understand the revenue and infrastructure implications of energy development. Department of Agriculture Deputy Commissioner Tom Bodine then described the department’s ombudsman programs for pipeline restoration and reclamation, wind restoration, and royalty oversight. He said the programs provide confidential, third-party assistance on reclamation and royalty disputes, but do not provide legal advice. Senators raised concerns about post-production deductions in royalty leases and whether the ombudsman can explain them; Bodine said the program can clarify statements and deductions but cannot resolve legal disputes. He also said the department has not received requests related to fiber lines. Representatives from Grid United and One Oak described their project development and landowner engagement practices. Grid United’s Brent Johnson discussed the North Plains Connector transmission project, its route selection process, voluntary acquisition approach, and efforts to avoid eminent domain by working closely with regulators, counties, townships, and landowners. One Oak’s Danette Welsh and Tom Giltner described the company’s midstream operations, extensive North Dakota footprint, and emphasis on direct landowner communication, consistent local regulation, careful construction practices, and post-construction reclamation. Members asked about setbacks, zoning consistency, invasive species prevention, outside advocacy groups, and eminent domain use; One Oak said it has not used eminent domain on its North Dakota projects, largely because most gathering lines are negotiated easements.