Video & Transcript Research : 'wind down'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jul 1st, 2026
Utilities and Energy
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Jul 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- consider only project-specific issues rather than rehashing the same issues that apply to, say, every wind
- So, in terms of just kind of drilling down a little bit on adequacy from your perspective, how can you
- afterwards only on project-specific issues, rather than, you know, the similar issues that apply to every wind
- project, every storage project, but we wouldn't go through those. ...similar issues that apply to every wind
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Natural Resources heard Senator Becker present a broad energy and affordability bill focused on shifting certain utility-related costs out of rates and into a new public power fund structure. The bill’s major elements included using cap-and-trade climate credit revenues to provide larger and better-timed customer credits, especially for low-income customers; creating a fund to help cover wildfire mitigation, care and fairness, and other public-purpose costs; adjusting rate-setting and wildfire spending oversight; and streamlining permitting and CEQA review through programmatic environmental documents for similar projects. Becker said the goal was to reduce regressive costs in rates while still supporting climate and infrastructure goals.
Support came from municipal utilities, community choice advocates, environmental justice and clean energy groups, and the Climate Center, many of whom said they supported the bill and wanted to continue working on amendments. Opposition came from the California Chamber of Commerce, utility companies, business groups, and labor representatives, who argued the bill would shift rather than solve cost pressures, create rate instability, and introduce reliability and investor risks. Several opponents also criticized the proposed funding structure and the inflation-capped rate-setting approach.
Committee members asked Becker about the rationale for the power fund, the change from 85% to 100% of cap-and-trade revenues going to customer credits, the reduced frequency of wildfire mitigation reporting, and the adequacy of streamlined environmental review. Becker said the bill was intended to move wildfire and other public-purpose costs out of rates over time and to speed up review without eliminating project-specific environmental analysis. The committee ultimately voted to pass the bill on a due-pass recommendation, with members noting ongoing discussions on permitting and other amendments.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Emergency Management Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- Three whole communities are burned down in the last eight years.
- We've never used to have whole communities burned down.
- is if the house next to you burns down.
- There's a lot of other steps that will wind up being taken.
- The Santa Ana winds. When the rains have stopped.
Summary:
The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard two presentation bills and then took up a consent calendar. AB 1934, by Assembly Member Bennett, would direct the State Fire Marshal’s Wildfire Mitigation Advisory Committee to create a voluntary home hardening certification program. Supporters included county, city, fire, conservation, and local government groups, and there was no opposition. Members discussed how long a certification should last, recertification, inspection timing, and how the program could support future incentives and wildfire resilience funding. The bill was moved to Senate Natural Resources and Water on a 9-0 vote, with the item held on call until all members were recorded.
AB 2411, by Assembly Member McKinner, would create a process to train out-of-state law enforcement officers to provide temporary supplemental public safety for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The bill was sponsored by the Los Angeles Mayor’s office and supported by the Los Angeles Police Protective League and other groups, while PORAC and the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs opposed the bill as introduced but said they were working with the author on amendments. Committee discussion focused on staffing shortages, the need for POST standards and accountability, the role of out-of-state officers as only augmenting California personnel, and concerns about cost and federal involvement. The committee adopted intent language that California peace officers should be the primary and preferred source of personnel, and the bill was sent to Senate Public Safety on a 9-0 vote, also held on call until all members were recorded.
The committee also considered a consent calendar containing AB 1873, AB 2341, AB 2471, and AJR 27. After several recesses and roll calls to establish a quorum and record absent members, the consent items were approved 9-0. The meeting then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- So it's not just solar; conceivably, it could be a wind turbine or another renewable energy technology
- genesis behind it, because cranberry land is suited well, and I'm speaking solar, but it could be wind
- genesis behind it, because cranberry land is suited well, and I'm speaking solar, but it could be wind
- There's a lot of positive aspects where you could put in a solar array and not have to take trees down
- . ...and out of curiosity, I can't imagine that we're actually at this point, but if at some point down
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on H. 3256, a bill stemming from the Massachusetts Cranberry Revitalization Task Force that would remove Chapter 61A barriers for certain renewable energy projects on non-producing agricultural land. Supporters said the bill would let farmers separate adjacent land from Chapter 61A without a municipal right of first refusal, avoid rollback and advance tax penalties, and use small solar or other renewable projects to generate supplemental income while keeping the farm in operation. Testimony emphasized that the proposal is intended to be “farm-first,” limited to marginal or accessory land, and could also produce local tax revenue for municipalities. Some members raised concerns about whether the bill should be limited to solar, the appropriate project size, impacts on other agricultural sectors, and whether future sales or conversion back to other uses should trigger local rights of first refusal. Witnesses said the bill had been reported favorably in a prior session and noted that similar projects typically involve 20-year leases with extensions.
The committee also took testimony on S. 2009, which would authorize regional transportation ballot initiatives. MAPC and Transportation for Mass argued that the bill would give municipalities and groups of municipalities a flexible tool to raise local revenue for transportation projects such as transit, roads, bridges, bikeways, and pedestrian infrastructure, with sunset provisions so the revenue ends when the project ends. They said the measure would not raise taxes on its own, but would allow local voters to decide whether to adopt a revenue source, and pointed to examples from other states where similar initiatives funded major transit and infrastructure projects. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Testimony was also heard on S. 1922, which would create a Massachusetts fund allowing voluntary taxpayer donations to the UN Least Developed Countries Fund or related 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting climate-vulnerable communities. Climate Reality Project representatives said the bill would let Massachusetts residents support climate resilience projects in the world’s poorest countries at no cost to the Commonwealth, and could serve as a model for other states. Senators questioned how recipient countries and nonprofits would be selected, what safeguards would exist regarding countries such as Yemen, and how taxpayers would know where donations would go; witnesses said the fund would be administered through the UN system and that they would provide more clarification. Rep. Michelle Ciccolo also testified on H. 3051, seeking a one-year deferral of the higher interest rate that applies when deferred property taxes become due after the death of a senior or veteran, saying the current jump to 16% can burden heirs and discourage use of the deferral program. The hearing concluded without any votes or committee actions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The only change is the number of committee members; it's down to seven from nine.
- And then the over 65 bills actually go down.
- You know the thing that we hear is, "Well, my tax bill didn't go down."
- So the percentage of savings winds up changing based on how that value winds up increasing.
- on where you are and the value of the property, it winds up being.
Keywords:
property tax, homestead exemption, school funding, state aid, constitutional amendment, SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, sirs, for that trip down memory lane. Vice Chair Morales. Mr.
- I'll come back down here somewhere around 2017.
- I was raised in the Panhandle, and the wind blew when I was a kid.
- They were falling down—poles falling down, wires on the ground. Some of these wires were live.
- The winds that we have in the springtime in the Trans-Pecos are pretty fierce.
Keywords:
inactive wells, oil and gas regulation, environmental protection, Railroad Commission of Texas, well plugging, Railroad Commission, penalties, violations, pipeline safety, civil penalties, criminal penalties, wildfire prevention, oil and gas, safety inspections, administrative penalties, excavation, notification, utilities, underground facilities, regulatory compliance
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And then, again, they wanted to burn the lignite to get it down to ash, to reduce it down 90% or so.
- And a lot of... down 90% or so.
- You pump down oxygenated water.
- the fall went down...
- We went down in 2007 to Crawford, Nebraska, which was just in the news because of a huge fire down there
Summary:
The committee met to review advanced nuclear energy issues in North Dakota, beginning with approval of the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon presented an overview of the advanced reactor landscape, distinguishing light-water SMRs, advanced Gen 4 reactors, and microreactors. The presentation emphasized that light-water SMRs are the most near-term deployable and use familiar low-enriched uranium fuel, while many Gen 4 designs may require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALU), which is not yet supported by a mature U.S. supply chain. Nucleon also noted that advanced reactors are being developed primarily for industrial heat applications, while microreactors are niche, higher-cost systems for remote or mission-critical uses. Committee members asked about fuel availability, safety, recycling, and whether large reactors such as AP-1000s were evaluated; the presenter said fuel development is proceeding in parallel but remains a bottleneck, and that siting and grid capacity often make SMRs more practical than gigawatt-scale plants in North Dakota.
Representatives from the National Association of State Energy Officials described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, regional coordination, grants, tax incentives, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and pilot programs. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and said states are focusing on multi-state coordination, demand aggregation, regulatory coordination, waste management, workforce readiness, and community engagement. They also discussed affordability tools such as construction work in progress (CWIP), financing incentives, and consumer protections, citing examples from Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, Tennessee, and others. In response to questions, they explained that pilot programs often involve site-readiness and feasibility studies, and that the federal Nuclear Innovation Campus process is moving forward with multiple submissions while broader waste and recycling policy may require congressional action.
The Public Service Commission said it would likely have a major role in any North Dakota nuclear project through certificate-of-public-convenience-and-necessity review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted gaps in current law for small reactors, co-located facilities, NRC coordination, and long-term site stewardship. The commissioner said the commission has no authority over a private, self-contained reactor not connected to the grid. The Department of Environmental Quality explained that the state regulates radioactive materials under its agreement-state authority, but NRC retains primacy over fission reactors; DEQ would likely assist with emergency planning and could have a larger role if fusion reactors emerge. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, requiring a dedicated radiological emergency preparedness program, training, drills, public outreach, and likely additional funding and staffing, with industry expected to bear much of the cost. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota’s water laws and prior-appropriation system are adequate for nuclear siting, that the Missouri River is the best likely source, and that no statutory or budget changes are currently needed from a water perspective. The committee recessed for lunch after these agency presentations.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 1/16/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm your chair, but also I represent House District 15A down in southwest Minnesota, Marshall, Minnesota
- Indiana, you maybe want to start us down at the end and introduce yourself, where you're from, and, yeah
- I'm your chair, but also I represent House District 15A down in southwest Minnesota, Marshall, Minnesota
- Indiana, you maybe want to start us down at the end and introduce yourself, where you're from, and, yeah
- Looking down, so that base combines to a total of 51,439,000.
Summary:
The Committee on Energy Finance and Policy met for an informational session and quorum was present, but the chair stated no action would be taken. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Chris Swedzinski outlined the committee’s broad goals of improving Minnesota’s energy system for families and businesses, with an emphasis on affordability, reliability, and development. Several members echoed those priorities, especially concerns about electric reliability, base-load generation, and the needs of rural communities, co-ops, munis, farms, and small businesses.
House fiscal analyst Ashley presented a budget overview for the committee’s jurisdiction. She reviewed spending and base amounts for the Energy Resources Division, the Renewable Development Fund, the Petroleum Tank Release Cleanup Fund, and the Public Utilities Commission, and explained that the committee also oversees special revenue and other accounts. She noted that the Renewable Development Fund is supported by utility payments for spent nuclear fuel storage, the cleanup fund by a petroleum distribution fee, and that the Commerce Department receives significant federal LIHEAP and weatherization funds. Members asked about the large increase in the Climate and Economic Development Fund and the status of recent appropriations; staff explained that the 2023 session set a larger target, that about $79 million had been spent from the relevant budget, and that some funds may carry forward.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on community solar gardens. Representative Dave Baker asked for an update on the program, and staff explained that Minnesota has about 1,600 megawatts of solar, with more than 900 megawatts in community solar. Staff said 2023 legislative changes capped annual additions and created new incentives for low- and middle-income participation. Members also discussed concerns about program cost, local siting opposition, and a large interconnection queue; staff said there is a backlog of projects, including a reported 56 gigawatts in the MISO queue, and that utilities need distribution upgrades to handle new capacity. No votes or formal actions were taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz delivers State of the State address 4/28/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And if anybody knew that I would wind up as a candidate for vice president, I would have appreciated
- <00:09:26.440>
up And if anybody knew that I would wind up And if anybody knew that I would - wind up as<00:09:26.760>
a <00:09:26.800>candidate <00:09:27.200>for <00:09:27.320 - We've attacked junk fees that hide in the fine print, and we even cracked down on everyday annoyances
- <00:15:20.000>
on print, and we even cracked down on print, and we even cracked down on everyday
Summary:
This was Governor Tim Walz’s final State of the State address to the Minnesota Legislature. He opened by recognizing legislative leaders, constitutional officers, tribal leaders, the judiciary, and members of his administration, then asked for a moment of silence for the Hortman family and spoke at length about recent tragedies, including the Annunciation Church shooting, political violence, the COVID-19 pandemic, and what he described as the impacts of federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. He framed the address around resilience, unity, and the state’s response to grief and disruption.
Walz reviewed major accomplishments from his time in office, emphasizing investments in education, child care, free school meals, housing, infrastructure, climate initiatives, paid family leave, voting access, and worker protections. He also highlighted tax cuts, rebate checks, Social Security tax relief, medical debt protections, and efforts to lower costs for families. Looking ahead, he proposed expanding the dependent care tax credit, cutting the statewide sales tax for the first time, adding housing and first-time homebuyer support, and providing aid to businesses and households affected by Operation Metro Surge.
A major portion of the speech focused on public safety and fraud prevention. Walz said he wanted lawmakers to reestablish the binary trigger ban, pass additional gun violence measures including bans on weapons of war and high-capacity magazines, and strengthen safe storage and insurance requirements for firearms. He also urged passage of his anti-fraud package, which would increase penalties, create a centralized fraud prevention office, and restructure human services administration to improve oversight and program integrity. He closed by urging lawmakers to act on these proposals during his remaining months in office and said the next governor would inherit a fiscally strong state.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:10:24.440>
As <00:10:24.720>the liberties drift with the wind. - As the liberties drift with the wind.
- Let me write you down. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Senator.
- Let me write you down. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have a question. What was the second question?
- Previous roll, no objections. me write you down. Thank you, Mr. me write you down. Thank you, Mr.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/26/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- things that come forward actually wind things that come forward actually wind up<00:33:05.360>
<00:35:22.599>- So that, um, drove the available balance down.
Um drove the available balance down. Um drove the available balance down. - <00:42:27.920>
We how can we bring down the costs. We how can we bring down the costs. - We run about half corn, half down.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Jan 14th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- And I tell all of my brothers out there, come on down.
- You have these, you know, hundreds of massive live oak trees that are just down.
- Were you working down in Broward during Hurricane Irma? Not during Irma, no, ma'am.
- We have over 3,600 full-time employees down on the Space Coast.
- Yes, from LC-36 down at the Cape. Yes, sir.
Summary:
The committee held its first meeting of the session, with members introducing themselves and expressing support for veterans, military families, first responders, space industry growth, and domestic security. The first presentation was from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and recovery efforts. Officials described response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, including sheltering, meals, water, tarps, power restoration, flood control, debris removal, and public assistance funding. They emphasized that recovery is ongoing, that mitigation and resiliency investments are critical, and that Florida’s shelter space remains in deficit in many counties, especially for special needs populations. Senators asked about improving logistics capacity, technology for grant processing, HOA/private property debris issues, drainage and culvert maintenance, and ways to expand shelter capacity; the witness said more technology, better local coordination, and county-by-county planning would help, while noting limits on state authority over private property and county emergency manager qualifications.
Committee members praised FDEM’s response and asked how the Legislature could help, including whether more logistical hubs, pumps, and flood-control equipment were needed. The witness said technology investments could reduce fatigue and improve grant and recovery processing, but that manpower would still be necessary. The committee also discussed the statewide emergency shelter plan, the use of schools as shelters, and the need to identify vacant commercial space and other facilities for future sheltering and special-needs needs. The witness said FDEM works with counties and commerce partners to identify available space and uses legislative funding for shelter retrofits and new construction when needed.
The second presentation was from Blue Origin on its Florida operations. The company outlined its work in New Glenn, New Shepard, Blue Ring, lunar landers, and engine production, highlighting its Space Coast presence, more than 3,600 Florida employees, and over $3 billion invested in facilities. Blue Origin also described partnerships with Space Florida, public school Space Academies, internships, SkillBridge, and STEM outreach through Club for the Future. Members asked about the upcoming New Glenn launch window, which the company said was targeted for later that week, and the committee expressed interest in Blue Origin’s role in Florida’s space economy. The meeting ended with no further business and a motion to adjourn, which was adopted.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, because we found that uh maintenance projects that are not really high dollar, it winds up really
- up really increasing our our it winds up really increasing our our time<00:04:33.919>
and <00: - And come on down. Take a tour. I can put you in some good spots. Yes, sir.
- And come on down. Take a >> Good oysters. And come on down.
- that were going to marketkedly down that were going to marketkedly restrict<00:08:04.479>
that.
Keywords:
vaccination exemption, religious exemption, medical exemption, vaccine mandate, testing requirement, public schools, K-12, students, parents, guardians, higher education, college enrollment, university attendance, public institutions of higher education, immunization, religious tenets, sincerely held belief, school health policy, Alabama, AHSAA physical form
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 04/07/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- The only thing that's being amended on page 9 is a technical correction down on line 31.
- <00:19:44.799>
Otherwise, <00:19:45.360>everything down on line 31. - Otherwise, everything down on line 31.
- It will bring energy costs down. It will also bring manufacturing jobs.
- , inclusion of any technology, not wind, inclusion of any technology, not wind, not<01:04:44.000>
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government (1-14-26)
State & Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- So I said well let me bring this down to our working...
- So I said well let me bring this down to our working people. they turn 65.
- let<00:11:06.560>
me <00:11:06.720>bring <00:11:06.880>this <00:11:07.120>down - c><00:11:07.760>
to <00:11:08.160>our <00:11:08.480>working Let me bring this down - this and our calling because uh winded this and our calling because uh the<00:13:34.720>
House
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:02
Attendance Roll Call: 00:06
SB 10 (Sen. McDaniel): 00:56
SB 51 (Sen. Nemes): 08:30
Adjournment: 17:23, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first considered Senate Bill 10, a proposed constitutional amendment to restrict the governor’s pardon power during the 60 days before a gubernatorial election and until a new governor is sworn in, effectively limiting pardons for 90 days in a four-year term. Sponsor Senator McDaniel argued the measure was a response to abuses of the pardon power and said it would force accountability before voters. Senator Herron raised a concern about a possible chilling effect on pardons but supported the bill after asking about the historical example cited. The committee voted unanimously 11-0 to pass the bill with favorable expression.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 51, which would freeze property tax assessment increases for homeowners age 65 and older who reside in their homes, with the assessment resuming if the home is sold, vacated, or the owner moves to a nursing home or with family. Senator Neis described the bill as relief for seniors on fixed incomes facing rising property taxes, and he walked through the fiscal impact as a budgeted-revenue issue rather than an actual loss of current revenue. Several members spoke in support, saying constituents frequently raise concerns about being priced out of their homes and that the bill would help seniors remain in their communities.
During the roll call on SB 51, Senator Chambers Armstrong said he wished the bill were means-tested but supported it because of its importance to low-income seniors; Senator Bledsoe also explained his support, citing senior homeowners in Fayette County; and Senator McDaniel said it complemented broader housing efforts and should go to the people for a vote. The committee reported SB 51 with favorable expression, then adjourned.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- might have a lot of dead and down might have a lot of dead and down >> for<00:21:04.159>
Canyon and down into the Belfush River. Canyon and down into the Belfush River. - I wrote down like 17, almost 177,000 acres.
- I wrote down like 17 almost fire. I wrote down like 17 almost 177,000<00:32:42.799>
acres. - Uh, can we just keep going down the line unless anybody has any questions on the committee?
Keywords:
forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, funding, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment, referral bonus, military service, eligibility expansion, incentive program, wildlife management, environmental restoration
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Anyway, I think this is great because this is a great wind-down.
- it doesn't say a city can't do it, but it protects the person who already has some contracts in a wind-down
- So this is just a wind-down bill? Absolutely. All right, thank you for your testimony.
- Look, there's been no better advocate for top-down guidelines than I've been, okay?
- Like, ...the potential rescission of the third-party permit far down the process.
Bills:
SB2784, HB23, HB247, HB1533, HB2011, HB2013, HB2273, HB2421, HB2464, HB3120, HB3424, HB3575, HB3788, HB4370, HB4809, HB5057, HB5084, HB5534, HB5668, HJR34
Keywords:
Somervell County, hospital district, board of directors, elections, local governance, staggered terms, third-party review, property development, local government, permits, construction inspection, regulatory authority, land development, liability, occupancy certificate, border security, tax exemption, ad valorem, real property, infrastructure
Summary:
The committee heard and left pending several local government, property tax, development, and public safety measures before later voting some of them out. Senator Birdwell explained SB 2784 for the Somerville County Hospital District, which would move the board to staggered four-year terms after a transition and was requested to be held pending until the House companion could be acted on; no public testimony was offered. HB 5084 would allow local approval for fireworks sales tied to Lunar New Year celebrations, with testimony from Hutchinson County Judge Cindy Irwin emphasizing local fire risk and the need for county discretion. HB 5534 would let county commissioners post agendas electronically instead of on a physical bulletin board. HB 4370 would expand permissible projects for certain special districts to include geothermal water conveyance systems, and HB 312 would require residential child detention facilities to enter local MOUs, report health and safety information, and conduct background checks for state-funded facilities; both drew supportive testimony and were left pending. HB 5057 would give displaced solid waste providers time to wind down after a city grants an exclusive franchise, and HB 2421 would extend the life of the Save Historic Muni District to continue work on preserving Lions Municipal Golf Course; both were left pending after supportive testimony. HB 2011 would let former owners repurchase property taken by eminent domain if the acquiring entity fails to pay property taxes for two years, and the committee substitute to SB 3065 was also laid out and left pending after a technical correction to eminent-domain language. The committee then took up additional bills on development, appraisal, and local regulation, including HB 3575, HB 4809, HB 2273, HB 247/HJR 34, HB 2464, HB 3424, HB 2013, HB 5668, HB 3788, HB 1533, and HB 23, with testimony ranging from support to opposition on issues such as appraisal procedures, historic property valuation, Galveston emergency governance, border-security tax treatment, home-based businesses, chicken covenants in HOAs, municipal utility district authority, hospital authorities’ use of assets, and third-party building review. HB 23 drew the most extensive testimony, with builders, engineers, counties, and cities split over third-party plan review and inspection authority, liability, licensing, and local code enforcement; many witnesses said the House amendments created problems and the bill was left pending. In the end, the committee voted SB 2784, SB 3065, HB 5686, HB 247, HJR 34, and HB 2011 out of committee, with the first several receiving local and uncontested calendar recommendations where applicable.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 13, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- FIU has an extraordinary center and a tool called the Wall of Wind.
- I look forward to spending some time down there seeing the Wall of Wind.
- Representative Cruz, though, you still have a follow-up question down there? Thank you, Chair.
- That's not to say that that can't be looked at at some point down the road.
- That's not to say that that can't be looked at at some point down the road.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and heard five bills. HB 1097 would rename the Florida Catastrophic Storm Center at FSU as the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management, transfer the public hurricane loss projection model from FIU to FSU, and provide recurring and nonrecurring appropriations to support independent insurance research and collaboration with OIR and other universities. Members discussed university roles, model oversight, independence from industry funding, and student/workforce benefits. The bill passed favorably on a roll call vote.
HB 319 would create a regulatory framework for virtual currency kiosk businesses, requiring registration with the Office of Financial Regulation, consumer disclosures, and penalties for violations. Much of the discussion focused on fraud prevention, especially for seniors, and whether the bill should include transaction caps or stronger recovery tools; AARP supported the bill but urged additional protections. The bill passed favorably. CS/HB 385 made technical changes to the Florida Trust Code and Community Property Trust Act, including decanting, trustee claims, redemption by satisfaction, and homestead transfer treatment; an amendment conforming to the Senate version was adopted, and the bill passed favorably.
CS/HB 97 would allow service of process for exploitation injunctions against unascertainable scammers through the same communication method used to contact the victim, such as text or social media, and would let courts freeze funds temporarily while the matter is heard. Testimony from elder law practitioners and AARP supported the bill as a tool against scams, while some members raised due process and overreach concerns; the bill passed favorably. HB 839 would shorten the overpayment recovery window for claims submitted to psychologists and HMOs to match other health providers, with the goal of improving parity and access to mental health care; an amendment was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. The meeting concluded with adjournment after the final roll call votes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/11/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- out of a lot of arguments takes uh wind out of a lot of arguments on<00:23:30.240>
that. - York, I've just got you down first on the list. Ms.
- It's nice when they stop down.
- <01:31:21.040>
I <01:31:21.120>was It's nice when they stop down. - I was It's nice when they stop down.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy. (3-11-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- I have with me today my daughter Gray, who's no stranger down here, and her cousin Major.
- When they notice babies floating down When they notice babies floating down the<00:15:58.920>
- probably wind solar. probably wind solar.
- here for the when you say you're down here for the ratepayers Thank you, Mr.
- what forward to coming down and seeing what happens<00:42:54.680>
there.