Transcript Highlights:

• self-determination, and we would charge that any modern KFO should ideally support, uh, you know, better regulatory
• self-determination, and we would charge that any modern KFO should ideally support, uh, you know, better regulatory
• self-determination, and we would charge that any modern KFO should ideally support, uh, you know, better regulatory
• self-determination, and we would charge that any modern KFO should ideally support, uh, you know, better regulatory
• That any modern KFO should ideally support, uh, you know, better regulatory structures to ensure that

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee heard five bills on January 24, 2025. SB 1 would phase out disposable air filters and require reusable air filters by 2030; testimony was limited, with one supporter urging clearer definitions of fiberglass and paper and several opponents listed, and the committee later deferred the bill indefinitely for lack of support testimony. SB 13 would create an aquaculture investment tax credit beginning in 2026; state agencies and several industry groups supported it, while the Tax Foundation raised concerns about loose definitions, internal inconsistencies, and blanks that made the bill hard to estimate or vet. The committee passed SB 13 with amendments and technical changes, and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2015 as stated on the record. SB 177 would shift aquatic livestock import and movement permitting to the Department of Agriculture’s Animal Industry Division, require a risk-based assessment and biocontainment standards, and seek a $1 million appropriation for research and staffing. The Department of Agriculture said the bill would help expand aquaculture while managing risks to native species; aquaculture and farm groups supported it, while Animal Rights Hawaii was listed in opposition. The committee passed SB 177 with amendments, blanking the appropriation for committee report consideration, and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2050. SB 184 would raise the beverage container deposit and refund from 5 cents to 10 cents. Supporters said the higher deposit could improve recycling and environmental outcomes, while opponents, including the Tax Foundation, cited fraud concerns, the program’s existing fund balance, and practical challenges in redemption; the Department of Human Services also noted potential impacts on blind vendors. The committee took the bill up but deferred decision-making until Monday, January 27, 2025, at 10:01 p.m. in Room 224. The committee also heard SB 250, which would increase the income tax credit for interisland transportation costs for agricultural products. Agricultural and industry witnesses supported the bill as a way to offset rising shipping costs and preserve access to markets, while the Tax Foundation preferred direct appropriations over tax credits and objected to missing bill details. The committee passed SB 250 with amendments from the Department of Agriculture and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2050. Separately, a joint hearing on SB 240, the Right to Farm bill, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Agriculture supported further study and raised concerns about the bill’s fragmented approach, while farm, cattle, and other industry witnesses split between support for protecting customary Native Hawaiian subsistence farming and opposition to excluding CAFOs and certain business structures. No vote was taken on SB 240 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> counting on in their regulatory scheme. counting on in their regulatory scheme.
• </c> perceived gap in regulatory perceived gap in regulatory perceived<00:17:22.439><c> gap</c><00:17
• :22.760><c> in</c><00:17:22.920><c> our</c><00:17:23.040><c> regulatory</c><00:17:23.640><c> system</
• c> perceived gap in our regulatory system perceived gap in our regulatory system and<00:17:25.079><c>
• </c><00:59:58.480><c> Act</c> under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act under the Indian Gaming Regulatory

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we also have Connor Morris from the Knee Regulatory Research Center of West Virginia University with
• </c><00:05:08.639><c> Research</c><00:05:09.120><c> Center</c> from the Knee Regulatory Research Center
• from the Knee Regulatory Research Center of<00:05:09.759><c> West</c><00:05:10.000><c> Virginia</c><
• So just so you know, the idea is to try to see and create a regulatory framework for if captives decide
• The idea is to try to see and create a regulatory framework for if captives decide to enter and be a

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up a short-form administrative licensing measure requested by the administration to correct and clarify renewal provisions in a prior bill. Members raised no questions, and the committee voted to adopt the proposed Senate draft and recommit the bill back to the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee for a further public hearing. The committee then heard SB 2876 on natural hair braiding, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing under certain conditions. The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it views hair braiding as within the broader scope of cosmetology, but agreed that people who only braid hair should not need a license because the training and exam requirements are minimal. The board warned, however, that exempting braiders could create consumer protection gaps involving sanitation, training, and enforcement, and noted that related services such as waxing, cutting, coloring, shampooing, and relaxing would still require licensure. Supporters included the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and the Institute for Justice. The committee also heard SB 2950 on captive insurance and SB 2951 on insurance proceeds. On SB 2950, the Insurance Division opposed the bill, saying captive insurance is designed for formal self-insurance for companies and that allowing captives to insure the public would not fit the existing regulatory framework; a fire survivor advocate supported the measure as a way to expand disaster-related insurance options. On SB 2951, which would require mortgage servicers to follow certain rules for disbursing insurance proceeds after residential damage or destruction, United Policy Holders strongly supported the bill, citing delays in releasing funds and the need to help survivors rebuild, while banking and financial industry groups submitted opposition or comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 2952, SB 2960, and SB 2964, all related to property insurance and disaster recovery. SB 2952 and SB 2960 would extend the time policyholders have after a declared disaster to submit documentation and recover replacement cost value, with supporters arguing that rebuilding after major disasters takes far longer than standard policy deadlines allow and that the bills would improve consumer protection and transparency; the Insurance Division, the Insurance Council, and national insurance groups opposed the measures. SB 2964 would require annual disclosures of replacement cost value and coverage sufficiency; the Insurance Council opposed it as costly and unnecessary because policies already include inflation-related adjustments, while United Policy Holders and fire survivors supported it, saying many homeowners are underinsured and do not understand their coverage.

Transcript Highlights:

• And realistically, wherever the regulatory agency is placed doesn't really matter.
• I am a regulatory guy, okay?
• standpoint um we're working regulatory standpoint um we're working with<00:42:16.200><c> them</c><00
• The only agency that has regulatory authority is DOA, and uh...
• The only agency that has regulatory authority is DOA, and uh... Chair, thank you.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused on a bill reorganizing Hawaiʻi’s biosecurity and invasive species framework, including moving or renaming responsibilities within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and clarifying the role of the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC). Testimony from the Hawaiian Invasive Species Council, DLNR, Oʻahu and Big Island invasive species committees, the Sierra Club, farmers, and community members generally agreed that invasive species management is critical, but many opposed consolidating HISC or broader biosecurity functions into a single department. Supporters of the existing interagency model emphasized HISC’s statewide coordination role, its links to DLNR and other agencies, and its ability to fill gaps with federal funding and cross-agency collaboration. Several testifiers raised concerns that the bill could weaken existing authority or create unintended legal and operational problems. The Sierra Club and others warned about possible interstate commerce issues, loss of authority to regulate movement of infested material within an island, and the need to preserve HISC as an independent or elevated coordinating body rather than placing it inside one agency. Community testimony described real-world impacts from little fire ants, coqui frogs, and landscaping-related introductions, and argued that the current system has produced service gaps and duplication when funding or responsibilities shift. One testifier also urged removing hemp movement reporting provisions, saying they do not aid biosecurity and should be treated like other crops. DLNR and Department of Agriculture representatives said they support the overall goal of stronger biosecurity but stressed that invasive species work is broader than agriculture alone. They noted that DOA, DLNR, and other partners each have different missions and capabilities, and that staff safety, terrain, and training matter when responding in remote areas. The department said it was recruiting for new positions, with some of the 44 funded positions still being finalized, and that implementation would require phased rulemaking, standards, training, and outreach. Members asked about the bill’s practical impact, staffing needs, and whether inspectors are prohibited from hiking; the department said no blanket prohibition exists, but staff use judgment based on safety and terrain. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's the permits, the regulatory cost, there's the cost of materials, there's the cost of labor.
• 00:14:53.279><c> the</c><00:14:53.440><c> permits,</c><00:14:53.920><c> the</c><00:14:54.079><c> regulatory
• </c> There's the permits, the regulatory There's the permits, the regulatory cost,<00:14:55.199><c> there's
• ,</c><00:53:51.520><c> you</c><00:53:51.760><c> know,</c> you know, regulatory, you know, you know, regulatory
• . efficiency. efficiency.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the commissioner would have certain regulatory authority that the commissioner currently has over
• So we tried to borrow the best of both worlds, to give flexibility on the regulatory side so that we
• 41:12.720><c> flexibility</c><00:41:13.440><c> on</c><00:41:13.680><c> the</c><00:41:13.839><c> regulatory
• </c><00:41:14.560><c> side</c> give flexibility on the regulatory side give flexibility on the regulatory
• Uh, this bill is focused on increasing access and efficiency in health care by allowing advanced practice

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What the goal of this bill is looking to accomplish is to establish nuclear regulatory frameworks within
• There are currently federal Supreme Court cases where the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is being challenged
• So as a state, we need to begin establishing what nuclear regulatory framework would look like within

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a series of bills, mostly on a due-pass basis. Representative Grego’s bill to keep a prescribed-burn indemnity fund framework alive, with no state cost and hopes of private or insurance funding, passed 6-0 after discussion about wildfire risk and encouraging safer burns. Representative West’s HB 2962, removing time limits and refund caps for certain tax overpayment claims and extending refund rights for tribal members and former wards, also passed 6-0, with the sponsor saying it would apply retroactively. Representative Archer’s HB 3175, as a committee substitute, would begin creating a state nuclear regulatory framework in anticipation of future federal court changes; it passed 4-3. Representative May’s HB 3336 to remove the salary cap on the OMES CIO failed 2-5 and remained in Appropriations and Budget, while his HB 3831 to create a revolving fund for Oklahoma Task Force One equipment upgrades passed 6-1. Representative Wolfley’s HB 3566 raising tag agent title-transfer fees from $2.25 to $3.75 passed 6-1, and Representative Lawson’s HB 3621 to recreate a state data center for census preparation and LUCA support passed 6-1 after he agreed to amend it to be subject to available funds. Other measures advanced included HB 2958, a 9% pay raise for state employees, which passed unanimously 8-0; HB 3047, making LOFT the clearinghouse for statutorily required agency reports, which passed 6-1; HB 4301, strengthening the VA escape clause by requiring earnest-money refunds when a VA-financed home does not appraise, which passed 7-0; and HB 1979, creating a two-year task force to consolidate early childhood programs across agencies, which passed 4-2. The committee also heard a bill allowing the Attorney General’s Office and District Attorneys Council to buy vehicles without going through OMES, and it passed 6-2. After finishing the agenda, the committee announced a short recess before reopening for an Emergency Management budget hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2248, medical regulatory oversight.
• HB 2716, vacant maintenance; Government and Regulatory Oversight. HB 2720.
• HB 2716, vacant maintenance; Government and Regulatory Oversight.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the journal. Members then introduced the Doctor of the Day, Dr. John Lynch, and recognized several guest groups in the gallery, including Arizona electric co-op representatives, March of Dimes participants, CRNAs, AEA retirees, a University of Arizona legislative fellow, and ACLU visitors. Attendance was recorded at 58 present, one absent, and one excused. The chamber handled routine floor business, including temporary committee replacements, referral of HB 2677 from Judiciary to Public Safety and Law Enforcement, and the first reading and referral of a large number of House bills and one concurrent resolution. The bill list covered a wide range of topics, including education, appropriations, housing, taxes, health care, public safety, energy, water, labor, elections, and several measures related to abortion, firearms, and tribal affairs. Second reading of bills was also announced for another extensive set of measures. During announcements, members promoted a blood drive, a Veterans Caucus coffee-and-donuts event and lunch with a Department of Defense speaker, and several committee meetings or cancellations. No substantive debate or votes on legislation occurred beyond the procedural motions and the final motion to adjourn. The House adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE CAN TALK ABOUT SOME FACILITY AND DISPENSATION DATA AND SOME KEY REGULATORY FEATURES AND SOME EDUCATION
• THERE ARE A FEW REGULATORY FEATURES THAT ARE WORTH NOTING FOR OUR STATE.
• THE REVIEW STRENGTHENS A REGULATORY OVERSIGHT ENSURING ALL ASPECTS OF THE PROGRAM ARE TRANSPARENT, ACCOUNTABLE

Transcript Highlights:

• Water Quality Act, the Produced Water Act, and the Environmental Improvement Act to establish clear regulatory
• EPA have relied heavily on consortium-generated data to build their respective regulatory frameworks
• both parties, from rural and urban areas, in both elected and agency roles, support creating this regulatory
• Regulatory certainty protects public health and groundwater while allowing New Mexico to responsibly
• You know, The court work that would be required to, you know, create the regulatory framework pursuant

Summary: The committee met to hear House Bill 207, as amended, which would direct the Water Quality Control Commission to adopt rules for permits allowing certain beneficial uses of treated produced water, including industrial, commercial, energy-related, infrastructure, pilot project, and other approved uses. Representative Brown presented the bill as a science-driven response to New Mexico’s water scarcity, citing the state’s 50-year water plan and research from the New Mexico Produced Water Research Consortium. The committee adopted an amendment requiring the rules to be informed by credible scientific data and other evidence, including consortium research, before moving to public comment. Supporters argued the bill would create a regulated framework for reuse of treated produced water, preserve scarce freshwater, and support economic development, construction, and energy-related uses. Testimony in favor came from the bill sponsor, the consortium’s Dr. Zach Stoll, the chair of the Water Quality Control Commission, business and industry representatives, local economic development officials, and some residents. They emphasized recent peer-reviewed studies, pilot projects, and the need for the commission to act on updated science. State agencies, including the Environment Department, said the amended bill addressed some of their concerns and kept the focus on science-based rulemaking. Opponents said the bill would override the Water Quality Control Commission’s prior findings and force approval of uses that remain scientifically unproven and potentially harmful. Many speakers from environmental groups, acequia and agricultural organizations, faith groups, and local residents warned about unknown contaminants, risks to groundwater, crops, roads, and human health, and the possibility of spills or long-term environmental damage. Several argued the bill would politicize a technical process and create liability or cleanup burdens for the public. No vote on final passage was taken in the portion provided; the committee recessed briefly after public comment and then returned to sponsor remarks and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill helps ensure that public works projects are built safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards
• I don't think bringing legislators into every decision will do anything but delay. ...efficient.
• The digital environment now has legal, regulatory, and model standards to lean upon.
• And I find it amazing that the one time you don't need a bureaucratic agency to be efficient, all of
• a sudden it has the utmost efficiency.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• other acts that have gone through here, where we're seem to be trying to be more prescriptive and regulatory
• and providing streamlined processes to giant corporations while we're being more prescriptive and regulatory
• this and do it as soon as possible, and I'm going to vote yes on the amendment. prescriptive and regulatory
• in nature prescriptive and regulatory in nature toward<00:09:35.280><c> the</c><00:09:35.400><c> individual
• </c> regulatory toward our own citizens. regulatory toward our own citizens.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• relating to coverage for hearing aids and related services, House Bill 265, an act relating to regulatory
• 00:06:14.720><c> act</c><00:06:14.960><c> relating</c><00:06:15.440><c> to</c><00:06:15.600><c> regulatory
• </c> an act relating to regulatory an act relating to regulatory authorizations<00:06:17.440><c> by</
• </c><00:06:28.800><c> requirements</c><00:06:29.520><c> and</c> insurance regulatory requirements and
• insurance regulatory requirements and declaring<00:06:30.160><c> an</c><00:06:30.320><c> emergency,<

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no regulatory authority able to stop out-of-state direct-to-consumer mailed sales, and there
• We have a bill now in the House called 4242 that addresses many of these regulatory concerns.
• We have a bill now in the House called 4242 that addresses many of these regulatory concerns.
• We need a state-level regulatory agency only focused on cannabis, like other U.S. states.
• What we need is regulatory enforcement.

Bills: SB 3, HB28, SB3

Keywords: flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, hemp regulation, consumable products

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2731, as amended by the Health and Human Services Committee, continues the Arizona Regulatory
• House Bill 2731, as amended by the Health and Human Services Committee, continues the Arizona Regulatory
• based on a test year or historical balance, to disclose information regarding the rate payments on regulatory
• Hustbilt, 2782 requires the Arizona Corporation Commission and a public service corporation if a regulatory
• based on a test year or historical balance to disclose information regarding the rate payments on regulatory

Summary: The meeting was a lengthy caucus-style review of many bills and resolutions across multiple committees, with staff giving brief descriptions and most items placed on consent or third-read consent calendars. Topics included appropriations, commerce, education, government, health and human services, environment, public safety, and transportation. Measures discussed ranged from school policy and board continuations to housing, water, public safety, licensing, and election-related changes. Several bills were noted as strike-everything amendments or as having been amended in committee. A number of bills drew sponsor comments or brief questions. In education, members discussed bills on teacher strikes, school math placement, school meals, student clubs, bond election disclosures, and a proposed commission on student outcomes. In health and human services, members discussed nursing board rules, pharmacist testing and treatment authority, medical records timelines, opioid antagonist expiration dates, and a proposed constitutional amendment on the right to refuse medical mandates. In government and public safety, members debated funding and staffing issues for DPS and corrections, including a proposed public safety parity fund, as well as bills on county sheriffs, legal representation for DPS, and corrections oversight funding. There was also discussion of election and local government measures, including inactive voter list procedures, circulator disclosure rules, and committee termination filings. Other topics included housing affordability districts, development fees, historic-area middle housing exemptions, water and groundwater management, environmental compatibility siting, and trade-related commissions. One notable exchange involved HB 4044, where members debated whether using rainy day fund interest for public safety pay was fiscally responsible; supporters argued it was a practical way to fund raises, while opponents said it would weaken the fund and should instead be handled through the general fund. No roll-call votes were taken in the transcript, and most items were simply presented, briefly discussed, and left on consent or third-read consent calendars.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 128 by Senators Coleman-Madison and Stewart, regarding the Cickleell Oversight and Regulatory
• Senate Bill 128 by Senators Coleman-Madison and Stewart, regarding the Cickleell Oversight and Regulatory
• Senate Bill 128 by Senators Coleman-Madison and Stewart, regarding the Cickleell Oversight and Regulatory
• Senate Bill 128 by Senators Coleman-Madison and Stewart regarding the Sickle Cell Oversight and Regulatory
• cle cell and Stewart regarding the cle cell oversight<00:56:26.799><c> and</c><00:56:26.960><c> regulatory

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum, and adopted the prior day’s journal. The chamber then handled a series of confirmations, including Thomas Ellis to the Agriculture Exhibition Center Board of Directors, Evelyn Vans Malden, Robert C. Brock, Mila Calhoun, and Elena Baranco to the University of Alabama or University of Montevallo boards of trustees, Chip Fugquay to the Alabama Workforce Board, and Thornton Stanley and Jemsticken Pum to the Alabama Forestry Commission. All of these confirmations were approved overwhelmingly, generally by 29–30 votes with no nays. Committee reports advanced several county and municipal government bills, including SB 23, SB 71, SB 105, SB 109, SB 115, SB 131, SB 148, and SB 165, with some receiving amendments. The Senate also adopted and passed multiple resolutions, including SJR 14 honoring Drew and Lauren Winland as America’s top young farm family, and resolutions mourning Mary Anne Peak Phelps and Sam Palmer Faucet III. A local bill package for Marshall and Walker counties was taken up, with several bills receiving BRs, final passage, and certification resolutions. The Senate also received numerous House messages referring local and finance-related bills to committees, including measures on county subdivision regulations, homestead exemptions, unclaimed property, sales and use tax, income tax, municipal audits, and other local matters. The Rules Committee report set a special order calendar for the next legislative day, listing SB 126, SB 33, SB 55, SB 102, SB 118, and SB 128. On that calendar, SB 126 extending the Alabama Private Investigation Board, SB 33 updating veteran license tag provisions, SB 102 extending the Board of Home Medical Equipment, and SB 128 reorganizing the Alabama Sickle Cell Oversight and Regulatory Commission were passed; SB 55 on military spouses was amended and carried over; and SB 118 on the Alabama Justice Information Commission was amended and carried over. The Senate adjourned until 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21st.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our regulatory structure is actively discouraging small business growth.
• Business owners describe the regulatory environment as slow, lacking clarity, inconsistent between agencies
• Is this a business-friendly tax and regulatory environment?
• the workforce is shrinking, crime is unchecked, health care capacity is eroding, and the tax and regulatory
• Other regulatory burdens, such as the mandated EV charging stations, add costs.

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy presentation from the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative in support of fully funding the rural library endowment with an additional $29.5 million. The presenters described rural libraries as essential community infrastructure that provide not only books and internet access, but also early childhood programs, adult education, workforce support, telehealth, disaster response, and civic meeting space. They argued that the endowment would provide stable annual support for staffing and operations, help sustain libraries in very small towns and tribal communities, and support new or developing libraries. Members asked about eligibility, county coverage, how funds are distributed, and whether the state tracks broader outcomes such as job placements or certifications; the presenters said the State Library administers the funds and that the initiative itself is a nonprofit capacity-building organization, not the fund manager. Some members raised concerns about whether an endowment is the best long-term model versus recurring annual appropriations, and about the need for better reporting and state-library involvement. The committee then heard from food bank leaders Jill Dixon and Katie Anderson about food security and its economic impact. They said New Mexico’s five food banks and more than 500 partner agencies serve all 33 counties, distribute over 45 million meals, and rely mostly on philanthropy, with some state and local support. They emphasized that SNAP is a major economic driver, supporting grocery access, jobs, and local spending, and that recent legislative growth funding helped food banks respond to a surge in demand during a SNAP disruption. They also highlighted food banks as community hubs that can connect people to health care, job training, and other services, including through clinic referrals and closed-loop systems. In response to questions, they said food access gaps remain in some rural areas, that clients can generally seek food at other distribution sites without barriers, and that longer-term solutions should include more grocery access, healthy corner stores, and stronger broadband and health care infrastructure. The final presentations came from the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. Gallup-McKinley described a shrinking workforce, youth outmigration, crime, health care shortages, malpractice costs, and gross receipts tax burdens as major barriers to rural economic growth, and urged action on workforce pipelines, housing, public safety, malpractice reform, and tax/regulatory changes. Artesia highlighted its murals, library, sports tradition, oil and gas, agriculture, federal training center, and refinery, while also noting workforce shortages, health care recruitment challenges, housing constraints, and the need for quality-of-life investments and more flexible regulation. The committee also briefly heard a bill presentation proposing a New Mexico-Ireland Trade Commission to promote bilateral trade and investment, especially in technology, agriculture, and energy sectors. No votes were taken because quorum was not reached, and the endorsement item was not acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, we determine whether we need to take any regulatory actions, and that's done over the course of
• Regulatory determinations can be one of three options.
• We will use this information to develop regulatory determinations for each of these products that you
• sure that our progress is that stakeholders at large, including policymakers like yourselves, the regulatory
• We provide bi-monthly updates on regulatory and policy trends across the country.

Summary: The committee held a work session covering PFAS regulation and impacts, no-cost allowance allocation for emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries (EITEs), and regional resource adequacy and data center load growth. Senator Victoria Hunt was welcomed as a new member. The Department of Ecology reviewed Washington’s Safer Products for Washington PFAS work, including completed restrictions on PFAS in outdoor furniture, carpets, rugs, stain/water-resistant treatments, and newer rules adopted in November restricting PFAS in most apparel, cleaning products, and automotive washes, with reporting requirements for some other products such as cookware and firefighting gear. Ecology also described Cycle 2 PFAS reviews now underway, including artificial turf and paints, and answered questions about compliance, online sales, sell-through periods, and how Washington’s approach differs from broader bans in states like Maine and Minnesota. The Department of Ecology also presented on PFAS in biosolids, describing a 2024 sampling study, limitations in testing methods, and a 2025 statutory amendment requiring additional sampling between 2027 and 2028 and a report to the legislature in 2029. The Department of Health then updated the committee on PFAS in drinking water, reporting that most Group A public water systems have completed sampling, that 317 sources and 188 systems are expected to exceed new contaminant levels, and that treatment costs for public systems are estimated at about $970 million, leaving a large funding gap; members also asked about private wells, health effects, bathing exposure, and home filters. The Board of Health’s new state action levels are being aligned with federal MCLs, and the department said it expects to continue monitoring and notification under state rules. Ecology also briefed the committee on no-cost allowance allocations to EITEs under the Climate Commitment Act, explaining the leakage-mitigation rationale, the current allocation schedule through 2034, and a forthcoming report on policy options for 2035-2050; members asked about industry barriers, competitiveness, and whether facilities might leave the state. Finally, E3 presented a regional resource adequacy study showing rising load, retirements outpacing additions, limited winter reliability value from wind, solar, and batteries, and a projected shortfall beginning in 2026 that could grow to about 9,000 MW by 2030 if planned projects are not built. The presentation emphasized winter cold-weather events, hydro variability, the importance of permitting and transmission, and longer-term options including nuclear, geothermal, hydrogen, carbon capture, and long-duration storage. EPRI then introduced its DC Flex initiative, which is studying how data centers can provide flexible load through workload shifting, cooling optimization, and on-site backup or bridging resources to reduce grid stress and protect ratepayers.

Transcript Highlights:

• TAB has consistently supported initiatives that promote regulatory uniformity.
• We believe HB 2767 ensures regulatory uniformity across platforms by aligning with existing frameworks
• In short, HB2767 promotes fairness for small businesses, protects consumer privacy, and avoids regulatory
• Are you at all concerned that, say, a business down the street who went through all the regulatory fees
• The bill adopts nationally recognized fire safety standards, removing regulatory guesswork for developers

Bills: HB346, HB1360, HB1510, HB1606, HB1804, HB1805, HB2156, HB2391, HB2767, HB3022, HB3044, HB3272, HB3293, HB3493, HB3809, HB3824, HJR110, HB2463

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in a great position, but we don't want to lose our competitiveness because our regulatory climate
• So as we move forward, I hope we'll make sure we see that regulatory piece as well.
• We are in a great position, but we don't want to lose our competitiveness because our regulatory climate
• So as we move forward, I hope we'll make sure we see that regulatory piece as well.
• So as we move forward, I hope we'll make sure we see that regulatory piece as well.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all