Transcript Highlights:

• seen some commentary from analysts that there might be some lingering issues in terms of damage to energy
• So there are some concerns as we go into a rising energy environment.
• It remains low, which is concerning as we're going into this rising energy, rising food cost environment
• The biggest risk that isn't being addressed as much might relate to energy production.
• So we have to be really careful with the energy production and think about the utilities as economic

Summary: The Finance Advisory Committee received an update on the state revenue forecast and broader economic conditions. Staff said the April forecast was more cautious than January’s, citing greater uncertainty from the Iran conflict and other macroeconomic risks. Available general fund resources for the four-year period were revised down from $577 million in January to $378 million in April, with no change to expenditure estimates. George Hammond of the University of Arizona then presented on the national, state, and local economy, emphasizing risks from geopolitical conflict, tariffs, federal policy uncertainty, labor supply constraints, and elevated housing costs. He said Arizona job growth had been weak and driven mainly by health care, while inflation in Phoenix remained moderate but shelter and consumer commodity prices were still elevated. He also noted that population growth is increasingly dependent on net migration as natural increase slows. Panelists generally echoed the cautious outlook. Liz St. Clair said Arizona’s near-term revenue outlook still had some support from tourism and a strong spring season, but rising fuel costs and the duration of the Middle East conflict could pressure discretionary spending and revenues. Jim Rounds argued the economy was likely headed for a soft landing, though he warned that federal borrowing, inflation, workforce shortages, and energy reliability remain concerns; he also criticized leaving the Rainy Day Fund unused. Danny Court said the housing market remains under pressure on the ownership side, while rental supply and industrial demand have been relatively strong, and he noted sticky inflation and immigration declines as additional risks. Doug Walls explained that large employment benchmark revisions were affecting Arizona’s job numbers, and said the latest report showed slower but more balanced growth, though labor force declines and a higher unemployment rate were concerning. Lorenzo Romero added that business activity appears resilient in the low-hire, low-fire environment, but warned about debt burdens, uneven wage growth, and ongoing uncertainty. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, I want to thank a lot of people who put a lot of time and energy.
• Usually these things take a lot longer, but we're going to put a lot of energy into that because this
• Usually these things take a lot longer, but we're gonna put a lot of energy into that because this is
• Now, as we move forward with scholarship optimization, what would have happened historically is that
• Also, these efforts have one thing that's consistent: strong energy.

Summary: The committee met at NDSU and approved the April 9 minutes. The main purpose of the meeting was an informational presentation from NDSU President David Stewart and university leaders on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research, commercialization, and use of New Horizons funding. Stewart emphasized a “One NDSU” approach, thanked legislators for past support, and said the university will focus on recruitment and retention, a new strategic plan, and growing research and tech transfer while serving North Dakota’s workforce needs. University leaders said NDSU is using tuition waivers more strategically and will work to reduce them over time through scholarship optimization. Provost Sherry Vale described academic portfolio reviews, program closures or consolidations, strategic hiring, and workload policies aimed at aligning resources with demand. They also highlighted student outcomes, including high completion rates, strong employment placement, and NDSU’s role in producing a large share of the state’s engineers, nurses, and agriculture graduates. Several students testified about how NDSU’s mentoring, internships, research, and support services helped them succeed. The committee also heard from partners on New Horizons-related collaborations: Gateway to Science described K-12 STEM outreach in rural and tribal areas, and Sanford Research discussed joint research efforts, including COBRE-related work, obesity and GLP-1 studies, and a joint biostatistics hire. Later speakers highlighted Governor’s School and NDSU’s research and commercialization efforts, including growth in research expenditures and invention disclosures. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• used chat GPT when I became a new energy used chat GPT when I became a new energy lobbyist<00:10
• Benson I am the director of energy Benson I am the director of energy policy<01:30:46.760> for
• :48.800> energy<01:31:49.239> is<01:31:49.360> a support those Investments energy
• threatens both our clean energy threatens both our clean energy potential<01:39:18.040> and
• heard uh nuclear energy as you've heard uh nuclear energy currently<01:41:02.880> provides<01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:13:02.160> they phase on the contract with OPTIM, they phase on the contract with OPTIM
• energy transition. energy transition.
• of solar energy. of solar energy.
• At the time, solar energy in Minnesota was a tiny part of our energy mix.
• <00:42:17.359> cheapest<00:42:17.599> energy Solar energy is now the cheapest energy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• assembly, coordinated service projects to support the ASYMCA Wheeler Food Pantry, and brought new energy

Bills: HB1800, HB2095, HB1158, HB1518, HB1752, SCR23, SCR24, SCR25, SCR26, SCR27, SCR28, SCR29, SCR30, SCR31, SCR32, SCR33, SCR34, SCR35, SCR36, SCR37, SCR38, SCR39, SCR40, SCR41, SCR42, SCR43, SCR44, SCR45, SCR46, SCR47, SCR48, SCR49, SCR50, SCR51, SCR52, SCR53, SCR54, SCR55, SCR56, SCR57, SCR58, SCR59, SCR60, SCR61, SCR62, SCR63, SCR64, SCR65, SCR66, SCR67, SCR68, SCR69, SCR70, SCR71, SCR72, SCR73, SCR74, SCR75, SCR76, SCR77, SCR78, SCR79, SCR80, SCR81, SCR82, SCR83, SCR84, SCR85, SCR86, SCR87, SCR88, SCR89, SCR90, SCR91, SCR92, SCR93, SCR94, SCR95, SCR96, SCR97, SCR98, SCR99, SCR100, SCR101, SCR102, SCR103, SCR104, SCR105, SCR106, SCR107, SCR108, SCR109, SCR110, SCR111, SCR112, SCR113, SCR114, SCR115, SCR116, SCR117, SCR118, SCR119, SCR120, SCR121, SCR122

Keywords: supplemental appropriations, state budget, Hawaii budget, biennial budget, capital improvement projects, CIP, general fund, special fund, green fee, special land and development fund, clean energy revolving loan fund, agricultural development revolving fund, community grants, nonprofit grants, Office of Community Services, housing, affordable housing, homelessness, health care, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• It's got to run at an optimal level at all times.
• Texas is the energy capital of the U.S.
• Crusoe is very proud of our energy-for-energy first approach to data centers. That's in our DNA.
• capacity. to ERCOT in advance of our energy needs.
• These energy buyers all have distinct interests and energy use profiles, but one thing unites them all

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:13:41.200> 30%<00:13:41.680> reduction energy energy, which is a 30% reduction energy
• energy, which is a 30% reduction in<00:13:42.240> building<00:13:42.560> energy<00:13:
• <00:15:17.120> reporting energy and wa uh energy reporting energy and wa uh energy reporting requirements
• <00:15:32.480> and<00:15:32.720> goals energy and water benchmarking and goals energy
• and energy assistance projects canled. and energy assistance projects canled.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it's really optimally put there and a welcome part of the community.
• So, it's really optimally put there and a welcome part of the community.
• So, it's really optimally put there and a welcome part of the community.
• <01:30:38.880> Uh renewable energy opportunity as well.
• Uh renewable energy opportunity as well.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Code requirements upon specified findings by the Energy Commission.
• sunlight into these greenhouses, giving growers the ability to adjust to changing conditions for optimal
• control costs, and make produce more affordable, while keeping more... specified findings by the Energy
• sunlight into these greenhouses, giving growers the ability to adjust to changing conditions for optimal
• Chris McHalee on behalf of Silicon Valley Clean Energy, in support of AB 2396 by Ms.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 6, 2026, with a quorum present and began by approving a large consent calendar of bills on two unanimous-support motions. The committee then heard a series of individual bills, with authors and sponsors generally describing low or absorbable state costs and asking for aye votes. Topics included AI/digital safety education for students (AB 1792), hepatitis C treatment access (AB 1843), rent-now-pay-later consumer protections (AB 2350), retirement information for community college faculty (AB 2417), cannabis regulation changes including tribal commerce, drive-through sales, and beverage labeling (AB 2506, AB 2697, AB 2532), emergency equipment training for law enforcement volunteers (AB 1913), cannery law modernization (AB 2706), child care planning in local governments (AB 1914), EV charger permitting fees (AB 1820), election-record notice requirements (AB 1664), nursing home discharge notices (AB 2135), a San Diego energization-delay pilot (AB 2518), mental health training for school coaches (AB 1665), and education governance and oversight changes (AB 2117). Several bills were described as committee or sponsor measures with technical or clarifying changes, including AB 2780, AB 2615, AB 2121, and AB 2771. Testimony was largely supportive, often from sponsor groups, industry representatives, labor, or advocacy organizations. Notable support included TechNet for AB 1792, the California State Sheriffs’ Association for AB 1913, California Dairies and food manufacturers for AB 2706, the Low Income Investment Fund for AB 1914, EV and environmental groups for AB 1820, the Attorney General’s Office for AB 1664, long-term care ombudsman advocates for AB 2135, and the California State Association of Psychiatrists for the cannabis and mental-health-related bills. Some bills drew limited opposition or “opposed unless amended” positions, including AB 2350, AB 1820, and AB 2506, while AB 2697 and AB 2532 were presented as efforts to support the legal cannabis market and consumer safety. The committee also heard a presentation-only item, AB 2541, creating a lowrider specialty license plate, which drew enthusiastic bipartisan comments and co-author requests from members. Most bills were reported out with due pass recommendations, many on roll call and several with specific members not voting or voting no. AB 1664 was reported out as due pass as amended and placed on call before later being moved out on a B roll call. AB 2350 and AB 1914 were also later reported out from call on B roll calls, with AB 1914 noted as passing despite some Republican no votes. The suspense calendar was then deemed approved without individual action, and the meeting concluded after a brief public comment period in which members of the public voiced positions on unrelated bills, including support for AB 2497, AB 1729, AB 2189, AB 1575, AB 2170, and opposition to AB 1603, AB 2447, AB 2411, AB 2492, and AB 1952.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the CEO at the Energy and Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota.
• I'm actually out on travel this week in New York at a Global Energy Forum.
• It was always a goal to optimize production all the time.
• So just maybe a general comment about how an operator, I believe, thinks, and it's consistently optimizing
• So just maybe a general comment about how an operator, I believe, thinks, and it's consistently optimizing

Summary: The Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee met with a quorum, approved the March 17, 2026 minutes, and heard a lengthy update from Tax Commissioner Brian Croshys on property tax relief programs. He reviewed the Homestead Property Tax Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Primary Residence Credit, noting increased relief after House Bill 1158 and House Bill 1176, but also discussing how some households “income adjust out” of eligibility over time. Members asked about indexing income thresholds, expanding eligibility by age alone, simplifying administration, county-level notices, and whether the county and state systems could be streamlined. Croshys said the programs are heavily used, largely administered at the county level, and that the department is still refining compliance and reporting; he also said there were no material findings or overarching concerns in the latest review. The committee agreed more detailed PRC information would likely come back in a September meeting, and the chair announced an afternoon recess for lunch before later reconvening. Shelly Myers then presented the statewide property tax increase report, the zero-growth report, and a statistical report on property values and tax levies by class. She explained how county auditors report levy and valuation data, how increases and decreases are counted, and identified counties and cities with the largest percentage changes in growth or decline. She also summarized recent trends: agricultural values remain relatively flat, while residential, commercial, and centrally assessed values have risen over the last five years; in 2025, residential property accounted for the largest share of statewide property tax levies, followed by commercial, agriculture, and centrally assessed property. Committee members asked about unusual zero-growth figures, the effect of annexation and land-use changes, and whether the 3% levy cap was forcing political subdivisions to use reserves or defer spending. Myers said many counties complied by using reserves, delaying capital projects, or limiting increases, and that some counties had not used their full cap. The committee then moved to the stripper oil extraction tax exemption. Commissioner Croshys reviewed the state’s oil tax structure and estimated the revenue impact of keeping stripper wells exempt from extraction tax while still paying production tax. He said the exemption saves operators hundreds of millions of dollars over a biennium, while the state still collects production tax on those wells. He also discussed projected impacts if the exemption were changed for future wells and noted that future outcomes depend on oil prices, production declines, and technology such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery. Nathan Anderson of the Department of Mineral Resources briefly explained the historical difference between the 35-barrel and 30-barrel thresholds for certain wells, citing differences in completion costs and lateral lengths. The committee then heard from EERC CEO Charles Gorecki, who presented an analysis of oil well life cycles and said most oil is produced before wells reach stripper status, but that refracturing or other reinvestment can significantly extend production and keep wells above the threshold for years.

Transcript Highlights:

• energy programs.
• department of energy. Uh it is accurate. department of energy. Uh it is accurate.
• Uh, don't you miss energy? >> No.
• Uh, don't you miss energy? >> No.
• I just think the Department of Energy, or somebody else, wants more energy.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Junker for the Hawaii State Energy Junker for the Hawaii State Energy Office.<01:14:11.679> We
• <01:35:57.760> security agricultural bill or an energy security agricultural bill or an energy
• Thank you. ...the state's energy goals.
• And so, we believe renewable energy.
• grinding out trying to find an optimal grinding out trying to find an optimal solution.<02:24:52.720

Bills: HB1977, HB1764, HB1934, HB2533, HB1790, HB2181, HB1870, HB2140, HB2468, HB2358, HB1588, HB1688, HB1986, HB2030, HB2195, HB1949, HB1695, HB1950, HB2094, HB2115, HB2297, HB2336, HB2416, HB2049

Keywords: maternal health, infant health, mobile application, Medicaid, healthcare access, state programs, music education, public concerts, Hawaii State Library, cultural collaboration, music accessibility, libraries, education, reading programs, early childhood, nonprofit, community engagement, teacher retention, Hawaiian language education, special needs schools

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, we work toward improving and assuring that people can have optimal health, and that means
• As you know, I talk a lot about our priority to support people having the optimal health and length of
• Very much appreciate all of the energy and monot for film this year. >> Um, echoing the concerns that
• Very much appreciate all of the<03:04:14.880> energy<03:04:15.200> and<03:04:15.359>
• the energy and monot for film this year. the energy and monot for film this year.

Bills: HB1977, HB1764, HB1934, HB2533, HB1790, HB2181, HB1870, HB2140, HB2468, HB2358, HB1588, HB1688, HB1986, HB2030, HB2195, HB1949, HB1695, HB1950, HB2094, HB2115, HB2297, HB2336, HB2416, HB2049

Keywords: maternal health, infant health, mobile application, Medicaid, healthcare access, state programs, music education, public concerts, Hawaii State Library, cultural collaboration, music accessibility, libraries, education, reading programs, early childhood, nonprofit, community engagement, teacher retention, Hawaiian language education, special needs schools

Transcript Highlights:

• suck up all the energy in the world, where we can build nice homes, Energy in the world where we can
• We represent companies across the advanced energy spectrum, including energy storage, demand response
• And now because gasoline is high, I mean, people, cost of energy, different kinds of energy, and the
• Optimal for you, wouldn't be optimal for you or for the rest of us? For anyone.
• to reduce energy waste, promote demand response, and promote energy efficiency.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They hope to use sustainable building energy revolving loan funds. 47,000.
• They hope to use sustainable building energy revolving loan funds for this project.
• Number 17 is also with DBA, with Higher Energy, also for RN, LPN, CNA medical staffing services.
• This is for evaluation and optimization of their existing and future property and assets.
• And this is for evaluation and optimization of their existing in future property and assets.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's what we're using to justify restricting our energy.
• And that's what we're using to justify restricting our energy.
• And that's what we're using to justify restricting our energy.
• We have an energy problem. That's what's killing people.
• <03:00:23.920> That's have an energy problem issue. That's have an energy problem issue.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Still, we recognize that this growth presents real energy challenges, grid reliability, and energy affordability
• Crusoe's energy first approach to data centers is to match computing workloads with places where energy
• Crusoe is very proud of our energy for Mark Whitman: energy first approach to data centers.
• to ERCOT in advance of our energy needs.
• These energy buyers all have distinct interests and energy use profiles, but one thing unites them all

Transcript Highlights:

• energy affordability.
• where energy is abundant.
• Crusoe is very proud of our energy for Mark Whitman: energy first approach to data centers.
• to ERCOT in advance of our energy needs.
• These energy buyers all have distinct interests and energy use profiles, but one thing unites them all

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss data centers and their impact on Texas's energy infrastructure. The meeting featured testimony from key representatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and ERCOT, who outlined the evolving landscape of energy generation and the challenges posed by the rapid growth of data centers. Notably, ERCOT reported over 450,000 MW of generation resources planned for connection, with a significant portion attributed to data centers, which now represent around 87% of new large load interconnection requests. The committee explored proposed changes to the interconnection process, including a new 'batch study' approach aimed at streamlining the approval of multiple projects simultaneously. This change is intended to address the challenges of managing numerous simultaneous requests and to provide more certainty for developers regarding their energy needs. Testimonies emphasized the importance of ensuring that the costs of infrastructure upgrades are borne by the data centers rather than residential ratepayers, with discussions around the financial commitments required from developers. Several data center developers also provided testimony, highlighting the economic benefits of their projects, including job creation and increased local revenues. They expressed concerns about the potential for a moratorium on future growth due to the new interconnection rules and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address water usage and environmental impacts. The committee plans to continue discussions on these topics in future hearings, with a focus on balancing economic growth with energy reliability and resource management.

Transcript Highlights:

• AI WILL ALSO ASSIST BY MAKING SUGGESTIONS TO OPTIMIZE THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE IN THE STORE AND PROPOSE
• EXAMPLE OF THE RETAIL STORE MANAGER, WHAT THE MANAGER IS NOT DOING IS NOT SPENDING TIME TRYING TO OPTIMIZE
• EMPLOYEE SCHEDULES OR OPTIMIZE INVENTORY IS THAT STORE MANAGER DOING?
• AND HUMAN BEINGS HAVE ENERGY AND TALENT AND CREATIVITY AND AMBITION AND I THINK WE CAN BE CONFIDENT THAT
• HAVE SMART ENGINEERS DESIGN SUPER LIGHT BRACKET AND TAKE WITH EXCESS MATERIAL OR, YOU COULD HAVE AI OPTIMIZE

Transcript Highlights:

• But truly, we are an integration and optimization partner.
• Under optimal conditions, adjudication typically takes between two and six weeks.
• And so if we could have a little bit of an energy conversation on data centers, Dr.
• So the amount of energy consumption, as you state, Chair, is significant, right?
• I think for this committee, you know, approach it with optimism.

Summary: The subcommittee met to hear a panel discussion on artificial intelligence and automation in Florida government. Panelists from Worldwide Technology, OpenAI, the James Madison Institute, and the Florida Digital Service described AI as a tool to improve efficiency, constituent services, fraud detection, translation, HR workflows, public safety, and regulatory review, while emphasizing that AI should supplement rather than replace workers. They also stressed the importance of data readiness, workforce training, governance, and having existing technology systems and policies in place before broader deployment. Members asked about public records concerns, vendor vetting, model integrity, and how to balance innovation with privacy and security. Chief Schoonover said agencies are already using or exploring AI in areas such as Medicaid analysis, environmental data, emergency management, tax forms, and child support, and noted that the Digital Service publishes prohibited vendor and application lists. OpenAI discussed its red teaming, safety evaluations, privacy controls, and government products such as ChatGPT Gov, and said it does not train on personal data or target users with ads. The committee also discussed concrete examples of efficiency gains, including reduced call times, faster translation turnaround, and streamlined HR classification work, as well as concerns about job disruption and constituent access. In closing, members raised data center infrastructure and energy needs, with panelists noting that AI depends on substantial compute, power, cooling, and utility capacity. The chair concluded by encouraging continued dialogue and noting that future AI legislation should be targeted to specific problems rather than overly broad.