Transcript Highlights:

• <01:49:00.000> and of obtaining engineering studies and of obtaining engineering studies and
• study.
• Hampton Beach new pier feasibility study, conducted by the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Department
• and feasibilities that were done, including using the local chamber of commerce to be able to design
• And I see on line 30 it does say ongoing maintenance. feasibilities that were done including feasibilities

Keywords: 9:30am HB 557 11am HB 71, 928, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference first discussed House Bill 557, which concerns information on the school budget ballot. The main issue was how to define and calculate the “average cost per pupil.” House members favored a simple calculation dividing the operating budget by enrollment, arguing that it is clearer to the public and matches how taxpayers think about school costs. Senate members preferred the existing RSA-based definition for consistency across statutes and noted that the current definition was about to take effect. Members also debated whether the ballot language should specify the figure as being for the “preceding year,” and some House members ultimately agreed to that clarification while one member did not. After discussion, the Senate declined to move off its position on the calculation method, but agreed to a compromise amendment adding “for the preceding year” to the Senate language so it would align with the rest of the ballot information. The committee then agreed to draft the report with that amendment. The committee then turned to House Bill 71, dealing with restrictions on using public school and higher education facilities to shelter certain migrants, along with a Senate-added provision requiring DHHS contracts to comply with the patient bill of rights. Members generally said they supported the base policy of the bill, but Representative Noble raised a drafting concern about a repeal section that appeared to undo the new contract requirement; the group discussed removing that repeal language and adjusting effective dates. The committee also reviewed Senate-added language creating a donation fund for a proposed accessible pier at Hampton Beach. Supporters said the project would be privately funded through donations, with the state park division managing the fund and any remaining balance eventually transferring to an existing state park donations account if the pier is not built. Members questioned maintenance costs, fundraising responsibility, and whether the account was necessary, but the Senate explained the fund was intended to provide a mechanism for private fundraising and future maintenance support.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, a geothermal planning grants program was established to support the planning and feasibility
• support the planning and feasibility support the planning and feasibility efforts<00:14:36.000><
• management recycling feasible waste management recycling solutions<00:23:28.480> uh<00:23:28.640
• In 2022, a geothermal feasibility study was completed for the Como Zoo campus by Sustainable Energy Savings
• , surface, this study compared electric, gas,<00:53:05.359> and<00:53:05.599> geothermal

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A RECENT STUDY BY VIRGINIA'S JOINT LEGISLATION AUDIT AND REVIEW COMMISSION IN VIRGINIA THE LARGEST DATA
• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY REPORT CONDUCTED BY LAWRENCE BURTON NATIONAL LABS IN STUDYING THE NATIONAL AVERAGE
• THE STUDY ALSO FOUND STATES WITH HIGHER LOAD GROWTH AND LOWER PRICES OVERALL.
• I THINK IT IS FEASIBLE AND I THINK IT IS REALISTIC IT IS JUST THAT WE HAVE TO GET OVER THE HURDLES IN
• WHEN IT COMES TO THINGS LIKE NOISE AND SOUND YOU SEE THE INDUSTRY CONDUCT SOUND STUDIES AT THE OUTSET

Transcript Highlights:

• Alan Jen, Associate Professor, University of California Institute for Transportation Studies, and Trish
• It first began with a feasibility study.
• It then moved to a feasibility study and then to the Hawaii Department of Transportation applying for
• UDOT was given the task to study RUC more earnestly, which we did.
• But you also noted that you keep the information for a certain amount of time, what's feasible.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee first took up three highway naming resolutions on its consent calendar: ACR 109, SCR 78, and SCR 90. The committee approved the consent calendar with 11 aye votes and no no votes, then adjourned the bill-hearing portion. Members also recognized committee science fellow AJ Mendeola for his service, noting his contributions to bill analysis and staff support. The committee then held an informational hearing on alternatives to the gas tax, focused on the projected decline in fuel-tax revenue and the need for a more sustainable transportation funding model. The chair and invited experts described how inflation, improved fuel efficiency, and growth in electric and other alternative-fuel vehicles are eroding gas-tax revenues. Presenters from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the University of California discussed state options such as higher or indexed gas taxes, EV registration fees, road usage charges, delivery fees, public EV charging fees, transportation network company fees, and managed lanes, emphasizing tradeoffs among revenue adequacy, fairness, administrative cost, and public acceptance. Committee members raised concerns that mileage-based fees or EV fees could function as new taxes on commuters and lower-income drivers, especially if the gas tax is not repealed. Presenters responded that road usage charges are generally intended as replacements for the gas tax, not additions, and argued that mileage-based systems better preserve the user-pays principle while being less tied to vehicle fuel efficiency. They also noted that flat EV registration fees are easy to administer but can be less equitable because they are not linked to actual road use. Officials from Hawaii, Utah, and Oregon described their state programs and policy choices. Hawaii said its new road usage charge began July 1, 2025, for EVs, offers a choice between a per-mile charge and a flat annual fee through 2028, and will transition to mandatory EV participation before expanding to all light-duty vehicles by 2033. Utah described its voluntary EV road usage charge program, quarterly reporting, privacy protections, and legislative scenarios for removing the cap or making participation mandatory. Oregon outlined its constitutional cost-responsibility framework and broader transportation funding challenges, including reliance on user fees and limited use of general-fund support.

Transcript Highlights:

• because it allows same-sex couples to secure legal recognition of parentage without requiring home studies
• And if it's not technically and practically feasible within three days or five days, as determined by
• But if it's technically and practically feasible immediately, that should be the standing order.
• Why not technically and practically feasible? The standing default.
• Researchers wouldn't be able to study policy impacts.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on civil rights, family law, privacy, housing, and artificial intelligence. SB 477 would clarify FEHA procedures for the Civil Rights Department, including tolling deadlines by agreement and updating complaint definitions; it drew some concern about venue and convenience but was moved forward. SB 450 would confirm California jurisdiction over adoption proceedings for children born in the state even if families have moved away, and would require all legal parents to be listed on adoption orders; it received strong support, especially from LGBTQ family advocates, and passed to Appropriations. SB 683 would clarify that people whose name, image, or likeness is misused may seek TROs or injunctions under existing publicity-rights law; opposition from media and First Amendment groups focused on the 48-hour compliance default and speech concerns, but the bill advanced as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection. The committee also considered SB 11, the AI Abuse Protection Act, which would regulate voice, image, and video cloning technology, require warnings, and direct the Judicial Council to develop evidence standards for AI; it passed to Public Safety. SCR 66, a resolution designating May 1 as Law Day and emphasizing the rule of law, was adopted unanimously after supportive comments from members. SB 808 would create expedited judicial review for housing permit denials that violate state law; supporters said it would reduce costly delay and help housing production, while the Judicial Council opposed it as imposing unreasonable timelines and staffing burdens. The bill passed to Appropriations despite concerns about court resources and broader housing-law issues. The committee then took up two privacy bills from Senator Wiener. SB 59 would automatically keep confidential court records for adult and retroactive gender/name change petitions, expanding protections previously enacted for minors; supporters described real-world doxxing and harassment, while opponents raised First Amendment and public-records objections, and the bill passed to Appropriations. SB 497 would require warrants for out-of-state law enforcement access to California prescription monitoring data, expand transgender shield protections for gender-affirming care records, and bar certain disclosures without legal process; the author framed it as a response to out-of-state anti-trans enforcement, and the bill was presented with support from trans advocacy groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is what the state water plan has deemed feasible for many years, as stated before, over 50 years
• And that's what the board has deemed feasible: we may, we may not ever use it, but we have to have every
• And that's what the board is deemed feasible that we may, we may not ever use it, but we have to have
• As long as this project is feasible in the state's water plan as one of the options.
• Can you talk to me about the pilot program with ASR and what, in studying this, do you also study the

Bills: HB1523, HB2109, HB2694, HB3525, HB3898, HB4646, HB5188, HB5219, HB5320, HB5651, HB5655, HB5659, HB5662, HB5672

Keywords: aquifer conservation, Class V injection well, environmental regulation, groundwater protection, municipal water supply, temporary prohibition, water management, reservoir construction, state water plan, Texas Water Code, environmental impact, Brazoria Drainage District, commissioners, elections, vacancies, resignation, HB 3525, North Texas Groundwater Conservation District, groundwater permit, permit amendment

Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources heard House Bill 2109, which would remove certain long-proposed reservoir projects from the state water plan after 50 years without progress. Chairman Van Deaver and many landowners, local officials, timber interests, and conservation advocates testified in support, arguing that the Marvin Nichols Reservoir has burdened Northeast Texas landowners for decades with the threat of eminent domain, depressed property values, and uncertainty over homes, farms, ranches, schools, churches, and cemeteries. Supporters also said the project would flood tens of thousands of acres, require extensive mitigation, harm timber and agriculture, and that Texas now has better alternatives such as conservation, reuse, aquifer storage and recovery, and desalination. Several members expressed sympathy for the affected families and questioned whether a project could remain in the plan indefinitely without progress. Opposition came from North Texas water interests, including the North Texas Commission, Tarrant Regional Water District, and the Texas Water Association, who argued that the bill would interfere with the state’s long-term water planning process and remove needed future supply options for a fast-growing region. They said Region C faces major projected shortages by 2070, that conservation and reuse have already delayed the need for new supplies, and that reservoirs remain one tool in the state’s water-planning toolbox. TWDB staff explained the existing inter-regional conflict process and noted that the substitute would affect several unique reservoir sites, not just Marvin Nichols. After testimony, Chairman Van Deaver closed by urging passage of the bill, but the committee withdrew the substitute and left HB 2109 pending. The committee then took up House Bill 5188, a brackish groundwater bill. The author said the bill would reduce permitting burdens for wells in designated brackish groundwater production zones, and the committee substitute added requirements on monitoring, groundwater-rights ownership, and allocation of pumpage limits while removing some exclusions and export-fee provisions. Texas Wildlife Association testified against the bill, warning that the exemptions could weaken groundwater conservation districts’ ability to protect freshwater resources and surface-owner rights. San Antonio Water System testified in favor, saying brackish groundwater is a key future supply and that the substitute would help speed development of desalination and brackish projects. The Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts testified neutrally but raised concerns about reduced district oversight, especially around injection-well exclusions and the loss of export fees, and said discussions on the bill were ongoing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The IOU transition feasibility study injects long-term uncertainty that could discourage investment in
• Now, I heard you talk about the study framework, and this is just a study, but it's not a neutral study
• As far as the feasibility study, there are actually several phases, and phase one is the rough framework
• The study is a neutral study.
• The study is a neutral study.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility rates, wildfire safety, carbon capture, methane reduction, large energy users, low-income energy programs, and clean energy supply chains. Early items included SB 613, which would direct state agencies to prioritize reducing methane emissions from imported fossil fuels, and SB 614, which would allow California to move forward with carbon dioxide pipeline safety rules and potentially lift the state’s moratorium on new CO2 pipelines. Both bills drew support from advocates and industry-related witnesses, with no opposition registered at the time they were presented, and the committee indicated it would vote once quorum was established. After quorum was called, the committee took up SB 57, which would require the Public Utilities Commission to establish tariffs for large energy users such as data centers to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers and address stranded infrastructure costs. Supporters argued the bill would protect affordability and encourage clean energy use, while opponents, including utilities and business groups, warned it could create uncertainty and interfere with existing regulatory processes. The committee also heard SB 256 on wildfire mitigation and emergency response, including undergrounding, PSPS communication, and removal of abandoned lines; supporters emphasized the need for stronger action after recent fires, while utilities raised concerns about duplicative requirements and public disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information. Both SB 57 and SB 256 were approved on roll calls. The committee then heard SB 647, which would expand and standardize oversight of low-income energy savings programs and performance metrics, with strong support from community advocates and some neutral or “tweener” positions from utilities that sought further work on data collection and implementation. SB 787 followed, proposing a state strategy to coordinate supply chains and workforce development for clean energy industries including EVs, building decarbonization, and offshore wind; it received broad support and no opposition. The committee also considered SB 332, a study bill on utility ownership models and affordability reforms, which drew strong support from consumer and climate advocates but opposition from utilities and business groups concerned about bias, investor signals, and executive compensation provisions. The consent calendar was later approved, and several bills were reported out with votes or held open for absent members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ryan Malcolm: So, I know the USIM pilots have done some feasibility simulations.
• About the feasibility study that the CDER report is going to have to have.
• Youth and Pilots have helped to do the feasibility report and a handful of. Done.

Bills: HB2065, HB2462, HB2621, HB3187, HB3539, HB3563, HB3726, HB4164, HB4207, HB4368, HB4706, HB4916, HB4950, HB4967, HB5177, HB4429, HB5597

Keywords: commercial vehicles, parking regulations, residential areas, local governance, land use, traffic safety, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, regional transportation, mobility program, sales tax, public infrastructure, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• studies.
• So a lot of times pilot programs in the advanced nuclear part start with feasibility studies.
• of the technology. and test out the feasibility of the technology.
• they're studying large loads and where that threshold should be.
• We do the market rate study.

Summary: The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee met to review prior minutes and hear a series of presentations on advanced nuclear technology and state readiness. The committee approved the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon’s William Bridge outlined the advanced nuclear landscape, distinguishing near-term light-water SMRs from more advanced Gen 4 reactors and microreactors, and emphasized that fuel supply, especially HALEU, remains a developing supply chain. He said light-water designs are the most deployable in the near term, while advanced reactors may be better suited for industrial heat applications and could face a 2- to 3-year delay from fuel availability. Representatives from NASEO described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, pilot programs, financing tools, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and regional coordination. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and stressed that states are focusing early on emergency preparedness, community engagement, waste management, affordability, and consumer protections. They also noted that some states are creating nuclear-ready community programs and cost-recovery guardrails, while public utility commissions are examining long-term lifecycle costs and rate impacts. North Dakota agencies then outlined their potential roles. The Public Service Commission said it would likely be involved in public-interest review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted current statutes may not fully address long-term nuclear projects, co-location, or decommissioning. The Department of Environmental Quality said it would continue to regulate radioactive materials and likely support emergency planning, while fission reactor oversight remains federal. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, needing a radiological emergency program, training, exercises, equipment, and possibly industry funding. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota has sufficient surface water, especially from the Missouri River, but that water planning would be important; it did not recommend statutory or budget changes at this time. The committee recessed for lunch after these presentations, with no additional votes or actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we'll move forward on that study.
• c><00:43:21.359> our feasibility studies to see how our feasibility studies to see how our initiatives
• study.
• Yeah, we're hoping to start that feasibility study on the low-carbon fuel standard or alternative legal
• <01:31:47.920> fuel feasibility study on the lowcarbon fuel feasibility study on the lowcarbon

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees received an informational briefing from Hawaii DOT and related partners on the Navahine settlement and the department’s plan to meet its climate and transportation commitments. Speakers described the settlement as a first-of-its-kind agreement rooted in the state constitution, the public trust doctrine, and prior legislative findings and laws, including Act 131. They said the settlement is intended to formalize DOT’s work, establish milestones, and keep climate and transportation policy less dependent on changes in administration. The presentation emphasized that transportation is Hawaii’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and that the plan is aimed at meeting 2030 and 2045 clean energy goals. DOT outlined several major implementation pieces: creation of a new Office of Energy Security and Community Outreach, formation of a youth council, and development of an emissions reduction plan that will be updated over time. The youth council reported on its membership, statewide representation, meetings, and work on charter, bylaws, and committees focused on policy and legislation, events and advocacy, and ground transportation. Youth members said they provided feedback on the energy security plan and discussed walk audits and safe routes to school. The department also described a new project-scoring tool to measure greenhouse gas impacts of every DOT project, which it said is intended to make Hawaii a national leader in evaluating transportation emissions. A major topic was the settlement’s transportation network requirement, which speakers said compresses roughly 15 years of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit network work into five years and will require about $40 million to $50 million per year over the next five years. They said a GIS map is being developed to identify gaps and that the work will involve counties and other partners, with benefits for safety, connectivity, and emissions reduction. Other topics included clean fuel standards, electrification of ground transportation, sustainable aviation fuel, marine fuel transitions, cold ironing at ports, and the costs and availability challenges associated with those transitions. DOT also reported progress on EV charging infrastructure, including two completed sites and more planned, and said it is using a sustainability partner contract to maintain chargers and recover only electricity costs. The briefing also highlighted carbon sequestration and fire mitigation work, including native tree planting. DOT said it has exceeded its minimum annual tree-planting commitment, with 3,000 trees planted in 2024 and 4,200 by mid-2025, and noted that the Legislature provided $15 million for fire mitigation that is being used for this work. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our team has studied and evaluated the optimal locations of a future seawater desalination plant based
• Based on these studies, the city will begin construction of the first regional municipally owned seawater
• So we now see economically feasible, uh, treatment approaches.
• under current study.
• It just, it's not economically feasible. Members, any other questions? One, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2700, Technology Study Committee, Assistive Technology, creates the
• Technology First Study Committee.
• Technology First Study Committee.
• Technology First Study Committee.
• Madam Chair and members, House Bill 2056 requires DWR to conduct a feasibility study of potential brackish

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of bills and resolutions, with members frequently asking to pull measures from consent and noting party-line or unanimous votes. Topics included medical and vaccination restrictions (HB 2248, HB 2086), state investment and conflict-of-interest rules for the treasurer (HB 2303), budget and reporting requirements (HB 2688, HB 2015), procurement limits involving China-linked companies (HB 2170, HB 2134), homelessness administration (HB 2533), traffic and transportation measures (HB 2109, HB 2574, HB 2210), school testing and education policy (HB 2032, HB 2033, HB 2075, HB 2266, HB 2395, HCR 2003), and several health-care bills involving lactation services, gender-transition care for minors, abortion-related restrictions, and hospital immigration-status reporting (HB 2072, HB 2085, HB 2364, HB 2689, HB 2796). Members also discussed water policy, including desalination, groundwater transport, and water-use limits (HB 2052, HB 2056, HB 2098, HB 2758, HB 2328), as well as food and agriculture measures such as SNAP restrictions, cultivated-cell food labeling and bans, and the Beef Council extension (HB 2396, HB 2762, HB 2791, HB 2155). Several members criticized bills as unconstitutional, costly, or harmful to affordability, while sponsors described them as clarifications, consumer protections, or administrative fixes. The caucus also considered a number of bills affecting labor, property, and consumer issues, including unemployment eligibility changes, mobile home park submetering fees, appraisal management company rules, digital goods seller requirements, property tax clarifications, and protections for minors in online content creation (HB 2690, HB 2459, HB 2501, HB 2010, HB 2120, HB 2192, HB 2261, HB 2279). Other measures addressed sexual extortion penalties, name-change procedures for sex offenders, and restrictions on abortion-inducing drugs and gender-transition procedures for minors (HB 2666, HB 2223, HB 2364, HB 2085). Members repeatedly raised concerns about federal preemption, constitutional issues, implementation costs, and unintended consequences, and several sponsors or members indicated they were working on amendments or stakeholder discussions. At the end of the meeting, the caucus also heard memorials and resolutions, including a proposal to limit voting centers and precinct voting, and memorials urging withdrawal from the United Nations and defunding the IMF (HCR 2016, HM 2001, HM 2004). The meeting concluded with caucus announcements, including an affordability-themed award recognizing Rep. Betty Villegas, a Black History Month sign-up request, and reminders about upcoming affordability and Latino Caucus events. No final floor votes were taken in the transcript, but multiple bills were pulled from consent or noted for opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I can answer the first part of your question, which is related to the cost study.
• It wasn't just a study that you referenced, but it was also in the CEC report that we utilized last year
• I mean, this was a study in California that looked at California conditions, California economics, but
• And it sounds like based on a track record, given that this has played out in other states or studies
• All of these targets are with actions that are proven, feasible, and scalable.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a series of natural resources and climate-related bills. AB 70 would codify a definition of pyrolysis and allow procurement credit for projects using organic waste to generate pipeline biomethane; supporters said it would help divert organic waste from landfills, reduce methane, and support energy reliability. AB 30 would authorize E15 fuel sales in California, with supporters arguing it could lower consumer fuel costs and emissions, while opponents from boating and marine groups raised concerns about engine damage and the need for clear labeling and continued E10 availability. AB 66 would create a CEQA exemption for emergency evacuation routes in high fire-risk areas; supporters emphasized wildfire evacuation safety, while some members worried the bill lacked sufficient guardrails and environmental review. AB 399 would let the Coastal Commission consider blue carbon sequestration in coastal permitting and authorize blue carbon demonstration projects; environmental groups supported it, while business groups objected to new costs and regulatory uncertainty. AB 491 would codify California’s nature-based solutions climate targets for lands and wetlands, with supporters citing climate and adaptation benefits and the Farm Bureau opposing statutory targets. AB 580 would extend Metropolitan Water District authority related to the Colorado River Aqueduct, and AB 43 would make permanent state authority to protect federally designated wild and scenic rivers if federal protections are weakened. The committee also considered AB 436 to streamline siting and permitting of composting facilities and AB 539 to streamline certain Coastal Act procedures and reporting. Most measures received due-pass recommendations and were reported out on roll calls, with several bills also moving on consent; AB 404 was pulled at the author’s request.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving on to the final measure is HB 2595, HD1, Establishes the regional agricultural feasibility and
• food systems production studies working group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to
• provide coordinated, region-specific agricultural production and crop feasibility analysis across the
• Talking about crop feasibility, infrastructure, talking about labor, controlled agriculture environments
• And moving on to HB 2594, directing the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to conduct a study

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first considered three gubernatorial nominations. GM510, Faith Tui Pulotu to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board, received strong support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, though the nominee was not present online. GM614, Mark Gordon to the Environmental Advisory Council, also drew unanimous support from state and private testifiers; Gordon described his environmental health and safety background and said he could commit the time needed. GM696, James Falconer to the Advisory Board on Pesticides, was supported by the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau; Falconer discussed his long experience in coffee and sugar, including work responding to coffee leaf rust and the need for timely pesticide tools. All three nominations were recommended for advise and consent and were adopted by four-member votes. The committee then heard several agriculture bills. HB 1603 HD1 would allow the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to extend agricultural park leases without the current county-population restriction; supporters called it an equity measure and asked that it apply to all ag park leases, while the department gave standard testimony. HB 1707 HD1 would create a local agricultural transportation cost reimbursement program; supporters said transportation is a major production cost and suggested amendments to define “necessary supplies” and explicitly include honey. HB 2155 HD1 would establish an agricultural statistics program, with supporters emphasizing the need for better data to guide planning. HB 2594 HD1 would direct a study on insurance coverage for small producers, which supporters linked to recent storm damage and the lack of tailored insurance products. HB 2595 HD1 would create a regional agricultural feasibility and food systems production working group; supporters said it should consider markets as well as crop suitability and regional conditions. Members asked questions about lease competition, transportation reimbursement amounts and anti-double-dipping safeguards, the usefulness of agricultural data, and whether state or federal insurance models could be used as templates. Testifiers generally said the bills would help reduce costs, improve planning, and support small and neighbor-island producers, while noting that implementation details and funding levels would need further work. The committee then voted to pass all five bills with amendments, generally including a deferred effective date of July 1, 2050, and in the case of HB 1707, the committee adopted the suggested amendments to define necessary supplies and add honey to the covered commodities.

Transcript Highlights:

• In relation to some studies that were done between 2013 and 2015 across the nation, the median level
• Further studies show that adult flies emerged from biosolid cake all year round.
• So the makeup is different, but the general output across the board, without doing a feasibility study
• So what we do is, when people come to us, we do a feasibility study.
• So what we do is when people come to us we we do a feasibility study we break down what we can deliver

Summary: The committee hearing focused on biosolids, sewage sludge, and PFAS contamination, with the opening remarks and first three presenters arguing that land application of municipal sludge poses serious risks to soil, water, livestock, and human health. Representative Shaw cited EPA and state data on detected pollutants and PFAS in biosolids, while Denise Travick Poyer described her background in chemical engineering and PFAS work and said the EPA’s draft sewage sludge risk assessment shows unacceptable risk at very low PFOS/PFOA levels. She urged source reduction, more testing, and consideration of total organic fluorine, and noted examples from Michigan where industrial pretreatment and source reduction reduced PFAS in biosolids. Johnson County, Texas Commissioner Larry Woolley and Investigator Dana Ames presented a case study of alleged runoff from land-applied biosolids affecting a ranch, with high PFAS readings in soil, water, fish, cattle tissue, and a stillborn calf, and said the county and state had pursued investigations, lawsuits, and legislative responses. Sandra Trawick of Save Oklahoma Farms and Ranches argued that Oklahoma’s biosolids program relies heavily on Class B sludge, that current rules are outdated, and that land application exposes farms and rural communities to pathogens, chemicals, odors, flies, and runoff; she cited examples from Maine, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, and Oklahoma to support calls for stronger regulation or a ban. After the testimony, members asked about sampling methods, lab testing, EPA limits, and whether the cited PFAS blood levels were comparable to the soil and sludge measurements. Witnesses said the Johnson County samples were collected by a Texas A&M PhD contractor and tested at a single lab, and they explained that the EPA’s 4 parts per trillion figure applied to municipal drinking water standards. Questions also addressed whether sludge is incorporated into soil; Trawick said it had often been left on the surface, though she had seen better disking after public scrutiny. Members asked how biosolids compare with manure and feedlot waste, and witnesses responded that municipal sludge is more contaminated because it includes industrial, hospital, and household waste streams, unlike animal manure. The committee then moved to alternative solutions, hearing from Doug McKinney of Advanced Microbial Solutions, who promoted biological sludge removal using bacteria to reduce sludge volumes and avoid land application, citing cost savings for wastewater plants and correctional facilities. Jason Jepsen of Eden Energy followed with a pitch for an eight-stage waste-to-energy system that converts mixed waste into clean energy, biochar, and reusable products, framing waste as an asset and presenting his company’s technology as a no-land-application alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:58:57.760> findings the DOC to describe the study findings the DOC to describe the study
• <01:02:41.599> also As I mentioned earlier, the study also As I mentioned earlier, the study
• The study the right conditions.
• First, the potential for feasible.
• You know I think conducting this study.

Bills: HF3700, HF3982, HF3927, HF3933, HF3949, HF4238, HF4275, HF4476, HF4504

Keywords: Duluth, Lake Superior Zoo, capital improvements, funding, bonds, appropriations, capital investment, port development, grant caps, state assistance, navigation facilities, Dakota County, state bonds, park improvements, infrastructure, transportation, safety, congestion, water infrastructure, bond issuance

Transcript Highlights:

• We're trying to do it right this time, and some of the feasibility studies we had done probably in 2008
• to 2010—several different feasibility studies—that was the result.
• to continue operations. feasible to keep that open.
• I did the solar energy feasibility assessment. I'm pretty sure it was an annual cost. It's huge.
• And we've got all kinds of studies that have been done, NRCS and different governmental agencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is the actuarial study—the left one study plan in the House. A lot of us didn't...
• one study plan...
• With the actuarial study of the left one study plan. Mr.
• Vice Chair, may I ask exactly which study you're referring to?
• Some of them are thinking COLA in terms of the study that we have, but COLA is not included in that study

Summary: The committee approved the May minutes by roll call vote and then received brief updates from the Attorney General’s office and the Office of the State Actuary. The AG’s office said it would handle legal analysis related to the committee’s work, while the actuary reported that staff were at capacity this summer due to annual valuation work, experience studies, and other retirement system projects, but would have more capacity in the fall. Members also requested access to fiscal note and actuarial materials related to the LEOFF 1 study and related legislation. The main discussion focused on the LEOFF 1 study, including actuarial funding, a proposed merger/termination/restatement approach, and the possibility of a permanent COLA for Plan 1 members. Several members supported keeping COLA recommendations in the committee’s work, while others raised concerns about whether merging or restating plans could affect benefits, legal status, or IRS tax treatment. The actuary explained that the temporary pause in certain funding rates reflected prior overfunding buffers and assumptions about future investment returns, and said future base-rate funding could still be needed depending on experience. Members also discussed constituent correspondence, which staff said largely fell into four categories: the LEOFF 1 study, Plan 1 benefits and COLAs, fossil fuel divestment, and ESSB 5357. The committee agreed that divestment concerns are more appropriately directed to the State Investment Board, not this committee. In reviewing the draft interim work plan, members added or adjusted several topics for future meetings, including a July educational briefing on LEOFF 1 history and tax/IRS issues, a September discussion of COLAs, and a December placeholder for excess compensation/pension spiking, pending coordination with the LEOFF 2 Board. The committee then approved the July agenda and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Similarly, on the cost-share study, like I mentioned, we were directed to conduct this study and address
• This study has three primary outputs.
• From an affordability standpoint, the feasibility study that was done assumes that the $78 million that
• So when we looked at the feasibility portion of this study, we assumed 75% cost share.
• When we looked at that, it's looking like $75 to $85 on our base rate. feasibility portion of this study

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , notify the county animal service contractor or animal control agency within 48 hours, and when feasible
• <00:11:51.279> make<00:11:51.440> efforts 48 hours and when feasible make efforts 48
• hours and when feasible make efforts to<00:11:51.839> contact<00:11:52.079> registered
• This is the affordable housing land inventory task force to conduct a study.
• Motion is adopted. force to conduct a study. Uh the task force to conduct a study.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The conference committee first took up HB 496 HD2 SD1 on mamaki tea. Members described the agreed conference draft as prohibiting misleading use of Hawaiian words, imagery, place names, and motifs on tea packaging unless all tea or dried leaves were grown, harvested, and dried in Hawaii. The bill also included an appropriation for a measurement standards inspector position at the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, with $65,000 in each of FY 2026 and FY 2027. The House and Senate managers recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by unanimous votes from the members present, with some members excused. The committee then recessed and reconvened several times to manage a larger agenda of conference bills, moving some items to later times and rooms. Among the measures adopted were HB 862, addressing school transportation shortages by allowing certain nontraditional vehicles under safety conditions; HB 667, retitled the Microchip Identification Act, requiring DOT and counties to scan deceased cats and dogs for microchips and notify animal services; HB 958, regulating electric bicycles and other micromobility devices with safety, labeling, registration, and age requirements; HB 934, relating to broadband and the digital equity office, with appropriations and positions; HB 960, raising DOT capital advancement contract thresholds and annual caps; HB 697, updating automated speed enforcement rules and appropriating $2 million; and SB 26, creating an affordable housing land inventory task force with a $250,000 appropriation. Each of these measures was adopted with amendments by conference vote, with some members excused and several brief recesses taken for quorum or agenda management. Not all bills were resolved. HB 732, relating to the film industry tax credit cap, was deferred after conferees said they had not reached agreement, despite comments supporting the industry and local workers. HB 437, concerning an office in the Philippines under DBED, was also deferred for lack of agreement. The committee adjourned after stating that the remaining measures on the agenda would be deferred indefinitely.