Transcript Highlights:

• </c> electricity was very flat. electricity was very flat.
• </c> in an electric system into three pieces. in an electric system into three pieces.
• </c> your electricity. your electricity.
• ><c> uh</c> uh electrical bills electric bills uh uh electrical bills electric bills uh resulting<00:
• He doesn't reliable, electricity.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• electricity from an entity that...
• is not an electric utility or that generate any of their own electricity, with certain exceptions.
• electric generation.
• Consume electricity with the same or greater percentage of non-emitting electric generation and electricity
• Of non-emitting electric generation and electricity from renewable resources for the same end uses.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on SSB 6269, which updates the Motor Fuel Quality Act by removing the separate definition of alternative fuel and broadening the definition of motor fuel to include gaseous products and fuels used for transportation purposes. The Washington State Department of Agriculture testified that the change would let weights and measures staff test a wider range of fuels, including hydrogen and other clean fuels, and Douglas County PUD supported the bill as necessary to help regulate the state’s first hydrogen fueling station and future hydrogen infrastructure. A question clarified that the bill concerns the purity of the final hydrogen fuel product, not certification of the production process. The committee then received a briefing on three amendments to SB 5982, which expands Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to additional entities. Amendment 170 would remove a requirement tied to affected market customers consuming the same or greater share of non-emitting and renewable electricity for the same end uses; Amendment 171 would exempt electricity used solely for emergency backup purposes; and Amendment 173 would similarly exempt backup generation using de minimis fossil fuels and related load from CETA compliance. Members discussed whether the amendments were needed to protect cogeneration facilities and emergency backup systems, while others argued they could weaken CETA’s clean-energy goals. In executive session, SB 6013 was reported out of committee with a do pass recommendation by a 21-0 voice vote. On SB 5982, Amendment 170 failed, Amendment 171 failed, and Amendment 173 passed. The committee then adopted the amendments into a striking amendment and voted 12-8 to report Substitute Senate Bill 5982 out of committee with a do pass as amended recommendation. Members supporting the bill said it levels the playing field and preserves exemptions for backup power and existing cogeneration, while opponents argued it could undermine CETA and allow continued fossil-fuel use or create loopholes.

Transcript Highlights:

• for the electricity delivered.
• for the electricity delivered.
• So, uh electric vehicles— an electric vehicle charging station an electric vehicle charging station taxer
• I'm not saying that's exactly Electric Minnesota. Um so first I have a Electric Minnesota.
• </c> passenger electric vehicles. passenger electric vehicles.

Transcript Highlights:

• electricity from an entity that...
• is not an electric utility or that generate any of their own electricity, with certain exceptions.
• electric generation.
• electric generation and electricity from renewable resources for the same end uses.
• Thank you. of non-emitting electric generation and electricity from renewable resources for the same

Bills: SB6013

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: ski areas, winter sports, terminology, recreation, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have any emissions, or almost none, in the electricity sector, as our electricity is 29.7% renewable
• Is it so clean because you have essentially carbon-free electric generation, and if your electricity
• 12,000 IBEW electrical workers statewide.
• By 2030, electric utilities must deliver at least 80% of their electricity from either certain types
• We had 500 megawatts of electricity in our hydros.

Bills: HB2272 , HB2285 , HB2296

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: ski areas, winter sports, terminology update, recreation, regulatory changes, carbon capture, clean energy, environmental regulation, sustainability, green technology, distributed energy, renewable energy, energy resources, energy policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:48.880><c> electric</c> meter at every electrical electric meter at every electrical electric
• </c> people to purchase electric vehicles. people to purchase electric vehicles.
• </c> buildings we put in electric charger. buildings we put in electric charger.
• </c> It's a two two-stage electric charger. It's a two two-stage electric charger.
• ><c> having</c><01:16:18.400><c> electricity</c> with electricity and having electricity with electricity

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• loads, but also to customer adoption of electric vehicles and electric technologies here in Minnesota
• of electric vehicles and electric electric electric Technologies<00:08:02.039><c> here</c><00:08:02.199
• They're going to turn around and raise electricity rates on their people they provide electricity to
• They're going to turn around and raise electricity rates on their people they provide electricity to
• or electricity electrical suppliers or electricity suppliers<00:47:46.000><c> in</c><00:47:46.200><c

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• One, electricity is an essential service, a necessity for our residents.
• We are the nation's largest producer of carbon-free electricity and one of the largest electric suppliers
• If you look at all the surcharges we put on electric bills—just electric bills—let’s say some person
• appliances, and electric vehicles.
• My electricity bill last winter, one month, was $1,000.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several energy-related bills, with the main focus on H. 3534/S. 2255, which would ban or sharply restrict residential third-party electric suppliers, and on related reform proposals. Supporters included the Attorney General’s office, municipal and regional planning officials, environmental justice groups, consumer advocates, and city officials from Boston and Chelsea. They argued that the residential competitive supply market has produced higher bills, deceptive sales tactics, auto-renewals into higher rates, and disproportionate harm to low-income residents, seniors, communities of color, and people with limited English. Witnesses cited AG reports estimating hundreds of millions of dollars in overcharges over time, described door-to-door and storefront marketing abuses, and said municipal aggregation programs have saved residents money while offering more stable rates. Several supporters said the Legislature should either ban residential competitive supply or adopt strong guardrails such as ending automatic renewals, banning incentive-based commissions, and capping rates relative to basic service. Opponents or industry representatives from the Retail Energy Advancement League, Vistra, and Constellation argued that the market can provide savings, longer-term price stability, and value-added products such as renewable options and time-of-use offerings. They said Massachusetts has already improved consumer protections through DPU proceedings, that complaints are relatively few compared with the size of the market, and that a ban would eliminate consumer choice. They also defended direct sales and commissions as normal features of a retail market, while saying they would support additional protections, licensing, bonding, and stronger oversight of bad actors. Committee members pressed both sides on whether the market truly saves money, whether automatic renewals should be banned, and whether the AG’s proposed reforms would be enough. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3972, a bill to extend utility shutoff protections during extreme heat, with Rep. Mindy Domb arguing that Massachusetts should treat extreme heat like extreme cold and protect customers facing financial hardship. Rep. Barrett also testified for H. 3450, a municipal broadband/right-of-way bill, arguing that communities need easier and cheaper access to utility poles and public rights of way to build municipal broadband. In addition, Senate Majority Leader Creem testified for S. 2239, which would bar utilities from recovering ratepayer funds for lobbying, promotions, trade association dues, and similar expenses. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:01:27.360><c> and</c><00:01:27.480><c> electric</c><00:01:27.920><c> co-ops,</c> municipal electrics
• and electric co-ops, municipal electrics and electric co-ops, uh,<00:01:28.800><c> there</c><00:01:28.920
• So, some the electric add on more.
• putting electricity back in.
• Folks, this is National Electrical Code. Folks, this is National Electrical Code.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have any emissions, or almost none, in the electricity sector, as our electricity is 29.7% renewable
• 12,000 IBEW electrical workers statewide.
• By 2030, electric utilities must deliver at least 80% of their electricity from either certain types
• We had 500 megawatts of electricity in our hydro.
• We had 500 megawatts of electricity in our hydros.

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then held a work session on emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities (EITEs) under Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. Ecology staff reviewed how cap-and-invest works, explained EITE no-cost allowance allocations, and summarized a new report to the Legislature on policy options for 2035-2050. Ecology recommended continuing no-cost allocations but adjusting them to fit the cap, considering a consignment approach that would require EITEs to invest part of the value of free allowances in decarbonization, and studying additional benchmarking and leakage-mitigation refinements. Quebec officials described their cap-and-trade system, including a consignment model that withholds part of free allocations, holds the value in trust for facilities, and requires technical studies and investment in mitigation projects; they said it has encouraged industrial investment and no business closures. Members asked about facility closures, compliance costs, eligible uses of consigned funds, and adaptation spending. The work session then closed. The committee then heard House Bill 2296, which would expand distributed energy resources by allowing portable plug-in solar devices and meter-mounted devices. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended to lower barriers and startup costs for renters and homeowners who want to electrify or add solar. Supporters, including a nonprofit promoting plug-in solar and a physician group, said the devices could broaden access to clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas and health harms. Utilities, labor, and industry groups opposed the bill as written, citing safety concerns, lack of national electrical code standards, possible backfeeding and fire risks, utility-worker hazards, unclear interconnection rules, and concerns about multifamily housing and small-utility review burdens. Some witnesses said they were open to continued work on the proposal. Next, the committee heard House Bill 2285, which would allow natural gas generation paired with carbon capture, utilization, storage, or mineralization to count toward Clean Energy Transformation Act compliance. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill would provide a “bridge” for firm power, help address reliability and transmission constraints, and support jobs while reducing emissions compared with conventional gas. Opponents said the bill would weaken CETA’s 100% clean electricity target by allowing resources that still emit carbon to qualify, and they questioned whether 75% capture is sufficient. Other testimony raised cost concerns and warned that carbon capture could increase ratepayer costs. The hearing on HB 2285 was later suspended and reopened briefly for additional testimony from Ecology, which said the bill would permanently weaken CETA standards and likely reduce emissions reductions. The committee also briefly received a staff briefing on House Bill 2272, a ski-area terminology bill, and then suspended that hearing to take it up later.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> able</c> electric electric utilities aren't able electric electric utilities aren't able to<00:05
• Electric cars, bus batteries, and electric appliances are some of the many ways this can be done.
• , carbon-free electricity.
• free electricity.
• free electricity.

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• My electric, and I said this at a last hearing, my electric and my gas bill for the month of January
• Electricity are too high.
• bills: 20% on their electric energy costs.
• Electric rates are going to go up even higher.
• A microgrid, as you know, likely is a self-contained electrical network that enables on-site electricity

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 4144, the Governor’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, with the administration arguing the bill would lower bills in the short and long term while expanding clean energy supply and innovation. The Governor and Secretary said the bill would reduce or restructure charges on customer bills, reform Mass Save, expand securitization as a financing tool, speed interconnection, create energy-ready zones, strengthen consumer protections in competitive supply, and allow broader state procurement of energy resources. They said the package could save consumers billions over time and would help address high energy costs, especially during extreme heat and winter spikes. Committee members pressed the administration on several provisions, especially securitization, asking whether the bill requires an apples-to-apples comparison of total costs over time, including interest and lost tax revenue, versus paying through rates. Administration witnesses said DPU review and public comment would be required and said they would work to clarify the language if needed. Members also questioned the bill’s solar and procurement provisions, including reduced net metering compensation for some large facilities, the scope of all-resource procurements, and whether hydro, solar, and nuclear would be included; the administration said those resources were contemplated and that procurement would still be reviewed by DPU. Other questions focused on the short-term relief from bill changes, the treatment of low- and moderate-income discounts, and whether the bill’s heat pump and Mass Save reforms would help customers who cannot afford upfront costs. Several witnesses and committee members discussed Mass Save reforms, including securitization of program costs, on-bill financing, pre-approval of rebates, and shifting program administration away from gas utilities. Administration witnesses said the changes were intended to reduce volatility, lower administrative costs, and better align costs with long-term savings. Questions also touched on geothermal permitting, municipal participation in offshore wind procurement, and the proposed repeal of the ballot requirement for nuclear power, which the administration defended as preserving future options under heavy review. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described. Supportive testimony came from labor, environmental, business, planning, and development groups. The AFL-CIO, NECA, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts backed the bill, emphasizing lower bills, job creation, labor standards, just transition protections, and cleaner energy. NAIOP, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and MAPC supported provisions on energy-ready zones, interconnection reform, microgrids, extreme-heat shutoff protections, and Mass Save improvements. A HEET representative praised the bill’s use of securitization, geothermal, and utility financing tools but urged guardrails and workforce protections. Overall, testimony was broadly favorable, with most witnesses calling for refinements rather than opposing the bill outright.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that encompasses scooters and encompasses electric bikes.
• because traffic laws don't apply to electric-assisted bicycles.
• Whereas motorbikes don't have pedals, but they're electric.
• have puddles, but they're electric.
• But I do believe that... electric... ...electric-assisted bicycles does include these other two-wheeled

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Transcript Highlights:

• Electric cars record everything.
• but since electric on electric vehicles, but since electric vehicles<00:27:28.880><c> tend</c><00:27
• </c> and electric vehicles. and electric vehicles.
• vehicles as well as electric and hybrid motorcycles. from electric vehicles and help fund from electric
• electric electric vehicles.<00:37:28.000><c> Electric</c><00:37:28.480><c> vehicles</c><00:37:28.960

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is a bill that ensures that all of our state's electricity is subject to our clean electricity
• And the law currently isn't clear whether these electricity generators should be under our clean electricity
• with the same or greater percentage of non-emitting electricity, electric generation, or electricity
• All the electricity used in Washington ultimately is clean electricity.
• The industry itself has changed in terms of who's providing electricity, who's generating electricity

Bills: SB6013 , SB6291

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: ski areas, winter sports, terminology, recreation, economic development, SB6291, on-site wastewater treatment, onsite wastewater treatment, septic system, sewage treatment, wastewater inspection, environmental health, local board of health, public health, professional engineer, land surveyor, certificate of competency, inspection standards, design review, supervised practice

Transcript Highlights:

• Some use more electricity, some use less.
• , we pay an electric fee, correct?
• vehicle versus an electric assist.
• more electricity than it does gas has to.
• more electricity than it does gas has to.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs met on May 11, 2026, approved the April 27 minutes, and then took up several House bills. HB 618, by Rep. McMakin, would update Louisiana Economic Development fees and filing charges by indexing them to inflation and allowing some discretion to waive or reduce fees for small businesses; it was reported favorable. HB 732, by Rep. Owen, drew extensive discussion because it combined two issues: temporary OMV relief for a hospice-related ID problem and a suspension of the new hybrid vehicle road usage fee. Members and the OMV commissioner raised constitutional and drafting concerns about waiving or eliminating obligations, and the committee discussed how newer vehicle classifications blur the line between electric, hybrid, and gas-powered vehicles. The committee ultimately reported HB 732 favorable, with the understanding that amendments and further work would be needed before floor action. The committee also reported favorable on HB 217 and HB 214 by Rep. Henry, which would authorize local governments to grant property tax exemptions for the rehabilitation of blighted property and place the related constitutional amendment before voters. Testimony emphasized that the measure is permissive for local governments, applies only after a property is formally blighted and rehabilitated, and is intended to encourage redevelopment while preserving some tax revenue. Members discussed the exemption level, duration, and the need for clearer definitions of blight, but no objections were raised. HB 593, also by Rep. Henry, would raise the maximum service fee for OMV public tag agent offices statewide; the commissioner explained that many offices are locally operated and that the increase would help cover costs, and the bill was reported favorable. Later, HB 514 and HB 961, by Rep. Foreman, were reported favorable. HB 514 would allow local governments, by referendum, to provide additional property tax relief for seniors who meet income and freeze requirements, with phased age-based eligibility steps; HB 961 would extend a similar concept to certain homesteads held in trust. Members discussed the optional local nature of the program and the need to avoid overly broad rules. HB 908, by Rep. Mina, would increase certain Secretary of State business services fees to support operations and system upgrades; agency officials said the fees had not been comprehensively adjusted since 2013 and remained below regional averages, and the bill was reported favorable. The committee then heard an informational update on the capital outlay bill from the Division of Administration, including the use of bundled projects for universities and DOTD, the status of P1/P2/P5 funding, and available cash capacity. Finally, HB 1010, by Rep. Deshotel, was reported favorable after brief discussion; it would require assessors to report property tax collections to the Louisiana Tax Commission for centralized public reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• and electric service.
• and electric service.
• :37:09.960><c> large</c> of our electric sales dedicated to large of our electric sales dedicated to
• <00:41:31.440><c> electrical</c><00:41:31.960><c> demand</c><00:41:32.359><c> is</c> electricity electrical
• > are</c><00:46:26.480><c> using</c> electric electricity that they are using electric electricity that

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is a bill that ensures that all of our state's electricity is subject to our clean electricity
• And the law currently isn't clear whether these electricity generators should be under our clean electricity
• percentage of non-emitting electricity, electric generation, or electricity from renewable resources
• All the electricity used in Washington ultimately is clean electricity.
• The industry itself has changed in terms of who's providing electricity, who's generating electricity

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took testimony on each. SB 6013 would update ski lift terminology in State Parks law to include aerial tramways, tows, and conveyors; the sponsor and Washington State Parks said it is a simple technical update and a companion to a House bill previously passed by the committee. SB 6291 would extend from two to four years the time a non-certified on-site wastewater inspector may work under supervision before becoming certified; the sponsor and local public health witnesses said the change would help retain staff because the certification exam is difficult, offered only twice a year, and often results in turnover if the deadline is missed. The committee also heard ESB 6246, which would change policy for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act. The bill would require Ecology to produce a new report on post-2034 allowance reductions and leakage risk, and would require EITEs to submit periodic assessments of technically and economically feasible emissions-reduction options, reviewed by a licensed engineer. Supporters said the bill is a necessary first step to plan for decarbonization while keeping industry in Washington; environmental groups urged stronger third-party verification and clearer reporting, while industry groups supported the general framework but asked for changes on leakage analysis, confidentiality, and penalties. Ecology supported the overall direction but raised concerns about implementation language and resource needs. Finally, SSB 5982 would expand Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to include port districts that distribute electricity and certain large self-generating or affected market customers, while preserving some exemptions for pre-existing cogeneration and certain PUDs. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes so all new generation is subject to clean electricity standards, especially as ports and data centers explore behind-the-meter or fossil generation. Opponents from industrial and business groups argued the bill could sweep in facilities that were not intended to be covered and could create additional costs during a period of tight power supply. Ecology and Commerce testified that the bill would clarify CETA but noted possible effects on no-cost allowance allocations under the Climate Commitment Act. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> foundationally hamper electric foundationally hamper electric generation<00:03:05.879><c> and</c
• electrical delivery uh generation and electrical delivery uh within<00:03:08.360><c> our</c><00:03:08.599
• </c> with legislation this session electric with legislation this session electric co-ops<00:13:53.279
• </c> with innovative ways to expand electric with innovative ways to expand electric transportation<00
• affordability has suffered electricity affordability has suffered Minnesota's<00:16:11.440><c> electric

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Some use more electricity, some use less.
• , we pay an electric fee, correct?
• vehicle versus an electric assist.
• more electricity than it does gas has to.
• more electricity than it does gas has to.

Bills: HB214 , HB217 , HB514 , HB593 , HB618 , HB732 , HB908 , HB961 , HB1010

Committee: Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs

Keywords: property tax, blighted properties, urban rehabilitation, tax exemption, local government, financial incentives, blighted property, derelict property, property tax exemption, local redevelopment plans, rehabilitation standards, ad valorem tax, community development, senior citizens, homestead exemption, Louisiana Constitution, motor vehicles, local fees, transaction fees, funding