Transcript Highlights:

• who have lived in foster care to become self-sufficient by giving qualifying young adults monthly housing
• who have lived in foster care to become self-sufficient by giving qualifying young adults monthly housing
• who have lived in foster care to become self-sufficient by giving qualifying young adults monthly housing
• medication for their child and the child received the medication, and then the parent who had to permit
• that medication for their child and the child received the medication and then the parent who had to permit

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered several bills. SB 590, by Senator Bradley, would toll the statute of limitations for failure to report suspected child abuse by mandatory reporters until the offense is known to law enforcement, with a retroactivity amendment adopted. Supporters said it would help hold mandatory reporters accountable in institutional abuse cases; it was reported favorably. SB 778, by Senator Simon, would update the definition of forensic client so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed for incompetency could be housed in the same secure setting under Chapter 916, reducing duplicative staffing and space needs at APD; it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 560, by Senator Garcia, which streamlines psychotropic medication procedures for children in DCF custody, clarifies when new medical reports are needed, reduces duplicative background checks, and simplifies consent documentation. An amendment removed language expanding who could serve as a qualified evaluator and revised the Road to Independence Program changes to focus only on post-secondary education services and support, extending eligibility ages to 26 while keeping a five-year maximum. Members discussed fiscal impacts and funding sources, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 1010, by Senator Yarbrough, which strengthens enforcement of existing prohibitions on sex-reassignment prescriptions and procedures for minors and adds civil and criminal penalties, along with Attorney General enforcement authority and related parental rights provisions. An amendment clarified that actions could be brought by individuals as well as the Attorney General and that the provisions apply only to minors. The bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing child protection and accountability and opponents warning about chilling effects on medical care, schools, and parental rights. Senators raised concerns about standing, scope, and impacts on teachers and clinicians, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably on a 5-1 vote, with Senator Sharif voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• Leone, on behalf of MPCA, submitted online testimony, and we are in support of House Bill 2085.
• Today I'm here to testify for informational purposes about House Bill 2085, specifically regarding the
• Missouri also requires businesses to have permits to sell and requires child-resistant caps on nicotine
• Missouri also requires businesses to have permits to sell and requires child-resistant caps on nicotine
• Seeing none, this will conclude the hearing for House Bill 2085. We are adjourned. Thank you.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Commerce Committee reconvened and continued its hearing on House Bill 2085, a measure to establish statewide preemption over the sale of tobacco, vape, and nicotine products. Supporters, including representatives of vape stores, grocers, convenience stores, and petroleum marketers, argued the bill would prevent a patchwork of local ordinances, protect small businesses, and create consistent statewide rules for retailers. Several supporters said federal Tobacco 21 rules already control underage sales, and that local bans or flavor restrictions would hurt businesses and push sales to neighboring jurisdictions. Opponents, including the Missouri Public Health Association and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, said local tobacco regulation has helped prevent youth smoking and that the bill could invite litigation over existing ordinances and limit future public health regulation. Committee members repeatedly questioned whether the bill would affect zoning authority or local decisions about where vape shops can locate, especially near schools and child care facilities. The sponsor, Representative Keithley, said the bill was intended to preempt only state standards on the sale and retail regulation of tobacco products, not local zoning, and emphasized that local governments would remain free to regulate zoning. Much of the hearing focused on the bill’s language, especially whether it required a 21-and-over purchase age or merely allowed local jurisdictions that already use 21 to keep doing so. The sponsor explained that the bill was designed to preserve local 21 ordinances without forcing all localities to change from 18 to 21, while still setting statewide standards for sale-related rules. An informational witness from MOST Policy Initiative described health risks of vaping, including nicotine addiction and youth appeal from flavored products, and noted that Missouri does not currently impose a special tax on vapor products. The committee took no vote and adjourned after concluding testimony on HB 2085.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to go straight into House Bill 197 by Representative Jock's, and you are recognized, sir.
• House Bill 197 strengthens Florida's workforce integrity laws by requiring all private employers, regardless
• House Bill 197 strengthens Florida's workforce integrity laws by requiring all private employers, regardless
• So we are against House Bill 197 at Voices of Florida, and we urge you to vote no. Thank you.
• There are an additional seven tribal locations as they're permitted as part of the compact to do this

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 197, which would require all private employers in Florida, regardless of size, to use E-Verify for new hires and eliminate the current exemption for businesses with fewer than 25 employees. The sponsor said the system is free, uses information already collected on I-9 forms, and helps employers confirm work authorization; supporters argued it simply enforces existing law and closes a gap in current requirements. Opponents, including labor and policy groups, said the bill would burden small businesses, could produce errors, and should be addressed through comprehensive federal immigration reform rather than state mandates. Members also raised concerns about implementation, enforcement, and potential impacts on workers and employers in industries such as agriculture, hospitality, and small business. The committee voted along party lines to report HB 197 favorably. The committee then received an update from the Florida Gaming Control Commission, beginning with new Executive Director Alana Zimmer and then Director of Gaming Enforcement Carl Harold. Zimmer outlined the commission’s structure, staffing, legal slot and card room locations, and the Seminole gaming compact, noting that changes in state law or court rulings could affect compact revenue. Members asked for additional information on salaries, commission vacancies, and how veterans’ organizations can determine whether gaming machines are legal. Harold described the commission’s enforcement work against illegal casinos, saying they are widespread, often exploit vulnerable patrons, and can be tied to organized crime, weapons, drugs, and other offenses. Harold reported thousands of complaints, more than 4,000 illegal slot machines seized, over 100 illegal casinos raided, millions in proceeds recovered, and numerous arrests and joint operations with other agencies. He said the main barriers are weak misdemeanor penalties and limited staffing, and requested two additional enforcement squads, one in southwest Florida and one in Jacksonville. Members questioned the cost of the request, storage of seized machines, coordination with local law enforcement, and how the public can report illegal gambling. The commission said it works with local agencies, has many MOUs, and directs the public to its website and law enforcement hotline for reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This clarifies that public schools and universities can permit after the act. after-hours facility used
• The key provisions of the bill, they may permit religious organizations.
• Next thing they know, they've got people showing up at their house, arresting their kids and all these
• The Texas Higher Education coordination board approves the institution itself but houses no other data
• Thanks to my good friend Senator Campbell last year on House Bill 3464 a survey of districts to see how

Bills: SB2972, SB1909, SB2815, SB735, SB2233, SB800, SB1069, SB2683, SB2986, SB2058, SB2310, SB2055, SB1032

Keywords: expressive activities, freedom of speech, public forum, higher education, protests, student rights, antisemitism, public institutions, disciplinary policy, student organizations, compliance, institutional policy, disciplinary sanctions, diploma designation, institution merger, academic records, student options, Holocaust education, Holocaust Remembrance Week, genocide education

Transcript Highlights:

• So we permit facilities; they need to submit reports to us from time to time.
• Mainly, the fines have been for permitted facilities that we have solid waste facilities that we issue
• permits for.
• facilities that we have uh permitted facilities that we have uh solid<00:14:06.079><c> waste</c><00:
• And um but for illegal permits for.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint HHS, Agriculture, Environment, Energy, and Intergovernmental Affairs hearing focused first on SB 2262, a pollution and illegal dumping measure. The Department of Health said it stood on its written testimony, and public testimony included support from CARES with suggested amendments to involve the counties in standardized response planning and to address pollution caused by individuals. Members questioned the bill’s fines, where they would go, and how the department would handle carcasses and illegal dumping enforcement. DOH said administrative fines go to the general fund, criminal fines are collected by the Attorney General, carcasses are generally buried by the landowner under existing rules, and DOH mainly regulates solid waste and coordinates with counties and other agencies when violations arise. After discussion, the chair recommended SB 2262 be passed with substantial amendments. The proposed amendments would add DLNR to the task force, deposit all fines into a special fund to support enforcement, allow fines below $5,000 for littering and higher fines for excessive or chronic illegal dumping, and include a January 30, 2050 effective date. The committee adopted the recommendation, with members voting aye. The hearing then moved to the HHS calendar. On SB 2087, relating to health insurance, agencies including DHS, DCCA, the Attorney General, and Labor stood on written testimony, while several advocacy and medical groups testified in support. One Medicaid recipient opposed the bill, arguing the coverage should be immediate rather than phased in over three years. Angela Melody Young supported the bill but urged amendments to prioritize people with disabilities, kupuna, and mothers. Members questioned whether the rural health transformation program could support the bill’s deductible structure; the Department of Human Services said it was unlikely CMS would allow that level of coverage, though rural funds might help in other ways. The committee then moved on to SB 2089, which would expand services eligible for Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement, hearing support from OHA, DHS, and others, along with testimony about mental health access and training. The transcript also began SB 2106, relating to health and eating disorder prevention, with a student testifying in support and citing youth eating disorder harms, but the discussion was cut off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• This has to do with notices and orders, and this does permit the district court to publish their own
• We already have in-house developers who could develop a place on our website that's searchable.
• Uh, we heard this bill in Housing. We also heard it in Taxes.
• Uh, we heard this bill in Housing. We also heard it in Taxes.
• So uh all of House or probably is dead.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a House House House um,<00:00:51.640><c> Ethics</c><00:00:52.040><c> Committee</c><00:00:52.360
• c> Committee</c><00:01:01.640><c> is</c> Today, the House Ethics Committee is Today, the House Ethics
• House House that<00:01:57.120><c> violates</c><00:01:57.640><c> accepted</c><00:01:58.040><c> norms<
• </c> legislature in a tied house. legislature in a tied house.
• </c> and brings the house into dishonor. and brings the house into dishonor.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• These rising costs also escalate our state's housing crisis.
• That backup generation is highly permitted. It can only be used in certain circumstances.
• Our utility operates on the fundamental principles reflected in your House Senate Bill 61, 71, which
• Our utility operates on the fundamental principles reflected in your House Senate Bill 61, 71, which
• I am testifying as other on House Bill 2515. We are... I am testifying as other on House Bill 2515.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on Senate Bill 5941, which would exempt certain school districts from a Washington State Energy Code requirement for onsite renewable energy systems on large new commercial buildings or additions. The committee adopted Senator Short’s amendment narrowing the eligible school district definition from 1,000 or fewer students to 500 or fewer students, then approved the bill as amended and sent it to the Rules Committee with a do pass recommendation. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6171, a proposed substitute addressing emerging large energy use facilities, primarily data centers. Staff explained that the bill would require utilities serving such facilities to adopt tariffs or policies to protect other ratepayers, require long-term contracts and full cost recovery, allow curtailment during emergencies, add reporting and sustainability requirements, create a fee to fund energy assistance, weatherization, and higher education programs, and impose new clean energy and labor-related requirements. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended to protect affordability, reliability, transparency, and the public interest as data center demand grows. Testimony was mixed. Supporters, including community action groups, environmental organizations, some utilities, Ecology, and student representatives, argued the bill would prevent cost shifting, improve transparency, support low-income energy assistance, and help manage grid and climate impacts. Opponents, including data center representatives, public utility district and business groups, and some local government and port officials, said the bill was too prescriptive, could raise costs, threaten competitiveness, duplicate existing utility practices, and interfere with existing CCA/CETA provisions and local flexibility. No vote was taken on SB 6171 during the hearing, and the meeting adjourned after public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can then go back to the agencies as a joint committee, both House and Senate and ask for them to cure
• I'm not familiar with House Bill. Does that have >> Thank you. I'm not familiar with House Bill.
• I'm not sure or I don't recall exactly how the House bill as drafted were very different.
• Senator Trumbull relieved to hear that that we're not taking the House version of this tdt bill.
• The condition of my child is of this permit is but is not going to change for their lifetime.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It eliminates unfair advantages like bidding credits, enhances transparency, and permits alternative
• We're here to talk about the effectiveness of House Bill 621.
• We had a landlord who was claiming there was an individual in the house.
• And they said, oh, well, we just bought the house. I said, they just bought the house.
• I knew that there was no for-sale sign, and there was never a sale of the house.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum present and Senator Thompson excused. The committee first considered Senate Bill 48 by Senator Garcia on judicial sales and procedures. Garcia explained a delete-all amendment that would create clearer statewide procedures for alternative judicial sales, increase transparency, remove bidding credits, extend sale timelines, and add oversight for auctioneers and escrow agents to prevent fraud and collusion. After no questions or opposition, the amendment was adopted, Senator Pasadoma said the rewrite addressed many of his concerns, and the committee then voted CS for SB 48 favorably with unanimous yes votes from members present. The committee then received a presentation from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office on the effectiveness of Florida’s recent anti-squatting law, House Bill 621/SB 888. Presenters described several cases in which deputies used the new process to remove unlawful occupants, including a false landlord report, a long-term fake lease situation, and a more recent unlawful occupancy case. They said the law has helped protect property owners and potential victims, but suggested technical changes: clearer authorization for deputies to enter and use force if needed, and a fix to the affidavit penalty provision because false statements are currently being charged as false reports rather than perjury under the existing wording. The Florida Bar also presented on its role in regulating lawyers, lawyer advertising, and the unlicensed practice of law. Bar leaders explained that the Bar operates under the Florida Supreme Court’s authority, is funded by member fees, and handles complaints through a multi-step process involving intake, branch offices, grievance committees, referees, and final Supreme Court review. They described advertising review procedures, discipline statistics, consumer assistance, the Clients’ Security Fund, and enforcement against unlicensed practice. Senators asked about the Legislature’s authority over lawyer advertising, the prevalence of legal ads, the role of public members on grievance committees, and how those members are selected and used.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:23.199><c> Bill</c> House Bill House Bill 458<00:05:25.400><c> that</c><00:05:25.600><c> was</
• </c> I've served 12 years here in the house I've served 12 years here in the house and<00:26:34.440><
• </c><01:49:05.080><c> Bill</c> on House Bill on House Bill hcr2<01:49:08.480><c> and</c><01:49:08.800
• /c><01:52:55.119><c> of</c> resolved House of uh the House of resolved House of uh the House of Representatives
• </c> resolutions so if this passes the house resolutions so if this passes the house it<01:54:36.320>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a great school, and one reason I know that is because my house is about five miles away from
• So, with that, Madam President, at this time, I request permission that Coach Bradberry be permitted
• At this point, I move to reject House amendments to Senate Bill 133 and request a conference, with the

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules in relation to permitting certain testimony and
• An act to amend the New York City Civil Court Act in relation to housing courts.
• ...in relation to housing courts. Are there any questions on the bill? Second.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met for its first meeting of the 2026 session and began with congratulatory remarks to the chair and other members. The committee then took up a short agenda of bills, with members repeatedly noting support for the chair’s leadership and for the committee’s work on language access, housing, family court access, and other judiciary issues. The first bill, Print 338 by Senator Bailey, would require certain New York City Civil Court documents to be provided in parties’ native languages; it was moved, seconded, and reported to the floor, with some members speaking in favor of language access. The committee also advanced Print 874, designating Harriet Tubman Day, and Print 2497 by Senator Gounardes, allowing certain testimony and evidence by agents in discrimination proceedings. Print 2597 by Senator Mayer, establishing standards for public access to family court, was also reported to the floor. Additional measures approved included Print 3394A on anti-stalking orders, with support noted for updating protections in the digital age; Print 5066 on housing courts; Print 5278 on new fee rates for large estates, which was described as bipartisan; Print 5285 on who may become a voluntary administrator; Print 5286 on prohibiting self-storage lien enforcement during state disaster or health emergencies; and Print 5968 on increasing the homestead exemption from civil judgments. Most bills were approved unanimously or without recorded opposition, and several were reported to the floor while others were referred onward as noted in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• and more affordable for members of the state of Idaho who want to have an enhanced concealed carry permit
• And Representative Church, again, we had multiple testifiers come into our committee in House Tradition
• Again, we had multiple testifiers come into our committee in House Judiciary and Rules as parents and

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Wednesday, January 28 by voice vote. It then set aside RS 33085, Representative Skog’s proposal, after noting the sponsor was absent, and moved on to RS 3308, Representative Shepard’s bill on firearms instructor enhanced licensing. Shepard said the measure would make enhanced concealed carry permits easier and more affordable by removing the requirement for an attorney to be present for instructors with eight years of experience, while preserving reciprocity with other states. After questions about reciprocity and the bill’s effect, the committee voted to introduce RS 3308. The committee next heard RS 33085, also from Representative Skog, concerning pediatric transition parental rights. Skog said the bill would prohibit social transitioning of minors without parental knowledge or consent, and would allow the attorney general or parents to seek legal action if it occurs. Members asked for clarification about whether the bill was limited to social transitioning, what examples had prompted the proposal, and who could be sued under the private right of action. Skog said it was limited to social transitioning and related conduct, and that the bill would provide injunctive and declaratory relief as well as a lawsuit option. After discussion, the committee voted to introduce RS 33085, with one member requesting to be recorded as opposed. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next order of business will be House Bills for Perfection, House Committee Substitute for House Bill
• 3175 through House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2297.
• For third reading, House Committee Substitute for House Bills 21, 22, and 1626 through House Committee
• Upon return, members should be prepared to consider House Bill 1881, House Bill 2848, House Committee
• Substitute for House Bill 3080, House Bill 1772, and House Bill 296.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . housing. housing.
• housing.
• housing</c><00:20:35.600><c> chairs,</c><00:20:36.000><c> HHFTC,</c> Senate and House housing chairs,
• For Senate Bill 3312 relating to<00:47:59.960><c> housing,</c> to housing, to housing, um<00:48:01.640
• </c> housing remains affordable. housing remains affordable.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing, meeting jointly with the Committee on Health and Human Services, heard testimony on Senate Bill 2787, which would expand use of the rental housing revolving fund to provide loans or grants for purchasing rental units, and Senate Bill 2957, which addresses tenant displacement and relocation protections, as well as Senate Bill 2866, which would make the state rent supplement program for kupuna permanent and appropriate funds for it. Testimony on SB 2787 included support from DHHL, HHFDC, AARP Hawaii, and others, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying language and standards for grants, and the Tax Foundation questioned whether grants fit the revolving-fund structure. On SB 2957, supporters including OHA, PACT, medical-legal advocates, and tenant representatives emphasized relocation hardships from the KPT redevelopment, language access, and the need for clearer minimum safeguards; the Attorney General suggested defining “comparable units” and correcting a drafting error. On SB 2866, HPHA, Catholic Charities, AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the kupuna rent supplement program permanent to prevent homelessness among low-income seniors. During discussion on SB 2957, members questioned HPHA and tenant counsel about the KPT low-rise relocation process and what “comparable housing” meant in practice. HPHA said all tenants were relocated, but counsel described disputes over comparability, disability and family-size issues, and at least one offered unit that was not livable. For SB 2787, members questioned DHHL about why it sought funding from the rental housing revolving fund rather than other sources; DHHL said it was still exploring options and had mostly used its funds for infrastructure, with only a small portion used as revolving funds. The chair expressed concern about relying on scarce housing funds and urged more efficient use of DHHL’s existing resources. In decision-making, the committees voted to pass SB 2957 with amendments and SB 2866 with amendments. For SB 2957, the amendments would replace the bill with a working group on tenant displacement and relocation, include a blank appropriation and defective date, and request $75,000 for the working group; the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator Favela excused. For SB 2866, the amended version would include a blank appropriation, defective date, and committee report language noting requests for $110,160 for two HPHA public housing specialist positions and $2.16 million for the state rent supplement program; this motion was also adopted, with Senator Favela excused. After the joint hearing adjourned, the committee returned to the housing-only agenda and continued discussion of SB 2787 before moving on to SB 3089, which would amend the down payment loan assistance program for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers; testimony on SB 3089 was beginning when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• costs and access to housing.
• costs and access to housing.
• </c> sustainable, and equitable housing. sustainable, and equitable housing.
• How do we solve the housing a time. How do we solve the housing crisis?
• </c> work on housing. work on housing.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• housing associations.
• Before you is House Bill 2304. The bill passed the House 94-0.
• House Bill 2403 today.
• affordable housing.
• housing.

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills. Representative Connors testified on two notice-service bills: HB 2452, which would change manufactured/mobile home rent increase notices so they are served like other MHLTA notices rather than by certified mail, and HB 2664, which would remove certified-mail requirements for unlawful detainer and related notices. Connors said the current certified-mail rules are causing notices to go unclaimed and creating unnecessary costs for housing providers, while staff explained the bills would allow service by regular mail in the same manner as other notices. Public testimony on both bills was generally supportive, emphasizing reduced cost and better delivery, though one witness on HB 2452 urged allowing electronic notice options as well. The committee also heard SHB 2269, which clarifies that middle housing in limited areas of more intensive rural development may be served by either a public sewer system or a large on-site sewage system in rural counties, while non-rural counties would still require public sewer service. The sponsor and supporters said the bill resolves ambiguity created by prior legislation and gives county planners more flexibility; questions focused on what kinds of systems and uses would qualify. EHB 1687 was heard next and would expand the housing cooperation law to allow cities and counties to assist social housing public development authorities. Representative Reed and supporters said the bill would give Seattle and potentially other jurisdictions a tool to support permanently public, mixed-income housing with land, infrastructure, and other assistance. In executive session, the committee adopted a due-pass recommendation for EHB 1345 after Senator Gaynor withdrew an amendment that would have removed water-withdrawal and metering requirements for detached ADUs outside urban growth areas. The committee also adopted a striking amendment and moved ESHB 1500 and EHB 1501 forward, both with updated timelines and clarifications related to common-interest-community resale certificates and owner inquiries. Amendments to ESHB 1974 on land bank authorities were rejected, including proposals to remove private negotiation and tax preferences, and the bill was sent to Ways and Means. Finally, SHB 2288 on scissors stairs was advanced without amendment. Later, the committee heard HB 2304, which would expand the 2-10 warranty option to certain four-story stacked-flat condominium projects; testimony from builders, housing advocates, and the Office of Insurance Commissioner supported it as a way to reduce liability costs and increase condo supply. The committee also took testimony on EHB 1687 and HB 2664, and then closed the hearing on SHB 2452 after hearing support from housing providers for easing manufactured-home rent notice service requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House will come to order. The House will come to order.
• House Bill 2413, printer's number 3088, on page one of the House calendar B. Will the House agree?
• House Bill 2413, printer's number 3088, on page one of the House calendar B. Will the House agree?
• Bill 151, House Bill 2006, House Bill 216, House Bill 2154, House Bill 227, House Bill 154, House Bill
• 2227, House Bill 2378, House Bill 2490, House Bill 2549, House Bill 2625, House Bill 2649, Senate Bill

Keywords: Scheduler, 973, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They've heard from, you know, bodies like the state House that we want this Chairman: development here
• I can assure you, during Uri, when our lights were on in our data center and not at my house, my wife
• We help them build a new fire safety house.
• And that's because these are permitted for the worst case scenario, the worst of the worst case scenario
• Raymond: house, Senate, when you can and maybe some of the key folks.

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.