Transcript Highlights:

• Now, I know that under previous legislation we have established some study of microgrids, but I thought
• Here's a definition of a microgrid and a capacity for a customer generator to send power across their
• They would have some rights, therefore, to create a microgrid and to construct across property or town
• Any increase in costs to the electric transmission-distribution system of the state, the microgrid must
• We do have a concern that the bill is constructed allowing third parties to construct these microgrids

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not in here, but we have $10 million for microgrids as well.
• I'm also aware we have a huge microgrid down south. With the rural co-op.
• I'm also aware we have a huge microgrid down south.
• So on that $10 million for microgrids, Mr.
• So I will make the motion on the microgrid, I guess, at a different venue when that comes up.

Bills: SB190, HB247, HB8

Keywords: cancer treatment, revenue bonds, Gila Regional Medical Center, Nor-Lea General Hospital, healthcare funding, capital outlay, capital projects, appropriations, reversion, encumbrance, reauthorization, reappropriation, general fund, capital development and reserve fund, tribal infrastructure project fund, Department of Finance and Administration, DFA, state board of finance, severance tax bonds, tax-exempt bonds

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to do that, we need things like microgrids and we need things that microgrids do for this type
• So, I know we have a lot of debate on microgrids and other things.
• So I know we have a lot of debate on microgrids and other things, but that plays into this economy as
• You kind of conflated quantum with microgrids and what we're You kind of conflated quantum with microgrids
• what we're going to hear in a bill soon, having to deal with serious, massive power-generating microgrids

Bills: SB151, HB8, SB177

Keywords: corporate income tax, franchise tax, gross receipts tax, tax credit, tax deduction, controlled foreign corporation, CFC, bonus depreciation, interest expense, apportionment, unitary group, high-wage jobs tax credit, local journalism, news media, newspaper printer, physician incentive, health care workforce, affordable housing, multifamily housing, construction materials

Transcript Highlights:

• deployment municipal microgrids help the communities we work with improve their resiliency and bring
• Microgrids are opened up explicitly... ...and I'm running out of time, I apologize.
• Microgrids are opened up explicitly to municipalities, and I think there's certain nonprofits, but on
• To me, as I read it... ...microgrids are opened up explicitly to municipalities, and I think there's
• The bill's allowance for government microgrids acknowledges the inherent instability of this lack of

Keywords: 995, all

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:

• Uh, most importantly, uh, we will also be able to sit, to isolate these microgrids.
• And so our, our goal is with the creation of these microgrids through hydrogen, we can start isolating
• So this is really designed when we put in a microgrid state to serve from the Hondo facility all the
• And combining that into what we're talking about the, uh, microgrids, because microgrids for me, it's
• Twin Pere is is creating a model that will not just generate electricity, but also create a microgrid

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the property tax assessment rule for microgrids and data centers.
• determinations when a high-impact data center or power generation enterprise is within a certified microgrid
• This is the property tax assessment rule for microgrids and data centers.
• determinations when a high-impact data center or power generation enterprise is within a certified microgrid
• This strike-and-insert amendment adds a section of code that deals with microgrids and data centers,

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then considered a series of House bills and committee substitutes. House Bill 5438, dealing with changes to Step 7 of the school aid formula and allowable uses of certain education allocations, was amended to adopt the Education Committee’s changes and then reported to the full Senate. House Bill 4087 creating the West Virginia-Ireland Education Alliance was also reported, as was House Bill 4191, which expands child care tax credit eligibility for employer-sponsored facilities and changes subsidy payments from attendance-based to enrollment-based reimbursement; senators emphasized its workforce and economic development benefits. House Bill 5074, which reallocates medical cannabis fund balances and future revenues, was amended to increase the Child Protective Commission pilot funding from $3 million to $5 million and remove proposed ibogaine research funding for Marshall and WVU before being reported. House Bill 5353, regulating virtual currency kiosks and money transmission licensure, and House Bill 5527, creating licensure and oversight for wellness reimbursement program administrators, both received strike-and-insert amendments and were reported. House Bill 5687, which phases down the metallurgical coal severance tax and adds a temporary oil and gas tax reduction with county/municipal revenue adjustments, was amended and reported. House Bill 4418, creating an electronic system for municipal business and occupation tax filing and collection with a 1% administrative fee and a participation threshold, was also reported. The committee then took up House Bill 4245, the Revenue Rules Bundle, which bundles 26 legislative rules from the Department of Revenue and related agencies. The bundle included alcohol, banking, insurance, racing, and tax rules, with several sunset extensions and repeals of outdated rules; the committee adopted a strike-and-insert amendment affecting a lottery consumer protection rule and a pre-need cemetery company rule, then reported the bill. House Bill 5168, providing a $12 million lottery-funded stream for emergency medical services, was amended to clarify the uses of the funds, rename one fund, require a 30% county match for mental health treatment spending, and create two additional county-based EMS funds; senators described it as a needed permanent funding source for EMS, and it was reported. Throughout the meeting, members generally supported the measures, with some discussion on technical details, funding allocations, and the impact of the bills on local services and workforce needs. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced that Senate House Bills 4004, 4006, and 4009 would not be taken up that day, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do qualified microgrids fall under the definition of an electric plant? Mr. Chair.
• legislative regular session in the 2025 long session, we did enact legislation that established qualified microgrids
• Given that microgrids don't have to move through an IRB process, I certainly think that information would
• Certainly, as this bill proceeds, if that happens, I would like to get clarity on the microgrid issue
• And just as a matter of public policy, Clarity on the microgrid issue.

Bills: HB248, HB309, HB332, SB48

Keywords: general obligation bonds, GO bonds, capital projects, bond election, property tax levy, state debt, state finance, capital outlay, senior centers, senior citizen facilities, aging services, long-term services, libraries, library acquisitions, broadband for libraries, higher education, university capital projects, community colleges, tribal schools, special schools

Transcript Highlights:

• The other thing I didn't see in this were microgrids, and we just, you know, we're looking and you're
• We amended the legislation; I think it was HB 93 this past regular session to include microgrids.
• But can you maybe mention a little bit about microgrids and the cost-effectiveness of those?
• Microgrids, but in mentioning consumer choice and VPP, that sort of effectively get at the same thing
• Also, I would love to open the door to innovation that can come with microgrids, demand response, and

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the amendment that was added on the Senate floor is related to microgrids.
• Uh, the first section, Section A, clarifies that microgrids can operate and provide electricity to a
• Uh, D, uh, reiterates that current law, uh, that microgrids are not interconnected with the grid, are
• It requires that microgrids reach net zero carbon standard by 2045.
• Most microgrids are generate electricity through, you know, through solar or wind generation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our goal is to ensure that what has become known as the utility-scale microgrid is not inadvertently
• eliminated during the modifications of the bill that have made the utility-scale microgrids possible.
• Because the utility-scale microgrid provides protection for critical water facilities and other critical
• The utility-scale microgrid can serve a city or a complete municipal utility district and is designed
• in addition the city of Houston has also issued of the utility scale microgrid.

Bills: SB231, SB584, SB600, SB668, SB841, SB986, SB1003, SB1244, SB1625, SB1960, SB1963, SB1964, SB2026, SB2056, SB2368

Keywords: temporary emergency electric energy facility, temporary generation, emergency power, backup generation, mobile generator, portable generator, grid resilience, power outage restoration, transmission and distribution utility, TDU, Public Utility Commission of Texas, PUCT, Utilities Code Section 39.918, competitive bidding, lease authorization, emergency procurement, bulk power system, locational marginal pricing, reliability model, black start

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and first took up several pending and uncontested bills. It favorably reported SB 1405, SB 1762, SB 1977, SB 2077, SB 2148, and SB 1968, and also moved SB 2321 to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then heard SB 819, which would change how the Public Utility Commission reviews proposed utility-scale solar and related interconnection projects. The committee substitute would shift the default so interconnection is allowed unless the PUC affirmatively prohibits it within 180 days, limit denial to cases where harm substantially outweighs benefits, remove public meeting requirements, retain setback and financial assurance provisions, add optional application materials such as national security and environmental information, and restore local control over county tax abatements. The substitute was adopted and SB 819 was favorably reported to the full Senate on a 7-3 vote. The committee then took up SB 231, focused on CenterPoint’s use of large emergency generators after Hurricane Beryl. Senator King explained that the original bill was intended to prevent customers from being charged for non-mobile generators that were leased at great cost and did not match the bill’s emergency-response purpose. CenterPoint’s Jason Ryan apologized for the company’s communication failures and said the company would make customers whole through a combination of rate reductions, foregone storm-cost recovery, and a donation of the 15 large generators to ERCOT for about two years to address a San Antonio-area reliability issue, with the company absorbing the associated costs. PUC Executive Director Connie Corona said the commission could enforce the agreement through its contested-case process. Public testimony included consumer and reliability advocates, one of whom argued utility-scale microgrids should be preserved as a policy option. SB 231 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 986, which would create an alternative process for routine Public Information Act requests so local governments can make initial redactions without sending every routine exception to the Attorney General, while preserving an appeal path and training requirements. Supporters said it would reduce backlog and speed access to records; opponents argued it would shift the burden to requesters and encourage delay. The AG’s office testified that the process could improve efficiency and still fit within current timelines if used promptly. SB 986 was left pending. Finally, SB 584 was briefly laid out to require consumer reporting agencies that buy data from others to ensure the information complies with Texas law on excluded items such as bankruptcies, judgments, and tax liens, and SB 600 was heard on heir property. SB 600’s substitute would strengthen notice, require an attorney ad litem, add an heir’s bill of rights, allow settlement conferences, and require fair-market-value sales protections; supporters said it would curb predatory partition practices, while opponents warned some provisions could burden or diminish minority heirs’ property rights. SB 584 and SB 600 were left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• infrastructure for North America, the U.S., from the bulk system all the way down to distribution and microgrids
• There's also talk of putting in microgrids and other solutions. specific spots.
• Instead of investing in undergrounding that line, they decided the best approach was to build a small microgrid
• Yes, myself and Representative Ortez were the ones who got the microgrid bill done earlier this year,
• so you are fully able to go out and build all the microgrids to your heart's content.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a problem as well, and one that we aim to solve by looking at the use of microgrids in mines
• So this is a problem as well, and one that we aim to solve by looking at the use of microgrids in mines
• And develop a microgrid that is complex and allows us to demonstrate that we can charge battery-electric
• First of all, this is, because I don't know everything, microgrid.
• We have complexity that will allow us to really study how to manage these microgrids. Okay.

Bills: SB1046

Keywords: telecommunications, broadband, internet infrastructure, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security, foreign adversary, China, Chinese equipment, supply chain security, network equipment, microchips, Arizona Corporation Commission, telecommunications provider, communications infrastructure, Huawei, ZTE, state-owned enterprise, sanctions, infrastructure security

Summary: The Committee on Science and Technology heard Senate Bill 1046, which would bar critical telecommunications infrastructure in Arizona from using equipment manufactured or owned by a foreign adversary, require annual certification to the Corporation Commission, impose civil penalties for noncompliance, and cut off state, local, or federal infrastructure funding for violators. Marina Macklin testified in support, arguing the bill responds to real national-security risks from China, citing examples such as Huawei, Hikvision, and other foreign-linked technology concerns, and saying states can act where federal efforts are incomplete or slow. Members raised questions about cost, timing, and whether the bill duplicates federal action; Macklin said the bill targets public procurement and that state action remains appropriate. The committee then voted 5-1 to return SB 1046 with a do pass recommendation. The committee next received a presentation from Craig Luxbacher of the University of Arizona on mining technology and the state’s role as an innovation hub. He described university work on automation, microgrids, critical mineral recovery, tailings remediation, workforce training, and heat-stress protection, and said Arizona can help de-risk new mining technologies through research partnerships, training networks, and policy support. Members asked about microgrids, federal and state law changes, tariffs, workforce decline, AI, and how the Legislature could help; Luxbacher emphasized the need for coordinated training pipelines, incubators for mining startups, and support for pilot projects and processing capacity. Jeremiah Pate, founder and CTO of Lunisand, then presented on subsurface imaging technology using georadiotomography. He said the system can image deep underground from airborne platforms, helping locate critical minerals, aquifers, tunnels, and hidden defense-related threats more quickly than traditional methods. Members asked about archaeological uses, mineral identification, water detection, whether similar companies exist, and defense applications. Pate said the technology is still developing but is unique in its field-practical airborne capability. The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the chair and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, moving on to page 5, line number 76, the microgrid development.
• But what is the microgrid development part of that?
• fund that was created for the grid modernization grant fund, and they're adding to make sure that microgrids
• that kind of are... ...modernization grant fund, and they're adding to make sure that microgrids that
• Yeah, so, I mean, we don't have any microgrids really in the state.

Bills: SB152, SB145, SB190, HB247

Keywords: telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion, rural internet, broadband infrastructure, eligible telecommunications carrier, ETC, tribal consent

Transcript Highlights:

• One of them, we are doing a lot of research in microgrid and grid-related work.
• And we develop a microgrid, and that work was actually a funded by the state of Texas, the ETS program
• , and that allow us to really do a lot of research on microgrids and grids and understand what some of
• funding that we received was $10 million from NSF last year. is to deploy a data center at the microgrids
• That's a research area that we do a lot of research in areas such as microgrids.

Bills: HB 1105, HB1527, HB1787, HB1972, HB2081, HB3296, HB3976, HB4071, HB4234, HB4438, HB4701, HB5092, HB5150, HB5180, HB5265, HB5333, HJR203

Keywords: tuition exemption, paramedics, higher education, laboratory fees, emergency medical services, peace officers, criminal justice, law enforcement, degree programs, public institutions, HB 1787, HPV, human papillomavirus, college health, university health, student health, public health education, prevention program, screening, early detection

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're trying to connect, for example, a microgrid or microreactor with the grid, it might not be
• So the Magnet facility is right now being integrated with Microgrid in a Box, which is connected to the
• Studying that interfacing of the Magnet facility with the power conversion unit, the Microgrid in a Box
• So the Magnet facility is right now being integrated with Microgrid in a Box, which is connected to the
• Studying that interfacing of the Magnet facility with the power conversion unit, the Microgrid in a Box

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By the governor, the microgrid legislation helps us get the power online in time to capitalize on the
• And then also the microgrid legislation, which helps enable the build-out of a significant microgrid
• Just because of the interest in the microgrid build-out for this region.
• And so you're going to almost duplicate a current utility system with some of the microgrid buildouts
• Could you connect to a microgrid?

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're trying to connect a microgrid or microreactor with the grid, it might not be the most profitable
• So, the MAGNET facility is right now being integrated with Microgrid in a Box, which is connected to
• But studying that interfacing of the MAGNET facility with power conversion unit to the Microgrid in a
• So, the MAGNET facility is right now being integrated with Microgrid in a Box, which is connected to
• But studying that interfacing of the MAGNET facility with power conversion unit to the Microgrid in a

Summary: The meeting was an extended briefing from Idaho National Laboratory officials on the lab’s mission, its role in nuclear energy research, and the federal push to accelerate advanced reactor deployment. Speakers described INL’s size and capabilities, including test reactors, fuel and materials facilities, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure work, and partnerships with DOE, the NRC, the Department of Defense, and private companies. They emphasized that the lab is supporting both commercial nuclear development and national security work, while also training a large intern workforce. A major theme was the current federal effort to streamline nuclear regulation and speed up licensing and demonstration. The speakers said recent executive orders and DOE/NRC coordination are reducing redundant requirements, shortening environmental review timelines, and aiming for three new nuclear systems to reach criticality by July 4, 2026. They argued that regulatory uncertainty has been a major driver of nuclear cost and that the administration’s actions, along with DOE’s pilot and demonstration programs, are intended to rebuild the domestic supply chain and industrial base. The discussion also focused on advanced reactor types, including small modular reactors, microreactors, molten salt concepts, and liquid-metal designs. Officials said these technologies are being developed for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, hydrogen production, and other nontraditional uses. They highlighted several projects and companies, including Oklo, Aalo, Radiant, X-energy, TerraPower, Kairos, and DOE’s MARVEL and Project Pele efforts, and said some reactors are expected to reach criticality or operation in the next few years. Questions from attendees covered safety, public health impacts, materials and heat management, waste or used fuel handling, costs, and whether nuclear could remain competitive against other energy sources; the speakers responded that advanced reactors are designed with passive safety features, that used fuel should be viewed as a resource, and that cost remains highly design- and supply-chain-dependent.

Transcript Highlights:

• exactly what the purposes of that fund are and what it's allowed for, but this would include funds for microgrid
• , it's the second half of that sentence that I'd like more information on particularly, because microgrids
• Thank you. are the purposes of that fund and what it's allowed for, but this would include funds for microgrid
• Yeah, it's the second half that sentence that I'd like more information on particularly, because microgrids

Bills: SB193, SB132, SB35, SB145

Keywords: SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law, agricultural water, farmers, Rio Grande, acequia association, forest land protection revolving fund, state fund transfer, irrigation projects, SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement

Transcript Highlights:

• Comrie, an act to amend the Public Service Law and Public Authorities Law in relation to developing microgrids
• is an act to amend the Public Service Law and Public Authorities Law in relation to developing microgrids

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications met for its first March meeting, chaired by Senator Kevin Parker. Members discussed a short agenda of energy-related bills focused on grid modernization, interconnection studies, geothermal development, microgrids for extreme weather resilience, and a proposed Grid Modernization Commission. Senators Mattera and Walczyk were absent but had voting sheets submitted; Senator Kavanagh joined later in the meeting. The committee advanced several measures: S.1227A, directing the Department of Public Service to study deployment of the energy interconnection process into the electrical grid, was moved to third reading; S.2708, advancing grid enhancement technologies, was also sent to third reading. S.2486A, creating geothermal energy generation facilities, was advanced to the Finance Committee, as was S.4205 on microgrids for extreme weather and public security, and S.4590 establishing the New York State Grid Modernization Commission. During the votes, some members were recorded as voting without recommendation, including Senator Walczyk on multiple bills and Senator Hinchey on the geothermal bill. No testimony or substantive debate was presented beyond brief procedural questions, and the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of them, we're doing a lot of research in microgrid and grid.
• by the state of Texas, the ETS, um, program, and that allow us to really do a lot of research on microgrids
• received was $10 million from NSF um late last year, and that is to deploy a data center at the microgrid
• Management and Manufacturing, that's a research area that we do a lot of research in the areas such as microgrids