Transcript Highlights:

• And the reason for it is that, as most physicists on the panel know, quantum computers double in power
• next year when we launch an AQ64 system to the power 28, right?
• And so it's just an astronomical leap in computing power.
• Julia Harvey, electric co-ops, and Taylor Kilroy, Texas Public Power Association.
• Taylor Kilroy, Executive Director of the Texas Public Power Association testifying on House Bill 144.

Bills: HB 106, HB144, HB145, HB252, HB1732, HB2221, HB2467, HB2468, HB2517, HB2518, HB2963, HB3016, HB3689, HB3960, HB4386, HB4490, HB4751, HB5247, HJR175, HB2213

Keywords: HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund, production safety, leasehold operations, electric utility, distribution poles, inspection

Summary: The committee first handled pending business, including reconsidering a failed vote on SB 715 and then reporting several measures favorably. SB 1978 was reported from committee on a committee substitute, and a series of House bills — including HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 434, HB 1584, and HB 4739 — were moved out of committee, most to the local and uncontested calendar. The votes on these items were overwhelmingly or unanimously in favor, with committee substitutes adopted where applicable. The committee then heard HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill for consumer electronics. The author said the bill would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and documentation on fair and reasonable terms while preserving trade secrets and excluding certain categories such as medical devices, motor vehicles covered by an MOU, critical infrastructure, and commercial-only transactions. Supporters from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and Environment Texas argued it would strengthen property rights, help small businesses, and reduce e-waste. Opponents, including representatives of SafeLight Auto Glass and LKQ, said they supported right-to-repair in principle but objected to the bill’s automotive MOU exemption and broader scope, warning it could create uncertainty and leave some manufacturers and repair shops outside the framework. The bill was left pending after testimony. Members also heard HB 2467 on salary parity for State Fire Marshal investigators, HB 252 on allowing some state agencies to pay certain employees twice monthly, HB 2468 on public improvement district notice and a buyer’s right to terminate, HB 4386 on annuity contract exchanges and surrender timelines, HB 4751 creating a Texas Quantum Initiative and related fund, and HJR 175 proposing a constitutional amendment protecting Texans’ ability to use mutually agreed-upon mediums of exchange, including cash, bullion, and digital currency. Testimony on HB 4751 was largely supportive but included questions about whether the state needs a new coordinating structure and funding mechanism for quantum research and commercialization. HJR 175 drew discussion about barter, taxes, and concerns over central bank digital currency. Each of these items was left pending after hearing testimony. The committee also heard HB 2221, which would update insurance anti-rebating laws to allow more wellness and value-added services in life and health insurance, with supporters saying it would encourage healthier behavior without requiring data monitoring. Finally, the committee took up a package of utility and wildfire-related bills from Chairman King’s portfolio: HB 106, requiring oil and gas operators to maintain certain overhead electrical lines; HB 144, requiring utilities to submit pole inspection and management plans to the PUC; and HB 145, requiring wildfire mitigation plans and allowing utilities to self-insure under certain conditions. Utility, co-op, and insurance representatives generally supported the safety and resiliency goals of HB 144, while asking for clarifications and less frequent reporting; HB 145 was introduced as a broader wildfire-risk and liability measure. These bills were also left pending after testimony.

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3WLVtunniQ, 2026-06-21T07:17:04+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:38 Referred Administrative Regulations 00:01:44 Discussion of the Cancellation of the Proposed Sale of Kentucky Power from American Electric Power to Liberty Utilities 00:02:14 Adjournment 01:03:02, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Bills: HB2272

Keywords: ski areas, winter sports, terminology update, recreation, regulatory changes, 904, all

Summary: The Senate Local Government Committee held its final hearing of the session and took executive action on four bills. House Bill 2272 updates terminology related to ski areas and winter sports activities, including ski lift device inspection and insurance language. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2418 revises permit review processes for residential projects, clarifying procedural completeness standards, setting deadlines for certain government reviews, requiring partial fee refunds if deadlines are missed, and directing local governments to designate a permit responsible official and single point of contact. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2451 changes local tax increment financing rules, including sunset and construction deadlines, project analysis requirements, and a negotiation/mediation/arbitration process. Substitute House Bill 2140 provides a current-use tax exemption in certain cases when land is transferred to a governmental entity for development-related purposes or infrastructure support. A proposed striking amendment to HB 2418 would clarify completeness referrals for special purpose and public utility districts, adjust review timelines for infrastructure extensions, and modify the single point of contact requirement to allow a designated position, office, or functional unit without independent final decision-making authority unless local law provides otherwise. There were no amendments on HB 2272, HB 2451, or HB 2140. The committee voted to send HB 2272 and HB 2140 to the Rules Committee, HB 2418 to the Rules Committee after adopting the striking amendment, and HB 2451 to the Ways and Means Committee. Members noted concerns about the local government costs and implementation burden of HB 2418, but the bill advanced on a do pass recommendation. The hearing concluded with thanks to staff and a brief celebration before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This delay is called regulatory lag.
• This bill addresses regulatory lag by permitting the natural gas utility to defer costs in a regulatory
• Act and regulatory lag.
• regulatory lag in large measure.
• Regulatory certainty matters, and because this problem developed.

Bills: HB2766, HB2891, HB3334, HB3791, HB3911, HB4021, HB4041, HB4042, HB4384, HB4426

Keywords: inactive wells, oil and gas regulation, environmental protection, Railroad Commission of Texas, well plugging, Railroad Commission, penalties, violations, pipeline safety, civil penalties, criminal penalties, wildfire prevention, oil and gas, safety inspections, administrative penalties, excavation, notification, utilities, underground facilities, regulatory compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we tend to get a whole lot better rebates than that, but because of the buying power.
• We are procuring a cloud-based comprehensive licensing and regulatory solution.
• And so those opportunities exist in our regulatory code today.
• So this is going to be or hire a lawyer or go hire a regulatory expert.
• The Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office very closely resembles the Virginia Office of Regulatory Management

Bills: HB10, HB 12, HB675, HB10, HB12

Keywords: regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel

Transcript Highlights:

• It is about creating a stable and predictable regulatory environment. that allows legitimate enterprises
• Today's regulatory framework for digital assets is insufficient, in my opinion.
• Perhaps most critically, this uncertain regulatory environment has left consumers and users of digital
• We need to create a regulatory framework that encourages responsible development of this technology,
• But it's equally important we avoid regulatory arbitrage.

Keywords: Digital Assets, Bitcoin, Stablecoins, Legislation, Bipartisan, Consumer Protection, Regulatory Framework, Financial Innovation, Testimony

Summary: The inaugural meeting of the Digital Assets Subcommittee brought a wave of excitement and anticipation regarding the future of digital assets, including Bitcoin and stablecoins. Chair Lummis expressed gratitude towards Senator Scott for establishing the subcommittee, indicating a commitment to promote responsible innovation while safeguarding consumers. Members discussed the necessity for a bipartisan legislative framework to regulate digital asset markets effectively while outlining the potential benefits such legislation could have on enhancing financial inclusion and streamlining payments. The meeting featured expert testimonies from key figures in the digital asset industry, highlighting the importance of creating clear regulatory guidance for digital assets to foster innovation without compromising consumer protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• cost</c> artificially buy down that power cost artificially buy down that power cost adjustment<00:15
• </c> megawatts of power from the grid. megawatts of power from the grid.
• Regulatory scheme.
• ><c> are</c><00:34:05.440><c> rooted</c> regulatory authorities that are rooted regulatory authorities
• </c> Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Bills: HF3296, HF3802

Keywords: energy conservation, data centers, electric sales, energy optimization, utility regulations, energy regulation, certificate of need, renewable energy, power production, energy efficiency, Minnesota statutes, 1183, house

Bills: HB297

Keywords: cash transactions, money transmission, regulatory compliance, criminal penalties, Alabama Securities Commission, 1136, house, all

Bills: HB 741, HB 1199, HB 2070, HB 2402, HB 2542, HB 2665, HB 2789, HB 3096, HB 3396, HB 3595, HB 3747, HB 4116, HB 4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• compet competition in large-scale power compet competition in large-scale power compet competition in
• information technology and cyber power information technology and cyber power event. 4,600 attendees
• We are aware that our enemies see power. We are aware that our enemies see power.
• at work think according to the power at work think according to the power at work within us.
• So Lesie Sanders with Alabama Power, she's the chairman of the one Power, she's the chairman of the one

Bills: HB 10, HB 12, HB 147, HB 1522, HB 422, HB 675, HB 204, HB 748, HB 912

Keywords: regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel

Transcript Highlights:

• I pray all this in the name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
• So, is this proposed new government regulatory office in Texas?
• If we have this new government regulatory office, would we need them anymore?
• It says that they're going to create a manual, a regulatory economic analyst manual.
• This new Government Regulatory Office makes a recommendation... Can you speak up a little bit?

Bills: HB10, HB 12, HB147, HB1522, HB422, HB675, HB204, HB748, HB912

Keywords: regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to look at all the terms for the power purchase agreement that comes in.
• We have to look at all the terms for the power purchase agreement that comes in.
• I think it concerns me that you're not concerned about power imbalances. >> Um, so is that something
• </c> such as vaccinations to to power such as vaccinations to to power outages.<01:00:36.079><c> Um,<
• independent power source for health<02:05:51.440><c> centers</c><02:05:51.760><c> to</c><02:05:52.000

Bills: SB3253, SB3154, SB3254

Keywords: conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, biodiversity, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F, state funding, public purpose, habitat restoration, predator-free sanctuary, ecosystem restoration, Zealandia, wildlife refuge

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard a long series of resolutions focused largely on waste reduction, energy planning, and environmental protection. Early measures included HR 12/HCR 10 on a permanent landfill host benefits program for Honolulu, HCR 148/HCR 157 on a demolition waste reduction working group, and HR 184/HCR 194 on a mattress stewardship program working group. Testimony on these waste-related measures was generally supportive from environmental groups and some individuals, while the Department of Health supported the mattress stewardship proposal. The Department of Health also commented that a proposed study on recyclable/biodegradable/compostable labeling was very broad and would require additional resources to carry out effectively. The committee then took up several energy-related resolutions. HR 192/HCR 202 would create a task force on Hawaii’s future energy pathways, and HR 194/HCR 204 would ask the Public Utilities Commission to conduct a comprehensive analysis of cost reductions and financial risk. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered support or comments on these measures, with environmental and industry groups also submitting testimony. Members questioned the Energy Office and PUC at length about errors in prior analyses, competitive bidding, and whether utility proposals could proceed through waiver processes; the PUC said any proposal would still be reviewed and that it generally prefers competitive bidding, while the Energy Office said some issues were being characterized differently and would follow up on waiver standards. Additional measures addressed data centers, liquefied natural gas, and utility oversight. HR 196/HCR 206 would convene a working group on the impacts of large data centers, and HR 197/HCR 207 would require conditions before the PUC approves LNG-related costs; testimony on LNG was split, with supporters urging caution and opponents arguing LNG should not be pursued. HR 193/HCR 2003 sought a written status update on implementation of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, and HR 191/HCR 201 and HR 33/HCR 33 dealt with sewage and wastewater issues, both drawing support from environmental and community groups. The committee also heard strong support for HR 141/HCR 149 on Red Hill remediation meetings and HR 190/HCR 200 on reassessing military PFAS cleanup decisions; the Board of Water Supply testified in support and described ongoing PFAS testing and concerns beyond Red Hill. The transcript ends as the committee moved into decision-making, with the chair indicating a recommendation to pass HR 12/HCR 10.

Transcript Highlights:

• Residents during an extended power outage.
• . if they have power loss.
• Safety because of the Texas power backup power packages program to underline again. $1.8 billion in grants
• source sufficient enough to operate all equipment powered by normal power or electricity for 72 hours
• When we're talking about power outages.

Bills: HB741, HB 1199, HB2070, HB2402, HB2542, HB2665, HB2789, HB3096, HB3396, HB3595, HB3747, HB4116, HB4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• And one attitude is, with Medicaid, Medicare, whatever it is, with their power, they can paying for it

Bills: HB741, HB 1199, HB2070, HB2402, HB2542, HB2665, HB2789, HB3096, HB3396, HB3595, HB3747, HB4116, HB4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• that we have, the separation of powers.
• ><c> powers.
• how is that not a separation of powers how is that not a separation of powers concern?
• </c> this is mostly a separation of powers this is mostly a separation of powers issue.<00:31:16.000>
• &gt;&gt; Sir, chairman, I'm George Powers. Uh I'm &gt;&gt; Sir, chairman, I'm George Powers.

Bills: HB0066, HJ0005, HB0010

Keywords: administrative law, judicial review, agency deference, Chevron deference, de novo review, state agencies, regulatory interpretation, statutory interpretation, separation of powers, individual liberty, administrative procedure, agency action, Wyoming Supreme Court, district court review, oil and gas inspector, regulatory challenge, anti-deference, law enforcement, memorial, Patrolman Rosa

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't have rulemaking necessarily or ample regulatory power like the PUC, I imagine that.
• That's just coming in and building on our power lines.
• Um, you're a regulatory lawyer; you value predictability.
• Chairman, but I will tell you for my cooperative, I'm in both power pools.
• I'm partly in Southwest Power Pool, and I'm partly in ERCOT.

Bills: HB3445, HB3448

Keywords: telecommunications, electric cooperative, rights-of-way, infrastructure, provider access, right-of-way, pole attachment, regulatory access, 1184, house, all

Bills: HCR206

Keywords: data centers, electric utilities, Hawaii State Energy Office, renewable energy, environmental impact, regulatory safeguards, ratepayers, grid reliability, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs met in Room 016 for a scheduled decision-making session, but the chair announced that quorum was not present. As a result, no testimony was taken and no action was taken on the agenda items: HCR 43, HCR 154, HCR 165, and HCR 202 HD2. Because of the lack of quorum, decision-making on all listed measures was deferred. The chair announced the committee would reconvene on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Room 225.

Bills: HCR206

Keywords: data centers, electric utilities, Hawaii State Energy Office, renewable energy, environmental impact, regulatory safeguards, ratepayers, grid reliability, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees met on several concurrent resolutions focused on energy, agriculture, water, and food security. Testimony on HCR 206 HD1 concerned the Hawaii State Energy Office and data centers, with comments submitted by the PUC, the Energy Office, and others; the measure was recommended for passage without amendment, though one committee deferred formal action until a later meeting because of quorum issues. HCR 31, recognizing 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in Hawaii, received strong support from the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, which emphasized managed grazing, groundwater infiltration, and food production; it was recommended and adopted as passed unamended. HCR 33, on the Pua Kōloa sewage project, was amended to add UH Hilo as a stakeholder and resource for research, monitoring, and technical assistance, then recommended for passage with amendments. The committees also heard and advanced a series of resolutions on environmental and land-use issues. HCR 36 establishing a sister-state relationship with Okayama, HCR 19 designating March as March for Water Month, HCR 162 creating an arts and data mapping task force, HCR 61 on reforestation investment, HCR 106 endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, and HCR 178 urging a Maui water set-aside were all recommended for passage as is and adopted. HCR 14, authorizing a perpetual non-exclusive easement for drainage purposes, was recommended for passage with technical, non-substantive amendments. HCR 179, addressing the Aha Moku Advisory Committee, was amended to create a working group with legislative, Aha Moku, DLNR, and OHA representation to report back for the 2027 session, and was recommended for passage with amendments. In the agriculture and environment hearing, HCR 117 on statewide food security drew testimony from a high school student and others stressing Hawaii’s vulnerability to supply disruptions and the need for local food resilience; it was passed as is. HCR 103, supporting expanded tree canopy and shade trees to reduce urban heat islands, also passed as is after a member noted storm damage concerns and suggested careful plant selection. HCR 180, urging the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to explore co-locating renewable energy projects with agricultural reservoirs and irrigation infrastructure, received strong support from Molokai Clean Energy Hui and others describing the Kalaupapa Reservoir floating solar project and its community planning process; it was passed as is. HCR 144 HD2, calling for a comprehensive statewide food security strategy, was also recommended and adopted without amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• points of view. about the balance between property development rights, groundwater development, the powers
• of local government, and the power of the state.
• that in 1926 worked great, but today when we do Not have unlimited water, we do not have unlimited power
• HB3919 contains the regulatory reforms needed to build, more homes at an affordable level in Texas' largest

Bills: HB602, HB1322, HB1930, HB2225, HB2304, HB2494, HB3275, HB3810, HB3919

Keywords: affordable housing, land use, zoning, urban planning, community development, housing crisis, mixed-use development, sustainability, municipal utility district, board of directors, qualifications, land ownership, Texas, taxation, residency, municipal approval, subdivision plans, local governance, plats, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• We all understand the power of Texas growth, but also the responsibility to make sure that that growth
• Texas homeowners to contribute to overall grid reliability when we most need the power for the system
• Bill simplifies and accelerates the permitting process for residential backup power systems.
• power during outages.
• Again, HB 3275 does not, replaces the power.

Bills: HB602, HB1322, HB1930, HB2225, HB2304, HB2494, HB3275, HB3810, HB3919

Keywords: affordable housing, land use, zoning, urban planning, community development, housing crisis, mixed-use development, sustainability, municipal utility district, board of directors, qualifications, land ownership, Texas, taxation, residency, municipal approval, subdivision plans, local governance, plats, local government