Transcript Highlights:

• But at any rate, I don't think, and if you go online, look up...
• These are in your folders and are also available online.
• These are in your folders and are also available online.
• By and large, the poorer the people, the higher the price of the groceries.
• And they were really counting on it this year, especially with the price of rice. Right.

Bills: HCR65 , HB512 , HB1194 , SCR23 , SB502

Committee: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 23, which would create an Agricultural-based National Security Priorities Task Force to study issues such as Chinese drones, farmland ownership, and other technology-related concerns that could affect farmers and national security. Senator Kathy Stewart said the goal was to avoid unintended consequences in legislation and to bring agriculture stakeholders together. The resolution was moved favorably with no objections. The committee then took up Senate Bill 502 on sugarcane bagasse storage. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Commissioner of Agriculture, and the American Sugar Cane League, said the bill would clarify that bagasse is an agricultural byproduct and would protect storage practices that comply with department best practices from local ordinances. Several residents from St. Martin Parish testified in opposition, saying a large bagasse pile near their homes was out of compliance, created dust and odors, and caused health and property-value concerns. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably with no objections. House Bill 512, by Representative Schamerhorn, would prohibit the manufacturing and sale of cell-cultured food products in Louisiana while allowing university research to continue. An amendment was adopted to make the bill effective only if certain federal court rulings allow such a ban. The sponsor and Commissioner Strain argued the issue is still scientifically uncertain and that the state should avoid costly litigation; the bill was reported favorably with amendments after no objections. House Bill 1194, the Healthy Food Retail Act, was amended to shift food-desert research and mapping duties to the LSU AgCenter, while the financing authority would continue handling grants and related funding mechanisms. Supporters said the bill would improve data on food deserts and help target grocery access in underserved urban and rural areas; some members raised concerns about government subsidies and long-term dependence, but the sponsor and Commissioner Strain said the program is intended as infrastructure support to launch stores, not ongoing operating aid. After debate, the bill was reported favorably with amendments by a 10-3 roll call vote. The committee also reported favorably House Concurrent Resolution 65, which urges federal action to reclassify crawfish-industry job duties as agricultural labor for H-2A purposes; testimony emphasized labor shortages, the impact on crawfish and rice producers, and the need for more legal guest workers. The meeting ended with a brief informational handout on direct marketing and custom slaughter plants and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no questions, then a price for a question on the bill.
• Senator Price, for a question on the bill. Senator Price for a question on the bill. Thank you.
• Senator Price: Thank you, Mr. Acting President.
• Senator Price moved final passage of the bill.
• Senator Price moves that we revert to the morning hour.

Bills: SR116 , SR117 , SR118 , SR119 , SCR68 , SCR69 , SCR12 , HB682 , HB766 , HB769 , HB775 , HB783 , HB824 , HB926 , HB1186 , HB1201 , HB1223 , HB1245 , HB1247 , HB1253 , HB1258 , HB221 , HCR53 , HCR62 , HCR72 , HCR58 , HB54 , HB137 , HB180 , HB192 , HB310 , HB321 , HB396 , HB512 , HB552 , HB578 , HB638 , HB663 , HB708 , HB717 , HB718 , HB1009 , HB1082 , HB1104 , HB1107 , HB1194 , HB1198 , HB1246 , HB1250 , SB29 , SB30 , SB32 , SB41 , SB42 , SB43 , SB47 , SB84 , SB93 , SB113 , SB192 , SB199 , SB219 , SB220 , SB221 , SB222 , SB241 , SB253 , SB255 , SB289 , SB292 , SB306 , SB314 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB14 , SB102 , SB133 , SB151 , SB165 , SB169 , SB170 , SB200 , SB217 , SB280 , SB291 , SB300 , SB303 , SB330 , SB449 , SB489 , SB521 , SB424 , SCR9 , SB25 , SB250 , SB348 , SB405 , SB444 , SB485 , SB35 , SB65 , SB132 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , HCR26 , HCR45 , HCR61 , HCR77 , HCR31 , HB649 , HB665 , HB681 , HB721 , HB746 , HB757 , HB781 , HB835 , HB844 , HB857 , HB872 , HB886 , HB889 , HB892 , HB982 , HB987 , HB1037 , HB1068 , HB1072 , HB1078 , HB1085 , HB1132 , HB1137 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1232 , HB1238 , HB23 , HB136 , HB17 , HB21 , HB51 , HB55 , HB74 , HB106 , HB108 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB168 , HB215 , HB226 , HB263 , HB296 , HB299 , HB322 , HB364 , HB519 , HB535 , HB538 , HB568 , HB571 , HB622 , HB635 , HB676 , HB772 , HB784 , HB1006 , HB1018 , HB1043 , HB1070 , HB1134 , HB1239 , HB62 , HB193 , HB203 , HB210 , HB220 , HB228 , HB246 , HB420 , HB475 , HB486 , HB574 , HB584 , HB750 , HB813 , HB815 , HB826 , HB870 , HB949 , HB953 , HB1045 , HB1092 , HB1151 , HB1162 , HB1176 , HB1177 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB36 , HB73 , HB119 , HB126 , HB129 , HB166 , HB211 , HB245 , HB271 , HB280 , HB337 , HB351 , HB354 , HB399 , HB677 , HB712 , HB723 , HB726 , HB728 , HB759 , HB789 , HB850 , HB956 , HB966 , HB1036 , SB149 , SB382 , SB441 , HB258 , HB842

Keywords: SR116, Senate Resolution 116, Louisiana Senate, condolences, memorial resolution, tribute, Tyler Marie Grezaffi, law enforcement, corrections officer, deputy sheriff, master sergeant, investigator, Louisiana State Penitentiary, Pointe Coupee Parish, Iberville Parish, public service, bereavement, sympathy, SR117, Senate Resolution 117

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have other projects coming online that should supplement that so as to minimize the coming online
• I don't know that the all-in price from one source to another is significantly higher, but we've taken
• And now to add insult Energy prices skyrocketing.
• And for those reasons, we are happy to go on record and support one point that I did units online.
• When the technologies come online, when Ottawa and Tennessee come online, we'll have a lot of those answers

Committee: House Utilities

Summary: The Committee on Utilities heard testimony first on House Bill 2807, which would lower Missouri’s renewable energy standard from 15% to 7.5% and add nuclear generation as an eligible source, with the sponsor saying the goal is to give utilities more flexibility and support dispatchable power. The sponsor and several witnesses discussed a Senate companion and committee substitute that would clarify the bill to apply only to new nuclear and, in the Senate version, add battery storage credits. Support came from Renew Missouri, Ameren Missouri, Missouri Farm Bureau, and Associated Industries of Missouri, who emphasized grid reliability, dispatchable generation, and the need to adapt to growing energy demand. Opposition from the Consumers Council of Missouri focused on ratepayer impacts, warning that the bill could increase the RESRAM surcharge and urging explicit language to prevent nuclear costs from being passed through to consumers. The committee then heard House Bill 2598, a more complex proposal to create a Missouri Advanced Nuclear Office and a grant program to help finance a “power campus” pairing a natural gas plant with a small modular nuclear reactor. The sponsor and supporters described the bill as a way to attract large data centers, provide near-term power, and use gas plant profits to help fund future nuclear development, while also positioning Missouri to compete with other states and federal nuclear incentives. Witnesses from Bridge to Nuclear and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce supported the concept as innovative and pro-reliability, though committee members repeatedly questioned why the state should put general revenue at risk, how profits and grants would be structured, and whether private markets could do the work without state involvement. Opposition to HB 2598 came from a consumer advocate and an environmental/community witness, who criticized the bill’s potential effects on electric rates, transparency, water use, and local communities affected by data centers. They objected to confidential grant applications and argued that the proposal would further favor large corporations over residents. No votes were taken on either bill during the hearing. Before adjournment, the chair announced that a committee substitute for Representative Banderman’s solar bill would be heard at a later, committee-only session, with the public allowed to attend but not testify.

Bills: HB1675 , HB3242 , HB1739 , HB3320 , HB3047 , HB4434 , HJR1089 , HB4432 , HB3718 , HB3705 , SR43 , HB1933 , HB4248 , SB1847 , SB1778 , HJR1086 , HB3001 , HB3002 , HB3003 , HB3004 , HB3005 , HB3007 , HB3008 , HB1590 , HB1242 , HB3818 , HB4305 , HB1979 , HB1225 , HB3931 , HB4454 , HB3849 , HB1746 , HB3720 , HB4275 , HB4300 , HB3586 , HB2268 , HB3755 , HB4117 , HB4294 , HB3650 , HB4298 , HB3270 , HB3145 , HB3056

Keywords: emergency management, severe weather, youth camp, summer camp, overnight camp, day camp, outdoor education, adventure camp, wilderness program, campground safety, tornado preparedness, flooding, flash flood, high winds, hail, lightning, extreme heat, extreme cold, wildfire smoke, evacuation plan

Bills: SB24 , SB83 , SB142 , SB140 , SB94 , SB24 , SB83 , SB142 , SB140 , SB94 , HB132 , HB37 , HB51 , HB105 , HB54 , HB7 , HB158 , HB188 , HB189 , HB111 , HB13 , HB192 , HB149 , HB132 , HB37 , HB51 , HB105 , HB54 , HB7 , HB158 , HB188 , HB189 , HB111 , HB13 , HB192 , HB149

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: body-worn camera, public records, law enforcement transparency, recording disclosure, civil rights, adult-size changing table, changing station, accessible restroom, public bathroom, public building, public entity, ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, accessibility, restroom renovation, new construction, grant program, state grant, local government facilities, historic property

Transcript Highlights:

• pricing.
• Lowering drug prices by once again putting Americans first.
• What is spread pricing?
• Uh, Madam Chair, so spread pricing is a, it's a pricing mechanism that pharmacy benefit managers use
• It's it it's like their one of their big pricing mechanisms.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• online. Um if Charles Gardner and Nolan online.
• On the prices stabilize or fall.
• Only wealthier and wealthier priced out.
• back online inherently Bringing back online inherently affordable<00:48:30.000><c> typologies</c><00
• that lodging prices could be so high?

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its June 4, 2025 meeting and then heard a series of presentations focused largely on housing and land-use policy. Senator Robbie Mills and Representative Josh Bray discussed two 2025 housing measures: Senate Bill 50, which would create residential infrastructure development districts to help local governments finance infrastructure for new housing developments through special assessments and local debt, and House Bill 7, which would let local governments identify development areas and rebate new property tax revenue to developers as an incentive for housing growth. They said Kentucky faces a statewide housing shortage of roughly 210,000 units, projected to grow if building patterns do not change, and argued that regulatory relief and financing tools are needed to increase supply. Representative Rebecca Rymer presented House Bill 371, which would require local permitting when an industry’s residual waste landfill is located in a different county from the industry itself. She said current law lets such landfills bypass local review, leaving host counties with no say despite road impacts and other local burdens. She said the bill would preserve the existing exemption when the landfill and industry are co-located, and noted support from KLC and KO. Representative Steve Doan also described House Bill 806, a statewide backyard chicken bill that would allow domesticated hens, prohibit roosters, set a minimum of six hens that local governments could not go below, and preserve local authority over setbacks, sanitation, maintenance standards, and egg sales. He said it would override outright local bans but not HOA restrictions, and cited a current Northern Kentucky dispute and ADA litigation as reasons for the proposal. The committee then heard a broader discussion on housing and land use from Charlie Gardner of the Mercatus Center and Nolan Gray of California YIMBY and the Bluegrass Institute. They outlined categories of land-use regulation, described the recent growth of state-level housing reforms nationwide, and cited examples such as ADU legalization, smaller lot sizes, reduced parking minimums, streamlined permitting, and single-stair or other building-code reforms. They argued that housing shortages are a statewide concern, that localities often have incentives to block growth, and that state intervention can reduce costs and uncertainty without compromising health and safety. Members asked about the housing shortage estimate, the effect of red tape on safety and local authority, and how state reforms could be phased in; the presenters said reforms often include lead time, can be targeted to larger jurisdictions, and should focus on reducing time and cost while maintaining basic standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• These amendments are online and are being passed around.
• the price?
• So that determines the price on the pump a lot of times.
• We look at those price increases very, very closely.
• But I do get asked a lot of questions on price, right?

Committee: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Summary: The committee took up several agriculture-related bills and first heard a series of presentations from Louisiana 4-H and FFA student leaders. The students described how those programs built leadership, public speaking, and career goals, and members from both parties responded with personal stories about their own 4-H/FFA experiences and support for agricultural education and youth development. On House Bill 715, the committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The bill requires aerial applicators using public airports or landing fields to carry radios and transponders, with the author and members framing it as a safety measure to prevent near-misses and improve communication during takeoff and landing. On House Bill 663, the committee adopted amendments changing the composition of the Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District board, including removing certain ex officio or agricultural-related members, and then reported the bill favorably; the author said the district has evolved beyond agriculture to include economic development, energy, transportation, and grant work. House Bill 717, dealing with labeling requirements for cell-cultured food products, was amended technically and reported favorably. The author said the bill simply increases and clarifies the font size and visibility of labels so consumers can more easily see that a product is lab-grown or cell-cultured, matching seafood labeling standards. House Bill 834 on animal shelters received 23 amendments, many technical, but also substantive changes preserving local control, allowing parishes and municipalities to designate or contract with shelters, setting a three-day hold period, clarifying transfer of ownership for stray animals, and providing good-faith liability protection; after discussion with the Police Jury Association and others, the committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably. The committee also reported Senate Bill 349 favorably, which recreates the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, and Senate Bill 350 favorably, which makes a technical name change related to the Louisiana soybean association and board membership. After those votes, Commissioner Mike Strain gave a lengthy sunset-review presentation on the department’s structure, duties, boards, and programs, emphasizing its role in agriculture, forestry, food safety, animal health, weights and measures, and related regulatory and promotional functions.

Transcript Highlights:

• These amendments are online and are being passed around.
• the price?
• So it depends on what's in the price.
• So that determines the price on the pump a lot of times.
• But I do get asked a lot of questions on price, right?

Committees: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development , House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Summary: The committee took up several agriculture-related bills and heard testimony on each. HB 715 by Representative Dezotel would require aerial applicators using public airports or landing fields to carry radios and transponders for safety; after a technical amendment was adopted, the bill was reported favorably. HB 663 by Vice Chairman Travis Johnson would update the board makeup of the Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District by removing certain ex officio members and reducing the board from 24 to 23; amendments were adopted and the bill was reported favorably. HB 717 by Representative Schamberhorn would increase and clarify labeling requirements for cell-cultured food products, including a larger, more visible font size; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably with support from committee members and witnesses. The committee also considered HB 834 by Representative McMahon, a local-control bill on animal shelters and stray animals. A large amendment package of 23 amendments was adopted, revising hold periods, ownership transfer rules, local government discretion, liability protections, and the role of nonprofit or designated shelters. Testimony from the author, Police Jury Association representatives, and Michelle Hall emphasized that the bill is intended to fix a legal gap so shelters can transfer ownership to adopters, while preserving local control and limiting liability for good-faith actions. The bill was reported favorably with amendments. The committee then heard from Louisiana 4-H and FFA student leaders, who described how those programs developed leadership, public speaking, and agricultural career goals. Members responded with personal reflections and praise for the programs’ impact on rural youth and future agricultural leadership. Finally, the committee took up sunset review legislation: SB 349 to recreate the Department of Agriculture and Forestry was reported favorably, and SB 350, a technical change to the Louisiana Soybean Association/soybean board structure, was also reported favorably. Commissioner Mike Strain then began a lengthy presentation on the department’s functions, programs, boards, and commissions, but no further action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I I don't think we should put a price I I don't think we should put a price any<00:32:16.600><c>
• Manny anyone else online oh sorry chair Manny anyone else online oh sorry chair Vice<01:37:10.199><c>
• moved to member questions. anyone online or in person wishing to anyone online or in person wishing to
• Anyone else online or in person wishing to testify on HB 467?
• Anyone else online or in person wishing to testify on HB 467?

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The Committee on Housing held a public hearing on January 31 and heard testimony on a series of housing and building-code bills. The first major item, HB 1 relating to building codes, drew sharply divided testimony. Supporters, including BIA Hawaii, Grassroot Institute, Dr. Horton, and several builders and trade groups, argued the current code-adoption process is slow, fragmented, and costly, and that reform would help housing production. Opponents, including Sierra Club Hawaii, AIA Hawaii, ICC, and labor representative Kiko Bosi, said the bill would weaken public safety, reduce statewide consistency, and could leave tenants and first responders at greater risk. No vote was taken during the hearing, and members asked questions about the effect of a governor’s emergency proclamation suspending the Building Code Council and about county authority over code amendments. The committee then heard HB 745 and HB 1321, both also relating to building codes. Grassroot Institute supported both measures, saying the system is broken and needs streamlining, while BIA Hawaii and others emphasized the cost burden of repeated code updates. Opponents, especially Bosi and ICC, argued that the bills would undermine the State Building Code Council’s role, create confusion, and prioritize cost over safety; Bosi also said labor should be included in any code discussions. Members questioned whether counties can remove state code provisions and whether the state code already supersedes county codes, and one member noted the need for clarity and consistent enforcement rather than a wholesale overhaul. Later, the committee heard HB 284 on housing, HB 761 on county permitting and inspection, and HB 738 on historic preservation. HB 284 drew support from several housing and real estate groups, while DLNR opposed it. On HB 761, HHFDC supported the bill, DLNR warned that the proposed changes could jeopardize Hawaii’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, DAGS said it would likely need to duplicate county permitting staff, and the Department of Planning and Permitting opposed it; Grassroot Institute and NAIOP supported it. For HB 738, HHFDC, DLNR, Grassroot Institute, Hawaii YIMBY, NAIOP, and others supported the measure, with Grassroot and NAIOP suggesting clarifications so expedited review would also cover mixed-use projects and better define the scope of work. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on these bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you even worked on cutting the price down then, not trying to skimp on safety.
• It is available online. It has been passed out to members. Amendment 1 is technical.
• based on that modeling. ...model risk ahead of time and set prices based on that modeling.
• It is available online. It's been passed out to members.
• Their needs, their maturity levels, and online readiness vary dramatically.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee met on April 7, 2026, and first handled several fire marshal-related bills. HB 917, a licensing and regulatory cleanup for life safety and property protection work, was amended with technical changes and reported favorably. HB 565 clarified that the State Fire Marshal, rather than local authorities, would handle fire safety inspections for early learning and child daycare centers; members adopted an amendment limiting the standards to state or federal codes and addressing ventilation and suppression requirements for small facilities, and the bill was reported favorably with amendments. The committee then took up HB 937, which would shift amusement ride setup inspections back to the State Fire Marshal, require licensing and insurance for rides and inspectors, and repeal provisions related to inflatable amusement devices. The author and fire marshal cited a serious festival ride accident in Pointe Coupee Parish as the impetus, and members discussed inspection timing, insurance costs, and whether background checks or public inspection certificates should be required. After technical and agreed-upon amendments, the bill was reported favorably. HB 799, a boiler inspection consolidation bill, was presented as a cleanup measure that would centralize boiler regulation under the fire marshal and rely on licensed inspectors meeting national standards. Stakeholders from industry and the fire marshal’s office described it as an efficiency and safety measure, and the committee adopted a substantive amendment on shutdown procedures and licensing details before reporting the bill favorably. HB 461, which would have allowed parishes and municipalities to adopt fortified roof standards, drew extensive testimony both for and against; supporters argued it could improve resilience and lower insurance costs, while opponents warned it would undermine Louisiana’s uniform building code, add cost, and create inconsistency. The author ultimately moved to voluntarily defer the bill. Finally, the committee began HB 977, a bill on minors’ use of applications that would require age verification, parental consent, and app store/developer safeguards. An amendment clarified definitions, consent rules, data-sharing limits, and a good-faith compliance defense. Members raised concerns about the 45-day cure period, the lack of a private right of action, and whether app stores would become gatekeepers, but the bill remained pending at the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• utilities to require customers with plug-in solar generation devices to provide notification via a simple online
• The ones I looked at online for Utah, I actually tried to order one because I live in a fifth wheel up
• They're already paying very high prices for electricity in the state of California.
• That's why I don't think they'll come online because we don't have the utilities here to do it.
• cheap, providing a strong price signal for people to use it.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, which would streamline approval for portable plug-in solar devices for homes and apartments. The author and supporters argued the bill would help renters and other Californians lower electric bills, expand access to solar, and create statewide safety standards through UL certification and the National Electrical Code. Opponents, including electrical workers, firefighters, utilities, and PG&E, raised concerns about shock, fire, backfeeding, older electrical systems, and the bill bypassing the California Electrical Code and Building Standards Commission process. After extended discussion and testimony from UL, the author agreed to add California Electrical Code language, and several opponents indicated they would move to neutral; the committee then passed the bill out as amended to the Senate Judiciary Committee on a roll call vote. The committee then took up SB 886, which would establish rules for large data centers to prevent electricity cost shifts to other ratepayers. The author and supporters said rapid data center growth could drive major grid costs and that the bill would require data centers to pay for their own infrastructure, participate in demand response, and secure new zero-carbon resources. Supporters included environmental and consumer groups, while opponents such as the Data Center Coalition, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, utilities, and business groups argued the bill was unnecessary, could duplicate CPUC proceedings, and might impose operationally risky mandates, especially around demand response and backup power. Committee staff described amendments narrowing the bill to large data centers, clarifying tariff and cost-allocation provisions, replacing behind-the-meter storage with a pre-funded long-term clean energy contract, and exempting certain public and critical facilities; the discussion continued with questions about cost responsibility, clean energy targets, and peak-load management.

Transcript Highlights:

• utilities to require customers with plug-in solar generation devices to provide notification via a simple online
• They're already paying very high prices for electricity in the state of California.
• That's why I don't think they'll come online because we don't have the utilities here to do it.
• cheap, providing a strong price signal for people to use it.
• The charges alone cost manufacturers roughly one and a half times the equivalent price of gas.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:32.080><c> price</c><00:08:32.440><c> agreements.
• </c><00:08:33.520><c> Uh</c> more fixed-price price agreements.
• Uh more fixed-price price agreements.
• <c> for</c><00:16:50.040><c> farmers,</c> It means price certainty for farmers, It means price certainty
• </c> in mind, members, there is a price in mind, members, there is a price stabilization<00:37:10.640

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• New York, the past... not in 2024, but in 2023, their cash price was over $400 a ton, and our cash price
• And we're just boxed in because the price of concentrate, what you're selling, has followed the price
• below our break-even price.
• We're just boxed in, and we're not getting a fair price because we have two people that set the price
• And Carl, are you online? Eric is remote. Sorry. Eric, are you online remotely, please?

Bills: SB5816 , SB5971

Committee: Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, green fertilizer, low-carbon, sustainability, incentive program

Transcript Highlights:

• Each dot is a mineral, and then on the y-axis you see price per unit.
• They will generally wait until something is built and then you will see the price fall out.
• on a per unit price for.
• So you again talked about price, you know, a guaranteed price.
• But I do think that we have to look at how do we bring these things online quickly?

Bills: SB1046

Committees: House Science & Technology , House House Science & Technology Committee of Reference

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

Transcript Highlights:

• A great resource that is going down in price, but it is more costly.
• And I like the price tag of the memorial. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• If you're online and in opposition, please raise your hand on Zoom.
• And so as prices change...
• We'll do one more online. Sam Williams. Hi, can you hear me? Yes.

Summary: The committee first handled House Memorial 20, which was revised by committee substitute to broaden a proposed study group from renewable energy infrastructure to energy infrastructure more generally. The substitute added the Department of Indian Affairs and allowed the secretary of EMNRD to invite relevant federal agencies. Members generally supported the change, and the memorial received a do pass on a roll call vote. The main policy debate centered on House Bill 311, the Virtual Power Plant Act. The bill would require utilities and public utilities to develop virtual power plant programs that aggregate distributed energy resources such as batteries, smart thermostats, EV charging, and other devices to provide grid services. Supporters argued it would improve reliability, lower peak demand, and reduce long-term costs, while opponents, especially PNM, warned about feasibility, cybersecurity, third-party aggregator risks, cost recovery limits, and possible rate impacts. Committee members pressed the sponsor and expert on customer participation, third-party regulation, opt-in/opt-out protections, equity for low-income customers, and whether solar-only customers could participate. After extensive discussion, the bill passed 6-5. The committee then heard House Bill 329, which would create the Energy, Affordability, and Grid Reliability Council, a Blue Ribbon-style commission administratively attached to the PRC and funded with a $2 million appropriation. Supporters said it would bring together experts to study affordability, grid reliability, and modernization and produce recommendations for future action. Critics questioned the cost, overlap with the earlier memorial, the governor-appointed structure, and whether another task force was needed. The bill passed 7-4. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 309, which clarifies that energy storage property is valued under the special property tax method used for other electric generation, transmission, and distribution assets. Supporters from the storage and clean power industries said the change would reduce uncertainty and encourage investment. The transcript cuts off before the committee’s final action on HB 309.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> level to be eligible for reduced price level to be eligible for reduced price meals<00:26:07.440
• afford the full price of meals.
• There's a maximum price that you can charge for reduced-price meals.
• Anyone else online wishing to testify? Anyone else online wishing to testify?
• </c><01:09:42.319><c> School</c> the price the full price for School the price the full price for School

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 707 on the College Savings Program. Members discussed a suggested amendment from the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities to include the Hawaii ABLE Savings Program. The chair said the Department of the Attorney General advised there was no title problem, so the bill could be broadened to cover both the College Savings Program and the ABLE program. The committee also noted technical, non-substantive changes and a defective date of July 1, 3000 for further discussion. HB 707 HD1 was then voted on and the recommendation to pass with amendments was adopted unanimously by the members present, with two members excused. The committee then heard House Bill 424, which would provide free breakfast and lunch beginning the next school year to students who currently qualify for free and reduced-price meals. The Department of Education supported the measure, and testimony in favor came from teachers, public health and food security advocates, and several organizations. Supporters described students being denied meals because of unpaid balances, said school meals should not depend on family debt, and argued that the bill would reduce stigma and help hungry students learn. Committee questions focused on meal pricing, the impact of raising prices on families who pay full price, and whether portion sizes could be increased; DOE said breakfast costs less than lunch, full-price students would bear any increase, and portion sizes must follow USDA rules. Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute and Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network said many families above the free/reduced thresholds still cannot afford meals, citing estimates that the DOE collects about $20 million a year in meal payments and that federal reimbursement totals are much larger. The committee then heard House Bill 757, the universal free school breakfast and lunch bill. DOE and the Department of Health supported it, and testimony was overwhelmingly in favor from county officials, teachers, students, food banks, advocacy groups, and community organizations. Witnesses argued that universal meals would eliminate stigma, reduce paperwork and debt collection, and ensure students do not fall through the cracks because of income cutoffs, language barriers, or administrative hurdles. Several students from Castle High School described classmates asking for food and families struggling to keep meal accounts funded, while teachers said they regularly see negative meal balance notices and hungry students. Advocates also said the bill is the better equity vehicle because it avoids means testing and reaches students who are not currently receiving meals despite needing them. The hearing on HB 757 was still ongoing at the end of the transcript, and no final vote on that bill was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there anybody online? Okay. Then we'll go back to the committee.
• Anyone online wishing to speak in opposition? All righty.
• Do we have anyone online that would like to speak in support?
• Do we have anyone online that would like to speak in opposition?
• But we still do not have the Senate Bill online yet.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Summary: During the legislative meeting, House Bill 287 was discussed, which proposes the establishment of a permanent Health and Human Services Committee to oversee the state's $14.4 billion expenditure in this area. An amendment to the bill was adopted, which clarified funding and operational details. Public comments were solicited, but no one spoke in opposition. The committee ultimately voted, with some members expressing concerns about budget implications, but the motion to pass the bill as amended was made and seconded, with several members opposing it. House Bill 371 was also addressed, which focuses on creating an Acequia Infrastructure Fund to support land grant and Acequia communities. The bill aims to provide a financial mechanism for these communities to access funds for infrastructure projects without relying on capital outlay requests. The committee discussed the bill's implications, potential funding sources, and the need for further amendments regarding representation and oversight. A motion to pass the bill was made, with some opposition noted, particularly regarding the lack of specificity in the bill's provisions. Lastly, Senate Bill 143 was presented, which seeks to raise the caps on inspection fees under the Egg Grading Act, among other agricultural regulations. Supportive testimony was provided by representatives from agricultural organizations, emphasizing the need for updated fee structures. The committee engaged in discussions about the bill's implications for consumers and the agricultural sector, ultimately moving towards a vote to pass the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• You did mention price gouging.
• of prices above costs.
• My analysis of the gas price, what makes up the gas price that we pay at the gas pump on a daily basis
• And so what we're looking at is whether, for example, in the 2022 price spike, prices or margins rose
• For example, in the 2022 price spike, prices or margins rose above taxes and fees that are imposed by

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy heard presentations on six budget-related issues and took no votes; all items were held open for a future hearing. The first item concerned funding for the California Transmission Accelerator Revolving Fund under SB 254 and Proposition 4. GoBiz and IBank requested nearly $26 million over five years and 10 limited-term positions to evaluate and finance eligible transmission projects. The LAO said the proposal was broadly consistent with Prop. 4 but noted many implementation details remain unresolved. Senators questioned how the program would lower ratepayer costs, how funds would be protected, and whether the full requested amount was necessary; the administration said the financing strategy is still being developed and that consultants are needed. The committee then discussed trailer bill language to redirect $22 million in General Fund money from the DEPA program to DSGS for summer 2026, and to use roughly $70 million in CalSHAPE interest for ratepayer relief through ELRP or an equivalent program in 2027-28. CEC and CPUC staff said DSGS and ELRP are reliability tools, not PSPS programs, and explained that DSGS had enrolled over 1,000 MW and was expected to have about $52 million available for 2026. Senators and the LAO raised concerns about ending a successful DSGS program, the complexity of transitioning customers to ELRP, and whether CalSHAPE funds should instead continue school HVAC and plumbing projects. Public commenters largely supported extending CalSHAPE and continuing or expanding DSGS rather than shifting funds to ELRP. The subcommittee also heard on petroleum market oversight under SBX1-2 and ABX2-1. The CEC and its Division of Petroleum Market Oversight requested about $1.67 million and a small permanent staffing increase to implement new inventory, resupply, and market analysis duties. Senators pressed the agencies on gasoline price spikes, refinery maintenance, price gouging, and the status of the transportation fuels transition plan, which staff said would be released in draft form soon. Public testimony supported DPMO’s work and called for continued oversight of gasoline pricing. Finally, the CPUC presented three additional budget proposals: resources to implement AB 1207’s changes to the California climate credit, funding for a study of large electrical loads such as data centers under SB 57, and staffing for AB 825’s regional market participation requirements. The LAO said the AB 1207 request may go beyond the statute and urged the Legislature to decide whether it wants a simpler or more complex climate credit redesign. Senators questioned the cost of the work, the need for ongoing staffing, and how ratepayer interests would be protected. The CPUC said the work is needed to adapt to changing load patterns, electrification, data center growth, and potential regional market participation. Public commenters also supported DPMO funding, CalSHAPE, and DSGS, and some urged the Legislature to keep DSGS at the CEC rather than shift funds to ELRP.